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Starting Dec. 16, English Canada will at last have direct access to Martinique – previously the preserve of French Canadians (or those traveling through Montreal) alone. The Air Canada service builds on 14 years of flights from YUL and marks the first-ever flights from YYZ to the magnificent Caribbean island, which is an overseas territory of France.

Karine Roy-Camille, Deputy Director Americas for the Martinique Tourism Authority, says “the time is right” for the flights because “after the pandemic we have noticed that visitors are looking for new destinations, and new experiences, and are not only going to the southern Caribbean for the beach; they are looking for experiences and to meet with the local population – and it corresponds exactly with what Martinique has to offer.”

Pointing out that the island is “a part of France and a part of Europe,” she adds, “that means a very high standard of living, and infrastructure, safety, and security – and this is exactly what new visitors are looking for.”

Despite being a francophone favourite, Roy-Camille says the number of English Canadians visiting the island has been “so small” as to hardly be counted, but she says Air Canada’s new service will be a game changer for the tourist board in Canada, adding, “people want direct flights. Before it was a big challenge (to convince les Anglais to visit), but now we can respond exactly in terms of what they are looking for in flights and destination. But so far, they don’t know yet what Martinique is about.”

So, what is Martinique about? Travel Industry Today recently visited the island for a sneak peek ahead of the imminent Air Canada service, and here’s what we found:

Known both as The Isle of Flowers and The Rum Capital of the World, luxuriant Martinique boasts unspoiled beaches, volcanic peaks, lush rainforests, and gently crashing waterfalls, providing a contrast to its pockets of classical French architecture and luxurious villas and resorts.

Seamlessly blending modern conveniences and infrastructure with expansive green spaces, the island is recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve. And just last month, Martinique was awarded its third UNESCO recognition: for the Volcanoes and Forests of Mount Pelée and the Pitons of Northern Martinique, with the landscapes, geology and the protected endemic and irreplaceable flora and fauna of this area recognized as special by UNESCO. Yole de Martinique (a type of indigenous skiff-boat) was also listed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage site in 2020.

Martinique’s strong French influences are reflected in its official language and use of the Euro. Yet, the character of Martinique is distinctly its own: the island’s musical heritage, art, culture, and cuisine proudly honour its Creole roots.

Fort-de-France, the island’s vibrant capital, showcases the dichotomy: colourful dwellings mingle with sprawling gardens and stoic French cathedrals along the crescent of a scenic bay.

Quebec

As for Quebecois, Roy-Camille says Martinique is not an unknown destination, noting that the tourist board has had an office in the province since 2008 and has worked closely with travel agents and supplier partners like Air Canada and Club Med, as well as Atout France.

She adds the ratio of repeat visitors from Quebec is very high, with the average being 10-12 days (longer than most other markets) and spend higher even than tourists from France.

With the same language, she adds most Quebecois are extremely confident in the destination and often rent houses or Airbnbs, rent cars to go out and about, and often make friends that they will come back to visit.

All of this adds up to Canada being Martinique’s second market, after France, but ahead of the US.

Toronto

Now with new Air Canada service set to take flight, Roy-Camille says the tourist board will extend its focus to the English Canadian market – specifically Toronto – with the initial goal being to ensure that the weekly winter flight is successful before looking to year-round service. “The challenge is first to give awareness about the destination,” she says.

For agents, that includes conducting FAM trips and participating in trade shows, including its own dedicated event in November.

“We do consider travel agents very important because they can give and share the right information about Martinique, because they cannot promote or sell Martinique like the other Caribbean islands… Maybe you think you know Caribbean islands, but Martinique will surprise you.”

France

Roy-Camille says that while Martinique is located in the heart of the Caribbean, being part of France makes it a totally different experience. “We are Creole, but we are a mix of cultures, coming from Africa and India and influenced by France. And as we do speak French, it is a different culture and heritage.”

