Acclaimed Canadian musician, actor and author, Jann Arden, is again partnering with Scenic for an unforgettable sailing on Portugal’s Douro River.
The eight-day Delightful Douro sailing, Arden’s third river cruise with Scenic, is aboard the intimate 96-guest Scenic Azure. This truly all-inclusive cruise sails roundtrip out of World Heritage city of Porto, departing on October 30, 2023, and takes guests on an exploration of many of Portugal’s best sites – from the Baroque village of Lamego to the terraced vineyards and charming towns just beyond the banks of the country’s lifeline – the Douro.
Pricing for the sailing starts at CAD $7,395 per person, double. Guests booking by March 31, 2023 can fly for $695 per person (or receive a credit of $600) and can save an additional $1,000 per couple if it fare is paid in full at the time of booking. Complete details can be found at www.scenic.ca/jannarden.
“I am beyond excited to embark on yet another superb adventure with Scenic River Cruises,” said Arden. “We are going to have the time of our lives in Portugal, a country that I’ve never had the opportunity to explore – until now! I’m really looking forward to experiencing it with all of you, all while enjoying the luxury hospitality of Scenic! See you in October!”
Arden is a Canadian-born singer, songwriter, broadcaster and author. The multi-platinum award-winning artist erupted onto the Canadian music scene in 1993 and has released 15 albums with 19 top ten singles. In 2020 she was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and has received numerous other awards, recognizing her multiple talents. Arden will treat guests to three exclusive experiences during the sailing: an opening night welcome reception; an intimate Q&A session; and an onboard evening concert. From her most recent musical release, Descendant, to writing five best-selling books and starring in CTV’s hit original comedy series, JANN, Arden is a Canadian original – a brilliant multi-dimensional talent.
Canadian musician, writer and TV star, Jann Arden.
All of these memorable experiences are in addition to an itinerary that offers the opportunity to explore the hidden treasures of Portugal — Lamego, where guest take in the picturesque Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, a structure that stands gracefully over the town; a tasting at the fairytale property of Quinta da Aveleda, in the famous Vino Verde region; kayaking along the Pinhão River; and even crossing the Spanish border to tour the architectural splendor of Salamanca, a city as visually striking as it is historically intriguing. On board, guests may enjoy mosaic tile painting, a port wine cocktail lesson, or a Portuguese cooking demonstration, among other possible activities.
The 5-star Scenic Space-Ships offer all-inclusive luxury experiences – from private butler service and unlimited complimentary beverages and spirits including mini-bar re-stocked daily, to six on-board dining options and a wellness area and fitness center. And guests will never have to reach for the wallet or purse as everything (except a haircut or massage) is included: tips and gratuities, expert local guides, all Scenic Freechoice activities that allow for a more personalized vacation, plus Scenic Enrich events which are exclusive to Scenic and its guests.
A patriotic Canadian on Canada Day in Ottawa, the nation’s capital. JIM BYERS PHOTO
NEW “OPENNESS” BRAND STRATEGY FOR CANADIAN TOURISM
Destination Canada, the national tourism organization, introduced its new global brand strategy to put Canada on the map as the destination that inspires openness. This new brand strategy will be unveiled through a series of traditional and unconventional marketing initiatives that aims to increase Canada’s competitiveness as a destination and drive international high value guests to visit Canada.
The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic forced bold choices and new ways of marketing the destination. Canadians represented 8 out of 10 tourism dollars spent last year, a formidable contribution to the recovery. With these domestic travellers set to exodus this Spring for international travel, Canada needs to fill the gap and bring back international travellers, especially from the US, Canada’s largest inbound market and biggest opportunity for revenue recovery.
“Our valued guests want more than a travel experience – they want a space for growth, enrichment and true transformation,” says Gloria Loree, Destination Canada’s Senior Vice-President, Marketing Strategy & Chief Marketing Officer. “In a world that makes us feel trapped, Canada’s unique blend of openness helps us break free. It’s Canada’s open spaces, open hearts and open minds, that offer the space that travellers crave and will help us as a nation brand stand out in the fiercely competitive travel marketplace.”
This bold brand ambition is pushing Destination Canada to embrace unique ways of engaging a global audience. Through a first-of-its kind partnership with TED, Destination Canada is creating a global conversation about openness. Through masterful storytelling by remarkable Canadians, they are encouraging new conversations about the destination, and pushing people to rethink what they already know about Canada. These TED Talks were filmed today in New York City and will be published on TED.com starting in the Spring. Destination Canada will share with its key leisure markets, as well its Business Events markets.
“TED’s mission of Ideas Worth Spreading is perfectly aligned with Destination Canada’s theme of Openness – we are thrilled to offer the TED stage as a place for extraordinary Canadians to share their ideas with the world,” says Lindsay Levin, Head of Partnerships + Impact, TED.
“From breathtaking outdoor landscapes to authentic Indigenous experiences to incredible urban and culinary journeys, Canada’s openness and inclusiveness make possible the memorable experiences that people carry with them for the rest of their lives,” says the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance. “There’s no doubt Canada is the place to visit, any time of the year, and we welcome you with open arms!”
Destination Canada unveiled its new brand positioning with a campaign that invited Americans to take a new kind of leave – a Maple Leave and escape for a stress-free vacation to Canada. Destination Canada also launched its Open If You Are campaign in the US which challenges certain myths and misconceptions that are stopping guests from thinking about Canada as a long-haul travel destination and aims to inspire, surprise and immerse travellers in Canada’s experiences, as well as its unique blend of openness.
Additional brand campaigns will be launched throughout 2023 as Destination Canada finds new ways to invite guests to experience Canada’s open spaces, open hearts, and open minds.
