Say “hallo” and “bonjour” to St. Maarten! One half Dutch, one half French, the dual-nation Caribbean island is one hundred percent unlike anyplace else. Two cultures means twice the excitement, twice the relaxation, and twice the reasons you’ll never want to leave.
BY KATHRYN FOLLIOTT
TORONTO Any roadblock to travel - lack of direct lift, say, or a weak exchange rate, or any number of other pain points - can send some travellers in the opposite direction, as this industry is all too aware.
After all, it’s a big world out there. With so many destinations on offer, and when a big goal of a getaway is to get away from stress, who can blame a client for choosing an easier option?
With that in mind, travel companies that sell Brazil are watching the calendar, ahead of the country’s April 10 eVisa implementation for Canadians, Americans and Australians.
The April 2025 timeline is just the latest in a series of delayed restart dates more than five years after Brazil dropped the visa requirement in 2019 (even as Canada continued to require visas from most Brazilian travellers).
Each delay has given Canadian travellers heading to Brazil a welcome reprieve before the US$80.90 (about Cdn$116) eVisa fee kicks in.
How much can a visa requirement impact inbound travel? In one example, VisitBritain estimated in
2012 that visa requirements for visitors from China resulted in 60% fewer potential travellers from mainland China to the UK.
Brazil welcomed 6.65 million international travellers in 2024, a year over year increase of more than 12%, according to the latest stats from Brazil’s tourism board EMBRATUR.
Strategies for attracting more international visitors include Brazil’s National Tourism Plan 2024-2027, which aims to establish Brazil as South America’s premier tourist destination – and with goals for 8.1 million international visitors annually.
The country has also embarked on its International Tourism Acceleration Program, investing millions of dollars to attract new flights on national routes.
Brazil’s 6.65 million visitors in 2024 included close to 90,000 Canadians, as EMBRATUR recently shared with Travelweek.
EMBRATUR wasn’t able to comment on the frustration of visa requirements for those working to attract more inbound visitors.
“The issue is being addressed by the Brazilian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in line with the country’s diplomatic relations” and all details are shared only through the government’s official channels, EMBRATUR told Travelweek.
EMBRATUR did share feedback on its strategies for attracting more Canadian visitors.
“We know there are challenges such as connectivity, distance,” said EMBRATUR. “Brazil is actively investing in the Canadian market through targeted campaigns emphasizing sustainability, gastronomy and cultural diversity.”
There are also trade missions. “Collaborative initiatives with tour operators, travel agents, and airlines are designed to showcase experiences that highlight diversity and local culture,” added EMBRATUR.
Direct flights between Canada and Brazil are available via Air Canada, operating nonstop routes to São Paulo several times weekly.
One tour operator told Travelweek that airlines changing their routes from Canada have made it more expensive and more difficult to fly to Brazil: “Good connections don’t exist like they used to.”
WE
Brazil is underserved from Canada, they added, noting that distance and price (“our CA$ against the US$ is a killer”) make for formidable
challenges. “It makes it hard to stay competitive on top of the other obstacles.”
Given those hurdles from this market, it’s all the more impressive that Brazil continues to command a strong showing on travel bucket lists.
Blessed with incredible wonders of the world, from Iguazu Falls to the Amazon to the iconic Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain in must-experience Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is so compelling that a number of tour operators have ramped up their offerings - and in one notable case, debuted a brand new program.
Last week ACV announced its portfolio of new guided tour packages to Brazil, now available to book with departures from Toronto and Montreal to São Paulo (GRU). Connections from Air Canada’s network of more than 50 Canadian airports are also available.
ACV’s Brazil program offers four tours and 13 packages with private transportation in destinations including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Salvador, Foz do Iguaçu and Porto de Galinhas.
Goway Travel is also bullish on Brazil. Last month Goway announced new and improved offerings to Brazil, with the introduction of 20 brand new packages.
Goway’s VP, The Americas, Sean Hebert, told Travelweek that there’s a lot of growth potential for the destination.
“While Brazil has been one of Goway’s fastest growing destinations in Latin America since the pandemic, it still lags behind the strong passenger numbers we’ve seen for Peru, the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, Chile and Argentina,” he said.
“With respect to our Canadian travellers, Brazil is woefully underserved for a destination with such strong flight connectivity and with tourism infrastructure that’s mature enough to accommodate a range of wallet sizes,” he added.
Hebert said part of the challenge has been getting the word out: “Brazil competes with the strong storytelling that its neighbours do each and every year to motivate travellers to experience their destinations first-hand, and for that reason, it’s been great to see their government investing heavily in more marketing in recent years.”
Goway’s best-selling Brazil itineraries tend to spend 10 to 14 days in destination, he added, with time in two or three distinct regions: “A heart-pounding adventure in the Pantanal and the Amazon; a relaxing beachfront vacation in Rio or Paraty; and a visit to the iconic Iguazu Falls.”
Hebert added that the Brazilian government’s visa-free travel policy “has been a key driver of
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the destination’s recent demand at Goway, so the return of visa restrictions is certainly disappointing.