She adds, “We enjoy spending time with our visitors – we don’t call them tourists. They arrive as visitors and leave as part of our family. And we like to share things – our festivals, dinner – we are very generous, and we like to please people. This is really in our DNA.”

Accommodation

Roy-Camille says it is important to know that there is only one all-inclusive on the island – Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek – “a fantastic property in a fantastic location.” The property is undergoing extensive renovations highlighting significant changes to the rooms, reception area, main restaurant, with the first phase to be complete when the resort reopens later this fall. The refresh will include all-new interiors organically inspired by the vibrant colours of the surrounding nature and rich Creole culture.

But there are multiple other options, such as small boutique hotels, mid sized properties with 82-100 rooms, a few bigger hotels, but also a multitude of villa rental properties from two bedrooms to full concierge service with chefs and “any type of service you could imagine.”

Two Travel Industry Today recommended hotels include five-star La Suite Villa Hotel & Spa, a nine-villa and six-suite boutique property with sea-views and outdoor restaurant serving French and Creole cuisine. It’s located in Les Trois-Islets, a short local ferry ride from Fort au France; and Diamant les Bains, Martinique’s first hotel in 1945, and now a completely renovated four-star property overlooking the landmark Le Diamant (rock), and studio rooms, bungalows, a restaurant, pool and direct access to the beach.

And brand new is Sable Bleu in Le Marin’s Bay, a rare multi-storey building (and first in Le Marin) with rooftop bar and plunge pool overlooking Martinique’s primary marina, and across the harbour from Club Med. The four-star hotel features 16 sleek and elegant rooms, high on technology and sustainability. Yachters, coming and going from Martinque are expected to be prime clientele.

For villas rentals, Villa Veo boasts about 135 units around the island, accommodating from two to 14 people. A pan-West Indies company ensures consistency and quality control, with units ideal for groups and special occasions, like weddings, that are generally priced less than hotels. Most people stay a week. Additional services like chefs, massage, and rum masterclasses can be arranged. Units have pools and are located in quiet places, and include concierge services and English-speaking staff.

Cruise

Cruising is also big business in Martinique with most of the major cruise lines represented, reflecting the island’s position as an important cruise hub in the Caribbean. “We’re a huge cruise destination,” says Roy-Camille.

MSC Cruises, which offers fly and cruise packages to the island, also homeports in Martinique, along with Costa, Ponant, and Club Med. With MSC, visitors can combine seven- and 14-day southern and northern Caribbean itineraries with a one week stay in Martinique.

More than the beach

While Martinique has its share of spectacular beaches, Roy Camille acknowledges there are many beaches all around the Caribbean – but she emphasizes, “If you’re looking for an eco-friendly destination, this is Martinique. If you’re looking for hiking, or trails, for kayaking, or to learn how to protect the mangrove, this is the place to come.”

Diving, with more than a dozen sites – including the shipwrecks of Saint-Pierre – is also a popular pastime, and bustling Fort-de-France boasts a historic fort (tours must be arranged), cathedral, colourful covered food and crafts market, La Savene des Esclaves slave (and indigenous peoples) museum, and European-style shopping.

A boon for the island no doubt is its third UNESCO designation – recognition that attracts a lot of visitors, Roy-Camille says, adding, “you can double the number of visitors.” With this in mind, the capital Fort au France will see a new airport terminal open in November.

Meanwhile, much of Martinque’s natural attributes are on display in the mountainous north, prompting Roy-Camille to state while most visitors stay in the south, “you have to go to the north,” which she calls a green “island within an island.”

On the way is Le Domaine d’Emeraude, a 24-hectare nature park that has four kilometres of trails through the heart of the lush rainforest, featuring some of the island’s 3,600 trees and 100 indigenous species. There is also a botanical garden, arboretum, and interactive pavilion, the latter detailing the island’s Acadian heritage (more than 12,000 arrived in the mid 1760s, including many exiles from Canada).

