Discover the world-renowned Rotana Hotels’ prestigious collection of hotels & resorts this August at their exclusive Agent events across the United Kingdom.
This informative evening promises networking opportunities, enticing refreshments, insightful Q&A sessions and an exciting prize draw.
Details:
Glasgow: August 29 - Citation, 40 Wilson St, Glasgow G1 1HD
Chester: August 30 - Abode, Grosvenor Rd, Chester CH1 2DJ
London: August 31 - Caledonian Club, 9 Halkin St, London SW1X 7DR
RSVP: sellingtravel.co.uk/training-events Visit rotana.com to explore the brand
08 Cycling Holidays: Inspire clients to take their hobby abroad this year
12 Four-Sight: Which TV shows are shaping summer holiday trends?
14 Denmark: Combine Copenhagen, Aarhus and Aalborg for the ultimate culture-rich city break
17 Six of the best: Bourbon Experiences in Kentucky
20 48 Hours In: Scotland
22 Travel for Every Body: How are airlines adapting for better accessibility?
24 My Journey: Havila Castor's Norwegian coastline cruise
26 48 Hours In: Huntington Beach, California, USA
28 Top Ten: Year-round Tenerife
30 Canada Races Ahead: New openings and accessibility initiatives as Canada enjoys its time in the spotlight
39 Trade Show: News from Rendez-vous Canada
46 The Review: Event coverage from Selling Travel Connect: Tenerife, Indian Ocean & Middle East and Cincy Region
EDITORIAL
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Jessica Pook
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Matt Bonner
CEO
Martin Steady
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It’s no secret that film and TV can provide an escapism from daily life, but it can also plant a seed for future travel plans.
I found myself reminiscing on my time spent in sunny Sydney and the dusty red Outback whilst watching Ten Pound Poms, and was immediately curious when I read the news about Australia increasing the maximum age for its popular Working Holiday Visas, from 30 to 35, from July 1.
And it seems I am not the only one, as research from Tourism Australia found that 45% of 25- to 34-year-olds wish they had taken a gap year when they had the chance, pointing to weather (30%), lifestyle (27%) and new experiences (23%) as the top reasons to live and work Down Under.
I was also thrilled to see Canada's Newfoundland get some attention on BBC's recent Race Across the World series, having spent some time there last year. The series shone a spotlight on the country's unique and vast landscapes, but also how expensive taxi rides are!
We have a soft spot for Canada and are excited about our new Canada SuperHub. See sellingtravel.co.uk for a wealth of inspirational content – from the Yukon’s glittering gold rush history to Québec’s French flair. We’ve also included a dedicated SellingCanadasection in this issue, hot on the heels of Rendez-vous Canada in Québec City in June, the country's leading travel trade event. SellingCanadawas delighted to once again sponsor the Brits Party. It was great to meet with so many tour operators and UK reps.
But back to the silver screen: the chatter at our recent Selling Travel Connect: Cincy Region evening was that a certain Robert De Niro is spending time in downtown Cincinnati filming for new gangster movie TheWiseGuys, set in 1950s New York. I wonder if he had a famous Cincy Chili whilst he was shooting?
Meanwhile, it's great to see so many agents continuing to support our Connect events and build such great relationships with suppliers. We’ll be hosting events on The Caribbean and Rotana Hotels in July and August.
We hope to see you there...
Renaissance Hotels has debuted in Portugal with the opening of Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel. A member of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio, it is located in Lapa, one of the most historic neighbourhoods in Porto. It has 163 guest rooms and suites with panoramic views of the city skyline and the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel’s neighbouring Lapa Church dates back 260 years while the Liberal Porto route details points of interest from The Siege of Porto in 1832. marriott.com
Perfect for big groups or multi-generational families, Villa Inkognito in Oslo’s vibrant West End is an 11-suite retreat located next door to the recently-opened Sommerro, Oslo’s first luxury neighbourhood hotel. The villa is available to book in its entirety or on an individual room basis, with guests able to enjoy all amenities that include seven restaurants and bars, a 100-seat gilded theatre, a wellness space with historic public baths and Oslo’s first year-round rooftop pool. sommerrohouse.com
Cycling holidays are big business right now, with this summer’s Tour de France, which started in July, generating a much bigger buzz than in previous years thanks in part to the new Netflix documentary, Tour de France Unchained, which first aired in early June.
Closer to home, ireland has announced it hopes to host the iconic race’s opening section in 2026.
But keen cyclists are not confining their love of two wheels to just the UK or the emerald isle – they’re increasingly heading abroad for their cycling fix, whether on self-guided explorations or as part of escorted tours.
part of the appeal is the recent increased investment in cycling infrastructure – both in the UK and abroad – and the range of biking holidays available now reflects this.
Here, the government has announced plans to invest £32.9 million to develop better cycling schemes while investment in other countries’ cycling infrastructures is enticing clients to take their bikes further afield, too. Last September, for example, France invested 250 million Euros in cycling-focused initiatives.
The UK’s Department for Transport recently revealed that in 2022 (compared with 2021), cycling levels in england rose by 47% on weekdays and 27% on weekends. and there’s plenty of proof that many are taking their hobby abroad. “a recent survey conducted by the adventure travel trade Association found that cycling was the second most popular adventure activity
after hiking,” says Vimal Mathews, manager of Authentic India Tours, which offers several cycling holidays in india. “69% of respondents had participated in a cycling tour or activity in the past three years.”
All of which is great news for operators specialising in active holidays.
“this year, bookings for our cycling trips have doubled compared to 2022,” says James Adkin, product manager at Explore. “Our best-selling cycling trip is our Cycle the Dalmatian Coast tour, which has seen a fourfold increase since 2019 in terms of sales.”
Additionally, cyclists are exploring beyond the obvious contenders such as France, Italy and Switzerland.
Explore’s Adkin names Japan, Cuba, vietnam and georgia as destinations which are attracting growing numbers of pedal enthusiasts.
“Cuba is a perfect destination for cycling because of the very low traffic levels,” he says. “our Cycle vietnam and Cambodia tour has always proved popular and we’re seeing bookings pick up again now that places have reopened. It’s a tour which offers stunning scenery, ancient history, superb cuisine and great cycle routes.”
However, there are still plenty of options closer to home. Harvey Downard at BSpoke Tours references two which he believes will become increasingly popular over the coming years.
“There’s Italy’s Umbria region, with its history, culture and stunning views of Tuscany, but without the tourists,” he says. “And then there’s Sussex.
With more of us than ever before saddling up, Tamara Hinston offers the lowdown on the best options for clients craving some two-wheeled fun
With the wine industry there booming, more people are looking to hop between the vineyards by bike.”
it’s important that agents take the time to consider their clients’ cycling proficiency, as well as their interests beyond cycling. Someone who’s not far removed from ditching their stabilisers might well dream of pedalling their way around the French Alps, but the steep ascents, high altitude and twisting roads might be beyond their capabilities.
“ask lots of questions about the type of cycling that your client enjoys,” says Downard. “For some, short distances and more cultural stops might be a better fit.”
as an agent, it’s also important to bust any misconceptions, especially at a time when operators are rolling out a wider range of cycling tours –including ones which use e-bikes.
“a top tip for selling cycling trips is to remove the image of mamils (‘middle aged men in lycra’), and the myth that cycling holidays are all about super-fit
athletes who power along without a bead of sweat on their brows,” says Adkin.
“our cycling trips are suitable for anybody with a reasonable level of fitness who wants to do an active holiday and discover the hidden sides of a destination.” and don’t be afraid to encourage clients to step out of their comfort zones.
“If a client is unsure of their fitness level, consider an e-bike option and emphasise the presence of a support vehicle, and explore multiple options that might help the client challenge themselves,” says Frank Cheshire, intrepid’s senior product manager. Agents shouldn’t assume clients who aren’t hardcore cyclists aren’t open to the concept of a cycling holiday.
“By highlighting the health benefits, unique experiences and environmental sustainability, agents can appeal to any client looking for a memorable and active holiday experience,” points out Mathews.
Headwater’s Brenner Pass to Venice: This seven-day self-guided tour is a good option for cyclists who want to enjoy italy’s most spectacular landscapes on their own terms. “This region has an abundance of Baroque castles, ornate cathedrals and mountain fortresses to discover, and guests have plenty of time to stop in local market towns,” says Sarah Hughes, product manager at Headwater. headwater.com
Explore’s Cycle South Korea: asia has emerged as a cycling hotspot in recent years, with destinations such as Singapore and South Korea rolling out vast networks of cycling routes. Explore’s 10-day cycling holiday is a great option for competent cyclists keen to gain a unique perspective on one of Asia’s most bike-
friendly destinations. it covers 417km over seven days, mainly on paved bike paths and quiet country roads, and begins on the volcanic Jeju island, followed by four days of cycling along the east coast. explore.co.uk
Authentic India Tours Classic Kerala: This eight-day package from authentic india tours is a great option for clients seeking a more leisurely cycling holiday. “this tour takes cyclists through Kerala’s countryside, passing coconut groves, tea plantations and rubber estates,” says Shagzil Khan, Authentic india tours cycle tour leader. “the group also stay on a traditional houseboat and enjoy the beauty of the backwaters.” authenticindiatours.com
Cycling for Softies’ Sparkling Sussex
E-Bike Tour:
On this leisurely three-night cycle around Sussex’s vineyards, expect easy riding along riverside and coastal paths and some spectacular scenery around the South Downs National park. cycling-for-softies.co.uk
Intrepid’s Cycle Slovenia:
Cyclists on Intrepid’s eight-day trip get plenty of opportunities to fuel their explorations, thanks to an abundance of picnics, barbecues and winery visits. Travelling from Ljubljana to Piran, the group will cycle around Lake Bled, wind through the triglav national park and take in alpine views of Kranjska Gora. intrepidtravel.com
Explore’s 10-night Cycle South Korea trip costs from £2,654pp. It includes accommodation, bike hire and bullet train tickets, but excludes international flights. explore.co.uk •
Enjoying a glass of sussEx’s finEst sparkling winE
CyCling for softiEs offErs family-friEndly tours
south korEa is an EmErging CyCling dEstination ljubljana CastlE in slovEnia
MISCHA
The KTO has named 2023-2024 as the year to ‘Visit Korea’ with a new campaign which aims to firmly place the destination on the bucket list of global travellers. This year is especially important as it marks 140 years of relations between Korea and Britain, a special year to celebrate.
Pre-Covid, around 90% of travellers to Korea went just to Seoul. To counter this, the KTO recently selected 100 destinations as must-
visit spots to try and encourage visitors to explore the beauty, traditions and culture beyond the main cities.
Visitors can experience the Blue House, which recently opened to the public. Similar to the U.S. White House, it is where our Presidents have lived for over 70 years.
K-culture started off as K-pop and K-drama, but we have extended it to K-food, K-wellness, K-healthcare and K-beauty as well. We encourage visitors to experience it themselves and see what it is like to live in Korea as a local. There’s so much more to K-culture than what you see on the screen.
In Korea you can surround yourself with truly unique food and culture.
We’d like to create more itineraries with tour operators and travel agencies, to raise more awareness and promote the destination together. We are going to contact them and send more information. Plus, we are going to try to connect UK outbound agencies and South Korean inbound agencies, so they can build connections.
Meanwhile, entering the country has never been easier, as for 2023 the K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation) e-visa has been waived for the UK. visitkorea.or.kr •
Barbados hosted the Caribbean Travel Marketplace for the first time this year in May which saw over 700 delegates from 50 countries come together to showcase the Caribbean’s tourism offering.
I think this CHD marketplace in Barbados could not have happened at a more perfect time coming out of the pandemic, which of course hit us hard across the Caribbean. We’ve used the opportunity to introduce delegates to some of the best that
Barbados has to offer. I think in the UK, where the Barbados brand is well known, we are predominantly thought of as a beach destination, but we have more to offer.
What makes Barbados so unique is the fact that you can see turtles in their natural habitat either swimming in the sea or even nesting on the beaches. If you go on one of the catamarans or if you’re swimming in Carlisle Bay you have the opportunity to see them in the water. Barbados is also known for its rum, so a tasting at Mount Gay, the
oldest rum distillery in the world dating back to 1703, is a must.
People that travel to Barbados like to have that concierge service. It’s about hand holding, and providing them with destination knowledge – even booking them into the restaurants because in the winter months you have to pre book! We have a travel agent loyalty programme called the Barbados Elite Club. We use that to reward agents for their bookings, from money cards to familiarisation visits to the island. visitbarbados.org •
“Pre-Covid, around 90% of visitors went just to Seoul. We want to change this”
“We are often thought of as just a beach destination, but we have more to offer”
Lee Jae Whan, VP Korea Tourism Organization
Cheryl Carter, Director UK at Barbados Tourism Marketing
We asked our columnists: Are there any series, programmes or films that are influencing clients’ holiday plans this summer?
