Today’s travel notebook looks at Hong Kong’s plan to reopen for tourism, an Air Canada event in Toronto, a Niagara Region Tourism help package, and an update on the status of Canadian discount airline Flair. HONG KONG READY AND WAITING One of the world’s most popular destinations has a tourism revival plan in place. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) held its annual Tourism Update event online today May 6 and announced a revival plan that highlights Hong Kong’s vibrant developments and new experiences, aiming to generate a positive ambience and make the city top-of-mind destination for worldwide travellers when Read more
Canada
Air Transat is pleased to be back in Barcelona, Venice and Brussels, after several months of forced suspension due to COVID-19. Back in Barcelona The airline will operate this weekend its first flight between Toronto and Barcelona (TS248), which will be offered twice a week at the height of the season. Until the end of October, the airline will operate these flights with its new-generation Airbus A321neoLR aircraft. Air Transat offers a selection of direct routes to Spain from Montreal and Toronto: Departure city Destination Starting # of direct flights per week* Montreal Barcelona April 13 3 Montreal Madrid Read more
Toronto Pearson Airport officials say they need more staffing, better technology and fewer health restrictions to end the lineup nightmare wait times at security and customs. Travellers are returning to Pearson and other Canadian airports in droves, and airport officials across the country are struggling to keep up with demand. Staffing shortages have been an issue in Vancouver, Toronto and other cities. The Greater Toronto Airports Authority says fliers are “facing bottlenecks and very lengthy delays” and that it understands the frustrations that travellers are feeling. The authority says it needs several changes to be made, including changes to public Read more
When people started gravitating outdoors during the global pandemic, Canadian cities were inspired to reimagine their open air spaces to accommodate a new normal of socializing, exercising and dining. The result? Open, accessible and imaginative outdoor offerings, from parking lot patios and garden routes to parkland and open-air art galleries. This summer and beyond, it’s all about the great outdoors in the city. Taking the parties outside: Upcoming summer events include Pride Festival Weekend (June 24-26) in Toronto, Ontario, the Pride Festival and Parade (July 31) in Vancouver, BC, and Montreal Pride Festival (August 1-7) are all returning to in-person Read more
Tourism Ireland is celebrating travel agents across Canada for their continued support and partnership in highlighting the Island of Ireland in honour of Travel Agent Appreciation Day. “Travel agents are undeniably important in our business, and we would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge and express our gratitude to all our partners and travel agents across the country. Their continued engagement and passion for Ireland and urging travelers to press the Green Button and book their trip to Ireland in 2022, is hugely important for us and we could not do it without them,” said Sandra Moffatt, Manager, Tourism Read more