Meanwhile, Habitation Ceron is an idyllic setting at the north tip of the island. The former plantation site (still lived in and family-run) notably features the sprawling, approximately 300-year-old Zamana tree, which is the believed to be the biggest tree in the Caribbean and has been voted the most beautiful in France. The site has marked trails, a stream for swimming (well, dipping), a restaurant, and offers horse riding,

Of course, beaches on the island have an immeasurable allure and can be accessed directly or via ubiquitous beach bars and beach-side restaurants, many of which provide lounges and, in some cases, other facilities (such as change rooms), as well and food and drink for guests. A great example of the former is Bao Beach at Pointe Marin, while Le Petitbonum beach bar comes alive at sunset with live music and libations.

Culinary

A highlight of any visit to Martinique is its food, a Creole cuisine that is a mix of African, Indian, Caribbean, and French influence. And naturally, very colourful, plentiful seafood. On the way north, stop for lunch at La Chaudiere Morne Rouge for a tasty Creole sampling.

There are over 365 restaurants island-wide cover all the gastronomic bases, prompting Roy-Camille to laugh, “Nobody ever left Martinique without saying, ‘I had a great culinary experience.’”

Rum

Martinique is also known for its rum, namely the unique ‘Rhum Blanc,’ a legacy spirit still made from sugarcane (not molasses) by 12 distilleries linked by a touristic “rum trail” where visitors can discover the art of rum production through guided tours, and, of course, tastings.

At historic Trois Rivieres, visitors can also hop on an ATV for an incredible hour-long off-road guided tour (which can be booked separately) through the cane fields on the distillery’s vast estate, also showcasing Martinique’s coastline and Le Diamant.

Notably, Martinique has joined the rank rum royalty through numerous awards, including the prestigious AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) designation, which recognizes the unique production of a spirit that is considered lighter and cleaner tasting than modern rums.

Not surprisingly the national drink is the rum-based Ti’punch, a cocktail made with Rhum Blanc or Rhum Agricole, complemented with a hint of lime and cane syrup.

Getting there

Weekly Air Canada flights from Toronto will operate weekly for the winter starting Dec. 16. The route, which is the culmination of a long-term effort and vision advocated by the Tourism Commissioner Bénédicte di Géronimo, will take five hours between YYZ and Fort-de-France, utilizing Airbus A220 aircraft with a capacity of 137 seats. Air Canada says it has optimized other routes to conveniently feed into the service.

Getting around

With good roads and easy-to-get rental vehicles, Martinique is ideal for exploring, and with English widely spoken, Roy-Camille assures, “you’ll never get lost here.”

But exploration by water should be mandatory – to the see the “blue island” (as opposed to the green island), not least on the ubiquitous fun catamaran tours that include food and drinks, plus stops for snorkelling or visiting a pretty seaside village.

Sailboats can be rented for longer durations, while fishing and diving and kite surfing excursions also present other offshore options.

Travel agents

The Martinique tourist board is eager to work with travel advisors, who can reach out to the office for information and collateral material (in English and French), and for contacts on-island. There is also specialist program for agents tailored to a Canadian audience (not US). For information, email information@lamartinique.ca; website – https://us.martinique.org/.

On Nov. 7, a delegation from the island, including tourism minister Benedicte de Geronimo, will visit Toronto for a trade event to celebrate the launch of the Air Canada Toronto flight.

All of which leads to Roy-Camille to exude confidence that English Canadians will soon discover her “Caribbean jewel.” But she’s taking nothing for granted. “We want to exceed expectations,” she says. “You want to do that? (e.g. hiking), okay, you can do that. But then you will find many, many other (aspects) of Martinque to enjoy.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

‘Tis the season for FAMs, and Canadian travel advisors have been hitting the road (and air and waves), according, from destinations as remote as Croatia, and as familiar as Kissimmee. Here’s a quick look at some of the journeys undertaken, including agents from CAA, WestWorld Tours, and Voyages en Direct.

