Destinations

MONTREAL JAZZ FESTIVAL STRIKES A MAJOR CHORD

The current Festival International de Jazz de Montréal is showcasing some serious star power. Over the course of 10 days, world-renowned artists including Diana Krall, Buddy Guy, Robert Plant & Alison Krause, Melody Gardot, Herbie Hancock and George Benson will rub shoulders with jazz’s rising stars, sometimes even sharing the same stage. Many established artists are performing at the Festival for the first time and jazz is more prominent than ever on both indoor and outdoor Festival stages.

ALL ABOARD FOR SAN FRANCISCO’S AMAZING RIDE

It was simply time for the Golden Gate City to start playing ball again in Canada – literally, as a delegation from the San Francisco Tourism Association invited a select group of travel friends to attend a Blue Jays game against their own Giants at the Rogers Centre last week.

SHINING A LIGHT ON CANADIAN FAVOURITES

As Canadians gear up to celebrate Canada Day on Saturday, CheapOair.ca got to thinking about the most unique Canadian attractions that have earned worldwide attention. And with its self-declared mission to “educate and aid consumers and travel professionals in planning their travel accommodations,” the online travel agency asked its staff to select their most iconic Canadian attractions from the north to the south, east to west and all points in between.

A DISH BEST SERVED IN CANADA

The Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA), a trailblazer of Canada’s culinary tourism industry, is set to serve up the “Great Taste of Canada,” an ultimate field guide to mouthwatering eats, hands-on food experiences, and unique tastes across the nation. “More than just maple syrup and poutine (though there certainly is that), Canada’s food scene is a true smorgasbord of gastronomic journeys, shaped by the rich history, heritage, and cultures across the country,” says CTA.

LOS CABOS CALLING: And Canadians getting the message

Canadians’ love affair with Los Cabos is continuing as arrivals to the Mexican tourism hotspot have increased close to 13% in the first half of the year – and that’s having already reached pre-pandemic figures over the winter.

IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL: A deep dive into Canadian travel habits to Europe

The latest European Travel Commission Long-Haul Travel Barometer sheds light on the travel intentions in key overseas markets – including Canada – for the summer. The Coles Notes on Canadians: We’re into culture and history, travel in summer, stay for more than a week, have a fondness for France, and – surprise! – spend the least on a daily basis amongst the six markets analysed.

WHERE CANADIANS ARE GOING WHEN THE WEATHER IS FINE

Now that the weather is fine and people have travel on their mind, online travel retailer CheapOair.ca is sharing its insights into summer travel trends and favourite destinations for Canadians – including a shock international No. 1.

CANADA COMES FULL CIRCLE FOR FLORIDA

Canada has regained its position as Florida’s top international market – status it officially but briefly lost (to Colombia) during the pandemic. But when borders re-opened, this country quickly regained its typically unassailable position atop Visit Florida’s visitor logs.

SUNWING MAKES DISCOVERING CAYO LARGO E-ASY

I recently travelled with Sunwing to pristine Cayo Largo, an island on the southern tip of Cuba. It was my first trip to Cuba and an opportunity to see for myself why folks rave about the silky white sand and impossibly turquoise waters. Back in November 2022, Sunwing, secured exclusive operating rights to Cayo Largo for the Canadian market.

BC HOTELS KEEN TO BE GREEN

The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) reports it is taking a significant step forward in its commitment to sustainability by launching innovative initiatives aimed at greening the accommodation sector in the province.

FRENCH LANDMARK CELEBRATES 1,000 YEARS

France’s beloved abbey on Mont-Saint-Michel has reached a ripe old age. It’s been 1,000 years since the laying of its first stone. The millennial of the UNESCO World Heritage site and key Normandy tourism magnet is being celebrated until November with exhibits, dance shows and concerts.

CANADIANS HELP FUEL BRITAIN BOUNCE-BACK

Britain continues to be a favourite for Canadians with visitors from this country surpassing pre-pandemic travel levels in 2022, according to the latest figures from VisitBritain.

SURVEY REVEALS: Why Montreal is magnifique

A new study has revealed visitors to downtown Montreal are highly satisfied with the destination – particularly tourists from outside Quebec. In fact, visitors tend to like the city better than those who live there.

