An interesting weekend for Florida and Disney fans. And also an interesting morning for Canadian airlines, with WestJet expanding while Sunwing offers more suspensions. Iberostar, meanwhile, will reopen 45 hotels around the world. My Future of Travel blog for Monday, July 13. Disney Opens Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom in Orlando Disney seemed to managed pretty well with its reopening of the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on Sunday. USA Today reports that Walt Disney World reopened to the public Saturday morning nearly four months after closing due to the widening coronavirus pandemic. But what Disney-lovers returned to wasn’t what they left in Read more
Florida
A phased re-opening of Walt Disney World begins in Orlando, Florida tomorrow. I also have a report on Canada’s first-ever nationwide, virtual travel exhibition, which will be held in September, a potential offer to work in Barbados for a year, and a report on the devastating tourism picture in Europe. My Future of Travel blog for July 10. The Magic Kingdom Opens Its Doors Disney tomorrow will welcome guests back to the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Parks, followed by Hollywood Studios and EPCOT next Wednesday, July 15. Critics have pointed out this is taking place during a serious 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
“Temperature checks. Bigger lines. Fewer meals. No alcohol. And ultimately, higher prices.” That’s the way Canadian Press began its latest story on the future of the airline industry. I’ve got a report on that, but also on how WestJet has announced its new summer schedule, with the emphasis on Canada but also five flights to the U.S. and one to Mexico. All in my Future of Travel blog for Monday, June 15. The future of air travel: It ain’t pretty Unless you’re one of those people who regularly fly in the front of the plane, you’ll know that flying hasn’t Read more
