Destinations

THAILAND INTRODUCES NEW DIGITAL ENTRY CARD

Starting May 1, 2025, all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within three days before arrival. The new system replaces the traditional paper-based disembarkation form required for all foreign arrivals.

EXODUS CONTEST REVEALS NORTH AMERICANS’ FAVOURITE DESTINATION

Throughout March, Exodus Adventures channeled its inner sports fan to find North Americans’ favourite destination. Based on college basketball brackets for March Madness, the guided tour company’s ‘Ultimate Travel Showdown’ featured 16 of the world’s most popular destinations with voters narrowing the field in head-to-head competitions each week.

ARUBA’S WILDLIFE WONDERS

While Aruba’s all-inclusive resorts boast some of the most breathtaking hotel grounds, for many, true adventure lies beyond the property lines. With its unique desert-like terrain and a coastline that spans kilometres, Aruba’s incredible landscape offers an ideal paradise where nature’s beauty is always front and centre.

CANADIANS SEE THE LIGHT: Why the time is right for Morocco

By Michael Baginski/   More than a hundred travel advisors turned out Monday night in Toronto for a gala event hosted by the Moroccan National Tourist Office (MNTO), clearly demonstrating enthusiasm for a destination that is growing in stature for Canadians.

NOTHING TO SEE HERE: Venice denies Bezos wedding disruption

Venice has confirmed it will host the wedding of multi-billionaire Jeff Bezos and fiancée Lauren Sanchez but denies reports the Italian city will be invaded by hundreds of celebrities causing disruptions for citizens and tourists. No date has been given for the event, however Italian media have reported it will be between June 24-26, with a few days of celebrations.

TRENDING GREENLAND GEARS UP FOR TOURISM WAVE

While Greenland is experiencing a surge in global interest – no doubt due to the prominent takeover ambitions of Donald Trump – the real transformation of the northern destination is happening through tourism, claims Intrepid Travel, which says it has seen enquiries about the autonomous territory of Denmark jump 94% in recent weeks.

TULIP TOURISM BLOOMING IN HOLLAND, EUROPE

Nestled among tulip fields not far from Amsterdam, the world-famous Keukenhof garden has opened for the spring, welcoming camera-wielding visitors to its increasingly selfie-friendly grounds. On a sunny day, the paths, park benches and cafés are crowded with tourists taking photos and selfies with one of the Netherlands’ most iconic products – the tulip. 

CANADA COMPASS: Alberta landmark faces extinction

Tyra the Tyrannosaurus, the lovable landmark that towers over the Drumheller skyline in the heart of the Canadian Badlands, is facing an extinction-level event. The 25-metre-high attraction – billed as the World’s Largest Dinosaur, and the backdrop to hundreds of thousands of tourist photos over a quarter of a century – is set to become history by 2029.

THE MANY FLAVOURS OF ARUBA

When travelling the world, oftentimes the most authentic experiences are found through food. Aruba is a beautiful melting pot of over 100 nationalities whose culinary scene reflects its rich cultural diversity, making it one of the most dynamic in the Caribbean.

DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT: How to unplug in Nassau & Paradise Island

In a digital age where screens compete for our attention, finding time to truly disconnect and immerse in the present moment is more important than ever. And with white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and slower-paced island life, there is no better place to do so than Nassau & Paradise Island, says the Bahamian destination’s promotion board.

ELBOWS UP, BUT ARMS OPEN: Signs point to strong summer for Ontario tourism

Tourism operators in Ontario’s hot spots have been bracing for the fallout of U.S.-Canada tensions but instead are seeing an uptick in demand that some attribute to Canadian staycationers. Still, experts say a booming summer travel season is not a guarantee across the province amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

MAPLE LEAF MOMENTS: Syrup season a sweet spot for Canadian agritourism

Every morning, Tom Stehr wakes up and heads straight into his maple shop. As he walks through the Huntsville, Ont., building, he passes displays of syrup memorabilia, Canadian flags and maple leaf decor. “I just fell in love with everything about maple,” Stehr says. “It’s totally Canadian. It’s iconic.”

LAS VEGAS SHARES ITS MAGIC ON CANADA MISSION

The Las Vegas Visitor and Convention Authority (LVCVA) is visiting Canada this week, with its Eastern Canada mission concluding in Winnipeg Thursday, following gala events in Montreal and Toronto earlier in the week,

UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF ARUBA’S BEACHES

When travellers think of beach getaways, their first thought may be to spend their days relaxing under the sun, and while white-sand lounging certainly has a place on tropical vacations, it’s not the only way to experience the sands of paradise. With dozens of beaches to explore in Aruba, there’s no limit to what vacationers can do, from ocean exploration to enjoying the lively nightlife.

