Trade day for 'From The Bahamas With Love' expo is March 3

‘From The Bahamas With Love’ romance expo includes dedicated trade day March 3

TORONTO — The Bahamas is reminding the travel trade to ‘save the date’ for two virtual events - one trade, one consumer - focusing on the destination’s weddings, honeymoon and romance offering.

‘From The Bahamas With Love’, scheduled for Wed. March 3 (trade) and Wed. March 10 (consumer), promises to showcase the wide variety of romance, honeymoon and destination wedding product in The Bahamas.

The expo will bring together industry leaders, partners, hotels, venues and services “for a truly unique and educational experience for trade and consumer participants,” say organizers.

The trade event on March 3 features an afternoon planned specifically for trade professionals, including travel agents and event planners, and takes place 1 - 4 p.m. EST. The trade program includes panel discussions, breakout sessions, workshops and more.

The week after, on March 10, consumers including soon-to-be engaged or recently engaged couples, future brides and grooms, bachelorette party planners, honeymoon do-over seekers and more are welcome to join in to discover the array of romance product available in The Bahamas. The consumer event takes place 4 - 7 p.m. EST.

“The pandemic has caused many couples to postpone or reimagine their romantic getaways over the last year, and the destination wants to ensure future planning is made as seamless as possible in 2021. ‘From the Bahamas With Love’ will feature a diverse series of panel discussions with experts from across all romance industry sectors, along with opportunities to network directly with partners,” say organizers.

“With intimate, secluded cays, unmatched turquoise waters and pink- and white-sand beaches, it's easy to understand why The Bahamas is considered one of the world’s most romantic destinations,” said Joy Jibrilu, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation. “With so many offerings available, we are thrilled to connect consumers to experts across a number of industries through our virtual romance expo experience to ensure the ease of planning a romantic Bahamian getaway, especially after so many plans were upended this last year.”

For details or to register see bahamas. com/from-the-bahamas-with-love-trade.

All systems are go for St. Lawrence Cruise Lines in 2021

KINGSTON — Despite Canada’s newly extended cruise ship ban, Canadians still have a small-ship cruising alternative in 2021 with St. Lawrence Cruise Lines.

The small-ship operator, which sails on the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers, has confirmed operations for 2021, with overnight cruises on both rivers from May 20 to Oct. 24. A variety of cruises ranging from four to seven nights will depart from Kingston, Ottawa and Quebec City, sailing exclusively in domestic waters with stops at select ports in Ontario and Quebec.

On Feb. 4, Canada’s Minister of Transport, Omar Alghabra announced that Canada’s cruise ship ban will be extended until Feb. 28, 2022. This measure, which effectively prohibits cruise vessels carrying more than 100 passengers from operating in Canadian waters, does not impact the smallship operations of St. Lawrence Cruise Lines and its 32-stateroom Canadian Empress.

“We are excited to offer travellers a small ship option for the 2021 season,” said President Jason Clark. “Our overnight cruises stay close to shore in Canadian waters and our COVID-19 Health and Safety program has been recognized for its high standards.”

This past December, the cruise line was awarded the Safe Travels Stamp by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) for adherence to global standards of health and hygiene. The program includes a wide range of safety measures, including reduced passenger loads, masking, physical distancing and hospital-grade electrostatic disinfecting for both private staterooms and shared spaces. Plus, all staterooms have access to fresh air, climate controls and views of the river.

To view St. Lawrence Cruise Lines’ free travel brochure go to StLawrence CruiseLines.com or call 1-800-267-7868.

“We are excited to offer travellers a small ship option for the 2021 season.”

Credit: VisitSurrey

12 Contiki x Bridgerton, Painshill Promenade

Contiki launches new ‘Bridgerton’inspired itinerary

TORONTO — With ‘Bridgerton’ heating up television screens around the world, Contiki has unveiled a brand new ‘Limited Edition’ trip based on the hit Netflix series.

The proposed four-day mini adventure will visit over 19 areas of the period drama’s filming locations in London, Bath and the surrounding English countryside in summer 2022. The show, which is based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling novels about life in Regency-era London, was just confirmed for a second season.

“Bridgerton has been the perfect binge-worthy show to see us through the lockdown restrictions, not just for its captivating romantic storyline and sumptuous costumes but also for the gorgeous U.K. scenery many Canadians can only dream of visiting right now,” said Sheralyn Berry, president of Contiki Canada. “Contiki’s recent ‘Voice of a Generation’ survey revealed 71% of our millennial and Gen-Z audience is turning to entertainment series such as ‘Emily in Paris’ and ‘Down to Earth’ for future travel inspiration. After receiving overwhelming interest from over 4,000 clients and young travellers across social media, we have good reason to take those dreams and start working towards making it a reality in 2022.”

While in London, guests will enjoy a high tea at the five-star Rubens at the Palace as well as a visit to Greenwich, which was used as the exterior of the Bridgerton family home. They’ll also take a guided tour of central London, including Lancaster House used for Lady Bridgerton’s audience with Queen Charlotte, and have dinner and drinks at the Viaduct Tavern, London’s last remaining authentic Victorian gin palace.

In Bath, highlights include a city tour featuring Beauford Square (used in the show to recreate Mayfair) and Abbey Street (the location of Madame Delacroix’s dressmaking boutique), and a visit to Holbourne Museum of Art and the Bath Assembly Rooms, both used for scenes in Lady Danbury’s mansion and the ballroom.

Clients looking for a deeper dive into the historical past of the U.K. can opt for the 16-day ‘Great Britain & Ireland’ or the 13-day ‘Scotland & Ireland.’

Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana reopens its doors

PUNTA CANA — Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts has reopened its third brand property in Punta Cana in response to an increase in travel demand to the destination in the last few months.

Reopening this month is the 756room Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana, a seaside property that boasts

two pools, six restaurants, four bars, a disco, children’s water park, the Bahia Spa and much more. The resort joins two other properties in Punta Cana that are now welcoming back guests: the family favourite Bahia Principe Fantasia Punta Cana and the adults-only Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar.

“At Bahia Principe, we take pride in always offering our loyal customers a variety of options to choose from that better matches their wants and needs, and so we are pleased to once again be able to offer this resort to them.” said Lluisa Salord, SVP Global Sales, Contracting & Distribution. “We remain committed to reactivating tourism and helping the local community in Punta Cana, especially past employees that had been part of the Bahia Principe family for years.”

As part of the brand’s Grand category, Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana offers unlimited Wi-Fi, one hour per day of complimentary kayaking or paddling, and a number of entertainment options suited for all ages, including activities inspired by the local Dominican culture such as dancing Bachata and Spanish lessons.

In addition to on-site offerings, guests have access to the brand’s Las Olas Beach House located within the complex. Opened in late 2019, the beach house is home to several restaurants overlooking the beach and spans a total of 7,400 square metres. The two-storey facility also features two beachfront restaurants that at night convert into themed restaurants – one Mexican and one Rodizio-style – as well as a beach bar and three other themed restaurants (seafood for adults-only, Indian with vegetarian and vegan options, and Mediterranean).

With all its reopened properties, Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts has implemented rigorous safety and hygiene measures in collaboration with HS Consulting, international consultants specializing in the tourism industry. These include proper social distancing, increased cleaning and disinfection, health checks, digitalizing experiences and more. Additionally, for guests who

require COVID-19 testing for their return flights, Bahia Principe is able to accommodate on site through partnerships with local laboratories and clinics. Guests should contact the front desk upon arrival to schedule their test prior to departure.

The resort joins family favourite Bahia Principe Fantasia Punta Cana and the adults-only Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar in welcoming back guests to the D.R.

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