Abbey is a favourite UK haunt
The mostrecent Race Across the World, filmed in Canada, has been mentioned countless times in our office and also at a client drinks evening we hosted too.
We are yet to see this convert into last-minute Canada bookings, but it has definitely peaked interest and put Canada on many travel wish lists! That is music to my ears as an Elite Canada Specialist!
Anneka was pleased to see the Yukon on Race Across the World
However, I do wonder if the narrative that Canada is expensive has put people off (given how quickly some of the teams on the TV show got through their budgets!), but what an amazing way to armchair travel across such a beautiful country. I was pleased to see Yukon and Saskatchewan featuring – two provinces which often get missed off itineraries!
Personally, I am also really influenced by books I read. Sri Lanka is at the top of my travel list as a result and I love all of Isabel Allende’s books set (mostly) in Chile.
Most recently, I’ve read The Salt Path, which has filled my head with visions of clifftop walks, coastal towns and cream teas. Somewhat fitting as we are off to Devon for a week in the summer holidays! I’m looking forward to exploring, and I may even brave a surf lesson…wish me luck!
There are two types of TV programmes that create interest in a town, city, region, country or even a continent. The first is a drama series: Downton Abbey, Doc Martin and Outlander have created real interest in various regions of the UK.
Further afield, far-flung countries have been showcased in recent series such as Ten Pound Poms in Australia and Race Across the World in Canada. Over the years, even couch potatoes have been inspired to expand their horizons in search of the backdrops of their favourite shows.
The second ‘type’ is the celebrity ‘personality’ series from the likes of Michael Portillo and Joanna Lumley. I
expect Indonesia, Zanzibar, India and Madagascar to reap some rewards from Joanna Lumley’s new Spice Trail series. The biggest effect I have noted as a river cruise specialist has been from a series fronted by either a Yorkshire songstress or a Scottish comedian, where a specific cruise and river has been featured. Even repeats on an obscure channel result in dozens of enquiries – as a result demand remains high for both the Mekong and Christmas markets.
Hill Director of GoRiverCruise Worcestershire
Downton
Media is such a powerful influencer when it comes to travel inspiration and we are so often asked “did you see XYZ on TV last week?”
Some people like to travel for speciality cuisine after seeing a celebrity TV chef in a popular ‘foodie’ destination. Others are inspired by Instagram reels and Tik Toks showing the trending places to visit. However I think the most powerful influences are films and TV shows. Race Across the World has certainly introduced Canada to many of our customers. The series showcased Canada’s diverse scenery and friendly people, but we do recommend hiring a car or taking public transport rather than car sharing like on the show!
Amazing Hotels – Life Beyond the Lobby fuelled interest in Singapore, Madeira and Iceland. While Yellowstone has helped sell ranching holidays and remote USA holidays. And apparently there is a growing market of first-time superyacht charterers due to “The Below Deck effect”.
Whether its targeted marketing or subcconscious drip-feed advertising, beautiful imagery and video does influence our holiday choices.
I’ve noticed that there seems to be a current stream of documentaries featuring famous people visiting different and unusual places.
I was hooked watching Judi Dench when she went to Borneo, and her experiences inspired my own trip. It’s a fantastic place and seeing the orangutans in their natural habitat is a very special travel memory of mine.
I love everything Joanna Lumley does for her travel documentaries as she really gets under the skin of a place. Like her, I too was born in India and spent my first five years visiting with my mum and brother (dad was already there), so that is a country that holds a lot of interest for me and is what initially sparked my love for travelling.
I also really enjoy watching Michael Portillo and his train journeys and Simon Reeve has been to some incredibly remote places in his documentaries. These have all played a part in inspiring my clients to be a bit bolder in their holiday choices – and if I can pair these with my own experiences I can really paint a picture that is inspiring.
World-class food and architecture await on a triple-centre trip to Aarhus, Aalborg and Copenhagen, making for an epic Danish break, say Karl Kushing and April Waterson
Rows and rows of delicately stacked smørrebrød catch my attention to the left of me, competing with the brightly-coloured lakrids to the right. I am in heaven. I’m not lying on a white sandy beach, or hiking up a picture-perfect fjord. Rather, I am browsing the consumables on offer at Torvehallerne –Copenhagen’s premium food market. When I first visited to Denmark, I wasn’t expecting to fall deeply in love with the cuisine; I had preconceptions of pickled herring and perhaps a nice pastry or two. To my surprise, I found some of the freshest, most flavourful and nourishing food I have ever tasted. I never imagined I would find myself daydreaming about fisk frikadel (fish meatballs), served smørrebrød (open sandwich) on ryebrød slathered in remoulade, topped with fresh prawns and dill. Or hindbærsnitte, a delicate shortbread-style pastry topped with raspberry jam and lemon icing.
Denmark’s food is as soul-warming as its people. Spend a few days amongst the Danes and you’ll soon understand why the country consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries on earth
(this year it placed second to Finland). As the birthplace of hygge, relaxation, wellbeing, cosiness and contentment seep into every aspect of Danish life.
“Denmark is best suited for travellers with a focus on quality,” says Ninna Seerup, VisitDenmark’s Senior Travel Trade Manager, UK & US. “Denmark is not the cheapest destination out there, but the quality of the experience is high.
“It is ideal for travellers who want to enjoy good food, history, architecture, and design.”
With four distinct seasons, Denmark is suitable for travel year round, even in the colder months. “The high season is from Mid-June to July and August,” says Seerup.
“The weather can also be mild and lovely in May and September/early October. The summer is great if you like to enjoy being outdoors as the sun barely sets, meaning you have a long time to explore.”
The Danes have a saying: There is no such thing as bad weather, just unsuitable clothing. Visiting in winter is ideal for those in search of the hygge way of life, with candles, cakes and coffee in cities allowing for the cosiest of getaways.
The country is small but mighty. “Travellers who like a day trip whilst at their destination should consider Denmark,
as travel times are short,” Seerup adds. Copenhagen is well-connected to the UK with flights from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Bristol, and makes for a good base to explore with easy access to other cities via train. And combining Copenhagen in the east with a few nights in Aarhus and Aalborg in the west will offer clients a rounded taste of what Denmark offers.
Denmark’s cool capital has been named as the UNESCO World Capital of Architecture for 2023. Take a boat tour from Nyhavn and its clear to see why: the iconic colourful harbour is as picture-perfect as the postcards. As your boat exits the harbour, you will catch a glimpse of the neo-futurist Operaen, which, as one of the most expensive opera houses ever built, quite literally gives the Sydney Opera House a run for its money.
The 18th century Amalienborg Palace opposite serves as the part-time home to the Danish Royal Family.
While the Torvehallerne food market in Nørreport offers classic Danish food, Copenhagen is often lauded for its world-class international cuisine.
Topicàl is a new restaurant with a focus
on modern Mediterranean cuisine from Naples and an emphasis on high-quality, Danish vegetables, whilst Korean-inspired restaurant Koan earned two Michelin stars within three months of opening. Even Tivoli Gardens, the quaint 180-year-old amusement park, has been named a ‘gastronomy destination’ for its wide choice of restaurants dotted between old-style roller-coasters. wonderfulcopenhagen.com
“We like to say we’re the smallest big city in the world,” says Palle, a guide from UFO Tours which shows clients Aarhus. Located on Jutland, around 100 miles (or a three-hour train ride) north-west of Copenhagen, Denmark’s ‘second city’ is certainly compact. Most key attractions are within a mile of the central, recently opened Radisson RED, which makes for a funky-looking base. As befits a former European Capital of Culture, it’s not short of attractions, with contemporary art space ARoS among the must-sees. Its circular, rooftop Your Rainbow Panorama viewing platform makes for an instant landmark. The rooftop terrace atop Salling department store is a popular hangout spot on a sunny evening.
A short stroll from ARoS lies Møllestien, one of the most photographic streets, with little old photogenic houses and more cute older buildings flanking the restaurant-, café- and bar-lined, bike-plied streets fanning off behind.
The Botanical Garden makes for a lovely wander. Plus, it’s free, and combines well with neighbouring Den Gamle By, or ‘old town’. This popular ‘living museum’ attraction centres on a collection of historic Danish buildings, many housing displays, period interiors and demonstrations of crafts and trades. Moesgaard Museum, a short taxi, bus or bike ride out of town, is another big draw.
Equally, clients can admire the city’s storied history in sights such as medieval Aarhus Cathedral, or by exploring the cobbled, gentrified streets of the Latin Quarter, which stars in late August’s effervescent Aarhus Festival.
Bastions of the city’s gastronomic scene include Mefisto, an inviting spot where slap-up seafood dinners are on offer, and more wallet-friendly offerings such as La Cabra Coffee.
With its spread of international fayre and craft beer bars, Aarhus Streetfood market is another find – the lively buzz
and mixed crowd making for a nice, casual lunch or dinner option, closing at 21.00. For fancier fair, Michelinstarred Frederikshøj won’t disappoint. info@ufotravelgroup.dk
After Aarhus, Aalborg – located around an hour north – might seem grittier, cooler and livelier. While a febrile mix of street art, tech start-ups and striking modern architecture have spearheaded Aalborg’s recent regeneration, repurposed old industrial buildings nod to its blue-collar past. Take Nordkraft, a former power station turned cultural hub, offering everything from a climbing wall and a theatre to art exhibitions and a farmers market on Saturdays. Then there’s the former Aalborg Akvavit distillery, which is set to showcase
its stunning new art installation, Cloud City Aalborg, in 2024.
Established nearby draws include the Streetfood Market, impressive street art and quirky adjacent community of old fishermen cottages.
With its sheltered, terraced swimming area inland from the fjord, Vestre Fjordpark – a mini version of Copenhagen’s Christiania, by Vestre Fjordpark – is a great place to rub shoulders with locals while watching the Midnight Sun go down on long summer days. Over in the open fjord you’ll find the hardy locals taking dips year-round. Visitors can discover all about Aalborg’s proud Viking heritage at Lindholm Høje. Located over the rail bridge, the old Viking settlement is easily reached by bike, or from Lindholm station. The ring fortress at Fyrkat, some 50 miles distant, is another fascinating Viking site, with more useful background back at Aarhus’ Viking Museum. Wander Aalborg’s old cobbled streets, particularly those around Hjelmerstald, and the courtyard home of Lange pottery. There are also loads of cool craft beer and café restaurants in Aalborg, such as Søgaards Bryghus and Surdejs sourdough bakery. aalborg-tours.dk •
“Denmark is not the cheapest destination out there, but the quality of the experience is high”
ninna seerup, visitdenmarkrooftop views in aalBorg the rainBow panorama at aros
The Kentucky Derby Museum is inviting visitors to celebrate its centennial in 2024. The story behind the annual event, dating back to the first Derby in 1875, will be told through exhibits ranging from iconic fashion pieces to learning what it takes to be a jockey.
Take a guided tour of Churchill Downs Racetrack then head to the Derby Cafe and Bourbon Bar to try the Derby-Pie and bourbon bread pudding. derbymuseum.org
Located in Bardstown, the bourbon Capital of the World, the Bardstown Bourbon Company is famed for bringing a modern twist while “respecting the traditional art of making whisky.” A guided tour explores how to thieve bourbon straight from the barrel, guests can also create their own blend. The library has over 400 bourbons and ryes dating back to 1892. Bardstownbourbon.com
Established in 1935 by the Shapira family, Heaven Hill Distillery has been crafting bourbon ever since. Visitors can step back in time at The 1935 Distillery Theatre to learn about ‘the largest independent family-owned bourbon distillery in the world’ before unwinding with a handcrafted cocktail at the Five Brothers Bar. The You Do Bourbon experience offers a guided tasting of exclusive bourbons. heavenhilldistillery.com
Revival
Revival in downtown Covington is a charming vintage shop which stocks a curated collection of rare and vintage bottles. Visitors are in good hands with co-founder Brad Bonds, who is a vintage bourbon curator, and his colleague Shannon Smith, a member of the Distillate Committee for the Cincinnati/NKY Chapter of Bourbon Women. Bourbon enthusiasts can taste vintage samples dating back as far as the 19th century. revivalky.com
Owned by Tia and Sean Edwards, Fresh Bourbon is recognised as the first African American-owned distillery since slavery to make Kentucky Bourbon. The distillery’s ethos is that bourbon is for everyone, whether you are a first-time drinker or a connoisseur. A tasting room offers visitors the chance to try a sensory activity, aroma pairings, mixology class and a sipping experience. freshbourbon.com
Located on the national scenic byway Old Frankfort Pike, Wallace Station serves Southern classics from the Kentucky Hot Brown to Catfish sandwiches and fried pickles. Expect a warm southern welcome from owner and celebrated chef Ouita Michel, who serves up her menu staple, Bourbon Trail Triple Crown – a three-layer sandwich filled with roast turkey, bacon, cheese and bourbon barbecue sauce. wallacestation.com
Morning: If you’re staying in the downtown area of San Antonio, it won’t take you long to stumble upon a section of the 15-mile Riverwalk. Lined with cyprus trees, perfectly preened gardens and arched bridges, the Riverwalk winds through downtown and beyond. A tour on one of the electric boats takes 35 minutes and offers a great overview of the city’s culture, history, architecture and attractions.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring Historic Market Square, one of the largest Mexican markets outside of Mexico. The market dates back to 1820 and features over 100 locally owned shops selling traditional Mexican goods. Grab a
taco from one of the street vendors or enjoy being serenaded by a Mariachi band at one of the many restaurants.
