There was fresh, tender kampachi sashimi, and perfect East Coast scallops on the shell with mornay and gremolata. There was  mushroom bibimbap and galbi that was bursting with umami flavour, honey crullers to die for, and delectable craft cocktails. Air Canada last night (Nov. 4) staged a fabulously tasty party at a fine event space in downtown Toronto to announce its 2024 Top 10 Best New Restaurants in Canada. All ten finalists brought one or two of their finest dishes for the media and general public to nibble on. It would’ve taken 10 reservations and a lot of Air Canada Read more

The U.S. Travel Association is calling on Congressional leaders to pass substantial disaster relief to regions devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton as soon as Congress reconvenes. In the letter, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman writes: “We urge you to swiftly pass a disaster supplemental appropriations bill by Thanksgiving to support communities devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Damage caused by these storms is estimated to total more than $100 billion dollars, with downstream impacts on travel, visitor spending, hotel bookings, tax revenues and employment. “In states hit by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the travel industry accounts Read more

Visitor arrivals to Hawaii are on the upswing. According to preliminary statistics there were 707,486 visitors to the Hawaiian Islands in September 2024, up 7.8% from the same month last year. Hawaii Tourism Authority figures say arrivals in September 2024 represent a 96.1% recovery from pre-pandemic, September 2019 figures. In September 2024, 19,188 visitors from Canada arrived in Hawai’i as a whole, an increase from September 2023 (18,647 visitors, +2.9%), but a decline compared to September 2019 (21,928 visitors, -12.5%). The stats show visits from all outside destinations were down slightly for O’ahu (-1.3% for September of this year, versus Read more

It’s an exciting week in Toronto sports, as fans gear up for some serious Raptors nostalgia. The legendary Vince Carter, Mr. “Air Canada” himself, is back in Toronto to celebrate the retirement of his legendary #15 Raptors jersey.  Celebrations kicked off today as Carter touched down at Toronto Pearson and headed to an Air Canada hangar for a very special unveiling – an Airbus A220 decked out with a custom tribute livery featuring Carter’s name, jersey number and signature.   “The city of Toronto, and Canada as a whole, has meant so much to me throughout my career,” said Carter. “I’m deeply Read more

Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, the official tourism marketing and management organization for Pinellas County, is telling the world that the destination is “Still Shining,” and ready to welcome visitors. After recently weathering two major hurricanes, the beach community has worked tirelessly to resume operations at many favorite locations with nearly 80% of the destination now open and eager to welcome guests – including accommodations, attractions, restaurants, museums, shops and more. “It’s important for everyone to know that St. Pete-Clearwater is Still Shining and ready as always to welcome residents and visitors to our beautiful beaches, amazing arts and experiences, and delicious Read more

Three of Canada’s loyalty powerhouses captured eight out of the twelve categories in Canada’s Choice 2024. Rewards Canada’s annual survey of Canadians had an excellent turnout of over 35,000 votes cast over the course of two weeks which saw Aeroplan, TD Bank and Scotiabank/Scene+ dominate the rankings. Marriott Bonvoy also scored a big win.   “In general the results do show the prowess that the large loyalty programs and credit card issuers have,” said Patrick Sojka, founder of RewardsCanada.ca.  “Several categories were hard fought battles that were closely contested. The overall Credit Card Rewards program saw 1st and 2nd place separated by Read more