The Toronto tourism economy is rebounding strongly, but there are plenty of cautionary flags flying in the June breeze. I had a chance to sit down (virtually) the other day with Andrew Weir, Executive Vice President Destination Development for Destination Toronto, to talk about where the city is headed. Nobody’s popping the champagne corks just yet, but they might be thinking of what they might want to order at the LCBO when the time comes. “There’s absolutely a sentiment in the community now that we’re on the on-ramp back to that state of a thriving visitor economy,” Weir said. “I Read more

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