Air Canada today announced the strategic expansion of its international network for summer 2023, with the addition of new European services to Brussels, Toulouse and Copenhagen. It is also resuming key Asia services to Tokyo-Haneda and Osaka, and is restoring frequencies to leading destinations in the Atlantic, Pacific and South America regions.
“We continue to pursue our disciplined approach of expanding our global network in response to anticipated demand. We are especially pleased to be adding three new strategic routes to Europe, resuming important services to Japan, and increasing frequencies to key international destinations for summer 2023,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.
“Toronto-Brussels will complement our current services from Montreal, while further expanding Air Canada’s reach to Europe and beyond through our Star Alliance partner Brussels Airlines, which offers easy connections throughout Europe and Africa. Meanwhile, our Montreal-Toulouse route not only links two global aerospace centres, it is the only year-round service between North America and southwestern France.
“We are also increasing our presence in Scandinavia with the addition of summer service from Montreal to Copenhagen, a Star Alliance hub that offers connections throughout Northern Europe, while enabling customers on both sides of the Atlantic to visit and explore each other’s countries conveniently,” Galardo said.
The central square in Brussels might be the prettiest in Europe.
“Our additional flights to major destinations in Europe, Middle East, South America, South Pacific and Asia, including London Heathrow, Frankfurt and Tokyo/Haneda, will support local tourism and hospitality sectors as customers in all six continents reconnect, visit and explore. Customers can start planning ahead and book with confidence. We look forward to welcoming you onboard,” said Galardo.
International Services
Air Canada’s international services onboard widebody aircraft offer a choice of three cabins: Air Canada Signature Class featuring lie-flat individual pods, Premium Economy featuring larger seats with additional leg room and premium services, and Economy featuring complimentary Chef-inspired and designed meals, wines and beverages. All cabins have inflight entertainment screens at every seat with hours of complimentary onboard entertainment and the opportunity to purchase wi-fi connectivity.
Air Canada has 23 Maple Leaf Lounges located in North America and worldwide for eligible customers. In addition, Air Canada’s Signature Suites at Toronto Pearson’s Terminal 1 and on the second floor of the International Maple Leaf Lounge in YVR set a new standard for premium travel.
Available to select Signature Service customers prior to travelling to international destinations, customers enjoy a five-star dining experience in a discerning and private enclave that offers the finest Canada has to offer in food, design and comfort.
Air Canada’s onboard services on international flights showcase some of the best cuisine Canadian culinary talent has to offer with Air Canada’s panel of celebrity chefs, including award- winning, Vancouver-based chefs David Hawksworth and Vikram Vij, and renowned Montreal chefs Antonio Park and Jérôme Ferrer. Complementing the culinary journey is a selection of top wines chosen by leading Canadian sommelier, Véronique Rivest.
All customers have the opportunity to collect and redeem points with Aeroplan, Canada’s leading loyalty program, when travelling with Air Canada, and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges, priority boarding and other benefits.
AIR CANADA RESTORES TORONTO-SAINT LUCIA
PAX news reports that Air Canada’s direct service to Saint Lucia from Toronto was restored Oct. 9, earlier than originally planned.
Lorine Charles-St. Jules, CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, told media at this year’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace at the Puerto Rico Convention Center that Air Canada will operate twice-weekly service, on Saturday and Sunday, from Toronto Pearson (YYZ).
TAIWAN ENDS QUARANTINE REQUIREMENT
The Central Epidemic Command Center of Taiwan has announced that starting today (Oct. 13, 2022), incoming travellers will no longer be required to quarantine and will instead undergo a seven-day period of self-initiated prevention after arrival.
After two years in the pandemic, Taiwan and the Taiwanese people are thrilled to welcome back travelers from all over the world to experience its many adventures! International travelers will now be able to fly to this stunning island destination and explore its many offerings. From its rich culture and history to its expansive outdoor offerings there is something for every traveler in Taiwan.
In the coming months, Taiwan has many exciting events for tourists to experience, such as: 2022 Taiwan Hot Spring & Fine-Cuisine Carnival, Sun Moon Lake Music & Fireworks Festival with “Come! Bike Day,” Chiayi City international Band Festival, and Taiwan Lantern Festival 2023 will be in Taipei City.
