ROLLING OUT THE RED CARPET: California governor appeals directly to Canadians
- By Michael Baginski/ Acknowledging that “you-know-who is trying to stir things up back in D.C.,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom is urging Canadians not to let that “ruin” their beach plans and instead come back to a state he maintains is not only 2,000 miles away from the capital, but also “a world away in mindset.”
TEACHERS TOLD TO AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL US TRAVEL
- The Canadian Association of University Teachers is warning its members against non-essential travel to the United States due to the "political landscape" created by the Trump administration and reports of some Canadians encountering difficulties while crossing the border.
GET OUT THE JAM: JTB bash celebrates 70th anniversary in Toronto
- By Michael Baginski/ With “passion, pride, and a whole heap of island magic,” the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) celebrated in true Jamaican fashion its 70th anniversary at a gala event in Toronto Monday night with 150 partners and “extended family” at a Harbourfront venue.
RETAIL ROUND-UP: Agent news, fams & incentives
- This week: Virtuoso is headed for Lake Louise; the Croatia National Tourist Board launched a specialist program; and incentives for Quark Expeditions and Serenity resort in Saint Lucia.
EXPLORE JOURNEYS UNVEILS LOYALTY PROGRAM
- Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has unveiled Explora Club, its new guest loyalty program. Structured in five levels – Classic, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond – repeat guests can earn an incremental suite of benefits, ranging from priority access and bespoke events to personalized gifts and exclusive savings designed to enhance their time both on board and ashore.
DREAM TRIPS – AND NIGHTMARES
- The Northern Lights, Kenya safaris and the Galapagos Islands are leading dream destinations or attractions that travellers want to experience but haven't, according to results of the Global Rescue 2025 Traveller Sentiment and Safety Survey. But what about the nightmares?
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IT’S NOT US, IT’S YOU: Overseas visitors also shunning US
- The U.S. expected 2025 to be a big travel year, but overseas visitors – angered by Trump – are heading elsewhere. The number of international visitors to the United States jumped in 2024, and some forecasts predicted arrivals from abroad this year would reach pre-COVID levels.
A MASSIVE OPPORTUNITY: How to win big with sports tourism
- New research from Expedia reveals that sports tourism is transforming how people travel and, at the same time, creating massive opportunities for the travel industry. Indeed, the niche now represents 10% of global tourism spending and is projected to reach US$1.3 trillion by 2032; and six in 10 Canadians travel internationally to do so.
OSAKA EXPO OPENS IN JAPAN AMID GLOBAL TURMOIL
- The Expo 2025 opened in Osaka, Japan, on Sunday with more than 10,000 people singing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony to celebrate the start of the six-month event that Japan hopes will unite the world divided by tensions and wars. Here is what to know about the Expo 2025 Osaka.
THE FINAL FRONTIER: Space tourists complete historic mission
- Looking to really, truly get away from it all in these turbulent times? Four space tourists who orbited the north and south poles did just that earlier this month before returning to Earth, splashing down in the Pacific to end their historic, privately funded polar tour.
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA UPDATE ARRIVALS PROTOCOLS
- Antigua and Barbuda launched a “modern” digital arrival and departure system designed to help visitors get from gate to beach faster when arriving in the Caribbean islands. Accessible through ArriveAntigua.com, the new protocols are in effect at V.C. Bird International Airport and will be expanded to seaports arrivals and private jets in the future.
UNIVERSAL TO BUILD FIRST EUROPEAN THEME PARK
- Universal has chosen the homeland of Harry Potter to build its first theme park and resort in Europe, the entertainment company and British officials announced Wednesday. The studio and theme park operator that has drawn millions to its Potter-themed wizarding words and other attractions said it would begin construction next year just beyond the outskirts of London.