Utah Office of Tourism

The Utah Office of Tourism recently hosted its inaugural Utah specialists fam, dubbed “A Journey Through Southern Utah’s Natural Wonders.” Five travel trade representatives from key Canadian and Australian tour operators (including WestWorld Tours & Women Xplorers and CAA-Quebec) – who earned their certification from the new Utah Specialist Academy, took part in the week-long excursion to the southern part of the with a goal of adding new Utah products and itineraries to their 2024 programs.

The trip saw the tour operators hosted by Rocky Mountaineer on the new ‘Rockies to the Red Rocks’ rail journey from Denver to Moab, then travel to Monument Valley, all of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks, drive Scenic Byway 12, and visit the city of St. George before flying home through Las Vegas.

“Utah’s natural beauty and national parks were more impressive than I imagined they would be,” said Leanne Haus, General Manager of WestWorld Tours & Women Xplorers – a first-time visitor to Utah, adding, “I was struck by how all the parks are different in their own way and there is so much to see and do in each one. The glamping-style and unique accommodations available throughout the state were also a nice addition. I will definitely be developing a new Utah itinerary for our women’s hiking tours.”

Trevello

Trevello Travel Group recently honoured its Chairman Circle Advisors with a celebration aboard the Resilient Lady by Virgin Voyages (photo), which sailed a spectacular itinerary through some of Europe’s most scenic ports, including Dubrovnik, Split, Kotor, and Corfu.

The trip was carefully designed to recognize and applaud the achievements of the top-tier advisors and included a private dinner in Dubrovnik, Croatia, where members shared stories, insights, and camaraderie.

“We were excited to welcome many newcomers to our Chairman Circle, who, together with our experienced members, epitomize entrepreneurial success,” said Trevello CEO Zeina Gedeon. “The combined efforts of this exceptional group have been a driving force behind our company’s growth. Each advisor who attained our top-tier recognition consistently showcased dedication and commitment. This trip was our gesture of gratitude, a celebration of their partnership and invaluable contributions.”

Kissimmee

Experience Kissimmee recently hosted a group of travel advisors from Voyage En Direct (photo) to three days exploring Kissimmee beyond the theme parks. The trip was led by Denise Graham, Account Director for Experience Kissimmee, represented in Canada by VoX International.

Fam participants were able to experience a few popular outdoor, nature-based activities such as airboat rides, kayaking and a Celebration bicycle tour. They were also treated to resort and nightlife experiences, leaving with a fountain of new information to offer their clients interested in visiting Kissimmee.

Other fam highlights included an evening of friendly competition at Splitsville Luxury Lanes located in Disney Springs, and a site visit of Margaritaville Resort Orlando, a popular choice for Canadians since opening in Kissimmee in 2019.

The group stayed at the upscale, contemporary Magic Village Views in three- and four-bedroom villas, where they were able to enjoy spacious, private accommodations in the heart of Florida.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tourism Ireland introduced its new concept “Senses of Ireland” event series earlier this month with a trip to Western Canada. With calls in Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver, the events featured eight Irish suppliers intent on taking travel advisors on a “sensory journey through the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of the island of Ireland” while showcasing their diverse range of products.

The event series is focused on the Canada’s best cities to drive business to Ireland and kicked off in Calgary, a core feeder market for the Ireland thanks to direct air access into Dublin with WestJet from May through October.

Next up was Edmonton, in collaboration with the Granite Expo trade show, where Tourism Ireland connected with over 80 agents at a pre-show event.

The event series concluded in Vancouver, which boasts direct air access from Vancouver to Dublin with Air Canada, seasonally from June 1 to Sept. 20, four times per week in both directions.

While the airline has direct daily service from Toronto to Dublin, with so many heritage connections on the west coast, the direct route over peak travel season is a welcome yearly addition to the western market, says Tourism Ireland.

