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The GX 2024 event in India highlighted the positive impact of community tourism, with Canadian travel advisors among the attendees. The summit focused on showcasing how community tourism can benefit destinations and local communities. Participants had the opportunity to visit various projects and meet inspiring individuals, emphasizing the transformative power of responsible tourism. The event also introduced a new travel style called Soloish Adventures for solo travelers, with a strong emphasis on community tourism and creating connections. The next GX event will be held in Jordan, aiming to promote peace through tourism and support community initiatives. [Extracted from the article]

Ensemble, a travel consortium, is embracing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for travel agents rather than a threat to their jobs. They aim to empower their members by providing tools, resources, and connections to improve their job performance. Ensemble has introduced new features such as streamlined booking processes, certification programs, and an Air Concierge team to handle flight bookings. They believe in reimagining the role of travel consortia to propel the industry forward and simplify operations for its members. The article also mentions a powerful presentation by Giles Duley and Olive Muteamfura, a survivor of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, which inspired fundraising efforts for the Land for Women project. Ensemble's value proposition and the benefits of working with Canadian suppliers are also highlighted. [Extracted from the article]

The 28th annual Canadian Travel Industry Golf Tournament, presented by Baxter Media and Sandals Resorts, raised funds for the Sandals Foundation's Care for Kids Golf Program in Jamaica. Professional golfer Todd Keirstead performed trick shots to help raise over US $2,000 for the cause. The event also featured creative outfits, networking events, and celebrated the partnership between Jamaica and Newfoundland. Participants from across Canada enjoyed two days of golf and networking, fostering strong industry connections and friendships. [Extracted from the article]

Caribbean tourism has reached record-breaking levels, surpassing peak 2019 levels despite challenges like Hurricane Beryl. The first half of 2024 saw a significant increase in visitor numbers, with air arrivals increasing by 7.5% to 18.2 million. The State of the Tourism Industry Conference in the Cayman Islands addressed critical issues shaping the region's tourism landscape, including sustainability, AI, the cruise industry, and aviation. The outgoing chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, Kenneth Bryan, handed over the reins to the newly elected chairman, Ian Gooding-Edghill. Canadian arrivals to the Cayman Islands also soared, with a 58.7% increase in July 2024 compared to July 2023. The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism attributed this growth to expanded airlift and strategic efforts to make the destination more accessible. The conference also discussed the potential for the Cayman Islands to build a dedicated cruise berthing facility, with some residents opposing the idea due to concerns about the destination's infrastructure. The Growth of the Cruise Sector panel highlighted the importance of having a cruise berthing port for larger ships, as they are less likely to call on destinations that require tendering. The Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025 will be held in Antigua and Barbuda, marking the first time the event will be hosted in the Eastern Caribbean. The Caribbean Tourism Organization is optimistic about the future of Caribbean tourism, focusing on strategic initiatives to improve airlift and enhance collaboration with cruise [Extracted from the article]

Canadian Travel Press joined travel advisors from across the country on a humanitarian FAM trip to Jamaica organized by the Jamaica Tourist Board. The group collected and donated school supplies for local projects and helped with the construction of the Dumfries Primary School, the 27th school built by the Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation. The foundation has impacted the lives of over 15,000 Jamaicans through education and has contributed to raising literacy rates in Jamaica. The agents also raised money and school supplies for Wings Kidz, an after-school program for inner-city kids. [Extracted from the article]

Canadian Travel Press reports that Caribbean tourism is experiencing a boost from increased Canadian seat capacity and strong arrival numbers. Canadian seat capacity and arrivals into the Caribbean are outpacing the United States, making Canada the largest origin market performing above the global average. Toronto is the top-performing North American origin city for travel to the Caribbean, with arrivals up 23% year-on-year. The Caribbean is on track for continued growth, with anticipated growth forecasted to range between 5% and 10% and potentially welcoming between 33.5 million and 35.5 million tourists over the course of the year. The Caribbean is also leading the way for global tourism recovery post-pandemic, maintaining double-digit growth as international arrivals are set to surpass 2019 levels by 13% in the first half of 2024. The Caribbean Travel Marketplace, held in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is the region's flagship marketing and sales event for growing tourism to the Caribbean. The event featured presentations, panel discussions, and an awards luncheon, where Patricia Affonso-Dass was named Caribbean Hotelier of the Year. The event also recognized the resilience of Saint Lucia and The Bahamas, which were named recipients of the Caribbean Destination Resilience Awards. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on Virgin Voyages' second annual First Mate Spectacular Soiree, honoring the top travel advisors in North America, particularly highlighting Canadians Sean Mills and Matt Houtby for achieving a spot in the top 100 sales for the cruise line. Topics include the celebration events onboard, insights into making it to the top 100, and Virgin Voyages' plans for future celebrations, as well as advice for travel advisors on success in selling Virgin Voyages cruises.