Our hope is that we can fend off falling demand by helping our travellers navigate that visa process, as we already do in a number of popular destinations that require Canadians to secure a visa.”
For tailor-made tours specialist Gateways International, Brazil is the 4th top-selling South American destination, after Chile, Peru and Argentina.
Asked if there’s a typical Canadian traveller to Brazil, Talia May, Director, Marketing & Operations for Gateways International, said: “Passengers to Brazil used to be older couples or groups of couples travelling together. Now we see a younger demographic, families with teenage children travelling.”
Gateways International’s bestselling Brazil itineraries include getaways combining Rio and Iguazu Falls, as well add-on components like Salvador and Manaus cruises.
May noted that while the upcoming eVisa requirement “adds another layer of difficulty,” many other destinations are implementing feebased changes, such as the UK’s ETA, and EU’s ETIAS (delayed but still on its way). “We are told the Brazilian visa will not be as difficult to obtain as it once was, done exclusively on https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/ for a cost of US$80.90 per passenger.”
BY CAROLYNE PARENT
ONBOARD DISNEY TREASURE
You can throw all the pixie dust you want at me, but I’m far from being an unconditional Disney fan.
In nearly 30 years in this industry, it had never occurred to me to visit one of Disney’s theme parks, or cruise with Goofy.
And yet here I was covering ‘the whole package’: both a land-based experience and the inaugural media cruise of Disney Treasure, sister ship to Disney Wish (and to Disney Destiny, set to join the fleet in November 2025).
Not backing down from anything, I set off for three days at sea aboard a cruise ship almost as long (341 metres) as the Empire State Building is high (380 metres, minus the spire and antenna).
The décor, shows and animations all revolve around the popular adventures of these characters. In the Grand Hall, which looks like a palace from Agrabah in Disney’s 1992 hit Aladdin, passengers can pose in front of the ship’s iconic statue: Aladdin and Princess Jasmine on the Magic Carpet. In the evening, you dine in the company of The Avengers or the protagonists from the movie Coco, who perform in a Mexican plaza during the Día de los Muertos – this is especially well done.
On stage, Moana, the heroine who isn’t pining for any prince, takes the spotlight in a Broadway-style
production with set designs that Robert Lepage would certainly appreciate.
As for the grand nighttime party with fireworks and rock music, the theme is pirates – and it’s fitting because Disney Treasure will only sail the Caribbean Sea during seven-night cruises departing from Port Canaveral, FL.
Finally, Pocahontas watches over my sleep from the artwork above the bed in my stateroom. In the ‘Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah’ category, this cabin for five people is thoughtfully designed: it includes a sofa bed (you could also opt for a hidden bunk bed in the ceiling) and a wall bed, meaning a family of four could invite grandma! Special mention for the separate toilet from
the bathroom (which also includes a mini bathtub).
In every corner of the ship, Disney Imagineers have created incredible environments.
For the children, they’ve dedicated age-appropriate areas, such as Small World Nursery (under 3), Edge (11-14 years), Vibe (14-17 years) and Hero Zone (for all).
For kids ages 3 - 10, The Oceaneer Club completely blew me away: five spaces, five adventures, including the impressive Star Wars Cargo Bay. Hello, Chewbacca! At the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, I could have been transformed into Rapunzel for a day if I had been five years old. And then there’s the AquaMouse, the famous high-up water slide on the top deck.
The creators also went above and beyond in the spaces designed for adults. The Haunted Mansion Parlor bar recreates the atmosphere of an iconic Magic Kingdom attraction, and its ‘supernatural’ effects are sure to surprise (no, I won’t spoil anything!).
The Skipper Society Lounge is also a nod to another iconic park attraction: the Jungle Cruise. The Periscope Pub takes us aboard Jules Verne’s Nautilus, heading for Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. At the retro jazz bar Scat’s Cat, we’re in The Aristocats’ world: a cat has even left its paw prints on the piano…
Adjacent to the upscale (and paid) restaurants Palo (specializing in northern Italian cuisine) and Enchanté (French cuisine by Arnaud
Lallement, three Michelin stars), the cocktail bar The Rose delighted me with its cozy atmosphere and views of the ocean.
I also loved the Jade Cricket Café (hello, Mulan; I do know my classics!), the adults-only area The Cove, which features a panoramic pool, bar, and café at the stern, and the Rainforest relaxation oasis, both indoor and outdoor, in the Senses Spa.
After these experiences, it was off to Jumbeaux’s Sweets, straight out of Zootopia. The ice cream shop with 20 flavours, 16 unusual gelato types (carrot cake, really?), and other treats is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Elsewhere, from the Marceline Market buffet (kudos for the kids’ section at child height) to the Hollywoodstyle 1923 restaurant, through the aforementioned Worlds of Marvel and Plaza de Coco, and the stands on deck 11, I ate well. While the dishes aren’t gourmet, they are more than decent.
Finally, a word on the stopover at Castaway Cay, DCL’s private island in the Bahamas: the beaches for adults and families are spacious; the marine area, which resembles a lagoon, is supervised by lifeguards; the site is beautifully set up (buffets, picnic areas, restrooms, showers); and several experiences are offered, including biking, snorkeling and ray feeding.
