A new study by TD Economics says tourism spending in Canada is expected to grow at a modest 2-4% clip this year. Spending by U.S. visitors “is set to exert a drag on the overall tally this year. U.S. visits are falling amid trade tensions and economic uncertainty, with cross-border spending projected to decline by 5-10% this year,” the study said. “However, lower U.S. spending is expected to be offset by a rise in Canadian domestic tourism outlays as many residents redirect all or part of their travel budgets to the home market. Moreover, spending by non-U.S. international tourists in Read more
Canada
Buffalo Loves Canada Campaign; Air Canada Seat Sale for Canada Day: WestJet and Saudia Airlines Deal
Visit Buffalo Niagara is launching a new campaign to celebrate the region’s strong cross-border ties with Canada. Timed to debut on Canada Day, Tuesday, July 1, the campaign carries a clear message of friendship and appreciation: “Buffalo Loves Canada.” As part of the celebration, a new billboard featuring the “Buffalo Loves Canada” logo will appear along the QEW near Toronto, welcoming Canadian travelers and reminding them of Buffalo’s enduring connection to its northern neighbors. In addition, downtown Buffalo landmarks will be illuminated in red that evening in partnership with the City of Buffalo to mark Canada’s national holiday. VBN is Read more
The new Canada Strong pass was unveiled last week, providing Canadians and visitors alike with free access to national parks and historic sites this summer, plus great deals on national museums and significant VIA RAIL discounts. I did a series of interviews on the pass last Thursday for CBC radio stations across the country, talking about how the pass works and whether it’s a good idea. Here’s a synopsis. How exactly does this pass work, and where? I think the most obvious deal for people when they first hear about this is that all Canadian national parks are free until Read more
The people who run the Global Liveability Index have come out with an exhaustive ranking of world cities. The top ten list is dominated by Europe and Australia, but Canada placed four cities in the top 20, which is nothing to sneeze at. According to Time Out, The Global Liveability Index rated more than 170 world cities based on five major factors. They are stability (such as the threat of conflict or prevalence of petty crime); healthcare (availability of over-the-counter drugs, quality of public healthcare); culture and environment (temperatures, levels of censorship); education (availability and quality of private education) and Read more
Air Canada has been named Best Airline in North America for the second year in a row. It also has cracked the world’s top 20 airlines, coming in 19th in the highly reputable Skytrax World Airline Awards. Air Canada came home with nine major awards this year: Best Airline in North America Most Family Friendly Airline in North America Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering in North America Best Business Class Onboard Catering in North America Best Cabin Crew in North America Best Cabin Crew in Canada Best Business Class Lounge North America (Toronto Pearson) Best Business Class Airline Lounge Read more