Collette, a guided tour operator, has appointed Jaclyn Liebl-Cote as its new CEO, making her the company's first female CEO in its 106-year history. Liebl-Cote, who has been with Collette since 2005 and is part of the third generation of the family business, aims to continue evolving the company and focusing on the customer experience. Collette has a strong commitment to integrity, as demonstrated by its policy of refunding travelers during the pandemic and other unpredictable events. The company is also developing Collette University, an e-learning program for travel advisors, and the Canadian market represents a significant portion of its sales. Despite the challenges faced during the pandemic, Collette has experienced strong growth and believes that travel advisors are essential in providing trust and guidance to travelers. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the Germany Travel Mart, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. The event, held in Chemnitz, highlighted the growing popularity of nature-oriented holidays in Germany. The conference brought together delegates from 38 countries, including tour operators from Canada. Chemnitz was also recognized as the European Capital of Culture for 2025, with plans for various cultural events and art installations. The article also mentions the recovery of the tourism industry in Germany, with expectations of a full recovery to 2019 levels this year. The Canadian market, in particular, has shown resilience and growth in interest in travel to Germany. The German National Tourist Board aims to extend visitors' length of stay through its Stay Longer campaign, and the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 is expected to attract more tourists to the country. [Extracted from the article]

Porter Airlines has launched daily roundtrip flights between Toronto Pearson International Airport and Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport. The inaugural flight was met with showgirls upon arrival in Las Vegas. The route is operated on the Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, offering a two-by-two configuration with complimentary beer and wine, free premium snacks, free WiFi, and access to Porter's in-flight entertainment portal. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority expressed excitement about the new direct flight, highlighting the diverse attractions and experiences the city has to offer. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the 27th annual Canadian Travel Industry Golf Tournament, which took place in Jamaica from October 26–29, 2023, featuring travel agents and tourism representatives from various companies. It reports that the event was hosted in partnership with Sandals Resorts and Baxter Media and included two days of golf at the 18-hole Upton Estate Golf & Country Club, lunch at the jerk chicken hut, and networking opportunities over cocktail parties and resort gatherings.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines recently opened its first all-inclusive resort, but the Minister of Tourism, Carlos James, emphasizes the importance of maintaining sustainable development to preserve the destination's authenticity. The newly opened Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines integrates locally sourced products and employs a large percentage of staff from the island. Despite some damage from Hurricane Beryl, the destination is open for business and is focused on recovering and preserving its unique charm. The CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, Annette Mark, plans to increase destination awareness and improve the visitor experience. The Canadian market is recovering, with increased interest and arrivals from Canadians. The destination offers a diverse range of experiences, with each island having its own uniqueness. [Extracted from the article]

Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Icon of the Seas, was seven years in the making and is not intended to be the world's largest ship. The ship focuses on providing iconic experiences and being the best family vacation. It incorporates elements of tradition, evolution, and revolution, with features like the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse and the AquaDome. Icon of the Seas has already garnered significant attention and bookings, and it offers a range of amenities and accommodations for guests. The ship was named by soccer star Lionel Messi in a star-studded ceremony. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the efforts of Celebrity Cruises to differentiate brand beyond the cruise market. Topics include the company's mission according to Jason Liberty, the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of cruise line owner Royal Caribbean Group, comments from Laura Hodges Bethge, who took over the reigns as president of Celebrity Cruises in May 2023, and the plan of Celebrity Cruises to make stops at private island Perfect Day at CocoCay for the 2024 season.

The article discusses Jamaica's remarkable recovery in tourism, surpassing 2019 levels with a 5 percent increase in visitor arrivals and record-breaking revenue, driven by increased lift from the U.S. and Canada. Topics include Jamaica's ambitious tourism targets, improvements in airport infrastructure, and ongoing investment in the accommodation sector with plans to add 2,000 new rooms in the coming year.

The article highlights Swiss winemaker Salomon Dubois inviting Canadians to experience Switzerland's high-quality wine production, emphasizing sustainable travel experiences and a partnership between TTC Tour Brands and Switzerland Tourism, with a focus on exploring the country's beauty and local businesses.

The article focuses on Jenna English's passion for G Adventures and her role as the global purpose specialist for British Columbia & Northern Territories. It highlights her personal connection to the company, her dedication to promoting G Adventures and her involvement in initiatives such as supporting the Oodles of Noodles restaurant and raising funds for the Planeterra Foundation. The article also emphasizes the importance of firsthand travel experiences for travel advisors .