In short, everything is great, just like the rest of this wonderful and perfectly well-oiled world.
You might be wondering if I’m now a Disney fan… What do you think?
Porter Airlines is coming into LaGuardia Airport with new yearround service from Toronto Pearson starting in May 2025. The new flights, operating out of YYZ to LGA effective May 1, expand Porter’s footprint in NYC. Porter will offer up to three daily roundtrips between YYZ and LaGuardia’s Terminal B, the beneficiary of a US$5.1 billion reno. The airline has been on a massive expansion run since January 2023, when it debuted its first of many E195-E2s on several new routes. Porter is now the second-largest airline operating flights to the U.S. and Canada from Toronto Pearson.
Condor Airlines is further expanding its route network within Europe –and passengers from Canadian and U.S. gateways will benefit. Effective March 2025 Condor will begin adding flights to/from the following destinations from Frankfurt: Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP), Paris (CDG), Prague (PRG), Vienna (VIE), Zurich (ZRH), Berlin, (BER), Hamburg (HAM) and Munich (MUC). Berlin, Hamburg, Munich Milan, Zurich, Paris and Prague will be served with two daily flights. Rome and Vienna will have daily service. The Rome flight will also offer continuing service to Palermo (PMO) in Sicily.
A keel-laying ceremony for Emerald Cruises’ Emerald Kaia recently marked the latest milestone for the luxury superyacht. Emerald Kaia is set to debut in April 2026. Designed to accommodate 128 passengers, some 88% of the ship’s cabins feature verandas. The vessel will offer bespoke itineraries exploring the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Aegean, and Seychelles. Emerald Kaia will become the third luxury superyacht in Emerald Cruises’ fleet, following Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara. Bookings for Emerald Kaia’s inaugural season are open for individual travellers, groups and charters.
Venice is expanding its tourism management strategy by increasing the number of designated Access Fee days, from 29 in 2024, to 54 in 2025. The initiative aims to regulate tourist flows and discourage shortterm day trips to the city. The access fee will be €5 for early bookings or €10 for reservations made closer to the visit, and will be applicable 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on specific dates from April to July. Children under 14 and overnight tourists are excluded from the requirement. Fee payments are facilitated through a multilingual online platform using QR codes for verification.
TORONTO International tourism made a full recovery in 2024, with global tourist arrivals reaching 1.4 billion – 99% of pre-pandemic levels – according to the World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism.
This represents an 11% increase over 2023, driven by robust demand, strong source markets, and the continued revival of travel in Asia and the Pacific.
The Americas reached 97% of 2019 figures, with the Caribbean and Central America surpassing prepandemic performance.
The Middle East emerged as the bestperforming region relative to 2019, recording 95 million arrivals – 32% above pre-pandemic levels. Africa welcomed 74 million visitors, 7% more than in 2019.
Europe, the world’s largest travel destination, saw 747 million international arrivals, exceeding 2019 numbers by 1%. Asia and the Pacific experienced rapid recovery with 316 million arrivals, though numbers remained at 87% of pre-pandemic levels, up from 66% in late 2023.
Tourism revenues soared to an alltime high of US$1.9 trillion in 2024, 3% above 2019 levels in real terms.
Receipts from international travel reached $1.6 trillion, reflecting a 4% increase from pre-pandemic values. Average tourist spending gradually normalised at $1,100 per trip, higher than the $1,000 average seen before the pandemic.
Several destinations experienced remarkable growth in tourism receipts, including Kuwait (+232%), El Salvador (+206%), and Saudi Arabia (+148%). Canada saw a 70% surge in tourism revenues, while top earners like the UK (+40%), Spain (+36%), France (+27%), and Italy (+23%) enjoyed robust gains.
In terms of international travel expenditure, major source markets contributed to the recovery. Germany and the UK recorded 36% higher spending than in 2019, while the United States increased by 34%. Spending from India remained particularly strong, 81% above pre-pandemic levels during the first half of 2024.
Global tourist arrivals are projected to grow another 3% to 5% in 2025. The UN Tourism Confidence Index highlights optimism within the industry, with 64% of experts predicting better prospects for 2025. However, challenges remain, including high travel costs, volatile oil prices, and rising accommodation rates. Geopolitical instability and extreme weather events are also key concerns.
MADRID Iberostar Group’s strong 2024 included managed revenues of 4,468 million euros, representing a 17% increase compared to 2023, driven by the growth of its two divisions: Iberostar Hotels & Resorts and World2Meet.
Iberostar Group’s Vice Chairman and CEO, Sabina Fluxá, said: “2024 has been a record year for Grupo Iberostar. Growth and profitability have worked hand-in-hand, driving sustained progress across all areas of the business.”
For the year ahead the company will continue to focus on quality in the customer experience, training and development of talent and responsible tourism to continue generating a positive impact, she added. In 2024, the company grew its workforce by 1,800 employees, surpassing 37,000 people globally, while continuing its investment in homegrown talent.
The hotel division, which ended 2024 with 31,500 rooms across 100 properties in 14 countries, reported positive results and remains a key contributor to the group’s profitability.
