Destinations

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.

AN ULTIMATE INSIDERS GUIDE TO NEW YORK’S MARVELLOUS MUSEUMS

Jane August had what seemed like a straightforward plan: She would travel to every single museum in the city, producing a short video log of each one. She figured it would take three years at most. But with 136 museums documented since 2021, she still has about 64 to go by her estimation. Here’s what she’s found, so far.

THE FLORIDA KEYS: And now for something completely different

By Michael Baginski/ The Florida Keys isn’t your typical Florida (or U.S.) destination. Sometimes quirky, always laid back, the Keys stretches for 200 km south from Miami over the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, and Gulf of Mexico, boasting great year-round weather and a feeling of being in the Caribbean without leaving the North American continent.

WHAT’S NEW AND UPCOMING IN THE FLORIDA KEYS & KEY WEST

Fall in the Florida Keys & Key West is an ideal time for outdoor activities and new endeavours. While Canadians start of fall with pumpkin-flavoured treats and jackets, the Keys islands, at the foot of Florida, remain infused with the subtropical flavours of Key lime, mango and coconut and are enveloped by warm, salt-sprayed breezes.

FLORIDA KEYS FOR THE TRAVEL TRADE

By Michael Baginski/  From comprehensive travel trade training to a myriad of individual incentives by partners in destination, Canadian travel advisors will find plenty of tools and opportunities to help increase their sales to the Florida Keys, and discover the destination for themselves.

BRITAIN MAKES A STRONG CASE FOR CANADA

By Michael Baginski/  As Canadians “pivot” towards alternative destinations to the U.S. amidst ongoing Trump tribulations across the border, Britain is poised to pick up some of the pieces, with all signs pointing to a banner year for the destination this year and into 2026, according to VisitBritain.

SKY’S THE LIMIT: Dubai’s most thrilling urban and rural adventures

With a skyline that defies gravity and a backdrop of endless desert, Dubai is redefining what it means to be an adventure destination. It’s not just a city of luxury shopping and world records – it’s a high-octane playground where visitors can zipline between skyscrapers in the morning, dash across desert dunes by afternoon, and dive into the world’s deepest pool right before dinner.

CANADA HAS A FRIEND IN LOUISIANA

By Michael Baginski/  A team of close to two dozen tourism professionals from Louisiana, led by Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, are visiting Canada this week with a simple message: “Come when you’re ready, we’re here with open arms!”

GO WITH THE SLOW: Ireland delights in the details

In a world that’s always rushing, Ireland is extending a gentle invitation to visitors: take your time. With its winding coastal trails, soul-soothing landscapes, and deep-rooted traditions, Ireland is emerging as one of Europe’s most natural fits for slow tourism – a growing global travel trend focused on deeper, more meaningful experiences over fast-paced itineraries.

COLONY CLUB IS BACK UNDER MARRIOTT LUXURY COLLECTION FLAG

Barbados’ Colony Club has re-opened as a Marriott International Luxury Collection resort, adding another chapter in the long life of the iconic property, which begin life as a private seaside residence in the 1930s, and later served as the island’s first residential club and and a cherished retreat for over seven decades.

BELIZE UNVEILS TOURIST SAFETY PLAN

Belize has unveiled a new tourism strategy in a bid to ensure future success of its integral tourism industry. The landmark five-year plan was developed by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and aims to address concerns that the country is not safe for visitors.

ORLANDO KEEN ON HALLOWEEN

No destination does Halloween like Orlando. And while you may not be thinking about trick or treats yet, the Florida theme park capital has already launched into 80 full days of seasonal celebrations, culminating in Oct. 31, and in some cases even a few days beyond.

Scroll to Top