The article focuses on the evolving Caribbean tourism industry, emphasizing the importance of promoting culture, heritage, music, and gastronomy. Topics discussed include diversifying the tourism offering beyond sun, sea, and sand, the Caribbean's recovery from the pandemic, and future plans for hosting the Caribbean Travel Marketplace.

The article informs about the 26th annual Canadian Travel Industry Golf Tournament hosted in partnership with Sandals Resorts and Baxter Media was back at the Sandals Golf & Country Club in Ocho Rios, Jamaica from October November 30, 2022, which is the first tournament which is supporting travel industry professional partners with old supporters. It mentions the efforts made by representatives from the travel industry and from the travel advisors from across the country for the tournament.

The article discusses the impact of the Lahaina fire on tourism in Maui and the efforts made by the community and visitors to support the affected residents. The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) worked with various partners to relocate over 40,000 people, including visitors, to focus on assisting residents and first responders. The HTA also provided temporary accommodations, food, and other necessities to evacuees. The article emphasizes the importance of tourism to Maui's economy, with 38% of the county's economy and 40% of its jobs depending on visitor spending. Despite the fire-affected area being off-limits, the rest of Maui has reopened and is ready to welcome responsible travelers. The HTA has launched the Mākaukau Maui campaign to stimulate the economy and encourage visitors to support local businesses. The article also mentions a decline in visitor arrivals and spending since the wildfires, highlighting the need for economic recovery. The HTA promotes the Mālama Hawai'i initiative, encouraging visitors to have a positive impact by supporting local products and businesses and practicing respect and compassion. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses four travel trends for 2024. Firstly, it highlights that older women are driving adventure travel, with 65% of G Adventures' travelers being female and nearly 40% of guests being between the ages of 50 and 69. Secondly, solo female travel is on the rise, with women making up 57% of bookings across adventure travel companies. Thirdly, "set-jetting" is becoming popular, with TV shows and movies inspiring travel plans. Lastly, Canadians are still eager to fulfill their travel bucket lists, with longer trips and more frequent travel being booked. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on travel advisors reveal how they have changed the way they work and focusing on the suppliers that were there for over the last couple of years. It mentions shift has been adjusting to a more flexible work environment, with some employees continuing to work from home. It also mentions pandemic really brought to light those that took care of clients and travel advisors.

The article informs During the 49th Germany Travel Mart, the German National Tourist Board highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism and unveiled their upcoming campaign called "Stay A Little Bit Longer." The campaign aims to promote responsible and immersive travel experiences, encouraging travelers to take the time to appreciate the atmosphere, engage with local culture, and enjoy nature in Germany. The event also showcased the sustainable transformation of Essen.

The article focuses on the growing popularity of yacht charters as a mainstream vacation option, with The Moorings experiencing increased interest from a younger and diverse audience. Topics include challenges posed by travel restrictions has surpassed 2019 booking levels in the first quarter of 2023; and the introduction of enhanced skippered charter packages and the availability of online skipper profiles for clients as well as the investment in infrastructure and new yachts by The Moorings.

Royal Caribbean International CEO, Michael Bayley, states that the brand currently holds approximately 20% of the global cruise market. The company's success is attributed to continued innovation and the introduction of new ships and destinations. The Icon Class has been particularly successful, and Perfect Day is their top-rated destination. Royal Caribbean is also developing the Royal Beach Club in the Bahamas, set to open in 2025. The company targets multi-generational families and appeals to new cruisers by offering short break trips on brand new ships like Utopia of the Seas. Canadians are seen as potential customers who can combine these short getaways with vacations to Orlando-based attractions. The new ship offers familiar elements along with new additions such as the Pesky Parrot Tiki Bar and the Royal Railway immersive dining concept. Entertainment options include Aqua 80 Too, a new AquaTheatre show, and live music. [Extracted from the article]

A personal narrative is presented which explores the authors experience of being Royal Caribbean International committed to the travel trade.

The article discusses the French multinational hospitality company Accor which is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and cutting all carbon emissions in half by 2030. It emphasizes sustainable and sustainability revolution, which has the same potential impact on the business model, same type of disruption, same type of investment needed, and same type of skill sets. Accor is a member of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, working towards a more sustainable future.