Evening: Start the evening by visiting 18th-century San Fernando Cathedral, which offers a free video projection of the history of San Antonio on the facade several times each weekend night. Then take in an outdoor performance at Arneson River Theatre, an 800-seat amphitheatre on the banks of the San Antonio River. From June until August there are weekly Fiesta Noche del Rio shows featuring Mariachis, Flamenco dancing and singing. After the show dine at La Fonda on Main, San Antonio’s oldest Mexican restaurant.
A stay at The Westin Riverwalk in Downtown San Antonio costs from $204 a night, including taxes. Flights to San Antonio with British Airways start from £776pp and include a stopover in Dallas. Prices based on an August 12 departure. marriott.com; britishairways.com
Morning: Beat the crowds with a morning visit to the historical Alamo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 1718 as San Antonio’s first mission (Catholic religious outposts), the Alamo was the site of a 13-day siege in1838 that occurred near the end of the Texas Revolution against Mexican troops. A tour is the best way to learn about an event that was hugely significant for Texas. There’s also the chance to see reenactments in the Alamo Plaza.
Afternoon: Stop for a prickly pear margarita at The Buckhorn Saloon, ‘The oldest running saloon in Texas’ before heading to the San Antonio Museum of Art,
for a dose of Texan, Spanish Colonial and American art. For something more modern, stop at Hopscotch, a permanent experiential art gallery filled with quirky light installations and optical illusions. If time permits, hire an electric bike and seek out the additional four missions at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
Evening: Spend an evening at the Pearl District, a former brewery turned neighbourhood home to trendy restaurants, cool cocktail bars and boutique shops. Enjoy a cocktail inside a cast-iron tank once used to ferment beer at Hotel Emma. Follow this with a delicious charcuterie board at Cured. •
Book it with... Marriott The ciTy has a colourful Mexican influence a warM Texan welcoMe awaiTs visiTors The riverwalk is aT The hearT of downTownExperience exceptional service, comfort and convenience with British Airways as you journey to some of the most culture-rich and stunning landscapes across Europe.
Explore our unrivalled network across Europe.
Whether you’re looking for a city-break, a sunny beach holiday or something more action-packed, our Summer Schedule will fit the needs of every traveller. From one of our three hubs in London (Heathrow, Gatwick and London City), or across our network in the UK, you can reach all corners of Europe.
Indulge in the allure of the Greek islands, where crystal clear waters meet white-washed villages. Explore the iconic architecture of Santorini, party the night away in Mykonos, or discover the medieval charm of Rhodes. Easily explore iconic Spanish destinations with British Airways. Dance the night away in Ibiza, get lost
in the streets of Seville, or marvel at the architectural wonders of Barcelona.
Or, discover the charm of Italy, a country that effortlessly combines history, art, and incredible cuisine. Lose yourself in the romantic canals of Venice, witness the grandeur of Verona’s amphitheatre, or visit the fashion capital of Italy, Milan.
We’ve continued to expand our network to offer our passengers more choice.
Why not add Montpellier in the South of France to your summer holiday list with its perfect blend of culture, relaxation, and natural beauty? Or visit the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence? Or expand your cultural horizons with easier access to the Asian side of Istanbul with four flights each week to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen.
When you choose British Airways, you enjoy an unparalleled travel experience. As a full-service airline, we offer complimentary water and snacks, business class (Club Europe) on every flight, and flights to mainstream airports at convenient times. You can relax as we offer one of the most generous cabin baggage allowances in the industry, ensuring you can bring everything you need for your European adventure. Make this summer one your clients will never forget by booking with British Airways. Flights across our European network are available now! •
Morning: Start your trip in Edinburgh, Scotland’s cosy, cool capital. A few days can easily be whiled away exploring its cobbled streets. A walk down the Royal Mile will take you from Edinburgh Castle down past Tartan boutiques and year-round Christmas shops, copious taverns serving Haggis, neeps and tatties (best washed down with a smooth Talisker whisky, of course), all the way to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Other points of interest include Grassmarket for eating and drinking (Mary’s Milk Bar is a local favourite) and Victoria Street, claimed to be the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.
Afternoon: It’s time to head out on the road. Heading east, towards the historical city of Stirling and to Trossachs National Park! Yet another castle awaits, with its sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. After a short stroll around the town, continue driving deeper into the park, towards Callander and Loch Lubnaig. In Scotland, the journey is often just as impressive as the destination.
Evening: Have dinner in Callander (Scott’s Bistro is highly regarded) or take a picnic to the shores of Loch Lubnaig. Spend the night surrounded by nature in one of many lodges surrounding the loch, or set up camp nearby.
Book it with... Shearings
Shearings has a wide range of short tours offering a taste of Scotland. Its Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Weekend tour includes three nights hotel with a Scottish breakfast and three evening meals from £279pp. shearings.com
Morning: Covering around 720 square miles, Trossachs National Park is immense, with varied topography and landscapes to rival that of, say, Canada. Whilst the drive from Callander to Loch Lomond is only around an hour, allow time for sightseeing along the way.
For example, the Inchmahome Priory is eerie from afar – it stands on an island in the middle of Lake of Menteith, Scotland’s only lake (rather than loch). Take your time soaking in the views as you head toward Luss on Loch Lomond’s west shore.
Afternoon: Luss serves as an ideal gateway to Loch Lomond, renowned as one of Scotland’s most ‘bonnie’ lochs.
From the Loch Lomond Leisure centre you can rent anything from speed boats to pedal boats to explore the lake. For thrill seekers, there’s also a range of watersports such as wakeboarding, water-skiing and paddleboarding.
Back on dry land, young children will enjoy the magic of the Loch Lomond Faerie Trail, a quaint woodland walk with ‘faeries’, trolls and unicorns hidden amongst knobbly trees.
Evening: Watch the sunset over Loch Lomond from Luss pier before venturing into Luss town for a bite to eat – all that driving and time spent on the water is hungry work! •
With over 30,000 lochs and world-class national parks, Scotland has nature and scenic beauty that competes with anywhere in the world, says April WaterstonEdinburgh CastlE stands high abovE thE City tranquility on loCh lomond Colourful viCtoria strEEt
Disability rights campaigners are piling the pressure onto airlines with a #RightsonFlights campaign calling for a law change that would fine carriers and their agents if they damage mobility equipment or fail to provide adequate assistance to those with additional needs, writes Julie Baxter.
Charity, Disability Rights UK; disabled TV presenter, Sophie Morgan, and MP Marion Fellows have joined forces for a campaign that calls on the Government to give the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) powers to fine airlines and others when they fall short.
Sophie, a wheelchair user who frequently travels internationally for her TV work, was driven to act after her bespoke wheelchair and electric-powered front-wheel BATEC system was damaged beyond use on a Los Angeles to London journey, something many disabled travellers dread.
The campaign calls for airlines and ‘other actors’ to be held accountable for damage to mobility devices. It also wants fines and repercussions when disabled passengers are left on flights for a prolonged period after landing, or are not provided with adequate assistance despite prior request.
Said Sophie: ”This campaign is the beginning of a journey towards a system overhaul of the entire airline industry.”
Campaigns like this and the growing pressure of social media – with live streaming of terrible treatment – mean reputations are now at stake if providers don’t get this right. IATA has accepted the need for improvement and countered with new guidance this year for its 300 airline members. This clearly states the best practise processes that should be followed.
In the U.S., Airlines for America last year also jointly committed to improving accessibility, recognising this as a fast growing traveller sector. Some aircraft do have removable armrests to make seats more easily accessible and some carry aisle-accessible wheelchairs to aid access to lavatories. Newer aircraft even have wheelchair-accessible toilets, but the biggest challenge for travellers is that they just don’t know what will or will not be on offer on any given flight. This is where the travel trade’s role can be crucial in gathering information and matching passenger needs to a commitment to deliver appropriate services.
Campaigners insist it is not just a question of attitudes and revised policies however. In the longer term, Disability Rights UK believes there is a real need for aircrafts to be redesigned and systems to support disabled travellers when flights don’t go entirely to plan need to be standardised and well communicated. Many ocean-going cruise liners and rail operators have already embraced the need for accessible design and airlines are beginning to follow that lead. United Airlines redesigned its entertainment system after detailed accessibility research. The bespoke system includes audio descriptions for blind passengers, text-to-speech functions and subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, and many other features. Delta has a new seat design on the drawing board which allows crew to fold away a standard seat and replace it with a wheelchair, securely attached to the aircraft for the journey. •
safe spaces: Delta is working with disability groups to provide safe spaces in some airports for those with sensory challenges. It also has a mock cabin for practice-run visits for anxious travellers and support-dog training, in addition to disability training activities for crew. delta.com
sight-loss support: Virgin Atlantic is working with the Guide Dogs charity to create a more inclusive air experience for those with sight loss. Cabin crew receive training on how to support passengers with skill and empathy. virginatlantic.com
“enough is enough. DisableD people neeD to be able to trust air travel. we are not asking for special treatment. we are asking for our experiences to match those of non-DisableD people. how many more people neeD to get hurt or lose vital mobility equipment before we see change?”
Sophie Morgan, #RightsonFlights campaigner
At Delta, we’re committed to flying toward a more just and equitable world for all. We believe travel is for everyone. It’s our priority to deliver the best service and ensure accessibility for all Delta customers.
joins Havila Castor for a winter cruise up the Norwegian coastline that is packed with activities and breathtaking scenery
Sand with a jolt we are off. The cacophony of excited canine yelping abruptly stops and is replaced by the sound of metal sliding over snow.
It is late February and I am in northern Norway, 'mushing' my own team of six Alaskan huskies. In truth, the dogs are controlling me, as they eagerly pull the sled along a well-worn path cut through a forest of snow-heavy spruces and pines.
As afternoon turns to dusk, the tiny lights on my helmet capture flickering snowflakes that become steadier and chunkier until they sting my face.
Dog sledding is just one of many activities offered on a Havila Voyages cruise. The Norwegian-owned company has four identical eco-friendly ships that year round cruise Norway's scenic coastal waters between Bergen in the south and Kirkenes in the far north – a 12-day round trip. Havila offers an affordable alternative, and a different product, to other cruise lines that serve the same route.
It also arguably offers a more authentic taste of the region too as one of the conditions of its operating licence is that its ships stop off at coastal towns and villages along the way – all 34 of them.
Along with the larger towns of Tromsø and Trondheim, which rise into hills from narrow breaks in the seashore, are charming small communities with folkloric sounding names, such as Torvik, Risøyhamn and Hammerfest. Some stops last for little more than 15 minutes, at ports where the 'village' is made up of what looks like a few warehouses, a
gift shop and a road out into the sprawling mountains beyond.
At these stops Havila Castor loads cargo and takes on assorted passengers that on our trip include backpackers, an ice hockey team and a surgeon. This makes for an unusual but interesting mix of cruisers and itinerant local passengers.
But this is no ferry masquerading as a cruise ship: my cabin was fabulous –spacious (with a sea view), comfy sofa, writing desk and tea and coffee. The ship also features two hot tubs and a sauna.
Showcasing a host of Norwegian seafood, meats, breads, cheeses and more the food on board is superb and varies depending on the region the ship is sailing through: for example, halibut tart and poached salmon in the Fjords and stockfish (unsalted cod dried in the sun and wind on wooden racks) when in the Arctic.
Guests can upgrade to a Gold package, offering exclusive meal choices – I enjoy crayfish soup and North Atlantic scallops while others in my group feast on grilled fillet of reindeer– and a dining experience in Hildring, the ship's fine-dining restaurant.
