A return to fuller airplanes. Toronto hotel openings. And a potential return to Europe for Canadians. Here’s my Future of Travel blog for today. Middle Seat Occupation Returning on Some Airlines I hope nobody who’s been flying lately was getting used to the space around them. Because you can kiss it goodbye. For the past few months, many airlines have been blocking off middle seats to enforce social distancing. But with COVID-19 somewhat under control in some places, that is coming to an end. In Canada, both Air Canada and WestJet say they will no longer block off seats. Ditto Read more
Europe
Europe appears to be slamming the door on Americans who’d like to visit this summer. But what about Canadians? I take a look at that issue, as well as a predicted slow rebound for California tourism and a further suspension of cruises by Royal Caribbean. Also, a nod to Quebec and Francophone Canadians on Saint-Jean-Baptiste/Fete nationale du Quebec Day. European Travel This Summer: Can Canadians Go? TravelPulse Canada, where I work as senior editorial director, has a story out today about how European Union countries appear to be banning U.S. residents from visiting any time soon. I wrote in this Read more
With tourism lagging badly, Europe wants more visitors. I’ve also got news about a VRBO list on where Americans are heading for the Fourth of July weekend, new funding for tourism in Alberta and cruise news from Carnival and MSC Cruises. Trudeau: Border Loosening Not Likely Soon Canadian travel and tourism leaders have been lobbying hard for a loosening of Canada’s borders to allow more international visitors. They also want fewer restrictions on intra-provincial travel. But it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen soon. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today said the federal government has to “look very carefully” at Read more
Canada and the US are keeping the border closed until July 21. But the good news is two great Niagara experiences open soon; the Hornblower Cruise to the Falls and the Whirlpool Jet rides. I also look at Canada’s rating for adventure travel, the quarantine situation in Hawaii, re-openings in Europe, and LGBTQ travel news in my Future of Travel blog for June 16, 2020. Niagara Falls Re-Opening Starts This Week One of the world’s great destinations – and one that’s easy for many Canadians to reach without leaving their home province – is re-opening its amazing attractions. Read more
Beautiful Jamaica opens for international visitors tomorrow. I also have news on a $750 million program to help Quebec tourism, a California Highway One opening, a partial Bahamas opening, an update on when cruise ships will start running again and a look at the hotel experience of the future. JAMAICA RE-OPENS TOMORROW Jamaica has announced it will reopen its borders for international travellers tomorrow, June 15. Officials say an extensive set of safety protocols have been announced, including health screening before entry and upon entry, which will be implemented to manage risks to workers, communities and travellers. From planning Read more
