HOWE NOW: Canada-U.S. bridge set to open again (maybe)
The Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Ontario to Michigan will open July 27, the federal government has confirmed (again). A planned ribbon-cutting ceremony last month was delayed as the Trump administration looked to renegotiate a long-standing agreement between Canada and the U.S.
ACTA EVENT ON COURSE, DESPITE THE STORM
By Michael Baginski/ It wouldn’t have been an ACTA golf tournament without a monsoon, but despite the irritatingly inclement weather, which cut the round short by a few holes, 154 members and friends of the association (220 in all including dinner) enjoyed a full day of industry unity, support, and fun on July 9.
TAKE OFF, EH!: Palm Beach airport changes name to Trump Int., bridge named after president too
A South Florida airport officially changed its name on July 9 to the President Donald J. Trump International Airport. Signs for the Palm Beach International Airport have been removed, while new signage goes up.
WHAT ME WORRY?: Cayman offers peace of mind program in case of hurricane
The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism’s “Worry Free Hurricane Guarantee” is designed to ensure that visitors have peace of mind during their “vaCay” by providing a refund of fees or a generous re-booking window at participating hotels, villas and condominiums across all three islands should a severe storm affect plans.
SUNWING ADDS MSC OPERA TO CRUISE LINEUP
Sunwing Vacations is expanding its winter cruise offering with the addition of MSC Opera, providing Quebec guests with additional options to escape the winter. Beginning Dec. 14, the tour company will offer weekly Monday departures from Montreal to La Romana, D.R., connecting guests to seven-night Caribbean sailings with key inclusions bundled into one booking.
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WHAT A WONDER-FUL WORLD: WTTC wants you to help pick new 7 Wonders
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched the search for the ‘7 Contemporary Wonders of the World,’ and is inviting the “people of the world,” to help pick them. The global initiative is designed to identify and celebrate the landmarks and buildings created since 1801 that have had the greatest impact on Travel & Tourism, local communities and economic development, and continue to redefine the future of destinations around the world.
WESTJET FLIGHT ATTENDANTS OPEN STRIKE VOTE
WestJet Mainline flight attendants have officially opened a strike vote that could precipitate a work action as early as Aug. 2. Voting continues until July 15 as the union seeks a strong mandate from members to support its position at the bargaining table as negotiations continue under federal conciliation until July 11.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: World’s top culinary destinations revealed
The World Food Travel Association has released the inaugural Gastronomy Tourism Maturity Index (GTMI), the first global assessment designed to evaluate the long-term maturity of gastronomy tourism across 84 countries. Not surprising, Italy and France ranked one-two in the index.
THE SUN STILL RISING: Hemingway masterpiece put Pamplona on the map 100 years ago
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the publication of Ernest Hemingway ’s book “The Sun Also Rises,” which launched the future Nobel Laureate to literary fame and put Pamplona on the map for millions of people travellers – both real and armchair – around the world.
WHY YOU’LL WANT TO PLAY ON SEVEN SEAS PRESTIGE
By WALLACE IMMEN/ The shuffleboard is “supercharged” and the Pickleball and Padel courts are competition grade. There’s an 18-hole golf putting course, an enclave for sunrise and sunset yoga, a full-size pool and all-day relaxation zones.
LISTENING IN: Sweet Home Leningrad, you can’t turn away
By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Every once in awhile, you hear or come across something that makes you say what the… I mean, wow. This summer’s WTF moment has been the odd Quebecois duo Angine de Poitrine (check them out if you dare!). On the other hand, there’s the Leningrad Cowboys. Not as current mind you, but jaw-droppingly delightful, nonetheless.