Conde Nast Travel has put out its annual list of top cities, islands, airlines and hotels, and both my home state and adopted country did well. Hawai’i, which is like home to me, also put on a strong performance, as did Florida. The magazine today listed Victoria as the number two small city in the world, while Montreal (10) and Quebec City (5) were named among the top ten best big cities on the planet. Chicago was first for big U.S. cities, followed by Honolulu and San Diego. San Francisco was seventh for big U.S. cities, and New York City Read more
Caribbean
The St. Kitts Tourism Authority has officially launched the destination’s new brand campaign titled, “Venture Deeper.” The new campaign builds on the island’s distinct characteristics while introducing elements of introspective self-discovery and intention that speak to the purpose-driven goals of today’s travellers. “St. Kitts is relatively new to tourism, only focusing efforts and resources to tourism within the last 20 years. This gives our island a very different ethos in the Caribbean,” said Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, CEO of St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “We are contemplative, nostalgic, and soulful. We appeal to intrepid travellers eager to explore, to learn, and immerse Read more
As the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) marks World Tourism Day on Tuesday, September 27, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is reflecting on the significant contribution tourism has made to the socioeconomic development of the Caribbean while focusing on the challenges and opportunities the industry presents for the future. “Tourism has been the main driver in propelling Caribbean economies, creating new entrepreneurial opportunities; building upward mobility; broadening the skills and ingenuity of our peoples; celebrating and showcasing Caribbean culture, cuisine, nature and entertainment; and improving our capacity to rebound from crises and challenging situations,” stated CHTA President Read more
One of the top destinations in the Caribbean is now free of travel restrictions, and one of the world’s top countries for tourism will open in less than three weeks. Effective midnight, Thursday September 22, 2022, Barbados discontinued ALL COVID-19 related travel protocols. Therefore, there will be no testing requirements for entering Barbados whether you are vaccinated or unvaccinated. In addition, the wearing of masks generally will now be optional. Mask wearing only remains mandatory for persons working in and visiting healthcare facilities, nursing homes, hospitals and senior citizens homes; persons travelling on public transportation; and for persons who are Read more
Be prepared to pay more for the privilege of travel this winter. Experts say that while airfares have so far remained steady, experts predict a price spike for fall and winter flights as demand returns. Canadian Press reported earlier this week that experts feel demand could rise further if remaining COVID-19 restrictions such as vaccine mandates are lifted, encouraging travellers who were previously hesitant to fly due to the restrictions. “No doubt,” said Martin Firestone, president of insurance provider Travel Secure Inc. “My gut tells me with the removal of restrictions, more people than ever will travel.” Firestone told me Read more
