Destinations

IN-FOCUS BAVARO BEACH: Endless bliss at Grand Palladium Punta Cana resorts

Bavaro Beach is one of the Dominican Republic’s most celebrated stretches of coastline and Grand Palladium’s three Punta Cana properties put guests right at the heart of it. Whether travellers are paddle boarding through crystal-clear waters at the family-friendly Grand Palladium Select Bávaro or setting sail on a catamaran at Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort and Spa, every day is shaped by the sea.

MARVELLOUS MADEIRA: Portugal’s pearl of the Atlantic

By CINDY-LOU DALE/ Few destinations combine spectacular scenery, centuries of history, vibrant traditions and festivals, and year-round sunshine quite like Madeira and Porto Santo. Rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean some 1,000 km. southwest of Lisbon and 600 km. off the coast of Morocco, the Portuguese archipelago offers visitors a fascinating blend of natural beauty and cultural authenticity that has attracted travellers for centuries.

MY FIRST AFRICA SAFARI: Discovering the realities and magnificence of the wild

By MOIRA SMITH/ My earliest memory of going on safari was when I was a little girl, no more than eight years old. I was born and raised in South Africa, so my family were no strangers to safari. But it was new to me at the time, and I’ll never forget the thrill of seeing life in the bush play out before my very eyes. 

MINI MOZARTS HELP SALZBURG SHINE – WHIILE THEY LAST

Visitors to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s hometown can see the composer – and his dog – in miniature as Salzburg celebrates the 270th anniversary of his birth. But they shouldn’t wait too long, as the statues are already being swiped.

TRAVEL LEADERS NETWORK ELEVATES CANADIAN CONTENT

Travel Leaders Network will launch a dedicated two-day conference created exclusively for Canadian travel advisors and preferred partners this fall. Set to take place on both sides of the country, ELEVATE Canada will be held at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown on Oct. 20-21 and at the Pearson Convention Centre in Toronto on Oct. 28-29.

CANADA COMPASS: Pursuit has wings – Victoria’s Eagle Wings Tours

Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality, Inc. today announced it has acquired Eagle Wing Tours, a Victoria, BC-based whale watching and marine wildlife experience, expanding its portfolio into one of Canada’s most visited and resilient tourism destinations and advancing its strategy of investing in iconic experiences in markets with strong long-term demand.

END OF AN ERA: Meliá Hotels pulls plug on Cuba after 36 years

Effective Friday (July 24) Meliá Hotels International says it will terminate all operations in Cuba. The Spanish hotel chain’s portfolio consisted of 34 hotels on the island, some of which had already closed (or transferred to Cuban operators) as part of a partial withdrawal announced in June.

EGYPT HOPES NEW FINDS WILL FUEL TOURISM

Archaeologists have unearthed a set of ancient artifacts in Egypt including Pharaonic funerary furniture, remains of a Roman basilica and a marble head of Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty.

WISH YOU WERE HERE – GRENADA

By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Grenada was recently ranking the No. 2 ‘Best Island in the Caribbean, Bermuda and The Bahamas’ by Travel + Leisure in its ‘World’s Best Awards 2026,’ marking a major rise for the Spice Island in one of the travel industry’s most respected reader-voted rankings. Not only that, but the delightful destination was also named the No. 15 Best Island in the World.

THE GREAT SIGH: Vancouver tourism takes stock after World Cup

As the FIFA banners come down across Vancouver and barriers are removed from BC Place, Destination Vancouver’s CEO Royce Chwin says the city is working to avoid what he calls “the great sigh.” That’s the lull in tourism that can follow a major event, with Chwin citing the quiet year that came after Vancouver hosted the Olympics in 2010.

‘LIKE A FAIRYTALE’: Innovative CopenPay tourist rewards program goes global

Copenhagen’s tourist reward scheme has been made a permanent, year-round platform, allowing visitors to the Danish city to earn rewards for positive actions. And the success of the innovative sustainable tourism program is expanding as destinations across Europe, North America, and Australia adopt the concept.

THE NATURE OF THINGS: Dominica makes it easy with curated itineraries

The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) has launched “Summer the Nature Island Way,” a new seasonal travel initiative under its ‘Nature of Love’ destination campaign. The initiative features eight curated itineraries designed to help visitors explore Dominica through adventure, wellness, culture, and nature-based experiences.

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.

AMEN FOR AMAN: Los Cabos welcomes ultra-luxury retreat

As Los Cabos enjoys continued growth from the Canadian market, the Mexican resort destination is set to “open a new chapter,” with the debut of Aman’s first ultra-luxury retreat in the country, Amanvari, on Aug. 1.

ONTARIO ADVANCES ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL

Destination Ontario and AccessNow have announced a new partnership aimed at supporting more accessible and inclusive travel experiences across Ontario.

DISNEYLAND WELCOMES ONE-BILLIONTH GUEST

The “Happiest Place on Earth” welcomed its one billionth guest on July 3, with Andres Robles, celebrating his 8th birthday, and his parents Alejandra and Jose of Arizona entering Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Ca.

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