For my four-day sampler cruise, I flew from Gatwick to Oslo and on to Bodø, located 90 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, to meet up with Havila Castor guests four days into their cruise.
Before boarding the ship I join those guests on a scenic three-kilometre coastal walk, our snow shoe chains crunching on the snowy forest floor. We stop to look at
unassuming humps in the ground that are Viking burial sites and enjoy views of the broiling ocean beyond.
Our voyage north is framed by imposing craggy mountains that rise from the calm waters like timeless sentinels. Occasionally a sea eagle rides a thermal, while dotting the shoreline are red wooden homes.
In such a pristine and mostly silent environment it seems fitting that Havila's ships are some of the most eco-friendly of any cruise line, powered by natural gas and huge onboard battery packs.
Havila's aim is to replace natural gas with biogas and be carbon-neutral by 2028. By 2030 it will switch to emission-free fuel alternatives such as hydrogen, and the goal is zero emissions by 2030 – a target attainable with its current fleet of ships.
Other excursions include snowmobiling and a bus ride from the small fishing village of Honningsvåg to the North Cape, located at the northernmost tip of Europe in a region where Sami reindeer herders live on and where Hobbit-like turf homes stand out in a treeless landscape.
From Kirkenes, in Norway's far northeastern extremes, we take a visit to the border with Russia. Here, Russians are not quite the pariahs they are elsewhere in Europe: there's a fondness that dates back to 1944 when the Red Army liberated the area from four years of Nazi occupation.
In Kirkenes, there's even a towering statue
of a Russian soldier (although a nearby bush was scattered with small blue-andyellow Ukrainian flags).
I watch king crabs – the evening's dinner – being pulled by the dozen from a hole in a frozen lake, and later that same night I cocoon myself in a high-density sleeping bag made to withstand much lower temperatures than the -4C in the ice chamber of the Snow Hotel.
The highlight for many arrives on my third evening, when the ship's captain announces: "Ladies and gentlemen, the Northern Lights are in the sky on our starboard side."
I join the rush to Deck 8 and see a ravenblack sky lightened by white streaks – but where are the Northern Lights?
I point my phone camera to the sky anyway – and that's when the magic begins as the resulting picture reveals those coveted green streaks that are often not visible to the naked eye.
Havila’s Northern Lights Promise isn't needed on this evening but is worth noting: If the lights do not appear on 12-day cruises taken between October 1 and March 31 clients can claim a free six- or seven-day voyage with the cruise line. •
The 12-day round-voyage from Bergen to Bergen (via Kirkenes) starts from £917pp, for dates in January 2024 ( full-board basis in an inside cabin and based on two sharing). A Sea View superior cabin is from £1,515pp. havilavoyages.com
Havila's ships are some of the most eco-friendly of any cruise lineGlobe hopping
Known for its miles of sandy beaches and waves made for watersports, Southern California’s quintessential coastal city offers so much more, says Steve Hartridge
Morning: After breakfast in the Hyatt Regency, use the walkway to cross the Pacific Coast Highway and start the day with a stroll along the beach boardwalk, stopping off at the municipal pier.
Join a beach yoga class or rent an electric bike from Pedego Electric Bikes on Fifth Street and cruise the 10 miles of shoreline, stopping off to see Dog Beach, a flat expanse of sand where pups play and socialise. There’s even an annual Surf City Surf Dog competition held here.
After dropping off your rental bike, walk around the few blocks that make up the downtown area, with its 15 historic sites pubs, restaurants and surf shops.
Afternoon: Head down to the beach for a beginner’s surfing or stand-up paddle-boarding lesson. The waves are constant and on most days suitable for all levels of experience. There are several surfing schools but McKinnon Surf & SUP Lessons, run by former pro surfer Rocky Mckinnon, is the only one who caters for those with disabilities – he even has a 14-foot surfboard adapted for wheelchair users. To round off your experience of ‘Surf City’, pop into the International Surfing Museum downtown.
You won’t be able to miss it as outside is what the Guinness Book of Records says is the world’s largest surfboard.
Evening: Enjoy a barbecue and sunset picnic around one of the many beachside fire-pits, available on a first-come-first-served basis. Or enjoy a free outdoor summer concert at the amphitheatre in Huntington Beach Central Park. For kids, the park has threedimensional climbing structures, rope bridges, ziplines and a toddler playground.
Morning: Take a wander around the 1,300-acre Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, a large saltwater marsh and wetlands with numerous walking trails and bird-watching opportunities.
Or, for some upmarket retail therapy, head to South Coast Plaza in nearby Costa Mesa, the largest shopping centre on the U.S. west coast. The luxury brands include Dolce&Gabbana, Burberry and Prada.
Afternoon: Visit Huntington Beach Harbour for a serene couple of hours with Prince Charters on the Alexandria, a vintage wooden boat that cruises the calm waters, past homes of the rich and the occasional superyacht.
If you are in town on a Tuesday, visit the farmers market that is set up downtown. If you are lucky, you might see one of Huntington Beach’s numerous classic car rallies driving in formation.
Evening: Have dinner at Pacific City, where the dining options include Ola Mexican Kitchen which provides Mexican dining with an upmarket twist: try the grilled Agave salmon with a tequila agave glaze. The cocktails are generous and there are great views of the Pacific Ocean. For an after-dinner drink, The Bungalow is a lounge-style bar set around an al fresco patio. With DJs and designer drinks, it is the place to people watch. •
Golden hour alonG the beachfront
huntinGton beach house offers dininG by the ocean
enjoy the calm harbour waters aboard a vintaGe boat
Six of the best / 27
Surrounded by the calm waters of the Indian Ocean, Reethi Rah is one of the largest islands in the Maldives, accessible via a 50-minute luxury yacht transfer from Male. Guests can choose to take in the view from the adultsonly infinity pool that stretching out into the lagoon, enjoy a romantic moonlight picnic on one of the 12 white-sand beaches, or snorkel the coral reefs just steps from the private over-water villas.
Located in a prime position just minutes from the Dubai Marina, Royal Mirage offers more than just a room with a view. The hotel owns a kilometre of private beachfront along Jumeirah Beach overlooking The Palm Island Bay, with 65 acres of landscaped gardens for ultimate escapism. Guests can dine in 16 world-class restaurants serving anything from Michelin-star meals to afternoon tea.
Just off the eastern coast of Madagascar, Mauritius is often considered the most family-friendly and adventure-ready of all the Indian Ocean destinations, with kayaking, kitesurfing and ziplining on offer. The Le Saint Géran hotel sits on the sought-after Belle Mare coastline and offers authentic Mauritian cultural excursions alongside luxury experiences including private cruises, cooking classes and more.
At One&Only
Manderina, guests can wake up in a treehouse but still hear the sound of the waves. Just one hour north of Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, the property sits in a coastal rainforest, with treetop accommodation featuring private terraces and plunge pools. The jungle retreat even has its own equestrian club offering horseback lessons, polo lessons and trail riding.
Portonovi finds its home in the UNESCO-protected Boka Bay in Montenegro, encircled by mountainous Adriatic vistas. Its location is ideal for al-fresco dining in its Sabia restaurant, trips out on the waters of the bay, or hikes up into the nearby forests or medieval towns. The onsite Chenot Espace spa offers bespoke treatments and head-to-toe pampering for those who prefer to relax at the hotel.
Atlantis The Palm
Nestled between the Arabian Gulf and the famous Dubai skyline, Atlantis The Palm is the centrepiece of Dubai’s Palm Island. Designed to impress, The Palm boasts several celebrity chef-run Michelin-starred restaurants; the world’s largest waterpark Aquaventure, complete with Surf’s Up wave machine; and underwater Signature Suites featuring tanks with views of the fish and stingrays.
Cities and towns: Visitors that venture beyond the southwestern part of Tenerife will discover some beautiful places, such as the old port of Garachico to the north that is seemingly untouched by modern development.
Also worth exploring is the attractive northern resort town of Puerto de la Cruz, with its Botanic Garden, black-sand beaches, promenade, and saltwater lido. A short drive away is the old capital, San Cristobal de La Laguna, now a UNESCO World heritage site, whose grid system of calles and plazas has been beautifully preserved for browsing, grazing and shopping. Also not to be missed is the capital Santa Cruz, with its avant-garde architecture.
Theme parks: One of Tenerife’s main attractions is its natural embassy, Loro Parque, near Puerto de la Cruz. It has a huge free-flight aviary that is home to emus,
cockatoos, and kookaburras, plus a penguin pool and an aquarium with over 100 marine species. Also perfect for families, Siam Park, near Los Cristianos, is a 48-acre Thaithemed water park with hair-raising slides, and a wave pool and beach. More relaxing activities include drifting down the Mai Thai River or shopping for souvenirs at the Floating Market.
Cuisine: Tenerife has its own characteristic cuisine, based on its quality produce. Visitors can sample the local tuna, black pork, goats’ and sheep’s cheeses, and a range of organically grown tropical fruits. The local eateries specialise in using these ingredients, and there are five Michelin-starred restaurants on the island.
The distinctive Tenerifean wines can be sampled at a local bodega; some of these also offer culinary workshops, where visitors can learn to make the green and red mojo
sauces that Canarians enjoy with traditional yellow-fleshed boiled potatoes.
Stargazing: The quality and clarity of Tenerife’s sky has led to its designation as a Starlight Destination, and it is home to the Canary Islands’ Institute of Astrophysics. As the tallest mountain in Spain, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Mount Teide is the ideal spot for serious stargazing. Visitors can take a tour up the mountain to marvel at its Mars-like landscape with its unique flora and fauna.
When the sun goes down the focus moves upwards, to see the universe spread out before you – it’s not to be missed!
Adventure: Guests seeking sports and adventure experiences have a wealth of options in Tenerife. There are 1,500 km of hiking trails, mountains and caves for climbers, plus all the watersports: surfing, windsurfing, kite-boarding, diving
carnivals, black-sand beaches and Michelin star dining help make Tenerife a stand-out sunshine break year-round
and fishing. Cycling, on- or off-road, with bike or e-bike, is popular and visitors can choose from a range of routes on quiet roads and trails with spectacular sea views. The island also attracts paragliders.
Nature: The UNESCO Heritage site at Mount Teide is the jewel in Tenerife’s crown. Rising to 3715 metres, it dominates the island, and its volcanic craters and its slopes are home to plants and fauna adapted to its aridity and extreme temperatures. Walkers will also enjoy the Teno Rural Park in the northwest, particularly the scenic shepherds’ trail from Teno Alto to Teno Bajo, which takes in the lighthouse at Punta de Teno. There are also trails through the Anaga Mountains to remote villages and rock caves.
Beaches : As a volcanic island, Tenerife has an unusual mix of black- and white-sand beaches. Most of the
white-sand beaches are in the south, such as Playa del Duque and Playa Torviscas in Costa Adeje, or Playa Las Vistas in Los Cristianos. The natural black-sand beaches can be found on the remoter coasts. Playa Jardin in Puerto de la Cruz has a waterfall and palm trees, and even wilder is Playa de Benijo in the Anaga Rural Park. El Medano on the south coast is one of the world’s best beaches for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Whale and dolphin watching: The island is home to a permanent colony of bottlenose dolphins and over 400 pilot whales, which can be spotted year round. Boat tours leave from various ports in the south and track the different marine species that pass through the channel separating Tenerife from La Gomera. Guests may also see turtles, sharks, osprey and kestrels.
Carnivals: The main Carnival takes place in the capital, Santa Cruz, in the
week before Ash Wednesday in February. There are gala processions, parade floats, theatrical shows, side street parties and various competitions. The title of carnival queen is hotly contested, and the costumes are dazzling. Murga drama groups compete on stage with singing and dancing acts, and the city is a riot of colour, music and celebration. Smaller carnivals are held in Los Cristianos and Puerto de la Cruz.
Wellness: The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife has the best selection of accommodation too, and visitors can choose from a range of fourand five-star hotels and a variety of Spa and wellness centres. Guests of Hotel Bahia del Duque can opt for a wellness retreat led by therapists and nutritionists. The Oriental Spa Garden was awarded Best Spa Hotel in Europe by Condé Nast Johansens.
webtenerife.co.uk •
ROBERTOCASTANO COM
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Clients enthused by Canada's wildlife and spectacular scenery shown in a BBC series this spring are boosting the country's already healthy tourism recovery, says Steve Hartridge
“
Iwas the lucky boy who was born and raised here,” says Stefan Faucher, who with his father Pierre is making it his mission to respect the heritage and traditions of making maple syrup in Southern Québec.
For the past 40 years the family have been resident at Sucrerie de la Montagne sugar shack, a Québec Heritage Site set in a 12acre forest of centuries-old maple trees.