At the events, attendees were uniquely invited to explore various “sense stations” designed to stimulate their senses. Attendees had the opportunity to:

• Touch: Immerse themselves in Irish traditions by interacting with the people and the products synonymous with the island of Ireland.

• Taste: Savour the flavours of Irish food and drink, with whiskey and chocolate pairings from Jameson Distillery in Cork and Dublin, flavours of the coast with Mussenden Sea Salt and fresh apple tarts from the orchard county with Visit Armagh.

• Sight: Experience breath taking visuals that showcase the island’s natural beauty through immersive augmented reality technology; with VR headsets from Taste Causeway and The Gobbins in Northern Ireland.

• Sound: Tune into the melodic tales of Ireland’s rich culture with Irish language lessons, music, dance, and song, from partners Oideas Gael in County Donegal and Angela Newman from Hysterical Histories Cork.

• Smell: Breathe in the evocative scent of Irish turf, a fragrance that encapsulates the essence of Ireland, as well as live demonstrations using a ‘mini smoker’ of smoked salmon from The Burren Smokehouse paired with Burren Gold Cheese from Ailwee Caves.

“Senses of Ireland’ was an event unlike any other we have executed before,” said Tourism Ireland, Canada, Manager Sandra Moffatt. “The key cities of Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver in Western Canada are a very important market for us, and we are delighted to be highlighting the superb tourism offerings around the island of Ireland in a unique and immersive way.

“This event series provided our industry partners with the opportunity to meet and network and highlight their product offering in a real time way with an exclusive audience of top tier agents, operators, and media, providing increased opportunities for business in 2024 and beyond.”

Canada is the 10th largest market for overseas tourism to Ireland, with 248,000 visitors in 2019, marking 10 years of consecutive growth.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Colourful el Día de los Muertos festivities have kicked off in Mexico, leading up to the actual Day of the Dead on Nov. 2, where Mexicans and visitors alike honour departed loved ones and reaffirm the bond between the worlds of the living and dead. Rather than somber, the occasion is joyous and raucous, yet also reflective.

The ancestral tradition dates back to pre-Hispanic Mexico, with roots originating in the cultures of Mesoamerica. Over time, these traditions were blended with Catholic beliefs to give rise to the holiday we know today, celebrated across Mexico.

The central pillar of the celebration is remembering the lives of those no longer living. Loved ones and family members take to cemeteries and each other’s homes with offerings of flowers, water, photographs of the deceased, their favorite food and drink, and other items that help to remember those who passed.

The celebration is so integral to Mexican culture that UNESCO has established it as a Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

While celebrations take place in virtually every across the country, here are three places to experience Mexico’s most famous festival, and some local hotels that make the most of the celebrations:

Mexico City

Nowhere in Mexico celebrates Day of the Dead as vibrantly and passionately as Mexico City. The month-long celebration kicked off on Oct. 6 with the Festival de la Llorona en el Embarcadero de Cuemanco, which took place on the canals of Xochimilco, the Venice of the Americas in Mexico City.

On Oct. 18, the Festival de las Flores de Cempasúchil takes over Paseo de la Reforma with thousands of brilliantly coloured marigolds illuminating the path of the dead. It is estimated that five million marigold flowers will be produced this season.

Oct. 21 marks one of the most highly anticipated events of Day of the Dead in Mexico City: the Desfile de Alebrijes Monumentales, a parade of giant puppets that measure up to eight feet tall. Alebrijes are gorgeous works of art that blur the lines between reality and surrealism. They have become one of the most time-honoured traditions of Mexico City’s Day of the Dead.

The parade is a precursor to Mega Procesion de Catrinas, the following day, Oct. 22. The spectacle is a massive parade that begins at the Angel of Independence in Reforma and ends at the Zocalo, in the heart of the Centro Historico. Hundreds of gorgeous Catrinas take to the streets, with hauntingly beautiful painted faces, elaborate costumes, flowers, and music. La Catrina is the primary figure of Day of the Dead, a representation of an Aztec figure, The Goddess of Death, who was later popularized by engraver Jose Guadalupe Posada.

