Destinations
Ritz-Carlton brand returns to Cancun with 131-room luxury hotel
Marriott International, Inc. announced an agreement with FibraHotel, Fibra Danhos and Beyond Ventures to bring The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, Punta Nizuc to the area. The property is slated to include a 131-key luxury hotel, developed and owned through a joint venture between FibraHotel and Fibra Danhos, along with 126 branded residences in a LEED certified building, developed by Beyond Ventures. "Marriott is thrilled to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand back to Cancun, as we continue aiming to meet the growing demand for luxury travel experiences and world-class branded residences," said...
Sandals and Beaches, ACV team up to extend promotion
Two popular sales promotions, created exclusively for Canadians travelling to Sandals and Beaches Resorts in Jamaica and beyond with Air Canada Vacations, have been extended until Oct. 31, 2024. “We’re always thankful for the support of Canadian travel advisors and our partnership with Air Canada Vacations, so it seemed fitting to show our appreciation at Thanksgiving by announcing the extension of these Canadian-exclusive offers,” said Maureen Barnes-Smith, vice-president sales and marketing Canada, Unique Vacations Canada Inc. “I know that clients will certainly thank...
Hurricane Milton makes landfall; multiple tornadoes, casualties reported
On Wednesday evening (Oct. 9), Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm on the Florida peninsula, bringing apocalyptic-like destruction with multiple tornadoes, waves nearing 30 ft. and multiple casualties. Despite government officials urging those in Hurricane Milton's path to evacuate if told to do so, still, some residents stayed behind, and now, local police say they're expecting to find more bodies as cleanup begins. CNN reports that several people were rescued from underneath debris in Palm Beach, after several tornadoes touched down Wednesday evening. Authorities...
Dominica’s 2024-2025 cruise season will include 235 ports of call
Dominica opened the 2024-2025 cruise season with the arrival of Celebrity Summit on Oct. 9, 2024. The season is expected to be vibrant, featuring 235 cruise calls and potentially bringing approximately 375,000 cruise passengers to the island. Notably, 12 ships, including MV AIDAbella, MSC Explora II, MV Sapphire Princess, MV Majestic Princess, and MV Resilient Lady, will make their inaugural visits. Dominica concluded the 2023-2024 cruise season with remarkable achievements. From October 2023 to April 2024, the island welcomed 306,601 cruise visitors—an 11 per cent...
Evacuation orders are a matter of “life or death”, Biden says as Florida prepares for Hurricane Milton’s landfall
Despite weakening to a Category 4 hurricane overnight, Hurricane Milton is still forecast to be one of the most destructive hurricanes in Florida's history, when it makes landfall this evening (Oct.9). Government officials, including President Joe Biden, are urging Florida residents in the storm's path to evacuate immediately. "I urge everyone in Hurricane Milton’s path to listen to local officials and follow all safety instructions. If you are under evacuation orders you should evacuate now while it is still safe to do so. It is a matter of life and death," Biden wrote in a post...
Universal Studios & Seaworld close as Hurricane Milton approaches
Due to Hurricane Milton, Universal Orlando Resort and Seaworld have announced a series of operational changes for Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct. 10. On Wednesday, Oct. 9, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk will be open until 2 p.m. and will be closed on Thursday, Oct. 10. (*Note: Hours of operation are subject to change based on forecast alterations and some attraction and experience availability may be limited on Wednesday as the park prepares for an early closure) Universal Volcano Bay will be closed Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Thursday, Oct....
Park Hyatt brand debuts in the U.K. with Park Hyatt London River Thames
The Park Hyatt London River Thames is now open, marking the debut of the Park Hyatt brand in the United Kingdom. Located in an exclusive riverside location in the fast-transforming South West London district of Nine Elms, the property features unparalleled views of London’s skyline, combining residential charm with sophistication in complete harmony. Park Hyatt London River Thames will offer 203 guestrooms, in a prime location that allows guests to fulfill their diverse desires for culture, exploration and creativity. Just a short walk from Battersea Power Station— recently...
Saint Lucia’s arrivals are up 27%
August 2024 marked a significant milestone for Saint Lucia's tourism sector, with total arrivals reaching 34,895. This figure represents an impressive 27 per cent increase compared to August 2023, marking the eighth consecutive month-on-month growth in 2024. Leading this upward trend, the U.S. market accounted for 54 per cent of total arrivals, demonstrating a remarkable 44 per cent increase over US arrivals from August 2023. This surge is attributed to a 53 per cent increase in available seats from the U.S. market, primarily driven by American Airlines’ expanded service from...