By Michael Baginski/ Visit Orlando and a dozen of its top theme park, attraction, hotel and transportation partners delivered a dose of Orlando sunshine to Hamilton and Toronto last week for the destination’s annual Canada trade mission, demonstrating that the destination has “not taken it’s foot off the pedal” when it comes to the Canadian market.
Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism, along with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has gathered a list of trusted Canadian and US charities that have committed to supporting relief efforts in Jamaica, targeting the areas most impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
Canadians’ prospering pipeline to The Bahamas continues to gain steam with the launch of new Air Canada nonstop flights from Halifax and Ottawa to Nassau. The weekly flights come just in time for the holidays – a festive season that notably includes colourful Junkanoo celebrations throughout the islands.
By Michael Baginski/ The Tourist Office of Spain celebrated an “amazing” 2025 for the destination out of Canada at an event in Toronto Wednesday night – a year that proved “even better than we thought,” according to the office’s Canadian director Isabel Martín Benítez.
After years of volatility and transformation, the Asia Pacific region’s tourism sector has not only rebounded but is entering a new phase of sustained growth, says the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). In its recently released annual tourism report for 2025, the association cites a near-complete recovery from the COVID years, underscoring the travel industry’s vital adaptability and resilience in navigating a dynamic global landscape.
Cuban culture thrives through time-honoured traditions that have shaped the island’s identity for generations. The blending of indigenous customs with Spanish influences has created unique experiences that continue to captivate visitors today. These deeply rooted cultural practices offer travellers authentic glimpses into the heart of Cuban society and the island’s history.
The iconic Vancouver waterfront fireworks festival that has been held for more than three decades has been cancelled indefinitely due to financial difficulties – news that Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim called “devastating.”
By Michael Baginski/ With new Air Canada flights to Guatemala from Montreal now flying high, there’s no reason now for Canadians not to discover the Central American country, hope Guatemalan tourism execs, who point out the Central American destination has it all – from beaches to ancient Mayan ruins and lush rainforests to active volcanoes.
By Michael Baginski/ The Aruba Tourism Authority is eager for Canadians to discover – or revisit – the destination dubbed “One Happy Island,” but with a caveat: a commitment to helping preserve the very reason they go there in the first place: white sand beaches, vibrant culture and history, and unparalleled outdoor activities.
Porter Airlines launched inaugural roundtrip service yesterday between Toronto Pearson International Airport and Nassau, The Bahamas. Seasonal service to Nassau increases to daily flights beginning Dec. 12, while nonstop service from Ottawa begins on Dec. 13, and Montreal on Feb. 5.
With three resorts now open, RIU Hotels & Resorts says all seven of its hotels in Jamaica will resume service before the end of the year overcoming the crisis caused by the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
By Michael Baginski/ As Dominica’s game-changing cable car – the longest detachable cable car in the world at 6.6 km. – prepares to open in December, the Caribbean island continues to aim high when it comes to tourism and punch above its weight with respect to its tiny size.
Traditional Christmas markets opened across Germany on Monday, drawing revellers to their wooden stands with mulled wine, grilled sausages, potato pancakes or caramelized apples. And with memories of two deadly attacks on Christmas markets still fresh for many Germans, amid increased security.
Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, has had 70.1 million passengers already this year and is on track to break its own records again, officials said Wednesday. The rapid growth of passengers at the airport underscores Dubai as a key hub for East-West travel in global aviation and the need for its $35-billion project to build a massive, five-runway airport at Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a new tourism campaign, redefining luxury through the lens of personal healing, sustainability, and cultural connections for a new generation of travellers. With the “Unforgettable Experience: Healing is the New Luxury” campaign, TAT aims to position the Asian destination a place where travellers can slow down, recharge, and reconnect with themselves and nature in a world where speed, stress and uncertainty dominate daily life.
Cuba’s shores offers some of the Caribbean’s most spectacular and diverse beaches, each with its own distinct character and endless opportunities for exploration. From incredibly clear waters teeming with marine life to secluded stretches of shore that inspired literary legends, the island presents remarkable adventures for travellers seeking authentic Caribbean beauty.
