INTERNATIONAL TOURISM RECEIPTS RECOVERED TOO, REACHING THE US$1 TRILLION MARK IN 2022

Virtuoso welcomes seven Canadian travel agencies to global network

TORONTO — Seven Canadian travel agencies have been added to Virtuoso’s global roster of agencies in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

These new additions include: BST Vacations/Blowes & Stewart Travel Group Ltd., Peterborough, ON; CWT Harvey’s Travel, St. John’s; Groupe Voyages VP, Montreal; Kerrisdale Cruise & Vacation Travel, Vancouver; Omega Travel Service Ltd., Vancouver; Vacances Le Faubourg, Boisbriand, QC; and Victor Travel, Concord, ON.

As a Virtuoso member, these agencies will enjoy a host of benefits through Virtuoso’s preferred partner portfolio, which includes more than 2,300 hotels and resorts, cruise lines, tour operators, destination management companies and premier destinations. They’ll also gain access to sales and marketing initiatives, Virtuoso’s professional development program.

“Affiliation with Virtuoso allows our members to build relationships with the world’s best travel providers and bring stronger value and more elevated travel experiences to Canadian travellers,” said Úna O’Leary, general manager, Virtuoso Canada. “We are honoured to welcome these outstanding travel agencies who share our commitment to excellence.”

Virtuoso’s combined annual travel sales of $28-$32 billion allow the group to negotiate enhanced advantages. For clients of Virtuoso agencies, this means complimentary upgrades, daily breakfast and personalized amenities, as well as perks like private airport transfers, special dining experiences and spa treatments. These bonuses are valued up to Can$740 per stay at over 1,500 properties in more than 100 countries.

Plus, through the Virtuoso Voyages program, travel advisors can offer exclusive benefits to their clients on a select group of over 800 cruises. These include a dedicated onboard host and their choice of an added-value benefit ranging in value from Can$670 per couple to several thousand dollars, depending on the sailing.

FITCUBA 2023: Canada is Cuba’s top priority, says tourist board

By Chris Kinasz

HAVANA— FITCUBA (Feria Internacional de Turismo) 2023 recently took place in Havana, with San Carlos de la Cabana fortress showcasing the opening ceremony and trade floor.

FITCUBA attendees heard what’s new in Cuba, while the rich culture and colourful heritage of Havana were showcased to great effect.

Canada accounted for 51% of visitors to Cuba this past winter, and at FITCUBA, tourism executives said Canada is Cuba’s top priority. Some 80% of the arrivals seen in 2019 were achieved, with an increase in flights believed to be the key to matching that year’s numbers.

Another goal to increase numbers is to make the beautiful and historic city of Trinidad more attractive to Canadian travellers. Stay tunedthere was discussion of a Canada-only summit to be held in October.

FITCUBA also highlighted Cuba’s cultural offering. Cuba has 340 museums, with 77 in Havana alone. National heritage collections and patriotic collections portraying wars of independence are especially popular. The categories of museums are vast and include general, history, art, archaeological, science & technology, natural history, eco-museums, anthropological, heritage and speciality museums, such as theme museums with a focus on author Ernest Hemingway, who famously lived in Cuba in his later years. More than 100 museums have been declared national monuments, in some cases for the buildings that they’re held within, and many museums are located within World Heritage Sites.

One very special attraction in Havana that visitors should definitely check out is Fábrica de Arte Cubano, or Fábrica, as locals call it. It’s a unique and sprawling facility appropriate for all ages and nationalities that serves as an art gallery and nightclub. The diverse spaces include a cafe, nightclub, concert venue, bar, cinema, restaurant and art gallery. One could explore all evening and still not cover every space at this can’t miss venue, which was declared ‘One of the World’s 100 Greatest Places’ by Time Magazine in 2019.

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, which launched new colours and a new logo earlier this year, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Cuba. The pandemic gave the brand a chance to renovate its properties on the island. Those looking for sun can stay with Iberostar in Varadero and then stay with them again in Havana for some city time. Its centrally located Havana accommodations include the Iberostar Grand Packard and Iberostar Parque Central. The company has 18 hotels total in Cuba.

Media attending FITCUBA 2023 stayed at Hotel Gran Muthu Habana, a five-star MGM Muthu Hotel located near Fifth Avenue.