Destinations

While many Canadians are familiar with Portugal’s Lisbon and Algarve regions, an amazing abundance of lesser-known tourism opportunities are about to open up in the country thanks to new upcoming Air Canada service from Montreal to Porto, starting in June and running through September.

Beyond the country itself, there are seven other places named Sweden: one in Indonesia and six across the United States alone. And although countries themselves cannot trademark their names, recognized travel destinations can. As such, Visit Sweden is now making an unprecedented, cheeky move by applying for the trademark “Sweden” through the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

With over-tourism particularly acute in Greece in the summer, the country’s tourism sector is looking to pivot to a model that encourages and supports year-round options, coupled with a strong focus on sustainability.

The culture of the “Würstelstand” – Vienna’s humble sausage stand – has become one of the latest additions to the national list of intangible cultural heritage, overseen by the Austrian UNESCO Commission. It joins the Austrian capital’s distinctive wine taverns, or “Heurigen,” which have been listed since 2019, and the city’s famous coffee house culture, which was honored in 2011.

Tourism Ireland is hailing a re-established air link between Newfoundland and Ireland – two regions with strong historical and cultural ties. The non-stop route between St. John’s and Dublin being flown by WestJet will start in summer 2025.

Spain’s tourist office in Canada is welcoming new Air Transat flights from Montreal to Valencia starting next summer, sentiment that was shared at an event last week in Toronto hosted by the country’s new Consul for Tourism affairs, Isabel Martin.

Five years after a catastrophic fire reduced Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris to a smoldering shell, journalists got a first glimpse of the Gothic masterpiece’s fully restored interiors during a visit with French President Emmanuel Macron. The transformation is nothing short of breathtaking: light dances across brilliant stone, gilded accents gleam anew, and the iconic monument’s majesty is reborn. From Dec. 8, visitors will once again marvel at the cathedral’s blend of history and craftsmanship.

As Notre Dame gears up to reopen its doors in December, Paris is on the verge of a remarkable eco-revival, bringing nature back to the forefront of the City of Light. Beyond restoring the cathedral’s iconic spire and medieval charm, the city has announced plans to revamp Notre Dame’s surroundings — to the tune of €50 million ($75 million) – into a serene, green oasis.