A sustained increase in demand from key source markets, along with ongoing investment in its assets over recent years, resulted in an 8% rise in Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) compared to 2023.
Total managed revenues reached 2,180 million euros, marking an 8% increase compared with the
Surrounded by lush landscapes and turquoise waters, Viva Tangerine by Wyndham is the tropical paradise your clients are looking for. And, as an extra bonus, one kid per double occupancy reservation gets to stay and eat for FREE!
Located just 20 minutes from Puerto Plata airport, and walking distance from Cabarete town, it’s the ideal spot for those who want convenience and adventure. This family-friendly resort offers tons of activities (including free kiteboarding lessons!) everyone will love.
With its golden sands, swaying coconut palms and turquoise waters, the Dominican Republic is a sought-after haven for sun-seekers. And nestled near the vibrant village of Cabarete, Viva Tangerine by Wyndham provides a charming all-inclusive getaway ideal for families, couples or solo adventurers.
Available to book with Transat and situated along the scenic Sosua-Cabarete Road, Viva Tangerine by Wyndham is a short 20-minute drive from Puerto Plata International Airport and mere minutes from Cabarete’s bustling centre. This prime location blends accessibility with the tranquillity of a tropical paradise.
The resort’s all-inclusive offerings ensure a seamless vacation, with guests enjoying an enticing range of meals, unlimited beverages and diverse recreational activities. Overlooking the Atlantic, the resort’s beachfront setting invites relaxation or adventure with non-motorized water sports.
There are activities for every traveller, including a Mini Club filled with games and supervised entertainment for those 4-12 years old, the Kelive Spa (additional cost), pools, paddleboarding, snorkelling, kitesurfing, aerobics and Latin dance classes, as well as themed parties and nightlife, with Cabarete’s renowned bars and clubs close by.
As for accommodations, Viva Tangerine’s stylish rooms and suites accommodate up to five guests, making them ideal for families. Each space features a private terrace or balcony with views of lush gardens or the ocean, along with amenities such as Wi-Fi, a flatscreen TV and an in-room safe.
Delicious dining options abound at Viva Tangerine, home to à la carte restaurants like Viva Mexico (Mexican), La Vela (Italian and Melt (fusion), not to mention snacks and buffets serving poolside bites all day, and the Bar Loft Disco where guests can dance to lively music until 2 a.m.
Combined with year-round sunshine and warm temperatures ranging from 22°C to 33°C, and convenient flight options with Transat (up to six weekly departures to Puerto Plata from Montreal, plus additional flights from Quebec City and Ottawa), Viva Tangerine by Wyndham is the perfect choice for sun-seekers and families.
previous year, accompanied by an EBITDA growth of 13%.
“In the hotel division, planned investments for 2025 will approach 210 million euros, demonstrating our long-term vision and the company’s commitment to delivering new destinations and exceptional experiences for every guest,” said Phil McAveety, CEO of Iberostar Hotels & Resorts.
Achieving a guest satisfaction rate of 92% in 2024, the company’s expansion plan focuses on new destinations as well as strengthening its presence in existing markets with the opening of five new beachfront properties.
Following the December 2024 opening of JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, its first hotel on the Caribbean island, the company recently inaugurated two hotels in Miami: Iberostar Waves Berkeley Shore and Iberostar Waves Miami Beach.
Two additional properties are scheduled to open in spring: Iberostar Selection Es Trenc in Mallorca, and Iberostar Selection Mirage Hammamet in Tunisia.
Under its Iberostar Cuba Hotels & Resorts brand, the group will also open Iberostar Selection La Habana, its 20th hotel in Cuba.
Throughout 2025, Iberostar will also continue investing in its hotel portfolio in Spain, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
FOR 2025 WILL APPROACH 210M.
TORONTO Sunwing Vacations has launched a new tier system for all-inclusive Cuba resorts, to help travel advisors book the right accommodations for their clients.
Called ‘Cuba Collections,’ the new system distinguishes the types of properties and experiences customers can expect while in Cuba. It includes three all-inclusive resort tiers that highlight minimum standards and criteria, making it simple for advisors and their clients to plan and book Cuban vacations, says Samantha Taylor, Chief Marketing and Digital Officer of Sunwing Vacations Group.
The three tiers are Cuba Core, Cuba Classic and Cuba Comfort.
“Cuba is a top-selling destination for Sunwing Vacations and this is thanks in large part to the dedication of the travel advisor community,” says Taylor. “To best support our advisors in educating clients on Cuba, we’re introducing Sunwing’s Cuba Collections, with the goal to be as transparent as possible and set clear expectations around our indestination offerings, while ensuring advisors are equipped with resources to help our mutual clients uncover what makes Cuba truly great for a memorable vacation that best suits them and their budgets.”
In addition to Cuba Collections, Sunwing has also created the ‘Travel Advisor Guide: Cuba Tiers’ packet, which includes further details that will aid advisors in selling Cuba.
The packet is available on the Sunwing Agent Portal at sunwingagents.ca.
GRAND CAYMAN The Cayman Islands welcomed 437,842 stayover visitors in 2024, a year over year increase of 2%.
