If you’re looking for a warm welcome when you travel abroad, book a trip to Italy. If you’re staying in Canada this year, think about visiting Whistler.
Booking.com has announced the recipients of its 12th annual Traveller Review Awards, which are based on more than 309 million verified customer reviews. A record 1.48 million travel partners are receiving a Booking.com Traveller Review Award for 2024.
Most Welcoming Places in the World
For the seventh year in a row, Italy is home to the largest number of Booking.com Traveller Award recipients with 181,012. Here is the complete list of the world’s most welcoming places.
Modena, Italy is famous for its balsamic vinegar. The gelato is equally impressive. JIM BYERS PHOTO
- Italy
- Spain
- France
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Poland
- Brazil
- United States
- Croatia
- Portugal
Most Welcoming Cities in the World
- Arraial d’Ajuda, Brazil
- Ermoupoli, Greece
- Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- Daylesford, Australia
- Grindelwald, Switzerland
- Moab, Utah
- Uzès, France
- Mazatlán, Mexico
- Jaisalmer, India
- Fujikawaguchiko, Japan
Most Welcoming Places in Canada
The Scandinave Spa in Whistler, B.C. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Based on each location’s share of accommodation providers receiving a Traveller Review Award 2024, this year’s list of the Most Welcoming Places in Canada includes five world class mountain sports destinations, a wine lover’s locale that places yearly, and an east coast newcomer to the list. Here are Canada’s most welcoming places for 2024.
- Whistler
- Canmore
- Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Moncton
- Toronto
- Québec City
- Blue Mountains
- Victoria
- Mont-Tremblant
- Revelstoke
There’s no way to compile a statistics-based report on the places with the warmest, friendliest locals. If they did, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia would be on the list for sure. Probably Yukon and Saskatchewan, from what I’ve encountered on my travels in Canada. But this is based on Booking.com customer reviews, and small towns or even bigger cities in Atlantic Canada don’t get as many visitors as, say, Quebec or Niagara, so they don’t get as many good reviews.
It’s the same for countries. Smaller destinations might be very friendly, but they don’t get the traffic that Italy or France gets. So those two countries make the list, while others, say, Slovenia, or Laos, don’t make the cut.
EVEN MORE WELCOME: FREE AIR CANADA FLIGHTS FROM AEROPLAN AND THE LCBO
Launching today, the new Aeroplan and LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) Taste & Travel Contest is offering Aeroplan members the exclusive opportunity to win one of nine weekly prizes that include a round-trip flight for two to anywhere Air Canada flies, plus 100,000 Aeroplan points with HotelSavers! Until March 30, 2024, members will be entered to win one of these dream vacations when they scan their Aeroplan membership cards when purchasing bonus point products online or in-store at the LCBO. You could try a gelato in Italy, like the one above, or head off to exotic Asia, or maybe Australia.
Explore the world with every sip:
· Aeroplan Members receive one contest entry with every bonus point product purchased each week until March 30
· The contest is offering nine weekly prizes to popular locations that Air Canada flies, such as Mexico, Australia, France and more
· Aeroplan credit cardholders can also earn twice the points when they pay with their credit card and provide their Aeroplan membership number
MOST POPULAR FLIGHT BOOKINGS FOR CANADIANS
New Delh, India. confused_me/Pixabayphoto
FlightHub.com looked at what its customers are booking in terms of 2024 flights and came up with a top 10 list of most popular destinations. Here’s what they found:
- MANILA (10.77% of all flights. Average ticket price $1,693.52)
- DELHI (5.81% of all flights. Average ticket price $1,783.72)
- CANCUN (5.36% of all flights. Average ticket price $477.94)
- PUERTO VALLARTA (3.04% of all flights. Average ticket price $554.29)
- BANGKOK (2.63% of all flights. Average ticket price $1,657.15)
- HO CHI MINH CITY (2.05% of all flights. Average ticket price $1,679.98)
- LISBON (2.01% of all flights. Average ticket price $807.78)
- TOKYO NARITA (1.72% of all flights. Average ticket price $1,673.11)
- CASABLANCA (1.63% of all flights. Average ticket price $1,138.83)
- MUMBAI (1.28% of all flights. Average ticket price $1,692.56)
MARRIOTT BONVOY BONUS POINTS PROGRAM COMING SOON
The Sheraton Maui on Ka’anapali Beach is part of Marriott Bonvoy.
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program. is bringing back its much-loved global promotion offering members bonus points and Elite Night Credits on each night of their stay. From February 13 to April 29, registered members can earn 1,000 bonus points and one bonus Elite Night Credit on each night during the promotional earning period. Registration begins today and runs through April 15.
