Destinations

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.

VISIT BRITAIN GETS THE SHOW ON THE ROAD

By Michael Baginski/   VisitBritain’s flagship ‘Destination Britain Americas’ trade mission kicks off today as nearly 50 top trade buyers and media (including Travel Industry Today) arrive in Mexico’s Riviera Maya to connect with an equal number of British suppliers to facilitate and help grow tourism programs to Great Britain.

SAINT LUCIA CONNECTS WITH AGENTS ON CROSS-COUNTRY ROADSHOW

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) is reinforcing its presence in Canada with a seven-city roadshow in partnership with Air Canada. Running through Sept. 22, the SLTA team has called in Halifax, Calgary, and Edmonton, with stops still to come in Vancouver (Sept 12), Montreal (Sept 17), Toronto (Sept 19), and Windsor (Sept 22).

CANADA COMPASS: Quebec’s colourful fall festivals

September ushers in crisp temperatures and a kaleidoscope of autumnal colours across the Quebec. Visitors can take in spectacular scenery at local festivals where Québec’s warm hospitality and vibrant fall foliage are on full display. Here a few to consider.

GREENLAND USES TRUMP BUMP TO ADVANTAGE

Greenland is open for tourism. Whale-watching tours, excursions to the iconic puffin island and guided charters through remote settlements are just the beginning of what the mineral-rich Arctic island has to offer visitors, say locals, who are eager to show what makes the island unique beyond a recent diplomatic dustup with U.S. President Donald Trump.

AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO SPORTS AND LEISURE IN NASSAU & PARADISE ISLAND

Beyond the shores and irresistible Junkanoo beats, Nassau & Paradise Island in the Bahamas offer a dynamic array of sports and leisure suitable for both accomplished athletes or those looking for just a little exercise and fun. Moreover, from golf to water sports and hiking to pickle ball there’s something for everyone. And here’s where to find it.

THE REEL THING: British tourism takes starring role at TIFF

VisitBritain continues to raise the curtain on its ongoing international ‘Starring GREAT Britain’ marketing campaign this week at the Toronto International Film Festival. Launched earlier this year, the campaign is using the powerful draw of film and TV locations and places seen-on-screen to inspire visitors to discover more of Britain.

CANADA COMPASS: Parks pass a big hit with Canadians

The federal government says the Canada Strong Pass it introduced this summer succeeded in boosting rail travel and visits to museums, historic sites and parks. The Canada Strong Pass, which took effect on June 20 and was available until Sept. 2, offered free national museum admission to children 17 and under, and a 50 per cent discount for those aged 18 to 24.

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