Destinations
Visit Florida enjoying continued growth in Canadian arrivals
Visit Florida and eight of its partners were in Toronto this week to get together with some of its partners at Sassafraz in the city’s Yorkville neighbourhood. The casual, relaxed event, was full of good news as Lea-Ann Goltz, VoX International’s Canada account manager for Visit Florida, reminded the group that Canada has, historically, been the number one international market for the state of Florida. In 2023, 3.82 million Canadians headed to the Sunshine State, representing a 45.5 per cent increase over 2022 and just seven per cent down from the totals of 2019. On another...
AI can spark bookings, but agents still top of mind, Expedia says
On now until May 15, Expedia Group's 25th annual EXPLORE conference has seen more than 2,000 global suppliers and partners converge at the ARIA Casino & Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. During the trade show, Expedia Group released its 2024 Spring Product Release, in which the company leveraged the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to eliminate confusion and stress for travellers across tasks like planning, booking management, and customer service. “AI is everywhere and yes, at times, it feels like the only thing that any one is talking about but that’s for good reason,”...
JTB hosts virtual weddings expo
Destination Jamaica brought the dreamiest of the island’s wedding and honeymoon ‘boom’ offerings to the Come Back to Romance Virtual Expo on May 9. The country anticipates that 2024 will become the busiest year for hosting weddings and romance related activities. This exclusive wedding expo activation, hosted by the Spoiled Agent Association, featured a local marriage officer who answered questions and helped guide travel agents to make the process smooth for couples. The session also highlighted the over 25 travel partners on accessible on island. The Weddings Units of...
Intrepid expands in the Middle East with new Jordan hub
Intrepid has increased its presence in the Middle East with the opening of its first destination management company in Jordan. Based in Amman, the local team will operate Intrepid’s range of nine experiential small group tours in Jordan from this summer, with a view to expanding the range for 2025 and beyond. “Opening a hub in Jordan is a significant milestone for Intrepid. We see this step as a mark of confidence in the country," said Zina Bencheikh, managing director EMEA. "Despite the current crisis, Jordan has so much to offer our global travellers and we consider it a...
Princess’ 2025/2026 South America & Antarctica trips revealed
Princess Cruises recently announced its 2025-2026 South America and Antarctica season, offering guests affordable rates, a wide range of shore excursions, and the comfort of a ship that can safely navigate this journey while offering countless amenities and activities to enjoy. "Our upcoming 2025-26 cruise season to South America and Antarctica promises remarkable journeys with incredible opportunities to glide through glacial waters of Antarctica to enjoy views of Elephant Island, Antarctic Sound and Gerlache Strait – all unforgettable sites to behold," said Terry Thornton,...
Chicago selected as host city for IPW 2025
Preparations are now underway in the Windy City to welcome delegates who will attend IPW 2025. The international tourism conference and trade marketplace will run June 14 to 18 next year, reports Baxter Media’s Ted Davis, who has been attending IPW 2024 in Los Angeles. Attendees will join the 50 million visitors who come to Chicago each year to see the city’s many attractions, ranging from a towering skyline and lakeside vistas to leading museums, legendary blues and jazz venues, art installations, top dining options and historic sports franchises – and including a wide...
Virgin Limited Edition welcomes luxury safari camp to portfolio
Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition has added the Finch Hattons Luxury Safari Camp in Kenya to its collection of unique retreats. Located in the Tsavo National Park of Kenya, this marks the ninth property within the collection and its fifth footprint in Africa, complementing its other properties across the continent, including Mahali Mzuri, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard, and the famed Kasbah Tamadot. It will also become an integral part of the wider parent company, Virgin Hotels Collection, encompassing Virgin Hotels and Virgin Limited...
NYC gears up for 2026 FIFA World Cup with multiple new experiences
New York City Tourism + Conventions, the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, is highlighting special programming for travellers across sports, history, arts and culture this year and beyond. This comes as the City looks forward to a historic 2026, with major events including America250 celebrations and eight FIFA World Cup games, including the final, on the world’s largest stage. “New York City is ready to once again host some of the world’s largest sporting and cultural events, while welcoming...