Two standout months for the destination were March 2024 – with the second highest number of arrivals ever, with 57,040 stayover visitors – and December 2024, with 52,046 stayover visitors, the second highest number of visitors for December and a YOY increase of 4.3%.
Revenue generated by tourism accommodation taxes and fees for January to November 2024 was KYD$38.5 million (Cdn$66.5 million), up 8% YOY. These revenues were bolstered by a 9% rise in the average daily rate (ADR).
Kenneth Bryan, Deputy Premier and Ministry of Tourism and Ports, said demand remained buoyant despite the challenges of an unusually active hurricane season.
“It was gratifying to see such positive growth in our stayover visitation numbers for 2024. Despite our strong results, globally the tourism sector faces economic, geopolitical and climate challenges.
IT WAS GREAT TO SEE SO MUCH GROWTH WITH STAYOVER VISITATION
As an industry, locally we are not immune to these global shocks. We weathered a challenging hurricane season which saw the closure of Owen Roberts International Airport due to hurricane Beryl during one of our busiest travel periods in July,” said Minister Bryan.
The Canadian market continues to be a growth market for the Cayman Islands, with new monthly records out of Canada in June, July, August, October, November and December. Visitor numbers were also up 5.3% year over year with Canada recording its second-best annual performance ever.
Airlift to the Cayman Islands was also up in 2024, by 8% for a total of 884,279 airline seats. The year’s 5,342 flights into the destination represented an increase of 461 flights over 2023.
From the Canadian market, Air Canada and WestJet both enhanced their Toronto service with 237 flights into the Cayman Islands in 2024, a YOY increase of 36 flights. Canada also saw a significant increase in seat capacity in December which was up 16.8% over the same period in 2023.
Meanwhile room inventory increased by 578 bedrooms to 8,356 in 2025, with the addition of VIDA Cayman Islands and Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman. Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman is the third IHG Hotels & Resorts property in the destination.
“2024 was a standout year for the destination not only from a visitation perspective, but also for our business development and marketing efforts,” said Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism.
MIAMI Bookings are set to open this year for Celebrity River Cruises.
Billed as a premium river cruise line, Celebrity River Cruises will sail Europe’s waterways.
Jason Liberty, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, said: “We’re thrilled to announce our entry into the river cruise market through our Celebrity Cruises premium travel brand. Our guests and travel partners should expect us to do what we do best – innovate and elevate the river cruise experience as we meet the growing demand for intimate, culturally enriching travel experiences.”
Liberty added: “With about half of our guests having experienced or intending to vacation on a river cruise, we know they will enjoy Celebrity’s elevated offering on the river. By leveraging our valuable loyalty programs across our three brands, we will deepen customer engagement and further our ability to keep guests within our ecosystem of vacation offerings.
“We are the best in the world at delivering the vacation of a lifetime, and this is the latest example of how we are building the capabilities to deliver a lifetime of vacations.”
More details including booking opportunities, destinations, fleet size and ship info will be announced in the coming months, according to the cruise line.
“Celebrity River Cruises will bring the quality and sophistication of our Edge Series ocean ships to the most iconic rivers, starting with Europe,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, President, Celebrity Cruises.
“We’ve redefined travel on the ocean with our best-in-class hospitality, award-winning food and beverage experiences, and elevated design and style. We are thrilled to bring these experiences to the river and combine them with authentic, destinationrich itineraries that will give our guests an experience unlike any other,” she added.
KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent St. Vincent and the Grenadines has emerged as a standout destination in the Caribbean, achieving a remarkable 25% year-over-year increase in stayover arrivals for 2024.
Minister of Tourism, Carlos James confirmed that the destination surpassed its tourism growth targets, with a 25.6% rise in stayover visitors compared to 2023 and a 39% increase over 2019, a peak year before the global pandemic.
Stayover arrivals reached a historic high, with 101,471 visitors recorded as of December 2024. This achievement marks the first time the multiisland state has surpassed 100,000 stayover tourists. St. Vincent and the Grenadines also led its regional peers with the highest average growth rate in stayover arrivals.
According to Minister James, the country’s tourism industry experienced an average growth rate of 30.8% in total arrivals over the last decade, far exceeding the long-term average of 7% to 9% per year. He noted that this exceptional performance, fuelled by the nation’s early-stage tourism development, is expected to sustain robust growth in the medium to long term.
The tourism minister credited several factors for the strong performance, including a significant boost in airlift capacity. Four new airline carriers – Sunrise, LIAT2020, WINAIR and JetBlue Airways – launched routes to the destination in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Additionally, investments in the yachting and cruise sectors, along with new hotel developments, have strengthened the tourism landscape. Notable properties contributing to growth include Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines Resort, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, La Vue Hotel and Mayah’s Suite.
WE DELIVER AN UNPARALLELED EXPERIENCE FOR OUR VISITORS
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has promoted Amelie Dubois to Director of Sales & Marketing, Canada. Dubois – who joined Regent in 2019 as Business Development Manager, Canada – will lead the sales and marketing strategy for the Canadian market while at the same time strengthen relationships with travel advisors. Dubois’ appointment follows the retirement of Beverley Vickers, former Director of Sales and Marketing, Canada, who spent 14 of her 28 years in cruising with Regent.