CANADIANS ‘AMONG FRIENDS’ IN GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE

According to its tourism motto, Fort Lauderdale welcomes “Everyone Under the Sun.” And naturally, Canadians rank high among that “everyone.”  In a message addressed directly to Canadian travel advisors, Stacy Ritter, President and CEO of Visit Lauderdale, said, “We look forward to welcoming you and your clients to Greater Fort Lauderdale. We deeply appreciate our Canadian visitors, who not only embrace all that our destination has to offer but also show great respect and love for our community. Their presence enriches our local culture and strengthens the deep-rooted connection between Canada and Greater Fort Lauderdale.

WESTJET BARCELONA-BOUND FROM HALIFAX

WestJet will launch new service between Halifax and Barcelona, Spain, beginning June 27. The seasonal route will operate four times per week as part of WestJet’s summer 2025 schedule, offering Atlantic Canadians a direct connection to what the airline says is one of its most sought-after European destinations.

LOYALTY HAS IT’S REWARDS: The benefits of being a Greater Fort Lauderdale specialist

Constant sunshine and amazing natural attributes help Greater Fort Lauderdale sell itself as a destination, but Visit Lauderdale is leaving nothing to chance by offering a comprehensive suite of tools for Canadian travel advisors designed to make it easier – and more lucrative – to sell the diverse 31 municipalities of Broward County.

TOP 10 REASONS TO SELL GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE

From the tranquility of a beach escape to engaging outdoor adventures, and fine dining to nightlife and exciting sporting events (including being home base for the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers), there’s something to suit all – and multiple – interests in Greater Fort Lauderdale.

ANGUILLA A TINY ISLAND WITH A BIG HEART

By Michael Baginski/   Tiny Anguilla has a big heart. So says Kimberly King of the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB), who visited Toronto and Montreal last week to update the trade on the most recent developments on the Caribbean island. “(Anguillans) are very, very friendly and offer warm hospitality,” she said. “(Visiting) us is a very authentic experience.”

TOURISM AUSTRALIA SAYS ‘G-Day’: And they mean it!

By Michael Baginski/ Chris Allison simply wants to say, “G’day, Canada!” And Tourism Australia’s VP for The Americas was in Toronto last week, accompanied by a delegation of tourism partners, to say just that on an annual trade mission designed to show his country’s appreciation of this one, and the 100,000-plus Canadians it welcomes annually.

ROYALTON REVEALS NEW JAMAICA RESORT

Blue Diamond Resorts has unveiled its latest venture in the Caribbean: Royalton CHIC Jamaica Paradise Cove, An Autograph Collection All Inclusive Resort – Adults Only, set to debut in late 2026.

WHERE TO SHACK UP IN QUEBEC THIS SPRING

Through the end of April, Québec’s ‘sugaring season’ is in full force with charming sugar shacks taking advantage of Spring’s flow of maple syrup production to offer a traditional Québécois dining experience in a rustic setting.

AN EVENT-FUL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM ONE CARIBBEAN CANADA

One Caribbean Canada has launched its first Caribbean events calendar, now available on its website. The comprehensive new resource, offered in both English and French, highlights the diverse and vibrant events taking place across the Caribbean throughout the year.

LOOKING ON THE BRIGHT SIDE: Quebec expects summer tourism boom

The weak Canadian dollar and the eroding relationship between the US and Canada may in fact bring a major boost to Quebec’s economy in 2025, says Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec. The tourism group calculated that Quebecers who cancel trips to the US and instead travel in the province will spend about $1.5 billion this year.

BRITISH BLOCKBUSTER: VisitBritain kicks off film screen tourism campaign in Canada

VisitBritain hosted a blockbuster film-inspired reception for travel trade in Toronto in support of its new global screen tourism campaign this week. The event followed similar gatherings in Dubai and Australia, with over a dozen more to come to launch the ‘Starring GREAT Britain’ campaign, which features a star-studded film drawing on iconic film and TV moments made in the UK.

EMMA IN GERMANY: Meet the new face of German tourism

The German National Tourist Board’s (GNTB) inaugural AI influencer project utilizes artificial intelligence to promote Germany as a travel destination on an international scale. With the launch of ‘Emma’ – an AI-generated influencer – the GNTB has created an interactive brand ambassador designed to virtually inspire potential travellers to visit the European country.

‘ALL THEY DO IS BRING CHAOS’: Florida cities brace for Spring Break

Miami Beach officials have announced they are bringing back enhanced security measures for practically the entire month of March, including parking restrictions and increased fees for non-residents. The new rules were introduced last year after three consecutive years of spring break violence

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