Marriott Bonvoy welcomes members to explore its extensive portfolio of over 30 hotel brands and earn up to 76,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points and 76 bonus Elite Night Credits. Once members are registered for the promotion, they can earn twice each night, starting on their first night.
Bonus points can be redeemed in an abundant of ways – through hotel stays across the unrivaled portfolio or through Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy stays as well as through unique experiences with Marriott Bonvoy Moments. Bonus Elite Night Credits accelerate earning toward elite status, enabling members to reach a higher Marriott Bonvoy membership tier more quickly. For example, with this promotion, a member can achieve Silver Elite status in just five nights instead of 10. With Silver Elite status, members can unlock new benefits such as late check-out and 10 per cent bonus points on eligible future hotel stays.
Additional details listed below:
- Registration is open here now through April 15, 2023. The promotion earning period runs from February 13 to April 29, 2024.
- Stays completed prior to registration are not eligible to earn with this promotion. Members must register before April 15, 2024.
- With this promotion, members can earn unlimited bonus points and bonus Elite Night Credits during the 76-day earning period, up to 76,000 bonus points and 76 bonus Elite Night Credits.
- A hotel must participate in Marriott Bonvoy at the time of the stay to qualify as a stay night under the promotional terms.
- Members must book stays directly with Marriott on Marriott.com, in the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile app or through a reservations center. Rates available through most third-party online retailers and select travel agency rates do not qualify for this promotion.
- Stays at The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, and owner-occupied weeks at Marriott Vacation Club®, Grand Residences by Marriott®, Marriott Grand Residence Club®, Sheraton Vacation Club®, Westin Vacation Club®, The Ritz-Carlton Club®, St. Regis Residence Club® and Luxury Collection Residence Club, are not eligible for bonus Points or bonus Elite Night Credits for this promotion.
GREAT WINTER PACKAGES AND DEALS AT CHELSEA HOTEL TORONTO
A special kids check-in at the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto.
Toronto (a very welcoming city; see above item) is definitely a city worth bundling up for, with plenty of exciting winter activities, events, and festivals. Embrace the winter season with comfort and convenience in the heart of downtown Toronto, courtesy of Chelsea Hotel. And remember, as Family Day weekend and March Break approach, they have special rates for stay dates through February and March! Our central location ensures comfortable family accommodations and easy access to all the city has to offer.
Here are a few reasons to visit the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto during the winter season:
Winter Wanderer Sale: Save up to 20% off your stay at Chelsea Hotel, Toronto. Don’t miss out on a chance to experience elevated comfort in our renovated Executive rooms, ideal for both leisure and business travelers. Choose from king or two double beds with amenities including private balcony access (available in most rooms), Nespresso® coffee machines, 50″ flat screen TV, mini-fridges, and stunning views of the downtown core.
Bed and Breakfast: Park, sleep, eat, repeat! Unwind and relax with our Bed and Breakfast Package at Chelsea Hotel, Toronto! Enjoy the ultimate staycation including a two-for-one breakfast deal and complimentary underground hotel parking, with added benefits of an adult-only oasis on Deck 27, free Wi-Fi, and much more! Relax, recharge, and explore the city at your own pace. Terms and conditions apply.
More Ways to Save: Discover an array of special offers for everyone! Visit our website’s offers page for more details on all the offers. From discounts for CARP members and CAA members, to packages with free parking, there is something for everyone!
Premiere Family Destination!
Family Day (February 17-19): Join us over Family Day long weekend. Book your stay starting on February 1st for stay dates between February 15th to 19th with a flat rate from $159. Enjoy the hotel’s dedicated Family Fun Zone, featuring the only indoor 130 ft. waterslide in downtown Toronto, and guests can expect a line-up of free family-friendly activities all weekend long. Terms and conditions apply.
March Break (March 8-17): During March Break, the Chelsea is your family’s playground. Book your stay starting on February 1st for stay dates between March 7th to 17th, at the low rate from $169 on weekdays and from $189 on weekends. Enjoy complimentary events and activities all week long, from movies to magic shows and everything in between. Terms and conditions apply.
Flavourful Offerings: Elevate your dining experience with our revamped Elm Street Bar & Lounge, where a diverse menu awaits your taste buds. Don’t forget to follow @chelseahoteltoronto on Instagram and receive a 20% off coupon to Elm Street Bar & Lounge. Alternatively, indulge in value-friendly options at Market Garden restaurant for breakfast and dinner, or savor a quick and convenient coffee and sandwich combo at Expresso Coffee & Wine Bar for those on the go.