Looking forward to 2025, St. Vincent and the Grenadines aims to maintain its growth trajectory. Plans are underway to expand room capacity, including the groundbreaking of a new Marriott Hotel, which will add 250 rooms to the island’s accommodation offerings.
“This rapid growth within our tourism sector demonstrates the collective efforts of the ministry, tourism authority, air and seaport operators, accommodation providers, and our broader industry partners,” said Minister James. “We are committed to delivering an unparalleled Caribbean experience for our visitors.”
NEW YORK Virtuoso is taking its expertise in the luxury market in a new direction: luxury goods and lifestyle.
A brand new business division, Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW), will be headed up by newly appointed General Manager (and previous Virtuoso travel agency owner) Shelby Donley.
The goal is for the new UHNW division to complement what Virtuoso calls its longstanding global leadership position in luxury travel. Virtuoso aims to leverage its reputation in global luxury travel to foster collaborations with worldrenowned luxury brands across jewelry, watches, fashion, art, culinary, wine and spirits, luggage, automotive, wellness and more.
“This new initiative is yet another example of how Virtuoso cocreates with its members, advisors and partners,” said Matthew D. Upchurch, Chairman and CEO of Virtuoso. “Combining the talents of our network with the talents of our dedicated team has been a winning formula, and I’m excited to see what this dedicated focus will bring.”
Brad Bourland, Virtuoso’s Chief Operating Officer, added: “The establishment of our UHNW division marks a transformative moment for Virtuoso, enabling us to build stronger relationships with ultra-luxury brands and deliver an unparalleled level of service to our most discerning travelers, and Shelby’s profound expertise in the UHNW market make her the perfect choice to lead this initiative. This is a pivotal step in our ongoing commitment to providing extraordinary value to our members, advisors and partners.”
MIAMI Viva Miches by Wyndham has officially opened its doors and is now available for booking.
Located in coastal town of Playa Esmeralda in Miches, an up-andcoming destination in the Dominican Republic, the 538-room, all-inclusive resort was officially unveiled on Dec. 20, 2024, as Viva Resorts by Wyndham’s ninth property – and sixth in the D.R.
Easily accessible via major airports like Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) and Las Américas International Airport (SDQ), Viva Miches boasts a wide range of modern amenities for all ages, including oceanfront suites, ground-level ‘Splash’ rooms with private plunge pools, an infinity pool with swim-up bar, a Kid’s Club, themed parties and more. There are five restaurants on site, including a buffet-style venue and four à la cartes that serve Latin Fusion, Oriental Fusion and Mediterranean. With the beach just steps away, land and water sports abound, giving guests ample opportunities to kayak, wind surf, snorkel and
play pickleball. Nearby attractions include Los Haitises National Park and small fishing towns like Boca de Yuma. The resort is also committed to sustainable tourism practices, adhering to the Wyndham Green Program, which includes waste reduction, solar power and supporting local conservation efforts. It is also a sponsor of Protortuga, an organization dedicated to sea turtle monitoring and protection.
“We are thrilled to officially open the doors to Viva Miches,” said Dominique Colussi, vice president of development. “In the Dominican Republic, Miches is known for being uncharted, so we’re bringing natural beauty, modern luxury and an all-inclusive experience to this enchanting, undiscovered beachfront locale.”
Phase one of the resort’s construction is now complete following a total investment of US$130 million. Future expansion will bring the resort to an approximate 750 rooms.
TTC Tour Brands is kicking off the new year with the power of #ONE, an opportunity for travel partners to achieve significant financial growth.
By booking just one couple a week across TTC Tour Brands’ portfolio of six unique brands – Insight Vacations, Brendan Vacations, Costsaver, Luxury Gold, Contiki and Trafalgar – travel advisors can earn $75,000 in annual commissions.
According to Whitney Ramirez, TTC Tour Brands’ SVP of Sales, the company is all about empowering advisors with a single brand portfolio that reaches every tour client. “We know that travel advisors are business owners with professional as well as personal goals, from saving for a downpayment on a home and buying a new car to putting away a nest egg. We aim to make their lives easier and their businesses more profitable,” said Ramirez.
According to data-driven research conducted by TTC Tour Brands, demand for touring across audiences is up year over year, with searches for ‘multi-day tours’ and ‘family tours’ up 22% each, and ‘solo travel for women’ up more than 36%.
With TTC Tour Brands, advisors can tap into this increased demand for tours via a single platform to do the following:
• Book clients across all six brands, with access to over 750 tours
• Share extra savings with loyal TTC Tour Brands customers through the Global Tour Rewards program, no matter what travel brand they’ve travelled with in the past
• Access a comprehensive toolkit with marketing materials and speaking points to enhance their selling potential, and find tactical sales, learning modules about each brand, product updates and can’t-miss events including upcoming FAMs and webinars
“At TTC Tour Brands, we’re not just offering travel products – we’re delivering a partnership rooted in our partners’ success. By booking one couple each week across the portfolio, advisors can book over 100 guests for the year. With an average booking value of $5,124 and an average commission of 15%, advisors can earn over $75,000 in 2025. That is the power of #ONE,” added Ramirez.