“This is our liquid gold and we farm it the old-fashioned way by drilling holes in the maple trees and then filling 2,000 buckets by hand,” he says.
“The roots of the trees pull the water from the ground and as it passes up through the trunk the water gets sweeter.
“We like a cold winter, with frost in the soil. Ideal conditions are when the temperature falls to around -2C at night and then warms up to around
5-10C degrees in the day, which draws on the depth of frost in the soil,” he says.
We are in a pioneer-style wooden cabin, where sepia photographs of bygone generations and more recent family shots hang on the walls.
Stefan is standing next to timeless (and time-intensive) equipment that ensures the transformation of maple sap into syrup is done using the traditional evaporator method, fuelled by wood heating.
“It takes around 40 litres of maple sap to make one litre of maple syrup, and we don’t add anything artificial to it," he says.
The maple syrup harvesting season – a period called ‘sugaring off’ – is a short one, just a few weeks from the end of February to mid-April.
“The First Nations people of this area discovered maple water and have a saying that the Last Decline of
the Moon of March means it is time to start drilling,” says Stefan.
But guests are welcome year-round at Sucrerie de la Montagne. On offer for overnight stays are four rustic but comfortable log cabins, with patchwork bed quilts and log-burning stoves. There’s a ‘product shop’ selling maple-infused goodies such as biscuits, almonds and butter that Stefan claims are packed with essential minerals and anti-oxidants – but he doesn't mention the calories.
And in winter there are also sleigh rides through the snowy forest.
My visit ends with an artisanal lunch for which the word ‘hearty’ could be made for. The dishes just keep coming: pea soup, maple-smoked ham, spicy beans, omelette, country sausages, meatball ragout, bacon, mashed potatoes and, of course, pancakes smothered in a flood of maple syrup.
Anyone who tuned into the BBC 1 series Race Across the World, which aired in March and April, would surely be tempted by Canada's majestic scenery that provided an ever-changing backdrop. The competitors also clearly enjoyed the warm welcome they received. Unlike the transcontinental focus in previous series, the race took place entirely in Canada, between British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador. The country was featured from coast to coast – 16,000km from Vancouver to St
John’s – with five teams of two stopping in places that illustrated the rich diversity of landscapes and experiences on offer in Canada. From the Arctic to the Great Lakes to the Atlantic, on display was Canada’s First Nations heritage, wildlife, soaring scenery, lakes, rivers and mountains, rural landscapes, history and heritage – and with superb cuisine on offer at every stop.
Places visited included Graham Island, the largest island of the Haida Gwaii archipelago; Whistler (both British Columbia); Dawson City and Whitehorse (Yukon); Banff and Calgary (Alberta); Churchill (Manitoba); Saskatoon (Saskatchewan). As well as Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron, Ontario, the largest freshwater island in the world with more than 100 lakes within it and home to six First Nations communities (visitors can take a guided spirit walk learning about the medicinal benefits of the plants and fruits of the forest or canoe tour).
The final episodes showed off Québec City, Toronto and Ottawa before ending in Atlantic Canada, an episode that portrayed the region’s coastal seascapes and abundance of seafood.
Travellers inspired by the show were clearly encouraged to think and book Canada, with Audley, First Class Holidays and Prestige among those tour operators reporting a correlation between the series and a spike in enquiries. And travel agents have also noticed a surge of interest in Canada (see ‘Foresight’ on pages 12-13).
Downhill: Whistler will host the Invictus Games in 2025, which will be the first time the games will include winter sports. Whistler is known for its accessible tourism due to its adaptive programme that makes a range of activities available to people of all ages with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities or neurodiversity.
High rise: The Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola is ready to assist individuals with disabilities to enjoy the great views from an open chair or fully enclosed gondola. Passengers in a wheelchair or with a scooter are assisted in loading/unloading. Look out for grizzly bears roaming the alpine meadows.
Cityscape: Wheelchair users can now see Montréal from on high via a helicopter ride. HELICRAFT offers a 20- or 30-minute flight, offering the best views of the island city. Each trip includes views of the Olympic Stadium, Downtown Montréal, Mont Royal, Parc Jean Drapeau, the Jacques Cartier Bridge and Saint Lawrence River.
Shining light: One of Nova Scotia’s main tourist attractions, Peggy’s Cove, has become the first tourism site in Atlantic Canada to be awarded a Gold rating from the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility (RHFAC) programme, a national rating system in Canada that measures meaningful access to buildings and places. The viewing deck offers an accessible way to experience Peggy’s Cove. At the viewing deck is a fully accessible washroom, with large rooms and adult changing tables.
In short, Canada is in demand and visitors are starting to return to the country in impressive numbers.
By the close of 2022, it had welcomed 89% of the total number of visitors it had in 2019, with that pre-pandemic year the benchmark for healthy tourism figures.
And spending by tourists is around 78% of what it was in 2019.
“We are gaining momentum,” Marsha Walden, President and CEO for Destination Canada told Renedez-vous delegates in Québec City in late-May.
“We think we will pass our 2019 figures by late 2023 or early 2024,” she added, while noting that inflation is the “biggest threat impacting on tourism’s growth prospects”.
After the U.S., the UK is Canada’s most important market: UK visitors last year reached almost 60% of 2019 numbers and are predicted to surpass this in early 2025.
Canada’s appeal is rooted in its abundant sense of space and landscapes that inspire not just a sense of awe but also a feeling of regeneration; a natural world that encourages open minds and fuels refreshed perspectives.
This is perhaps best summed up by Manitoba’s new tagline, Canada’s Heart is Calling, an epithet wrapped in a sentiment designed to capture how people feel when they holiday in the province.
Destination Canada is further increasing its commitment to the trade through a range of activities this year.
It has joined forces with Selling Travel and Selling Canada in developing a brand-new digital Super Hub of Canada-only content, a platform that launched in early June. With new content being added on a regular basis, agents are encouraged to return regularly to sellingtravel.co.uk/hubs/selling-canada.
“We are delighted to offer agents this invaluable and essential resource that covers a huge range of destinations, experiences, activities and more,” said Adam Hanmer, Travel Trade Manager, Destination Canada. Also planned are various agent roadshows and additional rewards for agents signed up to its Canada Travel Specialist Programme (CSP).
Destination Canada will be meeting agents at roadshows in Bristol (October 4) and Bournemouth (October 5) and there are plans afoot for more events in December.
Planned for next year is the addition of an ‘Elite Level’ tier to the CSP. Hanmer says this will be made up of around 20 top-selling agents, based on their revenues when booking Canada in 2023.
The Elite qualification will last for two years and added benefits for agents will include a bespoke overnight training event and access to two unique Fam trips.
To qualify agents will need to submit their bookings stats at the end of this year.
The revamped CSP Programme features improved digital access for agents that makes the training mobile friendly, fam trip opportunities and training Webinars.
“I’m excited that we will be better supporting our top bookers this year and in 2024, with added value and more opportunities to increase their Canada knowledge”, said Hanmer.
“We’ve been training agents for over 40 years...and the information is continually updated. We’ve added regular webinars covering a wide range of Canadian tourism experiences, which have been receiving great feedback. And we are now taking a large number of qualified agents back to experience Canada in person.”
What’s new Tour Operators: Prestige Travel released its largest-ever Canada programme in late June. The 168-page brochure includes new products in Atlantic Canada and the Yukon and more self-drive tour itineraries
and guided hiking tours, Agents making bookings in July qualify for a series of vouchers that can be as high as £100, depending on the value of the booking, and are also entered into a prize draw for a place on a fam trip to Canada.
A separate incentive, applying to bookings made from June 1 to October 16 2023, gives agents the chance to win a £10,000 holiday, which they can use on any Prestige holiday either in Canada or beyond. prestigetravel.co.uk
First Class Holidays has a new Toronto and the Northern Lights package that takes advantage of the Air Canada flight between Toronto and Yellowknife (Northwest Territories) that starts in December. The seven-night package features both cities, a range of activities and includes flights from Heathrow. It is priced from £2,499pp. (January departures). fcholidays.com
attractions: Onhwa’ Lumina is a new experience that opened this summer close to the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations in Wendake, a short distance from Québec City. Visitors get to meet the Huron-Wendat
The beating heart of the Canadian Rockies - home to not one but three world ski resorts.The combination of a long ski season, friendly locals and the scenic backdrops of the Canadian Rockies makes this place a must visit destination for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. banfflakelouise.com
First Nations people through an immersive multimedia experience that sees them walk a 1.2 km nature walking trail. On the sensorial journey they are surrounded by lighting, videos and sound that have been inspired by Wendat myths and cultural symbols. onhwalumina.com
Metis Crossing, in Smokey Lake, Alberta, one of the most important Metis heritage destinations in Canada and one conceived, designed, built and operated by Metis People, is adding stargazing pods in September. The 40room boutique lodge offers a range of cultural activities. metiscrossing.com
Ahous Adventures in Tofino, British Columbia, is a new eco- and cultural tour company owned by the Ahousaht First Nation that opened this spring. Offerings include a hot springs tour, whale watching and bear watching whilst journeying through the clear waters of Clayoquot Sound, a wilderness area that has been the home of the Nuu-chahnulth Nations for thousands of years. ahousadventures.com
Making its debut in August 2023, the family-friendly Lumina Night Walk is a new immersive experience at Le Pays de la Sagouine in Bouctouche, New Brunswick. Inspired by Acadian culture, the 1.5-kilometer enchanted walk through the woods will reveal the beauty of the natural landscapes after dark. A light show, projection, special effects, soundscapes and music will bring local storytelling to life through a show of colour and light. The new attraction will also allow the Pays season to be extended from mid-May to mid-October. sagouine.com/fr/lumina.
There is now an extended train service between Toronto’s Union Station and Niagara Falls. The GO Train has added two daily round-trips during the week and one daily round-trip at weekends. The train has seasonal bike coaches that offer passengers the opportunity to bring along bicycles to explore the 56-kilometre Niagara River corridor. gotransit.com
In 2024, Parks Canada will launch guided hikes to Burgess Shale in Yoho
National Park, British Columbia, and Miette Hot Springs in Jasper National Park, Alberta. parks.canada.ca
Set to open in Calgary in spring 2024, SAM Centre will be an interactive, year-round facility that will share the story of the city’s famous Stampede, as well as Calgary’s Western culture. samcentre.calgarystampede.com
Churchill Wild, the Churchill-based company that offers polar bear tours and safaris from three remote ecolodges on Canada’s Hudson Bay coast, is planning to open a new lodge next year, with a provisional name of Blueberry Lodge. churchillwild.com
Airlines: Air Canada has resumed its non-stop service between Edinburgh and Toronto hub. The service is operating daily during the summer months and will continue three times a week into the winter season, until January 8 2024, before returning in early spring 2024.
Air Canada was recognised as the Most Family Friendly Airline at this year’s
Skytrax World Airline Awards. Skytrax cited the airline’s work in family seating policies, dedicated family check-in facilities, priority boarding, children’s meals, children’s amenities/toys/activity packs, child specific onboard entertainment, free checked luggage and policies for carrycot/pushchairs. aircanada.com
At the same Skytrax Awards, Air Transat was named the World’s Best Leisure Airline for the fifth time. The airline operates flights from LondonGatwick, Glasgow and Manchester to Montréal, Quebéc City, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. airtransat.com
Icelandic budget airline Play has flights to Ontario from several European destinations this summer.
Hamilton’s John C. Munro Airport – located 80 miles from Toronto – is connected to London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Copenhagen, Brussels and Stockholm, with travellers connecting through Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. Play is the successor of Wow Airlines, which folded in 2019. flyplay.com •
making maple syrup at sucrerie de la montagne, QuÉbec sarrail ridge hiking trail, kananaskis county, alberta the Fairmont le château Frontenac, QuÉbec cityFor a city that effortlessly combines European style with North American charm – and with more than a dash of centuries-old history and modern joie de vivre thrown in – visit Montréal, says Steve Hartridge
Morning: Head down Saint-Laurent Boulevard, the city’s main northsouth thoroughfare that divides the city into east and west, to the Old Port.
On the way, stroll through Chinatown. Located alongside Chinatown’s stately gates, the Marché Asiatique brings the tastes of Asia to a bustling outdoor market.
Arrive at Notre-Dame Basilica and drop in to see the impressive stained glass art. Step out and spend a moment watching street performers in Place Jacques-Cartier.
Nearby and new this summer, the Museum of Illusions invites guests to lose themselves in the more than 70 holograms, installations, exhibitions and illusions.
Afternoon: Walk the cobblestone streets of Old Montréal, which has some buildings dating back to 1870.