All of this is, of course, a build-up to the actual Day of the Dead. Celebrated between Oct. 31 and Nov. 5, this is when the offerings are made to the dearly departed. In Mexico City, the Zocalo hosts an Ofrenda Monumental, or massive offering that fills the entire plaza with altars, flowers, incense, photographs, and much more. Thousands of people take to the streets dressed as zombies for another festive, colorful, decked-out parade.

Hotel: Andaz Mexico City Condesa offers travellers a stylish stay conveniently located only 3 km from the starting point for Mexico City’s Day of the Dead Parade. The hotel will have special programming for the celebration that includes a spectacular Dia de los Muertos-themed art installation pop-up by local gallery Caminarte in the lobby (through Nov. 30), authentic Catrina facepainting for hotel guests (Oct. 28 and Nov. 2) and specialty food and beverage items throughout the hotel’s restaurants and eateries, including a special limited-edition pan de muerto and traditional Mexican hot chocolate available at Derba Matcha Café.

San Miguel de Allende

From Mexico City, visitors can venture to beautiful San Miguel de Allende (SMA), a UNESCO world heritage site pueblo recently rated the runner-up best city in the entire country by Condé Nast Traveler readers. For more local Día de los Muertos flavour, SMA offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in local art and traditions.

Hotel: Located in the heart of the city, Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel, is paying homage to tradition with an exclusive Día de los Muertos celebration in collaboration with renowned Mexican visual artist Betsabeé Romero. The hotel was recently named the 2nd best hotel in all of Mexico in the Condé Nast poll. The exclusive Day of the Dead experience contributes to San Miguel de Allende’s allure as a quintessential destination for traditional Dia de Muertos celebrations. Guests will have the opportunity to engage in conversations and experiences led by Romero herself while perusing vibrant recycled plastic flowers, hand-printed latex skulls, and more. As a multi-disciplinary artist, Romero is known for her impactful work that combines various mediums and explores themes of cultural heritage, identity, and social change.

Guests booking a minimum three-night stay between Oct. 31 and Nov. 5 will receive welcome cocktails, daily breakfast, a La Catrina (skeleton) makeup session for two, and a Romero-designed personal altar kit that enables guests to build their own altars dedicated to loved ones directly in their ample guest rooms. The celebration culminates with an exclusive cocktail event on the rooftop bar on Nov. 1 and a dinner party at Andanza Restaurant on Nov. 2. Featuring an educational conversation with Betsabeé Romero, the immersive experience offers a deep understanding of the cultural significance of Día de Muertos while offering traditional culinary dishes including Pozole, Tamales, Dulce de Calabaza (pumpkin candy), and Pan de Muerto.

Riviera Maya

Family travellers may be best suited to visit the Riviera Maya, where all-inclusive resorts bring the Day of the Dead to hotel guests, from Mexican gastronomy to dancing to workshops and even a concert by renowned Mexican artist Natalia Lafourcade on property.

Every year from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3, Xcaret into a vibrant tapestry of Mexican culture and tradition during the annual Festival of Life and Death Traditions. The tradition, now in its 17th edition, offers visitors a heartfelt tribute to one of Mexico’s most treasured customs, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Guests can expect a rich variety of experiences, including captivating theatre performances, Mexican gastronomy, musical presentations, hands-on workshops, dance shows, exhibitions, a dedicated children’s area and two shows by renowned Mexican singer and three-time Grammy Award Winner Natalia Lafourcade taking place Nov. 1 and 2.

The festival will feature three monumental altars, 330 artistic presentations, 15 simultaneous forums, theatrical tours, among other activities, where over 960 artists will engage visitors over a total of five days. In addition, the cultural event is a celebration for adults and children alike and at the new Interactive Hacienda children’s area, where families can learn about the traditions surrounding the Day of the Dead through theatre presentations, puppet shows, an art exhibition, photography, sculpture, and workshops teaching traditional Mexican arts and crafts.

