A recently-formed Canadian tourism group is urging more open borders for intra-Canada and international travel. Meanwhile, MGM Resorts is opening more properties in Las Vegas. Monterey, California and Disneyland also are re-opening, as Air Transat will resume flights July 23. That and more in today’s Future of Travel post. CANADA TOURISM ROUNDTABLE WANTS MORE OPEN BORDERS The Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable* says Canada needs to get rid of its quarantine requirement for all international visitors and take more of a country-by-country approach. It also weants open provincial borders to save Canadian tourism for the summer. Here’s an open letter Read more
June 2020
Jamaica will officially open for tourists tomorrow, June 15. The government of Canada has agreed to study the idea of a passenger train that would run from Calgary’s airport to Banff via downtown Calgary. I also look at re-openings for both the Dominican Republic, New York City and Walt DIsney World hotels in today’s Future of Travel blog. JAMAICA RE-OPENS TOMORROW Jamaica has announced it will reopen its borders for international travellers tomorrow, June 15. Officials say an extensive set of safety protocols have been announced, including health screening before entry and upon entry, which will be implemented to manage Read more
Orlando has opened many of its theme parks and attractions, including restaurants. Here’s a look at how it’s working. I also have news on new health and safety plans from WestJet, and also from The World Travel and Tourism Council I also have news about DIsney Cruise cancellations and more. HOW ORLANDO HAS RE-OPENED Orlando is America’s favorite destination – as shown by Expedia data to be the most-searched destination for a vacation from July through December – and is now welcoming visitors with new expanded safety measures. Many attractions, hotels and restaurants are now open, with more added daily, and all major theme parks have now scheduled reopening dates in the coming weeks. The reopened businesses include enhanced safety procedures that ensure existing guidelines from CDC and health officials are followed, as well as many additional measures and formal programs from the industry’s most trusted brands. “Our Read more
Fabulous news for folks who love Tahiti and French Polynesia. Plus Switzerland will open its borders to European Union countries and the United Kingdom a week from today. I also have news on a re-opening for the wonderful JW Marriott Rosseau resort in Muskoka. Also, Riu Hotels is re-opening hotels in Mexico today and later this month. Here’s my Future of Travel blog for Monday, June 8. TAHITI AND FRENCH POLYNESIA TO RE-OPEN FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITORS JULY 15 French Polynesia has had no active cases of COVID-19 since May 29th. The country’s authorities announced today the borders will be re-opening Read more
WestJet is now providing refunds to customers for some international flights and U.S. flights that were cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis. Meanwhile, some suggest the coronavirus might have helped Venice curb its overtourism problem. My Future of Travel blog, weekend edition. WestJet Improves Refund Offer WestJet now says that guests on some international flights can apply for refunds for eligible tickets cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Canadian Press says the policy is valid for flights to and from Canada and the UK, as well as flights to and from Canada and the U.S. But refunds are NOT available Read more