For more information go to agents.ttc.com.
VIENNA Vienna’s tourism sector reported its strongest-ever performance in 2024, with 18.9 million overnight stays – up 9% from 2023 – plus record revenue from overnight stays.
“2024 was the most successful year for city tourism in Vienna since records began,” said Vienna Tourist Board CEO Norbert Kettner.
Revenue from overnight stays grew by a quarter more than total overnight numbers. “Vienna’s accommodation providers were already on the brink of a new revenue record by the end of November,” said Kettner.
Reaching EUR 1.2 billion for January to November – the months for which final totals were available – this represented a 12% increase over the same period in 2023.
Canada recorded 73,417 arrivals, up 27.8%, and 181,773 overnight stays, up 22.4%.
Vienna’s 433 hotels offer some 40,900 rooms with 81,800 beds. Approximately two-thirds of the city’s hotel beds are in the four- and five-star categories. In 2025 Vienna will host six large-scale congresses, each set to attract more than 10,000 participants, among the 50+ congresses and company meetings hosted by the city this year with 1,000+ participants each.
As part of the ‘King of Waltz. Queen of Music.’ theme year, visitors to Vienna can look forward to a major cultural treat to mark Waltz King Johann Strauss II’s 200th birthday: 65 productions at 69 locations across the city. All of the highlights are listed online at strauss.vienna.info.
Vienna is also shining a spotlight on districts beyond the city centre. Under the banner of ‘Heartbeat Streets’, the city will showcase 16 local neighbourhoods (including five new ones in the course of 2025). Visitors will be given an opportunity to experience Vienna’s diversity thanks to a soon-to-be 30-strong selection of guided city walks in the ivie City Guide App: covering everything from impressive women to arts and crafts and even a walk dedicated to the movie Before Sunrise, marking its 30th anniversary in 2025.
Peter Ouzounov PEOPLE
Riverside Luxury Cruises has promoted Peter Ouzounov to Senior Director of Sales, Canada. Ouzounov’s promotion is part of a boost for the cruise line’s North America sales and marketing team. Riverside has seen big growth in the North American market since launching in 2023 and is poised for more expansion with the addition of the four new team members in the U.S., plus other promotions. “I am incredibly proud of the team we are building and confident that their expertise will contribute significantly to our success,ˮ said Jennifer Halboth, CEO of Riverside Collection Americas.
IT WAS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR VIENNA SINCE RECORDS BEGAN
Jamaica may have a One Love frame of mind, but there is certainly more than one way to love this Caribbean destination – and travellers can experience it all on a WestJet Vacations getaway. From coast to coast, Jamaica’s picturesque, white-sand beaches set the stage for an idyllic day in the sun, while its museums, monuments and distinct cuisine give travellers a true taste of the island’s unique history and reggae-infused culture. Plus, no visit is complete without a traditional beef patty or jerk chicken dish. With WestJet Vacations packages available, the love of travel knows no bounds.
MIAMI Carnival is helping travel advisors grow their business with a new limited-time promotion.
Running through March 12 as part of the company’s ‘Travel Agents Rock!’ loyalty program, the ‘Book More, Earn Big’ promotion includes the chance to win an Early-Access Giveaway Trip to Celebration Key, set to open this July as Carnival’s newest private destination.
Travel agents can also earn up to 1,000 bonus Loyalty Rocks! Points, which can be redeemed for travel incentives, gift cards and Carnival swag. The more bookings made, the more points advisors receive, as well as additional entries entered for the Celebration Key trip giveaway.
“With interest in cruising at an alltime high, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Carnival as we prepare to welcome guests to the brand new and exclusive Celebration Key,” said Adolfo Perez, senior vice president of global sales and trade marketing at Carnival Cruise Line. “The momentum for cruise vacations continues to build and this new wave promotion invites our travel advisor partners to tap into the excitement and add to our shared success.”
Travel agents can start claiming their bonus points by opting into the program on GoCCL.com, and will continue to earn regular Loyalty Rewards base points for each booking, in addition to eligible bonus points earned through the promotion.
TORONTO G Adventures is encouraging travellers to get up and move in 2025 with the launch of 25 new active adventures.
Joining its hugely popular ‘Active’ travel style, which grew over 16% in 2024, the new trips will take travellers to lesser-explored regions in destinations like Japan, South Africa, Pakistan, the Balkans, Morocco, the Galapagos and Peru.
With the launch, eight new trips are available to book in Japan, three in Morocco and two in Pakistan, the latter being a new destination for G Adventures. The new trips cover three physical grading categories: 3 (average), 4 (demanding) and 5 (challenging), with options for travellers with varying levels of fitness.
The 25 new active trips are available to travel on starting this March.
Every destination has been specially selected to help disperse tourism within each country, and every trip is purposefully designed to delve deeper into destinations and support local communities.
