Tourism continues to recover at a strong pace, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Globally, destinations welcomed almost three times as many international arrivals in the first quarter of 2022 as in the same period of 2021, with Europe leading the sector’s rebound. According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourism saw a 182% year-on-year increase in January-March 2022, with destinations worldwide welcoming an estimated 117 million international arrivals compared to 41 million in Q1 2021. Of the extra 76 million international arrivals for the first three months, about 47 million were recorded in March, showing that the Read more
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, and June 21st honours National Indigenous Peoples Day. Recognizing and celebrating the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Indigenous peoples of Canada, National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to support Indigenous businesses while getting out and exploring all corners of the country in a meaningful and enriching way. Indigenous activities are happening across the country from now until the end of June, giving everyone ample opportunity to participate no matter where they’re located. A few examples include: · Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival, June 9-12 in Toronto · Read more
The term ‘travel’ and its connotations should denote positive experiences, adventure and enjoyment. Yet for many LGBTQ+ travellers, the reality of travelling can often paint a very different picture, with new research from leading digital travel platform Booking.com revealing that 83% of Canadian LGBTQ+ travellers have experienced less than welcoming, or uncomfortable, experiences when travelling. The most extensive LGBTQ+ travel research from Booking.com to date shines a light on attitudes, concerns and travel preferences, as well as past stay experiences, current realities and hopes for a more inclusive travel future. Conducted amongst LGBTQ+ travellers across 25 countries around the world, Read more
SAS is expanding its network in North America and with direct routes to Copenhagen and Stockholm from Toronto. SAS will operate three weekly flights to Copenhagen and four weekly flights to Stockholm with its brand-new A321LR aircraft. The inaugural flight took place yesterday (June 2) from Toronto to Stockholm. The first flight to Copenhagen will take place today, June 3. This marks the first flights between Toronto and Stockholm for SAS in 30 years. Scandinavia offers a bounty of awe-inspiring experiences for every traveller. Known as the happiest city in the world, Copenhagen, Denmark is known for its stunning canals, Read more
Air Transat proudly announces its partnership with 4Ukraine.ca to help relocate Ukrainians displaced by war coming to Canada. Air Transat will be providing available seats to Ukrainian nationals on their flights operated from Paris and London mainly to Montréal or Toronto. 4Ukraine.ca will be covering taxes and airport charges. In addition to operating a donation-based airfare program, 4Ukraine.ca includes a rigorous vetting process, host family background checks, and job prospecting for Ukrainians relocating to Canada. “We are thrilled to work with Air Transat on this initiative,” said 4Ukraine.ca co-founder and director, Anna Chif. “This partnership means the world to Ukrainians Read more
WestJet today, is celebrating the launch of service to Edinburgh with the departure of WS16 from Toronto Pearson International Airport at 9:25 p.m. local time last night. With the addition of the airline’s latest connection to Europe, WestJet will now fly non-stop to five European destinations from Toronto this summer including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dublin, London-Gatwick and Barcelona, Spain. “We are thrilled that Edinburgh is the final European connection to inaugurate from Toronto this summer, rounding out the restoration of our network and strengthening our offerings from Toronto. These cities are some of the world’s most vibrant and iconic destinations and Read more
Switzerland is open for travel, and they’re welcoming Canadian visitors. Switzerland Tourism is taking part in its first cross Tourism launches its first cross Canada roadshow focusing on Canadian travel trade and media from May 30 to June 3. Eleven Swiss suppliers from Andermatt, Basel, Engelberg / Mount Titlis, Interlaken Tourism, Jungfrau Region, Mount Pilatus, Mount Schilthorn, SWISS/Lufthansa Group, the Swiss Travel System, Ticino, and the Valais Matterhorn region will visit Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver to present new experiences, hotels and offers. I had the pleasure of visiting Basel, Lucerne and Engelberg/Mount Titlis last fall and absolutely loved both. Basel Read more