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in Saint Lucia is undergoing a major transformation, with all 250 rooms and junior suites in the family-friendly Splash wing and the adults-only Harmony wing being renovated. The newly enhanced rooms will feature new furniture, flooring, and modern bathroom enhancements. The resort is constantly reinvesting in its product to enhance the guest experience, with updates and enhancements taking place during the annual closure. The resort also offers new amenities, such as an updated bar with a large collection of Caribbean rums, oceanfront spa cabanas, and a bridal suite for destination weddings. The property used to be a Club Med before reopening as an independently run venture in 2005. [Extracted from the article]

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa has announced a new charitable effort to adopt a local community pre-school in commemoration of the resort's 19th anniversary. Spearheaded by its charitable foundation, CocoLand Cares, the four-year initiative will involve significant upgrades to the ABC Funhouse School, including a remodeled classroom with new furniture and flooring. The project aims to improve early childhood education and child development in the community. Additionally, Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa and CocoLand Cares have donated equipment to the local hospital and plan to assist with upgrades to the emergency room facilities. [Extracted from the article]

A discusses grand opening celebration for Sandals Royal Curaçao of Sandals Resorts International. Topics discussed include attendees of the celebration and next opening of Sandals Dunn's River in Jamaica, acquisition of hotel by SRI during the pandemic and transform it into a top-of-the-line resort, and vision for Sandals 2.0 with new stuff and a lot of new islands.

The article informs that Tourism Fiji's Chief Executive Officer Brent Hill believes that the Covid-19 pandemic has reignited the value of the travel trade across a generation of travellers who were used to book directly. On location in Denarau for the Fijian Tourism Expo 2022, Hill shared how he sees agents being pivotal to promoting identities across the islands of Fiji.

The article emphasizes the reopening of Maui for tourism post the Lahaina fire, urging visitors to be respectful and considerate of the grieving community. It highlights efforts, such as volunteering at the Maui Distribution Centre, to support impacted families and dispels misconceptions about the extent of the damage, portraying a symbol of hope in the rejuvenating 150-year-old banyan tree.

The article highlights Palladium Hotel Group's nearly completed $27.5 million renovation at Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa and Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa, emphasizing the enhancements made to suites and common areas such as the lobby, saloon bar and show-cooking restaurant, as well as the addition of new room categories with private plunge pools, aimed at enhancing the guest experience and offering a premium stay.

The article evaluates the entry of Warwick Hotels & Resorts into the Canadian market with the opening of the 131-room Warwick Le Crystal in Montreal, addressing changing travel trends. It also mentions the importance of comfortable and adaptable spaces, and guests' willingness to spend more for unique experiences.

The article discusses that with travel restrictions easing across Europe and in Canada, AmaWaterways is anticipating an influx in the number of Canadian bookings. It discusses the necessity of PCR testing protocols for re-entry into the country. AmaWaterways finds strong advance sales for Canada and has six additional ships sailing, including three new builds and three ships from a partner in Australia in 2022 compared to 2019.

A review is offered for the Hotel Xcaret Arte, located in Mexico.

The article focuses on Travel Agent Day on May 6, 2020. Topics include the travel industry being and continues to be hit hard by COVID-19, the agents have taken a lot of the stress away from clients by rebooking cancelled flights, staying on hold for hours with suppliers to facilitate changes and credits, and making the necessary arrangements to get travellers home.

The article informs about the 25th annual Canadian Travel Industry Golf Tournament held at Ochi Beach Resort in Jamaica on December 1 , 2019. Topics discussed include skill-testing challenges, teamwork and generous helpings of Red Stripe and jerk chicken; marketing company for Sandals and Beaches Resorts, the opportunity to reflect on the history of the event; and the Canadian Travel Industry Golf Tournament is the longest running travel industry tournament hosted by Sandals Resort.

The article announces Rob Coleman's recent appointment as the Vice President of North America Sales at Holland America Line, emphasizing his new role and responsibilities.

The article offers information on Celebrity Apex, edge-class cruise ship which includes Craft Social, known for having a collection of some of the world's rarest craft beers.

The article presents travel recommendations for Coconut Bay in Saint Lucia including suggestions to visit 36-suite Serenity at Coconut Bay, visit Qualibou volcano, and Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa's Catamaran Land & Sea Adventure tour.

The article reports that Sandals Resort International is ready to mark a memorable milestone. Topics discussed include Gebhard Rainer, Chief Executive Officer of Sandals Resorts International, outlines what the future holds as the all-inclusive resort company celebrates its 40th anniversary and readies for the next chapter; and the secret to success of the brand of Sandals is very simple in the words of our late chairman.

The article focuses on Tauck's president Jennifer Tombaugh, is ready to take off internationally for the first time since getting back from Singapore and Bangkok on February 29, 2020. Topics include Tombaugh and Chief Culture Officer Sharyn Cannon will be Portugal bound in August to take on double-duty, and the pandemic halted operations for the 96-year-old company for the first time since World War II.