Destinations
Jamaica’s first gastronomy academy will be ready for winter
Jamaica’s first Gastronomy Academy will be in operation at the Montego Bay Convention Centre by the end of 2024, the island’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett has announced. Minister Bartlett said the academy will be opened “for the winter tourist season this year,” adding that the convention centre already boasts “the largest and best kitchen, arguably in the Caribbean,” and it will be complemented by a gourmet restaurant to be established also at the convention centre as the training ground for the academy’s students. The Minister made the announcement as he...
Europe tourism hits new highs in 2024
In the second quarter of 2024, the European tourism industry saw its recovery continue, with foreign arrivals (+6%) and overnights (+7%) surpassing 2019 figures, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 12% and 10%, respectively. The growth is propelled by robust intra-regional travel from Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. The European Travel Commission (ETC) released the results in its latest European Tourism Trends & Prospects quarterly report. Highlights included: Strong Recovery: Foreign arrivals and overnights surpass 2019 figures in the first half of...
Turks and Caicos sees arrival numbers soaring
The Turks and Caicos Islands continue to capture the hearts of travellers, sealing its reputation as the top premium class destination in the Caribbean. In May, the destination saw an impressive 64,727 air arrivals; bringing the total number of visitors to 336,053 for the year so far, marking a 10.85% increase from January to May 2023. March stood out as the peak month, welcoming a record-breaking 77,559 visitors. Minister of Tourism, the Hon Josephine Connolly, said she is pleased with the growth that seals the Turks and Caicos Islands as the top luxury destination in the...
Thailand’s tourism trade is on a roll
Tourism officials from the Land of Smiles have every reason to smile as they survey the performance of Thailand’s tourism industry these days. Thailand — dubbed the Land of Smiles, a name that reflects their cheerful, friendly nature — is reporting robust tourism growth, with Air Canada’s Vancouver-Bangkok service being credited in part with boosting the number of Canadians visiting the Asian nation. “The tourism sector is one of the most important income generators for Thailand and the Land of Smiles is ready to welcome all travellers from around the world,” Chompu...
Jamaica says ‘thanks’ with special JAMGETAWAY’ offer
With a record-setting two million visitors already experiencing Jamaica so far in 2024, the island is saying thanks with a limited-time-only “JAMGETAWAY” offer of up to 65% off at 50 participating hotels in six resort areas on the island. Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett said: “We’ve seen unprecedented visitation in 2023 and 2024 and are now ahead of schedule in our goal to reach five million annual visitors. To show our gratitude, we are offering the opportunity for generous savings for visitors looking to experience Jamaica’s beautiful beaches and immersive culture...
Open for business: Caribbean shows its resilience after Beryl
A Toronto-based advocate for Caribbean tourism insists Canadians shouldn't be nervous about visiting the Caribbean in the wake of Hurricane Beryl, blamed for at least 7 deaths and which left some smaller Caribbean islands in virtual ruins after roaring over them, drawing international attention while doing so. Nancy Drolet of One Caribbean Canada -- founded by Drolet after the Caribbean Tourism Organization closed its international offices last year -- says that hurricanes of Beryl's intensity are something of a rarity, with the region frequently going for years without seeing one as...
Grenada hotels, attractions fully operational
The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) is advising that Grenada's hotels and attractions are fully operational following Hurricane Beryl and the country is ready and eager to welcome visitors from near and far with open arms. While Grenada’s main island has remained resilient, the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Grenada’s sister islands, suffered catastrophic damage. Hurricane Beryl’s fierce rains and wind knocked out desalination plants, cell towers, and fibre optic cables, left roads impassable, and destroyed houses along with local businesses, and income-generating...
American connects Quebec City to Philadelphia
Québec City travellers now have an easier time to get to Philadelphia as American Airlines is offering daily nonstop seasonal service from Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). The daily service runs through Nov. 4. “Philadelphia shares a number of similarities to Québec City, from our historical and cultural attractions to our award-winning culinary experiences to the charm of the locals,” said Gregg Caren, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This seasonal flight will help us...