FAMILY FUN IS PLENTIFUL IN AMERICA’S FIRST RESORT DESTINATION

With more than 100 family-friendly attractions, 47 miles/76 km of sparkling coastline, outdoor adventure, arts and culture and a diverse culinary scene; The Palm Beaches offer many exciting and enticing experiences for the entire family. Get close to sea turtles and marine life at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, feed a giraffe at Lion Country Safari, make a discovery at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, snorkel along the spectacular trail offshore at Phil Foster Park or just kick back and relax on a postcard-perfect, golden-sand beach.

WORLD-CLASS SHOPPING IS IN THE BAG

Shopping in The Palm Beaches is as enticing as the beaches. From vintage finds to luxury goods to one-of-a-kind treasures, there is something for everyone.

BE INSPIRED IN FLORIDA’S CULTURAL CAPITAL

With more than 200 arts and cultural offerings, The Palm Beaches thrive with creativity. Home to an impressive array of world-class museums, performance venues, galleries and an abundance of year-round art and cultural festivals, there is always something to stir the senses.

TROUBLES ANNIVERSARY CASTS LIGHT ON NORTHERN IRELAND

This week marks the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement (April 10, 1998), which ended the ‘Troubles’ in Northern Ireland. With this in mind, Tourism Ireland has produced a top 10 list designed to help visitors delve into the region’s fascinating if tumultuous history while at the same time discovering its regenerated present.

FEET FOR A KING: Westminster Abbey to offer barefoot tours after Coronation

People who visit London’s Westminster Abbey after the coronation of King Charles III will be allowed to stand on the exact spot where he was crowned, but they will need to make sure they don’t have holes in their socks for the shoeless tour, designed to protect the abbey’s medieval mosaic floor.

FREE LOLITA: Miami Seaquarium orca may be going home

If you’ve been to Miami Seaquarium during the past 52 years, you’ve probably met Lolita, who has been performing for guests since the ‘70s. Now the famed orca may be returned to her home waters in the Pacific Northwest, where a nearly century-old, endangered killer whale believed to be her mother still swims.

WHAT’S BREWING IN SEATTLE

With Air Canada set to boost service to Seattle from eastern Canada on May 1, the time was right this week for tourism types to drop in on the trade in Toronto and Montreal to tout the northwestern US city.

GOOD SPORTS: Uncovering the active side of the England’s West Midlands

It’s not just the legacy, symbolic and practical, of the 2022 Commonwealth Games – sport is at the beating heart of England’s West Midlands. From tennis to cricket, and football to golf, visitors to Birmingham and surrounds visitors will discover a rich sporting pedigree in the region.

GERMANY GOING FORWARD WITH GUSTO

Germany is “bullish” on its prospects for travel from Canada this year – after all, the European nation saw 253% year-over-year increase in overnight stays in 2022. And while any statistics these days are inherently inflated due to diminished travel during the pandemic, the German National Tourist Board expects travellers to continue to rediscover, or continue to, travel again with gusto this year.

FOUR ‘FITCATION’ EXPERIENCES IN JAMAICA

With many travellers focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle while on holiday, wellness-focused getaways are now more popular than ever. With this in mind, the Jamaica Tourist Board advises that it has a number of high-energy athletic events throughout the year that are a perfect way for visitors to get a burn beyond the hotel gym.

LISTENING IN: Liverpool tunes up for Eurovision 2023

It might only be the second biggest event in the UK this May (see King Charles lII, Coronation of), but the Eurovision Song Contest is a big deal in Britain (and elsewhere in Europe). And this year’s event, to be held in Liverpool May 8-13, has increased significance as the northern British city – known for its musical chops – has stepped in as a substitute for Ukraine, the originally scheduled host.

SOUNDS LIKE: Fake (Br)it till you make it:

Visit Britain advises that If you’re “Madferit” in Manchester, as illustrated in the image above, you are “excited” and not, “a crazy weasel.” And when a Geordie in Newcastle says “alreet, pet,” they simply mean “hi,” not that you’re an okay cat.

NEVADA: The wild west at its weirdest

When Canadians think Nevada, it’s understandable that lavish Las Vegas tends to command attention. And while tourism folk from the state would never try to dissuade visitors from this country from rolling the dice on a holiday in the city, they are quick to point out there is much more to the state than Sin City’s well-known gambling and entertainment escapades.

RATING THE WORLD’S TOP UNDERRATED DESTINATIONS

The Azores heads the list of the world’s “most underrated destinations” in a poll by top travel industry executives at a recent global trade show. The Atlantic islands, located 1,370 km from the Portuguese mainland, edged Northern Greece, scoring top marks in the survey with 14.5% of the vote.

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