Said Yves Marceau, VP of product for G Adventures: “Travellers are seeking authentic experiences but active ones, too. Interest has soared in this category, with more travellers wanting to switch off and connect with the world on a more physical level. We’ve hand-picked destinations with the intention of looking beyond the usual trails and, instead, are bringing travellers to lesser-visited regions and villages via incredible hiking routes, kayak trips and biking excursions, helping to support local communities that haven’t been able to benefit from tourism in the past.”
TRAVELLERS ARE SEEKING AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES, AND ACTIVE ONES TOO
TORONTO Travel advisors, tour operators and more recently helped the Hong Kong Tourism Board celebrate the Year of the Snake at a Hong Kong Chinese New Year reception.
The event was presented by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) and the HKTB. Festivities included an exclusive sandpainting performance by renowned artist Hoi Chiu.
Jorge Lee, Sr. Manager, Marketing and Public Relations for the HKTB, welcomed attendees with a strong pro-trade message. Lee took over the hosting duties from the HKTB’s former long-time Director, Americas, Michael Lim, who retired in November 2024.
“When many believe that travel agents and tour operators are a
thing of the past, we have words for you,” said Lee.
“We believe our strength lies in forging partnerships with travel advisors and tour operators,” he said.
Hong Kong welcomed close to 45 million visitors in 2024. “That’s up 31%,” said Lee.
About 1.2 million of those visitors were from North America, including 320,000 from Canada. That’s up 50% year over year.
“We can’t do this without you, our trade partners,” said Lee.
TORONTO Celestyal is giving away over 1,000 travel advisor perks and prizes this year in celebration of its 10th anniversary.
Starting March 13, the company’s official 10th brand anniversary, advisors can join the first in a series of monthly ‘Celestyal Live’ events to learn about brand updates and special giveaways from the line’s senior team leaders.
Prizes will be awarded each month through booking incentives; they will also be gifted to those who complete training modules on the new travel agent portal, ‘Celestyal Compass.’
“After a groundbreaking 10 years, we want to say a sincere thanks to advisors for all their support,” said Brandon Townsley, VP and Managing Director, North America, adding that Celestyal saw record trade booking numbers in 2024.
The first four-night Celestyal sailing was on the 1,600-guest Celestyal Olympia in 2015.
Celestyal’s next Greece and Med season starts in March 2025 and comprises three-, four- and sevennight voyages, sailing roundtrip from Athens and calling at destinations like Mykonos, Patmos, Santorini, Thessaloniki and Kusadasi. Itineraries will be served by both of the line’s ships – Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery.
OUR STRENGTH IS IN PARTNERSHIPS WITH AGENTS AND TOUR OPERATORS
Celestyal’s current campaign, called ‘Live Your Vacation Dream,’ is available on new bookings made until Feb. 28, 2025. The campaign features savings of up to 50% across the line’s 2025, 2026 and
early 2027 itineraries, while select sailings include a bonus credit of up to €100 per person pre-loaded on each guest’s CelestyalPay. Ranging from three to seven nights, destinations include the Greek Isles, Adriatic and Arabian Gulf.
TORONTO — The Globus family of brands is rolling out a series of road shows, executive summits and FAMs for the coming year.
More than 100 Tour & Cruise Director events will take place across Canada and the U.S. in February, with an eye to engaging with as many as 8,000 agents.
For details, advisors can reach out directly to their BDMs or contact insidesales@globusfamily.com.
There’s also a series of Executive Summits, offering networking and education opportunities for topperforming agency owners.
The two-day events will take place across seven North American cities in 2025 including Toronto and Vancouver.
Finally, “a FAM program like no other” will see 1,500 travel advisors invited on Globus tours and Avalon river cruises, with BDMs leading the way.
“We believe in building strong, collaborative relationships with our advisors,” says Denise Harper, Senior Director of Business Development for the Globus family of brands.
See www.traveladvisorportal.ca.
ORLANDO Universal Orlando Resort’s newest hotel, Universal Stella Nova Resort, is now open.
Co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co, and the work of the Universal Creative team, the new 750-room hotel joins Universal Orlando’s current collection of themed hotels.
Stella Nova Resort’s guest rooms sleep up to four guests in two queen beds and feature space station-styled windows. The resort also offers a variety of dining options including Cosmos Cafe and Market, Galaxy Bar and Galaxy Grill. There’s also a resort-style pool with splash pad and fire pit, a fitness centre, a game room and the Universal Studios Store.
Stella Nova Resort is adjacent to Universal Epic Universe, the brand new theme park opening in summer 2025. It’s also located minutes away from Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay.
Guests staying at Stella Nova Resort, or any of the other Universal Orlando hotels, get Early Park Admission to Universal Volcano Bay and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure, up to one hour before the park opens (valid theme park admission required), complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk, resort-wide charging privileges, complimentary merchandise delivery and more.
Stella Nova Resort guests can also take advantage of a walking path from the hotel to Epic Universe when the theme park opens.
Canadian residents can enjoy two free days of admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure with the purchase of the “Buy 2 Days, Get 2 Days” ticket offer. Guests can also purchase the Dining Card Vacation Package, which includes theme park admission, hotel accommodations and a food and beverage dining card worth up to US$1,000 to use at select restaurants and dining locations throughout the resort.
