Destinations

CUBA CLOSES AIRPORTS AS MELISSA ARRIVES: Jamaica faces humanitarian crisis

The Cuba Tourist Board has confirmed the temporary closure of airports in Santiago de Cuba and Holguín on Tuesday and Wednesday (Oct. 28-29) as Hurricane Melissa – a category 5 storm that has tied for the strongest on earth in 2025 – approaches the island tonight and into Wednesday.

TRADE OUTREACH: Visit Scotland ready to Connect in 2026

Scotland is welcoming more international visitors than ever, making it the fastest-growing UK nation for inbound tourism, and VisitScotland is planning to continue the momentum at its Connect 2026 event in Glasgow in April. The annual trade event remains a vital platform for Scottish tourism businesses to connect with international tour operators and travel advisors while showcasing the country’s landscapes, culture, heritage, and welcoming experiences.

BAA-D NEWS FROM MADRID

Madrid’s streets were baa-dly jammed last weekend – not by protesters or soccer fans but by a flock of sheep and goats being led through the Spanish capital in an annual festival that honours the area’s rural heritage.

ROME COLOSSEUM: Once secret emperor’s passage opens for first time

For the first time in nearly 2,000 years, visitors to Rome’s world-renowned Colosseum have the opportunity to walk through a hidden imperial passage that once allowed Roman emperors to reach the ancient amphitheater unseen. The once-secret corridor – known as the “Commodus Passage” and named after the Roman emperor turned into a pop icon by Ridley Scott’s movie “Gladiator” – opens to the next week (Oct. 27) marking an extraordinary milestone in archaeological preservation and access.

PORTUGAL’S APPEAL ON DISPLAY AT CANADIAN ROADSHOW

By Michael Baginski/ The Visit Portugal Roadshow rolls into Vancouver today (Oct. 23) after stops in Toronto and Montreal earlier in the week, giving over 300 travel advisors and tour operators a chance to catch up on the latest news from one of travel’s bona fide “it” destinations, and one that is particularly popular with Canadians.

CANADA COMPASS: At 96, Niagara District Airport recalls tragic debut, lasting legacy

The Niagara District Airport has been part of Niagara’s skies since 1929, witnessing aviation’s evolution from risky early flights to today’s modern operations. Now marking its 96th anniversary, it has grown from its beginnings on the edge of St. Catharines into the certified general aviation hub it is today at 468 Niagara Stone Rd. in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

HAWAI’I’S GREATEST: Tapping into the Islands’ most unique treasures

Hawaiʻi stands apart as a place where nature, culture, and community come together in incredible ways. Across the islands, remarkable experiences await, ranging from dramatic landscapes and iconic landmarks to distinctive flavours that reflect the islands’ history and traditions. Each island offers something unique, yet all share the same enduring spirit of aloha that defines Hawaiʻi’s greatest treasures. 

VIENNA BITES, IN A GOOD WAY: City to celebrate food and wine in 2026

By Michael Baginski/ Vienna stands out as a culture landmark of Europe, but next year the Austrian capital is sinking its teeth into a new theme – it’s food. In 2026, many of the activities of the Vienna Tourist Board will be dedicated to the theme of culinary delights. At the centre is Viennese cuisine – the only cuisine in the world named after a city.

UPLIFTING BAHAMAS MAKES STRATEGIC CALLS IN CANADIAN CITIES

With a substantial and welcome increase in airlift from this country to the Bahamas this winter – and the need to put more Canadian bums in seats – the islands’ ministry of tourism conducted a sales mission in three secondary, though important, markets last week, opting for Ottawa, Halifax and Calgary (ahead of more populated, and more frequently visited, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver).

BIG AND BOLD: Jamaica aims for 600,000 Canadians by 2030

Jamaica’s minister of tourism has set bold new targets for the Canadian market, aiming to welcome 600,000 Canadian visitors annually and generate US$750 million in tourism earnings by 2030. This ambitious goal comes as the destination experiences a significant 22% increase in Canadian airlift capacity for the upcoming winter season.

SCOTLAND’S SECRET SEASON: A ‘coorie’ break means less stress, more magic

Whether by car, coach or luxury train, experiencing the lochs and glens and cultural highlights of Scotland has long been celebrated as one of Europe’s most stunning touring adventures. From the Edinburgh Festivals and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to community and Highland Games events, summer in Scotland is never short of great events and experiences.

A ‘DEFINING MOMENT’: St. Vincent and the Grenadines aims to transform tourism

With St. Vincent and the Grenadines proving to be one the fastest-growing destinations in the Caribbean, the islands’ government has announced the injection of some USD$20 million on the upgrade and development of new tourism sites and four new hotels – one of them being a new Beaches resort that represents the largest single tourism development in the nation’s history.