The tiny Faroe Islands in the north Atlantic could be a poor choice for travellers with vertigo, seasickness or a fear of enclosed spaces. There are crumbling cliffs, sudden gale-force winds and hillsides so steep that even the sheep can tumble.
By Michael Baginski/ With December set to mark the 75th anniversary of the first Air Canada flight to Barbados (its first Caribbean destination), the airline is set to the host the 2025 edition of its Air Canada Race on the island with 20 qualified Canadian travel advisors set to take part in the five-day event starting Thursday (Nov. 20). Suitably it is the first island destination for the Race.
From Hawaii Five-O to Lost and Jurassic Park, there’s no shortage of movies and TV shows that have and continue to be filmed in Hawai’i. As such, there are plenty of familiar locations and landscapes that can be found around the islands that are certain to inspire film buffs, while adding a unique touch of Hollywood to the Polynesian paradise. Here’s a guide.
The Japan National Tourism Organization hosted a dedicated travel trade event, ‘Japan: Delve Deeper,’ at Toronto’s Chelsea Hotel last week. Designed to facilitate direct engagement between Canadian tour operators and Japanese travel suppliers – including DMOs, DMC, transportation providers, and accommodation partners – the event also notably introduced compelling, lesser-known regions of the country that align with JNTO’s ongoing efforts to promote rural tourism.
The Martinique Tourism Authority (MTA) brought a welcome dose of tropical sunshine (even if imagined on a snowy, downcast day) and French-Caribbean flair (not imagined) to Toronto for ‘Martinique Sensation’ 2025 Tuesday, which welcomed dozens of tourism professionals, media members, and travel agents at the Malaparte Event Space for a celebration of all things Martinique ahead of the winter travel season.
Flights from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., to cities like Ottawa or Chicago could one day take off under a newly approved $195-million, 20-year master plan to expand and modernize the Niagara District Airport.
Cuban cuisine combines Spanish colonial traditions, indigenous Taíno ingredients and African culinary techniques, creating a range of unique dishes. These unique dishes reflect the island’s culinary history. Vacationers visiting Cuba on an all-inclusive vacation can experience the culture first-hand with these three iconic meals.
By Michael Baginski/ Adam Scott is in Toronto and complaining about the cold. At the same time, the founder and CEO of BermudAir – a Canadian himself – couldn’t be happier because he knows “that’s when we start booking (to go to places like Bermuda).”
From already “open for business” to “closed indefinitely,” there is no one-size-fits-all template for hotel re-openings in Jamaica as the island recovers from the effects of devastating Hurricane Melissa. It is clear, however, that much of the island, and many of its resorts, are ready, willing and able to receive guests again after the late October storm.
Despite falling short in the World Series in dramatic fashion, the Blue Jays hit a home run for Toronto, giving the city a big economic boost, with more visitors and more spending at local businesses. According to Destination Toronto, the four home games of the World Series saw a 15% average increase in hotel demand compared to the same nights last year, adding a total of more than 11,000 room nights.
After well over a century under construction, Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia basilica is ready to raise its immense central tower and become the tallest Christian church in Europe. The basilica’s General Director Xavier Martínez says that “the tower will be finished at the end of this year or the beginning of 2026.”
By Michael Baginski/ A delegation from Seattle conducted a five-day mission Montreal, Toronto and Edmonton last week, emphasizing the importance of the Canadian market to the cross-border city, which, like much of the U.S., has seen a decline in visitors from their northern neighbours this year.
Travellers planning a trip to Halifax can now use Halifax AI, which provides instant answers to any travel or tourism questions about the city and surrounding Nova Scotia region.
From rooftop mulled wine to Northern Lights pop-ups, new festive markets are shaking up the classic winter break in Europe. And according to a new survey, the new entries play to a new theme: less about ticking off touristy Christmas markets, and more about finding something original, local, and TikTok-worthy – particularly for younger travellers.