Fun in the City: Toronto definitely puts the ‘wonderland’ in ‘winter wonderland’! Enjoy one of the many downtown ice rinks, including the Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail, located across the street at College Park. The Art Gallery of Ontario (one of the hotel’s Show Your Key and Save partners), will be offering Family Day fun for familiar to enjoy drop in programs, guided tours, and workshops. Stay at the Chelsea Hotel, and get discounted admission to the gallery. For comic book fans, Toronto’s comicon returns on March 15th. Check out Destination Toronto’s website for more winter activities suggestions in the city.
Your Room Key Unlocks More Than Just Your Door: Ask the hotel’s concierge team about the Show Your Key and Save program. Chelsea guests receive exclusive discounts to some of Toronto’s top attractions, including the Ontario Science Centre, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and Little Canada, to name a few.
AIR CANADA ADOPTS PROGRAM TO HELP PASSENGERS WITH HIDDEN DISABILITIES
Air Canada has adopted the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to better serve customers with non-visible disabilities.
Air Canada is taking steps to make things better for customers with hidden disabilities.
Canada’s largest airline today said it has become the first airline in North America to adopt the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to better serve customers with non-visible disabilities. Air Canada also confirmed the first appointments to its new Customer Accessibility Advisory Committee, which will guide the company as it accelerates its three-year accessibility plan.
“Air Canada is the first airline in North America to adopt the Sunflower program, which will enable us to better assist and serve our customers with non-visible disabilities such as autism,” said Tom Stevens, Vice President, Customer Experience and Operations Strategy, at Air Canada.
“Our customers make 1.3 million accessibility requests each year and this initiative further demonstrates our commitment to improve accessibility, which we are reinforcing through the creation of a Customer Accessibility Advisory Committee. Consisting of customers with disabilities from accessibility groups in Canada, the committee will contribute to heightened awareness and help us identify barriers and develop solutions,”
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a globally recognized program that employs the use of a discreet sunflower symbol to identify customers with non-visible disabilities. By choosing to wear the Sunflower lanyard, Air Canada customers can indicate to airline staff that they may require additional assistance, have specific needs, or simply require more time while travelling.
In support of the program, Air Canada is training and building awareness amongst all customer-facing employees to recognize and respond appropriately to participating customers. The lanyard is available at check-in counters at Hidden Disability Sunflower member airports in Canada and on board all flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express.
“We are delighted for Air Canada to become the first airline in North America to officially launch the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Air Canada and the Sunflower are aligned in our commitment to ensure that Sunflower wearers are recognized and receive the additional support, understanding and kindness they need during their air travel journey,” said Paul White, Chief Executive Officer of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme Ltd., a private company based in the UK that manages the global program.
Paul Rogers, a director on the board of Brain Injury Canada and a member of the Air Canada Customer Accessibility Advisory Committee, said: “It gives you great confidence, in that you know that you can be seen. It’s a very visual tool without me having or anyone having to explain and have that conversation. And it’s reassuring knowing that there’s somebody who’s got your back; who’s there and can see what’s going on and help you out.”
Customer Accessibility Advisory Committee
Air Canada committed in its three-year Air Canada Accessibility Plan to establish an advisory group of customers with disabilities. The committee will provide input from the perspective of our customers with disabilities to help guide Air Canada’s path and vision in accessibility as part of its Elevating the Customer Experience program. The advisory group will initially have representatives from four Canadian accessibility groups, including: Donna Jodhan, Barrier Free Canada; Paul Rogers, Brain Injury Canada; Isabelle Ducharme, Kéroul; and Joanne Smith, Spinal Cord Injury Canada.
Accelerated Accessibility Plan
In November 2023, Air Canada announced it was accelerating the Air Canada Accessibility Plan through a series of measures to remove barriers and improve the travel experience for its customers with disabilities. These included:
Boarding: Customers at the gate who request lift assistance will be consistently boarded first before all other customers and proactively seated at the front of the cabin they booked. Air Canada is investing significantly in new equipment at Canadian airports, such as lifts, to ensure that we can meet the expectations of our customers.
Storage of mobility aids: Mobility aids will be stored in the aircraft cabin when possible. When mobility aids are stored in the cargo hold, new systems are being put in place to track them in transit, including a process to confirm mobility aids are properly loaded before departure. Customers travelling within Canada are now able to track the journey of their mobility aid using the Air Canada app.
Training: Enhanced training will be supplied to improve all aspects of employee interactions with customers with disabilities, including understanding customer experiences in air travel. Air Canada’s approximately 10,000 airport employees will receive this training as part of a new annual, recurrent training program.
Responsibility: Air Canada has created the new senior position of Director, Customer Accessibility. The director will lead a team to manage implementation of the company’s accessibility plan as well as provide a resource and common reference point for responsive management of disability issues.