NOSTALGIA MEETS NEW ADVENTURES IN MYRTLE BEACH

As summer comes to an end, Myrtle Beach is the ultimate place to keep the season alive with a nostalgic autumn escape. Golden sunshine, gentle breezes and 100 km of shoreline set the stage for a second summer that pairs seaside traditions with modern experiences, making it easy to have seasonal fun in the South Carolina destination.

FALLING FOR MYRTLE BEACH: The Beach comes alive in ‘secret season’

Canadians notably know Myrtle Beach in the Spring when the city’s iconic Can-Am Days come to life. In 2026, the 65th annual event will take place from March 13 to 22 with a celebration of the friendship between the South Carolina destination and Canada, and where visitors from north of the border are “welcomed, expected, appreciated and embraced” and offered a comprehensive program of activities and deep discounts on accommodations, attractions, shopping and more. 

DON’T SWEAT IT: Europe’s new EES won’t affect travellers (much)

Starting Sunday, travellers – including Canadians – heading to Europe’s Schengen zone countries’ will face new entry protocols. However, even though it may seem like acronym hell, the new EES (Entry/Exit System) should cause little sweat, and ought not be confused with what will be the more cumbersome – and costly – ETIAS (European Travel Information & Authorization System), which is coming (supposedly) next year.

FLYING HIGH IN WESTERN CANADA: VisitBritain begins workshop series in Calgary, Edmonton, next week

VisitBritain, in partnership with key Canadian tour operators and airlines, is hosting travel agent workshops in Calgary, Edmonton and Mississauga in October – starting next week – and reports that space is still available. Travel advisors will be able to learn more about products and itineraries available for clients wishing to England, Scotland and Wales in 2026 and beyond.

STAYING IN THE LOOP WITH GUADELOUPE: New Air Canada flights to open islands from Ontario

By Michael Baginski/ Coinciding with new flights from Toronto, the Guadeloupe Islands are upping the ante in Canada with the appointment of Toronto-based representation firm VoX International to promote the appeal of the French Caribbean archipelago in this country. And the first order of business was a trade event in Toronto on Tuesday evening hosted by the islands’ tourist board.

FIVE REASONS TO VISIT GORGEOUS GUATEMALA NOW

With the first direct Air Canada flight from Montreal to Guatemala City having landed at La Aurora International Airport on Oct. 2, and subsequent ceremony that followed, the Guatemala Tourism Institute (INGUAT) and tourism officials from both countries hailed the new route amidst a growing presence for the Central American country, now including Canada.

LOS CABOS GETS PERSONAL WITH CANADIANS

The Los Cabos Tourism Board’s new brand campaign, “Where the Land Ends, Your Story Begins.”elevates the popular Canadian getaway as a holistic luxury and wellness destination, while inviting travellers to create personal connections and unforgettable memories in the destination.

JAMAICA BROADENS CONNECTIVITY – INSIDE AND OUT

With year-end arrivals projected at 4.5 million – comprising 3.1 million stopover visitors and 1.4 million cruise passengers – Jamaica has secured its position as the Caribbean’s most connected destination, achieving record-breaking global linkages while advancing an ambitious agenda for inclusive and sustainable tourism growth.

PHILLY CALLS ON CANADIAN EX-PATS TO EXTEND BROTHERLY LOVE

Philadelphia is extending its brotherly love to Canadians and urging them to visit the city at the time when they “might need extra encouragement to return to the U.S.” by utilizing an impressive lineup of Canadians who know the city well – because they have made it their home.

ISLAND INDULGENCES: A look at luxe in Nassau & Paradise Island

No one does luxe like Nassau & Paradise Island. From swank hotels to fine dining, relaxing spa treatments, high-end shopping, and a host of private experiences for just you and a few, the Bahamas destination – more accessible than ever this winter from Canada – has something to inspire everyone’s ideal indulgences. Here’s a guide to finer side of Paradise.

DOMESTIC TOURISM RISE OFFSET BY U.S. DECLINE

Statistics Canada says total tourism spending in the country in the second quarter totalled $26.5 billion, marking a marginal 0.9% increase based on a rise in domestic travel that was offset in part by fewer visitors from the U.S.

SPAIN TALKS SUSTAINABILITY, AND TOURISM, IN TORONTO

With the travel industry preparing to mark World Tourism Day on Saturday (Sept. 27), it was fitting that just a couple of days prior, the Tourist Office of Spain welcomed close to 75 tourism leaders and members of the Canadian trade to “Spain Talks” in Toronto – a thought-provoking exploration of contemporary challenges and innovative solutions in sustainable tourism.

CAN TOURISM SAVE ENDANGERED GORILLAS?

News of a sick or injured mountain gorilla can worry local residents in mountainous area of Uganda that’s home to the endangered species. That’s partly because most of the gorillas have been given names, allowing rangers and others to humanize the animal’s suffering. But widespread interest in protecting mountain gorillas also comes from the economic benefits of tourism that have turned poachers into conservationists, married women into porters and rangers into eloquent spokespeople for the great apes.

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