Lunch on poutine at Montréal Poutine on Rue Saint-Paul, where the crispy chips, cheese curd and gravy can be upgraded to include chicken and even hot dog sausage. Head down to the Grand Quay Terminal, with its boardwalk stalls and attractions that include the Montréal Science Centre, a zip line, pedal boats, river cruises and an observation wheel. There’s even a beach (no swimming). Walk to the end of the quay for views of the St. Lawrence River.
Evening: If you are in Montréal before August 20 2023, catch Cirque Du Soleil’s latest production, the familyfriendly Echo, performed under a big top in the Old Port. Cirque is expected back in Montréal in 2024 with a new show.
Revisit the Notre-Dame Basilica for its night-time AURA, a four-act experience that transforms the Basilica through a show that is a marvel of video mapping, dynamic light and orchestral music.
Morning: Make it a cultural start by visiting the Museum of Contemporary Arts, part of the Place des Arts complex. Exhibitions include video installations, contemporary paintings, audio-visual experiences and performance art.
New and scheduled for a September 2023 opening, the Centre des Mémoires Montréalaises (MEM) promises to tell the story of the city’s people and its history from the 1600s to the present day through the testimonials of Montréalers.
Afternoon: Stroll north to the foot of Mount Royal, Montréal’s ‘urban mountain’. Allow two hours to reach the lookout at the top for views back down on
the city. Guided tours of the park designed by Frederick Olmsted of Central Park New York City are available. Take a taxi to Montréal’s east side, to the stadium that hosted the 1976 Olympics. Ride to the top of the inclined tower (the world’s tallest). In the same area, visit Montréal Botanical Garden and the Insectarium to explore the world of bees, ants and spiders.
Evening: End the night back in the city centre at the Honeyrose Hotel’s Fifth floor Muze Lounge and covered terrasse, to enjoy small dishes and funky cocktails. Or head to Projet Pilote, near Parc La Fontaine, a Microbrewery with in-house brews and a distillery. •
catch a cirque du soleil show
Making its debut imminently in August 2023, the family-friendly Lumina Night Walk is a new immersive experience at Le Pays de la Sagouine in Bouctouche, New Brunswick. Inspired by Acadian culture, the 1.5-kilometer enchanted walk through the woods will reveal the beauty of the natural landscapes after dark. A light show, projection, special effects, soundscapes and music will bring local storytelling to life through a captivating show of colour and light. The new attraction will also allow the Pays season to be extended from mid-May to mid-October. sagouine.com/fr/lumina
Travellers can experience flying at up to 60 km per hour on one of six exhilarating zip line adventures over the Exploits River and Canyon, located in Newfoundland. Thrill seekers of all ages will soar through the skies, taking in the stunning natural landscapes below while satisfying their adrenaline cravings. To extend the adventure, Exploit Extreme Ziplines can be packaged with Rafting Newfoundland’s whitewater experience, before spending the night camping out on the banks of the Exploits River in a luxury glamping dome at the Riverfront Chalets. exploitszip.ca
Nova Scotia’s new Queen’s Marque District and Halifax waterfront is a must-visit for foodies. After a day of exploring, travellers can sample
everything from Argentine dishes at Bar Sofia, to a Parisian-inspired eatery at Café Lunette plus traditional Nova Scotian seafood at newly opened Salt + Ash. Other waterfront dining developments include Drift, offering Atlantic Canadan classics, and Toridori, an Asian fusion restaurant with noodle dishes from Malaysia to Japan. muirhotel.com
New on the horizon, Blackbush Resort is a sustainable beach eco-resort that will overlook the National Park, ocean and the sweeping dunes of Blackbush Island on Prince Edward Island. Slated to open this year, the Hotel at Blackbush will feature a cocktail and breakfast bar and hotel library. The rooftop will boast an open concept kitchen area and dining room, plus two outdoor hot tubs for viewing stars and the Northern Lights. The ground floor opens out onto the dunes, with direct access to the beach, bonfire amphitheater, tennis courts, saunas and a year-round outdoor pool. blackbush.ca •
zipping across Exploits rivEr and canyon, nEwfoundland and labrador
bEach bliss at blackbush rEsort, princE Edward island
lumina EnchantEd night walk, nEw brunswick
brunching at drift, nova scotia
As summer gets underway and the great outdoors beckons, we ask what’s new in terms of al fresco enjoyment in Atlantic Canada?
Whizz around on a frozen lake straight out of a Christmas film in the Canadian Rockies. Skating on Lake Louise is a winter rite of passage in Alberta from mid-December to mid-April. The lake is cleared daily, making for ideal conditions to practice your footwork, and by night the lake lights up for atmospheric skating in the dark. After hanging up your skates, settle in for a cocktail and dinner at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Dash through the snow on a sleigh ride for two or book a larger group adventure, snuggled under a warm blanket. This popular winter activity isn’t limited to one part of the province; travellers can visit Banff Trail Riders in Banff National Park or hitch a ride with Brewster Adventures beneath Victoria Glacier. Boundary Ranch in Kananaskis Country offers sleigh rides through picturesque woodland.
Iconic landmark Maligne Canyon, located in Jasper National Park, is the deepest accessible canyon in the province. Whilst impressive in the summer, the canyon really comes into its own in the winter, turning into a frozen gallery complete with natural ice sculptures. The Maligne Canyon ice walk tour is the best way to walk the canyon floor and explore frozen waterfalls and ice caves.
A ride on the Banff Gondola is a yearround bucket-list activity. But ascending up Sulphur Mountain in the winter is especially magical, as the scenery becomes reminiscent of a real life snow globe. Get some bird’s eye view snaps during the eight minute ride to the top, before taking a stroll on the boardwalk. At Sky Bistro, savour the panoramic mountain scenery 2,255 metres up with a delicious locally-sourced meal.
A snowshoe-assisted trek on a crisp winters day is a much-loved and longstanding Canadian winter pastime. Enjoy some fresh air and the great outdoors as you trek through the powdery snowscape. Banff Adventures offers several different snowshoe tours, ranging from beginner excursions to more scenic advanced trails. If you’re feeling adventurous, give helisnowshoeing a try for epic views.
Who wouldn’t want to spend the festive season in a real castle? Starting in late November, the Fairmont Banff Springs becomes the ultimate fairytail destination, transforming into a Christmas-themed wonderland. The hotel erects a massive tree in its Mount Stephen Hall plus a largerthan-life gingerbread house in the lobby. Hotel guests of all ages can enjoy a host of festive traditions.
For those not looking to hit the slopes, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the magical wonderland that is Alberta in the winter
Rendez-vous Canada, the country’s largest showcase of tourism products, took place in Québec City in June, attracting 580 Canadian tourism interests who met with 370 international buyers. Steve Hartridge rounds up the news
Destinations and providers of tourism products at Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) in Québec City in June were told to ‘seize the moment’ and take full advantage of Canada’s surging popularity.
Speaking at the country’s first totally inperson Rendez-vous for four years, Randy Boissonnault (pictured right), Canada’s ebullient Minister of Tourism, said: “We are all ambassadors for our communities and for our country.
“Canada is open for business... and U.S. president Joe Biden was right when he visited Canada recently and said that ‘the world wants what Canada can offer’.”
The minister added: “Canada has wide open spaces, three oceans, grand adventures, exciting attractions, nature in abundance and 230,00sq kms of coastline, one of the largest in the world.”
He added: “It has the Trans Canada Trail, the longest network of multi-use recreational trails in the world, and top-ranked international ski destinations – with visitors able to choose from 290 ski resorts – and 48 National Parks.
“RVC offers an unprecedented opportunity for communities large and small to showcase
the best of our country to buyers around the world. I can’t wait to see how high our tourism sector will soar – we are ready,” he enthused.
Marsha Walden, President and CEO for Destination Canada, said tourism is at the very heart of Canada’s economic engine and benefits more regions than any other industry. “It enriches the lives of our guests and generates wealth and wellbeing for all Canadians.”
She added: “If there was any silver lining in the pandemic it’s that people emerged from it with a recognition of what tourism and hospitality means to communities and what travel means to their personal lives.”
Rendezvous Canada was first staged in 1977 and is one of the world’s longest-running travel trade shows.
The event was worth an estimated C$3.6 million in direct economic spin-offs to host province Québec during the week of the show but over C$90 million in long-term economic benefits for the industry nationwide.
Next year’s RVC will be held in Edmonton, Alberta, with dates still to be decided. rendezvouscanada.ca
• Remai Modern
Remai Modern is a world-class contemporary modern art museum in downtown Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The museum houses the largest collection of Picasso linocuts in the world and an atrium piece that features Nick Cave’s ‘Spinner Forest’, made up of thousands of individually hand-crafted wind spinners. New is Hearth, an award-winning restaurant offering ‘unpretentious prairie cooking’. remaimodern.org
• Marriott Moxy in Halifax
Marriott MOXY Hotel Halifax is set to open this summer as the first MOXY property in Canada. The 160-room hotel is located close to the city’s waterfront. There will be no traditional check-in areaguests will be presented with their room key at the hotel bar, along with a signature cocktail. Marriott.com
• Stay on at Hearst Lodge
For the first time, the Hearst Lodge is bookable for nightly stays. The accommodations were built in the 1960s and named after American newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst. The Lodge is located on New Brunswick’s Fundy Trail Parkway, a low-speed 30-kilometre cliffside drive with over 20 lookout points. fundytrailparkway.com
Air Canada will introduce a Toronto-Yellowknife (Northwest Territories) service beginning December 1. It will run three times a week, year-round.
Yellowknife is visited for its historic Old Town that evokes the spirit of the gold rush era and as the gateway to impressive Northern Lights viewing.
“This flight is a game changer for Brits looking to visit one of the world’s best places for seeing the lights, which appear on an average of 240 nights each year from late August to early April,” said Michaela Arnold, Market Director Central Europe for Northwest Territories Tourism.
First Class Holidays has a new Toronto and the Northern Lights package, with flights from London-Heathrow, three nights in Toronto, city sightseeing and day tour to Niagara Falls, flight to Yellowknife, four nights with Aurora viewing at Aurora Village, and a dog sledding tour. It is priced from £2,499pp (January departures). spectacularnwt.de; fcholidays.com
Niagara Parks is both the environmental and cultural steward of the 56 kilometres that make up the Niagara River Corridor.
We have seven attractions in Niagara Parks. Journey Behind the Falls takes guests right next to the iconic Horseshoe Falls, where they can feel the thunder and power of the falls vibrate through their body. They get a little wet, but we give out ponchos!
Niagara’s Fury! is a 4D motion theatre that offers a multi-sensory simulation of the last Ice Age. The temperature drops, mist and snow falls, the floor trembles and stunning visuals along the mighty Niagara River surround you.
We also have North America’s largest butterfly conservatory, with over 2,000 butterflies flying freely among tropical plants and gorgeous blooms. Then there’s the historic cable car that goes across the whirlpool, and White-water Walk, a quarter-mile boardwalk that takes guests past Class Six rapids, which are some of the wildest in North America.
And you have a brand-new attraction?
Yes, Niagara Parks Power Station was formerly a hydroelectric generation power station. It was built between 1901-1905 and decommissioned in 2006 but is now open for guided or self-guided tours. It tells the story of power generation but also one of engineering, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Surrey, a town that is a part of Metro Vancouver, is looking to tempt the taste buds of UK visitors by introducing two new food trails.
The self-guided Spice Trail takes in 65 independent restaurants, cafes and retail stores across Surrey’s six neighbourhoods that showcase the enormous culinary diversity in Surrey – ranging from the flavours of Nepal, Jamaica, Afghanistan and many others.
Within the Spice Trail is a curated Street Food Trail, with the focus on ‘small packets’ of food from SouthEast Asia, India, Pakistan, the Middle East, and Latin America.
“Where the Spice Trail is more of a driving experience, the Street Food Trail has been designed to allow parts of the experience to be walkable, and we think both will appeal to UK visitors,” said Ange Chew, Executive Director for Discover Surrey.
Surrey can be reached from Vancouver Waterfront via a 45-minute ride on Sky Train. discoversurreybc.com
Features include the 600-foot generator floor or tunnel, where guest can follow the flow of the water as they make their way to a spectacular new viewing platform extending into the river, with panoramic views of the lower Niagara Gorge.
Are there any experiences that highlight the First Nations story?
We are working with Indigenous communities to tell the story of Indigenous history.