In addition to its many attractions and events, Taiwan is the perfect destination for foodies. In the2022 MICHELIN Guide Taipei, Taichung, Tainan & Kaohsiung, Taiwan impresses with 38 MICHELIN starred restaurants. The full guide includes 170 eateries in Taipei, 68 in Taichung, 44 and Tainan and 39 in Kaohsiung, giving visitors no shortage of delicious food to enjoy.
A cyclist in the hills of Bogotá, Colombia. JIM BYERS PHOTO
COLOMBIA TOPPING MANY TRAVELLER’S CHARTS
With an impressive offer of 8 airlines connecting nonstop 10 US gates to 9 destinations of Colombia you don’t want to miss, the most biodiverse country per square kilometer in the world has become the preferred destination of a curious, educated, and diverse US traveler, according to a study conducted by Destination Analyst. From the African American to the LGBTQ+ community, female solo travelers and families with kids, Colombia has a unique appeal that combines ravishing nature and wellness, authenticity, ancestral traditions, and a progressive and sophisticated culture that embraces sustainability with reverence.
I was in Bogota in September for a convention of the Society of American Travel Writers and loved it. Here’s a photo essay I put together.
And here are a few reasons that prove why the perfect timing for visiting Colombia is now.
It’s the trendiest destination, yet uncrowded
As of August, historic record numbers of visitors above 2019 figures (+ 2 million international visitors) and worldwide recognitions are positioning Colombia at the top, unraveling the path of a country whose positive evolution has been earned with focus on a continued sustainable and inclusive tourism strategy over the years, and a clear purpose to become a welcoming world class destination.
“According to data from ForwardKeys, bookings to Colombia for the mid-year season exceeded the 2021 record by 148% and the country has experienced a solid recovery thanks to its safety, work hand in hand with the airlines, tour operators, travel agents and the awakening of a demand that is looking for meaningful travel”, says Gilberto Salcedo, Tourism Vice President of ProColombia, the government agency part of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism, in charge of promoting goods and services, investment and tourism in Colombia.
“Today, tourism it is the leading non-mining energy sector, and the objective is to make it an even more important player in the national economy. The timing for solidifying Colombia’s tourism industry couldn’t be more perfect”, he added.
As a matter of fact, in early September, the prestigious World Travel Awards granted Colombia a total of 14 recognitions, including San Andrés ´Leading beach destination’; Medellín ´Leading Emerging Destination´; Bogotá, ´Leading business destination´; Cali, ‘Leading Cultural City’; Barranquilla, ´Leading destination for festivities and events’; and Cartagena, as ´Leading destination for honeymoons´, amongst others.
Colombia is full of life
According to National Geographic, the country is nestled at the heart of the continent and treasures 10% of the planet’s biodiversity. It holds the largest number of birds (plus 1,900), butterflies (more than 3,600), and orchid species in the whole world (over 4,000), and it is the only country in South America with coasts in both the Caribbean and the Pacific oceans. By the way, if you are into butterflies, check out this recently launched book guide called Endemic Butterflies of Colombia.
A myriad of other regions to explore!
The country has six tourist regions: Greater Caribbean, Pacific, Amazon-Orinoco, Eastern and Western Andes and the Colombian Massif. Each one as different and as rich as the other. From snow caped mountains right next to pristine beaches, to a desert that meets with the ocean, and National Natural Parks both remote or embedded within cosmopolitan cities, Colombia has several countries in one, and all these are yours to explore.
Your next home, close enough from home!
If you are a nomad thinking of spending more time in one place than just two weeks for a regular vacation, there is no ‘newest’ option than Colombia. The country just launched a visa for digital nomads that is granted up to two years with just a few requirements. Cost effective living and breathtaking landscapes that will almost seem like a Zoom virtual background are just the beginning. There are easy, direct flights from Toronto Pearson that are only about five and-a-half hours long. It often takes that much time to fly to California.
Learn more about our regions and destinations at COLOMBIA.TRAVEL
