Hawaii tourism officials are urging tourists to be respectful when flocking to a national park on the Big Island to get a glimpse of the latest eruption of Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
Last week, in a case of battling acronyms, ACTA and CATO were miffed at TICO; Canada also eased visa restrictions on 13 countries, Air Canada doubled its dose for a Caribbean island, Marriott boosted agent incentives, and Mexico welcomed a new adults-only all-inclusive.
On air quality maps, purple signifies the worst of it. In reality, it’s a thick, hazardous haze that’s disrupting daily life, including travel, for millions of people across Canada and the US, blotting out skylines and turning skies orange.
Fearing additional financial burdens on travel agencies and other registrants in Ontario, ACTA and Canadian Association of Tour Operators say they are largely being “kept in the dark” over the Travel Industry Council of Ontario’s ongoing review of its funding framework and fee structure, which TICO earlier this year called the largest since its inception.
Transat AT Inc. saw revenues double – and losses shrink by more than two-thirds – in its latest quarter amid a major sales boost propelled by solid leisure travel demand on top of higher prices.
The immense success of the series “Emily in Paris” has transformed a quiet, untouched square in the French capital into a tourist magnet. For diehard, beret-wearing fans of the show, Place de l’Estrapade has become a landmark of its own, igniting a new passion for Paris.
Travel brand loyalty is nothing new. Ever since Texas International Airlines and American Airlines created the first frequent-flyer programs in the late 1970s and early 1980s, travellers have been racking up miles, seeking elite status and pouring their airfare dollars into brands that offer the most perks.
A ship designed for exploration of the seas was christened by the first woman to walk in space. Accompanied by Scenic Group owners Glen and Karen Moroney, NASA Astronaut Dr. Kathryn Sullivan christened one of the world’s most technologically advanced ultra-luxury yachts, Scenic Eclipse II in Málaga, Spain.
With a nod to today’s lead story, we had a hankerin’ for a little Hendrix this week, and specifically the guitar god’s classic “Purple Haze.”
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.
Quebec’s massive forest fires have forced most of the province’s wilderness outfitters to shut down during one of their busiest seasons. While some have been closed due to active fires, dozens of others have been forced to cancel reservations by a government order limiting access to forests in much of the province.
It’s the most iconic landmark in Texas, but for many, initial impressions prompt the question: “Is that it?” After all, the historic site – famed site of the Battle of The Alamo in 1836, where Davy Crockett and others lost their lives fighting in the Texas Revolution – is squeezed into a downtown square in San Antonio that lacks the epic scale of most other national moments in the US.
Kilauea, the second largest volcano in Hawaii, began erupting on Wednesday after a three-month pause. All activity is within a closed area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii’s Big Island and has prompted the volcano’s alert level to be raised to warning status and the aviation colour code to go to red as scientists evaluate the eruption and associated hazards.
Viking named its newest ocean ship Viking Saturn Monday with a celebration in New York City. As part of the event, the ship’s ceremonial godmother, Ann Ziff, the Chairman of the Metropolitan Opera, a longtime Viking cultural partner, offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for the ship – a maritime tradition that dates back thousands of years.
Since 2009, in more than 60 countries, the 580 member properties of Relais & Châteaux have been working together to raise awareness among their guests on the importance of sustainable seafood products. For the sixth straight year, Relais & Châteaux is celebrating World Oceans Day on June 8, in partnership with Ethic Ocean.
Tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ people flocked to central Florida on the weekend to go on theme park rides, mingle with costumed performers, dance at all-night parties and lounge poolside at hotels during Gay Days, even though Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida lawmakers have championed a slew of anti-LGBTQ laws that spurred the most prominent gay rights group in the US to issue a warning that the Sunshine State may no longer be safe.
Thirteen countries, ranging from Antigua to Uruguay, have been added to Canada’s electronic travel authorization (eTA) program, enabling eligible travellers from these countries who have either held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years, or who currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa, to now apply for an eTA instead of a visa when travelling to Canada by air.
With Pride Month being celebrated by (much of) the world, Booking.com has released its most extensive LGBTQ+ travel research to date, including Canadian-specific data. The reports shines a spotlight on the steady progress – as well as the recent setbacks – for these communities when it comes to travel, such as an increasing consideration for personal safety.
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.
The Jamaica Tourist Board recently teamed up with Playa Hotels & Resorts to host an exclusive FAM trip for travel advisors from Escapes.ca. Twelve lucky agents were selected to visit the island for an immersive destination experience that included tours of Playa’s five Jamaican properties and a full itinerary of island activities.
The US Travel Association has unveiled a weeklong preview of its popular Daily Getaways program. Officially launching for sales on June 12, the month-long Daily Getaways features exclusive offers for travellers – including Canadians – from major travel brands that include discounts up to 50% off loyalty points, theme park tickets, vacation packages and hotel stays.
Familiar face Richard Todd has returned to Sandals and Beaches Resorts in Canada in the newly created role of Senior Sales Consultant. The appointment takes effect immediately, says Maureen Barnes-Smith, VP Sales and Marketing Canada, Unique Vacations Canada.
Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Maya has officially opened its doors, welcoming guests – “all of those tourists covered in oil,” as Jimmy Buffet sang in the song – ¬to the first adults-only resort within the all-inclusive Island Reserve collection.
Flair Airlines Ltd. has the highest number of complaints per 100 flights of all the major airlines in Canada, according to the Canadian Transportation Agency, as airlines have had a rocky recovery year with delayed and cancelled flights.
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.
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.
Airbnb has sued New York City over an ordinance that the company says imposes arbitrary restrictions that would greatly reduce the local supply of short-term rentals.
Transat has unveiled an enhanced selection of packages for the 2023-24 winter season. The program includes more than 50 new properties amongst a roster of over 370 hotels and five curated Sun Collections.
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.
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.