A new tour features locations along the Niagara Corridor that has Indigenous connections. Also, we have the Landscape of Nations Monument at Queenston Heights Park in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This tells the story of the Indigenous warriors who fought alongside the British in the War of 1812. niagaraparks.com
From summiting mountain peaks to camping under the stars, Quebec’s big skies, deep gorges and winding rivers give adventurous clients plenty to play with, says Jessica Pook
Just north of Montreal, the mountainous Laurentians is a hive of activity in the summer months. Surrounded by more than 9,000 lakes and rivers, visitors are never far from the waters edge. A dip after relaxing on one of the many beaches is recommended, or for more adventurous types there’s kayaking, paddleboarding or white water rafting. You can even go canoe camping and sleep under the stars with over 58 sites along the banks of Rivière-Rouge, including spots only accessible by boat! Swap the paddle for hiking boots in search of the highest peaks of Mount Loup-Garou.
In under 90 minutes you can swap the bustle of Quebec City for rock climbing the highest boulders in eastern Canada at Hautes-Gorgesde-la-Riviere-Malbaie national park or see a whale breach the surface in The SaguenaySaint-Lawrence Marine Park, home to 13 species of whale. Or, why not try mountain biking which has recently made its debut at le Massif de Charlevoix, with several trails suitable for a variety of skill levels. Hiking and biking trails range from family-friendly 30-minute loops to three-day adventures.
If nature is part of the criteria then SaguenayLac-Saint-Jean delivers in abundance with
three national parks, two wildlife reserves and a marine park. Lac-Saint-Jean offers more than 42 km of fine sandy beaches as well as a cycling circuit along the lake, from which you can spot beavers. In Saguenay-Fjord national park visitors can camp in the wilderness, sail in a sea kayak or zodiac on the waters of the marine park to observe the beluga whales. For keen fisherman, mid-May to the end of August is the perfect time for tight lines in the Réserve faunique des Laurentides.
Birds, bears and beavers all call the boreal forests and waterways of Tadoussac home. Twitchers should keep their eyes peeled at parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay for the elusive boreal owl. The location is on the migratory route and makes for an incredible sighting from atop one of the sand dune plateaus, 60 metres above the Lower St. Lawrence Estuary. For a larger encounter, observe black bears in their natural habitat with a guide who will also teach the ancient beliefs of the Innu, the indigenous people of the North Shore, that hold this animal as sacred. •
How do you assess the current health of Canada’s tourism industry?
I would say that if we were a hospital patient we would be about to be released! All the vital signs are looking good and the growth trajectory looks strong.
We think that by 2024 we will be more or less back to 2019 levels, in terms of our visitor numbers. By the end of 2022 our recovery was around 89% (of 2019 numbers) and that is in line with most Western countries. Canada had a bit of a late start as our entry restrictions and rules lasted a little longer than in Europe and the U.S. but we feel good about where we are now and it has been enough to stabilise our industry and get it back on the right track.
You said at Rendez-vous Canada in Québec City in June that you can see consumer tastes and values changing. What do you mean by this?
Well, I think it is becoming clear that the pandemic has had a lasting impact on people’s psyche and their desire for natural space and the great outdoors.
When everyone started to travel again they did so in a way that incorporated more wide-open spaces into their itineraries.
Also, I am sure we will see more combinations of what I call ‘blended travel’, that is where travellers combine the opportunity to work from anywhere but attach to this the desire to bolt on a significant holiday - and now not just a day or two but a week or more.
The desire to enjoy more sustainable and responsible travel experiences will further take hold. We are seeing growth in both areas every year and we know more consumers are prioritising these in their travel plans.
They are maybe travelling a little less frequently but are staying longer and getting to better know a place by really immersing themselves in the local flavours.
These are perhaps not ‘tidal waves’ that are overtaking the travel industry but they are definite trends that have seen steady growth for several years now.
You are a strong advocate of tourism having a regenerative effect on everything from local communities to the country’s economy. Explain how deep-seated this can be.
(Laughs) Regenerative tourism is a bit of a pet phrase right now but I am really trying hard for it to mean something where Canada is concerned. We need real action around this term and some of the ways in
which we are turning in that direction are already meaningful. There are so many aspects of the tourism lens that is positive. When money is spent in tourism so much goes back to the local economy, so there is a vital regenerative aspect right there.
Tourism has a positive influence in a sociocultural way too and plays a part in helping everything from small communities to deeprooted cultures preserve or regenerate. We are seeing this play out in our Indigenous communities. More and more visitors to Canada are now interested in learning the story of our First Nations people and seeing and understanding the cultural impact of, for example, dance, song, food, stories and story telling. There is now a terrific synergy between these aspirations and how tourism can deliver and preserve.
Perhaps more than any other sector, travel and tourism has a vested interest in our land staying beautiful and as untouched and pristine as possible. Our natural beauty and unspoilt landscapes are why the world wants to come to Canada.
Travel and tourism touches upon the three biggest threats to the environment: built infrastructure, transportation, and food production and food waste. We are making great gains on all of these fronts. destinationcanada.com
•
“Tourism has a positive influence in a socio-cultural way too and plays a part in helping everything from communities to cultures preserve or regenerate”
The Location: With views across the iconic New York skyline, this shiny new-build property has an enviable central location on 29th Street and Broadway in the up-and-coming NoMad neighbourhood, right in the heart of Manhattan. Guests are within walking distance of the Big Apple’s hottest attractions including Madison Square Park and the Empire State Building.
The Welcome: Inside, guests are met with beaming smiles from reception staff who offer personal recommendations alongside a swift check-in. Guests are also welcomed with a ‘Where’s Wally’ style mural where Richard Branson is hidden amongst a scene depicting the Virgin story.
The Rooms: With 460 Chambers, Suites and Penthouses across 39 floors, Virgin Hotels New York City is the most exciting addition to the New York skyline. All of the Chambers feature floor-to-ceiling windows, with certain rooms offering unparalleled views of the Empire State Building, the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The Chambers all feature Virgin Hotels’ signature layout with two distinct spaces: The Dressing Room, with a full vanity desk, a closet for two, and an extra-large shower with a bench; and The Lounge, with convenient amenities including Virgin Hotels’
patented lounge bed, coffee machine, a SMEG mini-fridge stocked with street-priced goodies, a smart TV, yoga mat and more.
Restaurants & Bars: The property offers multiple dining options: Everdene is a buzzing dining and drinking venue, with sweeping views of the Big Apple. It occupies the entire third floor of the hotel and offers seasonally driven dishes, shareable plates, and speciality cocktails that attract both guests and locals alike. The fourth floor will be home to the hotel’s signature, fine dining restaurant concept, featuring immersive culinary experiences inspired by Italian and Latin cuisine, due to open in the coming months. Meanwhile, The Pool Club, located 60 feet above Broadway, attracts a cool crowd looking for good music, great food and drinks and a touch of Americana glamour.
Key Facilities: The ‘library’ coffee shop offers barista-style coffee and pastries, a well-stocked library and remote working facilities, guests can also choose to take part in an outdoor yoga class in The Conservatory, attend an art show in the Lounge or take a dip in the heated swimming pool against the backdrop of the Empire State Building. There’s also a 24/7 gym and fitness centre and a number of event spaces. •
The property is perfect for couples or groups looking for a hotel that is just as exciting as its famous city surroundings. Guests can take part in the hotel’s signature events such as a Queen Supreme Brunch Cabaret or Live Jazz sessions whilst being in the heart of one of the most exciting cities. The details: A stay at Virgin Hotels New York City is priced from $213 and is available to book through Preferred Hotels & Resorts. It is the brand’s sixth in the U.S. and the eighth in the global portfolio. virginhotels.com/ preferredhotels.com
Louisville Tourism and the Kentucky Derby Museum have kicked off a year-long celebration leading up to the 150th Kentucky Derby next year. Both attended the Epsom Derby in June to start the anniversary countdown.
Epsom’s flagship race was the inspiration for the Kentucky Derby, which was first run at Louisville’s then Churchill Downs in 1875.
Racegoers this year included TV presenter Clare Balding and guests from the UK travel trade, media, and other celebrities that were all keen to be a part of racing history.
Louisville Tourism’s Director of Tourism Development, Jessica Morgan, and Kentucky Derby Museum’s Director of Communications, Katrina Helmer, attended the race to highlight the ties between British and American horse racing.
Kentucky Derby Museum President Patrick Armstrong said: “We believe a trip to Kentucky Derby 150 will be a bucketlist item for British horseracing fans, and we’re excited for the museum to be part of Louisville’s continued growth in international tourism.”
Tour operators have offered suggestions for how to sell Louisville to clients who want to be part of history next year.
“With the 150th anniversary of the
• Attitude expands horizons
Attitude Hotels is set to open a new eco-hotel in Zanzibar. It will be the first hotel for the brand outside of Mauritius. The plan is to renovate the existing Matemwe Bungalows Zaswi (Z) Ltd property into a hotel with 65 rooms. It is located on the northeastern tip of the island. hotels-attitude.com
Kentucky Derby in May 2024 there will be lots going on and, of course, the main event which takes place on the May 4 will be an experience not to miss,” says Andrew Bird at Purely America.
Ruby Briggs, Managing Director at Kennedy Travel, advises to book early “because hotels and tickets for the 150th Kentucky Derby will sell like hot cakes”. “Louisville really does have something to keep every age and every budget happy and is well worth including it in any Kentucky self-drive tour. With British Airways’ direct flights from London now serving Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati, it is very accessible and just over one hour’s drive away,” says Bird. gotolouisville.com
TruTravels is expanding into a new Ski and Après travel style. Targeting travellers aged 18 to 35, the new snow-focused trips feature a week-long snow adventure in Andorra, departing December 2023.
Launched as part of TruTravels’ 10th anniversary year, the trips will offer skiing, snowboarding and tubing for all abilities.
Starting and ending in Barcelona, the seven-day Andorra Ski and Après trip, organised by the group leaders and TruCrew, is designed for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned pros.
Priced from £1,295pp and including halfboard meals, lift passes and ski hire, the
holiday is on sale now, with a new video and assets available to agents via Sherpa.
“The launch of Snow and Après may seem a little ‘off-piste’, but we’ve seen real appetite among our travellers who have been calling out for a cooler type of holiday,” said Mark Pope, founder of TruTravels.
“Snow holidays are often viewed as pricey or difficult to organise, so we wanted to create something that remains ‘Tru’ to our values with great itineraries, high levels of inclusions, a one price fits all model and, of course, access to the best après spots.
We’re starting with a week-long itinerary in Andorra, a destination which is ideal for smaller groups, away from large resorts.” trutravels.com
• Incredible partnership
Incredible Holidays has partnered with Wendy Wu Tours to offer fully-inclusive holidays in China, Vietnam, Japan, India, South America and more. The new partnership allows agents to offer a wider range of bucket list experiences in Asia and South America, with plenty of support from Incredible Journeys sales team. incredibleholidays.co.uk
• TUI laps up Lapland
TUI has put its Lapland Winter 2024 programme on sale early due to increased demand. The programme includes three- and four-night breaks to Kittila, Rovaniemi, Ivalo and Kuusamo, running from December 1 2024 to January 2 2025. Flights will operate from Gatwick, Birmingham, East Midlands, Newcastle, Bristol, Glasgow and Manchester. tui.co.uk
• Great Rail sees the light
What are expected to be popular tours to see the Norwegian Midnight Sun in 2024 are now on sale with Great Rail Journeys. Agents can book for May, June and July 2024 on the Arctic Norway and Midnight Sun in Lofoten, and Norway, Lofoten and Arctic Circle rail holidays. greatrail.com
One agent is in with a chance to win tickets to The Long Road festival courtesy of Kentucky Tourism.
The Long Road festival takes place August 25 to 27 at Stanford Hall, Leicestershire. The three-day festival features a mix of Country, Americana and Root music with an accompanying car show and on-site camping.
Headliners include Jon Pardi, Blackberry Smoke, Alana Springsteen and Chapel Hart. Vendors from across the UK will be selling U.S. inspired street food, plus hard liquor and craft beers.
The prize is for two tickets for premium camping and child tickets can be added free of charge. Transport to the festival isn’t included and all other extras including parking are bookable via the website thelongroad.com
To be in with a chance of winning, agents need to answer the following question: Which Music Hall of Fame and Museum would you find in Kentucky?
- Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Museum
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Agents should enter by August 11, with their name, email address and contact number, via sellingtravel. co.uk/competitions
Gold Medal has introduced a new Dubai & Arabia brochure alongside a July and August booking incentive. The brochure features a dozen new properties, eight new experiences and a wide range of holiday inspiration for agents.
New offerings include Voco Dubai, located in the currently trending area of Palm West Beach, and destinations geared towards couples and families – such as the luxury InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort and Spa.
To celebrate the launch of the Dubai & Arabia 2023-24 brochure, Gold Medal is giving agents the chance to join them on an exclusive fam trip to Dubai in partnership with Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts and Emirates.