The cultural fusion will include tastings and traditional dishes of Querétaro, the invited region. There will also be parades led by Grupo Aztlan and the student band from the Autonomous University of Querétaro (UAQ), as well as musical performances by Grupo Xaha, Grupo Bohemio, Trio Queretanas, and Trio Gallardia Huasteca.

Hotels: The main venue for the festival will be Xcaret Park and will also include Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Hotel Xcaret Arte and La Casa de la Playa.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

War in Israel resulted in myriad travel disruptions and future itinerary changes – read on for the latest dispatches including Air Canada flights. Also in the round-up: a report forecast room rates rising; Maui began welcoming tourists again (even if few showed up), TICO at last announced the election of its two industry directors, and more WestJet-Sunwing merger news.

NEWS

Hotel guests should expect to pay increasingly higher room rates in 2024, according to a new report from American Express Global Business Travel, which says the rate spike follows large price jumps in 2022 and 2023. In Canada, the Hotel Monitor 2024 study forecasts record-breaking rates in Canada including percentage increases of 8.9, 8.3 and 6.7 percent in Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto respectively. According to the report, Canada’s hotel industry achieved record-breaking average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR) levels in 2023. Vancouver saw the country’s highest occupancy, at 89%.

The area around the Lahaina, Maui, largely destroyed by wildfire began welcoming back travel last week – two months after the wildfire that killed at least 98 people and destroyed more than 2,000 structures. Five hotels in West Maui were accepting reservations again, including The Ritz and The Mauian. In addition, eight timeshare properties were opening across the region early this month, including some a few miles from the devastation.

After technical difficulties at its AGM and a subsequent revote, TICO announced its two newly elected travel industry directors, both for three-year terms: Robert Townshend of Total Advantage Travel & Tours and Andrew Dawson of Sunwing. They join three previously elected public directors. TICO’s Board of Directors is now comprised of three Ministerial appointees, three elected industry directors and three elected public directors.

ISRAEL

The outbreak of war in Israel after an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas prompted a raft of airline and cruise cancellations, and tour operators cancelling programs as well. Among the latest:

Air Canada says it’s cancelling all direct flights to and from Tel Aviv through the end of the month (October). The suspension extends one in place since Oct. 8. Passengers whose trips through Oct. 31 were cancelled can opt for a refund or rebooking. The carrier typically flies to Tel Aviv from Toronto daily, and from Montreal three times per week.

Travel agencies that sell Israel are scrambling to rebook passengers and reroute itineraries as the war sparked by Hamas’s attacks on Israel ramped up. Artzi Korostelev said it was all hands on deck at Toronto-based Peerless Travel as customers rescheduled trips to Israel into 2024 and employees worked the phones 16 hours a day, while new bookings screeched to a halt.

MSC Cruises has revised the East Mediterranean itineraries for MSC Sinfonia and MSC Musica. MSC Sinfonia’s future eight 11-night voyages will see Haifa, Israel replaced by Istanbul, which also means Rhodes will be replaced by Piraeus, Greece, and Izmir in Turkey will replace Limassol, Cyprus. Starting Oct. 21, MSC Sinfonia’s new itinerary will be the Italian ports of Genoa, Civitavecchia and Messina followed by Piraeus, Izmir, Istanbul and Heraklion in Crete before the ship returns to Genoa, Italy. MSC Musica’s future three seven-night voyages from Piraeus, Greece will see Haifa replaced by Rhodes on Oct. 18 and 25 and Marmaris in Turkey on Nov. 1. Updates are available on the website.

Geek island cruise line Celestyal will temporarily suspend calling to Israel on its “Three Continents” cruise, until the end of November, and the situation will be monitored for any itineraries departing after this date.

All departures to Israel through the remainder of the calendar year have been cancelled by Collette. Future departures for Jan. 1, 2024, and on will be evaluated well in advance of travel, says the tour operator.

