Visit California says the Golden State’s tourism industry grew 32 percent in 2022 and that the state is poised to pass pre-pandemic records for visitor spending, employment and tax generation. “I’m happy to report California tourism has bounced back from the devastating human and economic toll of the pandemic and continues to provide value for all Californians,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California, the state’s tourism marketing organization. “California’s iconic destinations are again welcoming visitors from around the world, growing tourism’s economic contributions beyond 2019 levels and putting hundreds of thousands back to work.” Visit California officials Read more
toronto. Pearson Airport
Architectural Digest has a good piece on high-end hotels and resorts that are frequented by celebrities. Included in their list is the Four Seasons Whistler in British Columbia, Amangiri in Utah, Alila Ventana Big Sur in California and Island House, a quiet spot on super remote Lord Howe Island, Australia. I don’t think I’ve stayed there but I believe I’ve had a meal or two at the Four Seasons in Whistler. I haven’t stayed at Amangiri in Utah but I hear amazing things. I also haven’t stayed at Alila Ventana, but I’ve spent a bit of time in Big Sur, Read more
Air Canada officials say they’re very optimistic about the future, and they say more expansion news is on the way. Speaking at a Toronto event to honour outgoing Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Lucie Guillemette, who has announced her retirement, senior executives said the Montreal-based company has emerged strongly from the pandemic and is eager to rise even higher. “We are emerging from the pandemic better equipped than ever,” said Guillemette. “We feel we are back in full force.” Guillemette joked she’ll probably still check on Air Canada advance sales over coffee every morning, even when she’s retired. Read more
Air Canada announced today the strategic expansion of its international network with the addition of new, non-stop flights from its hub at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Dubai. The new route will operate four times weekly beginning Oct. 28, 2023 onboard Air Canada’s flagship Dreamliner fleet. The carrier’s new Vancouver-Dubai flights will complement Air Canada’s daily service between Toronto and Dubai, broadening its presence in fast-growing international markets. “We are extremely pleased to add the only non-stop service linking Vancouver and Dubai, two iconic and vibrant global destinations,” said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management, at Read more
Here are some new travel bits from today’s news, as well as a recap of some items from earlier this week that you might have missed. Canada’s Travel Guy, at your service. PORTER AIRLINES TRIMS SCHEDULE The Globe and Mail today reports that Toronto-based Porter Airlines has made “extensive” cuts to its flight schedule. The airline in the last couple months has with great fanfare announced a series of new routes on its new Embraer jets, including Toronto-Calgary and Toronto-Vancouver. I spotted airline founder Bob Deluce at Toronto Pearson a few weeks ago and he said more big announcements Read more