For their chance to win one of the five places, agents must make any Dubai or Arabia package booking with Gold Medal between now and August 10, 2023. Plus, if they make a booking to any of the Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts portfolio within the destinations, they will receive an extra entry into the draw. goldmedal.com
gina Christ-kohler, visit CinCy
A mash up of cultures has created a dynamic food scene in the Cincy Region. Our world-famous Cincinnati Chili — served on top of spaghetti with mounds of fluffy shredded cheese — originated from Greek and Macedonian immigrants. We also pay homage to our German immigrant roots in our beloved Goetta, a pudding of ground meats, oats and spices that we cut and fry. We even have an entire festival dedicated to variations of Goetta, Glier’s Goettafest, in late July and early August. Southern food trends are also a menu staple, with many restaurants boasting the best fried chicken in the South. One thing’s for sure... no one leaves hungry!
From high end dining experiences such as Boca, Sotto and Bouquet to some of the most unique hole-in-the-wall diners serving tasty American favourites, food and the sharing of a meal is a big tradition in the Cincy Region. As the start of the Kentucky Bourbon experience, Cincy also showcases the making of America’s Native Spirit at many unique bourbon-themed restaurants on Northern Kentucky’s bourbon trail, The B-Line. We also host a number of food festivals from the epic Taste of Cincinnati in late May to the United States’ largest Oktoberfest in mid September.
Get an overview of our homegrown goodies at Findlay Market, one of America’s longest operating food halls, in Cincy’s OverThe-Rhine neighbourhood. For a local experience, head to one of the 300 chili parlors for a three-way dish of Cincinnati chili, spaghetti and cheese, or make it a four-way by adding onions or beans. Partner this with one of the 80+ breweries in the region such as Taft’s Ale House in downtown or Braxton Brewing in Covington. Always wrap your meal up with a visit to Graeter’s Ice Cream, who have been making their French Pot treats since 1870. Cincy-born George Clooney and Sarah Jessica Parker love the Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip.
Over 100 agents headed to Manchester, Glasgow and London to learn about Tenerife’s luxury hotel offerings at our dedicated Selling Travel Connect: Tenerife event.
Agents were welcomed with wine and cheese from Tenerife as they mingled with some of the destination’s prime hoteliers. These included Barceló Tenerife, Be Live Experience Orotava, Hotel Botánico, H10 Hotels, Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Jardin Tecina, Melia Jardines Del Teide as well as the Spanish Tourist Office and Tenerife Tourism Corporation.
Introducing the destination to agents, Nuria Lorenzo from the Tenerife Tourism Corporation painted a picture of an exotic
TOP TIP:
For families, Be Live Experience Orotava is located close to Loro Parque, which has a huge freeflight aviary, a penguin pool and an aquarium featuring over 100 marine species.
destination that, while popular for its beaches, also offers breathtaking natural landscapes, Michelin-star gastronomy, lunarlike volcanic landscapes and luxury spas.
“Tenerife has so many unique experiences, for example visitors can walk through the largest lava tube in Europe: Cueva del Viento, stargaze at the top of Spain’s highest mountain, Mount Teide, and dive to the bottom of a volcano.”
Although Tenerife has year-round sunshine, Lorenzo was keen to highlight that the Canary Island is more than just a beach destination and is making waves in the wellness and gastronomy scene.
“Tenerife has five Michelin star restaurants with a total of seven stars – so a great sell for foodies. It also has two
UNESCO World Heritage sites – La Laguna and National Park of Teide. “We are also targeting digital nomads,” added Lorenzo.
Just four-and-a-half hours away, the island is home to some of the most colourful festivals, including Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the second-biggest in the world after Rio de Janiero.
Almost half of the island is protected territory, offering natural attractions that range from ancient forests to volcanic landscapes, and Tenerife was awarded with a Biosphere certification for its commitment to sustainable tourism.
A prize draw rounded off the evening. Business cards were drawn and each supplier gave away a minimum two-night stay at each resort. webtenerife.com
TOP TIP:
For golf enthusiasts, adults-only Hotel Jardin Tecina’s 18 Tecina Golf course is a par 71 course and 0ºs sea views and fairways and greens surrounded by native Canary Islands vegetation.
What: Selling Travel Connect: Tenerife
Where: Manchester, Glasgow, London
When: April 25, 26 & 27
Who: Barceló Tenerife, Be Live Experience Orotava, Hotel Botánico, H10 Hotels, Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife,
TOP TIP: Hotel Botanico’s Oriental Spa Garden has been five times awarded the Best Hotel Spa in Europe by Conde Nast. The spa has 20 treatment cabins and a team of therapists.
Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Jardin Tecina, Melia Jardines Del Teide, the Spanish Tourist Office and Tenerife Tourism Corporation
TOP TIP: All of the rooms at Barceló Tenerife boast furnished terraces and hot tubs, and some of them have sea views. It embraces its volcanic landscape whilst offering a five-star experience.
TOP TIP: Iberostar was the first hotel chain in the world to eliminate single-use plastics. It’s working on becoming ‘wastefree’ by 2025 and has a goal of being carbon neutral by 2030.
TOP TIP: Music-themed Hard Rock Hotel offers a ‘Sound of your Stay’ service, which sees guests get a personalised playlist. It also has a Lullaby Club, a Roxity Kids Club and a Teen Spirit Club.
Indian Ocean and Middle East
WHERE: London & Leeds
WHEN: May 15 & 16, 2023
WHo: Adaaran Resorts; The Emaar Hospitality Group; Cara Hotel Marketing; Fairmont
Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi; ShangriLa Le Touessrok, Mauritius; Sunlife; Travelpack; Air Mauritius and JA Resorts (Leeds only).
Selling Travel’s popular Connect networking events put agents in front of leading product in the Indian Ocean and the Middle East.
The two nights – in London and Leeds – were well supported, with over 70 agents attending at Tower Suites in London and 40 at Aspire in Leeds.
“I was impressed. The evenings were very productive and the agents had lots of good questions. Most turned up prepared to find out information that would help their sales to the region,” said Jonathan Wilkins of Adaaran Resorts, a chain of four Maldivian island resorts ranging from budget allinclusive to premium all-inclusive.
“It (Leeds) was a great night with a good turnout of quality agents,” commented Allan Owen, Country Sales Manager UK and Ireland for Air Mauritius.”
The airline’s Rosie Garside was equally impressed by “the quality’” of the agents she met at the London event.
“It was a fab evening. Everyone I spoke to seemed really engaged and interested to learn about our product. It gave us the opportunity to inform them about our new daily flights from October 29.”
Air Mauritius, which is switching flights from Heathrow to Gatwick when the daily service launches, will mark 50 years of operations to the UK in November.
Another supplier who enjoyed both evenings was Cara Hotel Marketing’s Claire
well organised and I enjoyed meeting all the agents and talking to them about our three Maldivian resorts, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru and Angsana Velavaru.”
“It is easy to combine Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru as they are both just a 20minute speedboat ride from Male,” she added. “It’s the first time I’ve done a proper agent event so it was a great experience for me and I am looking forward to being part of more Selling Travel Connect events.”
“Amazing” was how Gill Shannon, Marketing Representative UK & Ireland for JA Resorts & Hotels, described the Leeds event. “It was great to meet agents in the area; there were some familiar faces and many new ones.
“The enthusiasm of the agents was really refreshing, making the evening very interactive but also fun.”
One agent who was glad she attended her first-ever trade networking evening was Aliyah Sehgal of Althams Travel in Batley.
An apprentice at the agency, she returned
home from the Leeds evening with two return tickets courtesy of Air Mauritius.
The winner of the same prize in London was Sami Sanullah, CEO of Travel Link Worldwide, who said: “I am absolutely delighted Selling Travel arranged such a wonderful evening showcasing the Indian Ocean and the Middle East.
“In March we celebrated being in business for 30 years, which makes winning two flights to Mauritius even more special. Thank you Air Mauritius – I intend to visit just as soon as I can.”
Anthony Kingsley, Manager at Not Just Travel, said: “Selling Travel’s networking events have long been among my favourite trade networking occasions because of the quality of the suppliers that we get to meet.
“I always enjoy them because they are so well planned and organised. I had some very informative chats this evening that will definitely help me better sell the Indian Ocean and Middle East.”
Agents at both events won other prizes that included hotel stays in Mauritius and the Maldives, high street shopping vouchers and a bumper box of premium chocolates.
WHERE: London
WHEN: June 7, 2023
WHO: Cincy Region & British Airways
Agents from London and beyond sampled the best of what the Cincy Region has to offer at the Selling Travel Connect: Cincy event on June 7.
The event saw 40 agents gather in London’s Caledonian Club to learn more about selling the U.S. region, which consists of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, and celebrate the new direct flight from London Heathrow to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) with British Airways, launched on June 5.
The five-times-a-week summer service takes just short of nine hours and will revert to a four-times-weekly service in the winter months.
German design: One in every four local residents claims German heritage in the Cincy Region, and it hosts the largest Oktoberfest in the U.S.
Total eclipse: For the first time in hundreds of years, the path of totality (a total eclipse) will cross Ohio from southwest to northeast on April 8, 2024, passing through cities like Cleveland, Akron and just outside Cincinnati.
Light up: The Cincy Region is ranked one of the most ‘Vibrant Art Cities in America’. It has more than 200 pieces of public art and is home to BLINK, a light experience which attracts 2 million visitors.
Taking the first brand new direct flight from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport to London Heathrow, members of the Cincy Region team, including Julie Kirkpatrick, Cincy Region CEO, Gina Christ-Kohler, Regional Sales Director and Maija Zummo, Communications Manager, joined agents in London to celebrate the new flight and provide an update on the region and its selling appeal.
The Cincy team were keen to discuss details of the new flight, which operates five times per week in the summer season and four in the winter. It is also currently the only direct service between the UK and Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
“This flight has been a long time coming,” said Kirkpatrick. “It is something
that we felt was missing in the region and we are looking forward to showcasing our special Cincy Region story in the UK and fulfilling tourism’s commitment to bring new international visitors to this unique gateway, with hopes of quadrupling visitation from the UK as a result.”
Speaking of the wider potential of the new route, Kirkpatrick said: “I think the story of this conjoined region was very intriguing to British Airways. It offers visitors the chance to either venture further north and depart from Chicago or explore further south and depart out of Nashville.”
Selling the region as part of a wider road trip was something that appealed to Jo McPherson from Hays Travel, with major cities including Pittsburgh, Chicago and
“I think what will surprise visitors about the Cincy Region is the value for money. It is much more cost effective than New York, Atlanta or Chicago”
Julie Kirkpatrick, Cincy Region CEO
Nashville around a four-hour drive from Cincinnati.
“The new flight makes it really easy for us to sell the destination in conjunction with other road trip highlights such as Nashville and Memphis,” said McPherson.
A presentation showcased what makes this region so different to anywhere else in the USA, including its unique culinary scene, German heritage, abundant street art and affordability.
Kirkpatrick said: “Our region is not just the merger of two states, Ohio and Kentucky, but a merger of two cultures, it’s the end of the North and the start of the South.”
And as for the culinary scene, there’s plenty to keep foodies happy.
“As the gateway to Northern Kentucky and the famed Bourbon Trail, we have seven major bourbon distilleries and 81-plus breweries that visitors can sample, and a must try is our famous
Cincinnati Chili and of course experience our famous Southern hospitality,” Kirkpatrick said.
Agents were keen to know how the region ranks in terms of affordability compared to other destinations in America, especially in the current climate.
Those Travel Guys was the German heritage that dates back to the 1830s. Alongside a thriving German food scene and a host of brewries and beer halls, the region hosts the second largest Oktoberfest outside of Munich.
And for art lovers, there’s hidden gems around every corner from iconic landmarks and Art Deco architecture to renowned art museums, outdoor murals, and BLINK light festival.
The evening drew to a close with a prize draw which included £50 Love2Shop vouchers, an £80 bottle of bourbon and a place on an upcoming fam trip.
“I think what is going to surprise visitors about the Cincy Region is the value for money. Prices for food and lodging are very reasonable. It is much lower than New York, Atlanta or Chicago, so it’s a great option for families,” said Kirkpatrick. What most surprised Peter Foster from
Tina Braiden, AmeriCan & Worldwide Travel, winner of the fam trip place said: “I’m so excited to see it for myself after this evening. It sounds like such a diverse region with so much to offer. Who knows I might even bump into George Clooney! (a former Cincy resident).” visitcincy.com
“The new flight makes it really easy for us to sell the destination in conjunction with other road trip highlights such as Nashville and Memphis”
Jo McPherson, Hays Travel