AIR

Travelport and Air Canada have renewed their content distribution agreement. Notably, the multi-year agreement will feature a full range of New Distribution Capability (NDC) content and end-to-end servicing of NDC bookings to help agencies easily manage trip changes and exchanges – a development the airline calls the “next step” in the evolution of its distribution capabilities.

Lynx took flight between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Oct 12, continuing the rapid expansion of the airline’s Toronto network.

Air Transat has revealed its 2024 summer flight program from Toronto. In 2024, the airline is offering six more weekly flights to Europe and seven more weekly flights to the South. At the peak of the season, the airline will offer 110 weekly direct flights, serving more than 25 destinations. Newly added direct flights to Lima in Peru will now be offered year-round. The airline will also enhance its offerings to Europe by increasing the frequency of its flights to England, Croatia, Ireland, Italy, and Portugal throughout the season.

Porter Airlines has launched service between Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and Edmonton International Airport (YEG). The new route begins with one daily roundtrip flight operated on the 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. The route offers a variety of connections to the east coast via Ottawa, including Newark and Boston. Porter also operates multiple non-stop daily flights between Edmonton and Toronto-Pearson.
BY THE NUMBERS

Vancouver International Airport welcomed more than 7.1 million passengers from July through September, a 21.7 percent increase over the same period last year and on par with 2019, reports YVR’s airport authority. August was YVR’s busiest month of the summer, with the BC Day weekend seeing the most passengers—328,422 passengers from Aug. 4 to 7.

DEALS

Guests who book a getaway at Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines through Oct. 27 will receive a US$1,000 instant credit on seven-night stays or longer, US$775 credit on six-night stays, US$505 credit on five-night stays, and US$375 on four-night stays through 2026.

Clients booking through Oct. 31 can save on select Rocky Mountaineer routes in 2024, including CDN$1,000 CAD off per couple/ $500 p,p, on “Journey Through the Clouds Discovery Banff” (westbound, most dates) and $1,415 per couple / $707.50 p.p. on “Rockies to the Red Rocks.

TOUR OPERATORS

As WestJet and Sunwing continue integrating operations, the newly created Sunwing Vacations Group has been designated as the official vacation division of the WestJet Group, encompassing five “powerhouse” brands ­– Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, US tour operator Vacation Express, and the Group’s travel retail businesses SellOffVacations.com and Luxe Destination Weddings. Together they form the largest vacations brands in North America, though each will continue to be marketed independently.

“Journey to Success,” Goway groups department’s new platform makes booking 10 or more people “easier than ever,” with four exclusive tools and an elevated support that covers 115 destinations. “Journey to Success” includes a Groups Management Tool to aid in collating all required client details; a Groups Marketing Toolkit featuring best practices, tips, and tricks for marketing a group; a Marketing Coaching Session with a Goway Account Manager to review a plan for marketing to maximize success; and a five-part training video series on how to book group trips for 10 or more travellers. More details are available on Goway Groups Only website.

RESORTS

Blue Diamond Resorts’ Hideaway at Blue Waters, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only, is set to debut in Montego Bay, Jamaica (photo) in late November. With 352 rooms and suites, guests will also have 11 restaurants from which to choose, spa, infinity pool with pool cabanas, and more. The resort’s ‘Stay at 1, Play at 2’ feature, also gives access to neighbouring Royalton Blue Waters Montego Bay.

Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines will mark the ninth Caribbean destination and 18th Sandals resort for Sandals Resorts International (SRI) when it welcomes its first guests on March 27, 2024.

CRUISE

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has announced the addition of two new Super Ships, the SS Victoria and SS Elisabeth, which will begin sailing in Europe in 2024 and 2025 respectively.  Uniworld will take over the ships from Seaside Collection under a three-year, bareboat charter agreement for each ship and utilize them on existing itineraries with Uniworld staff and brand style and amenities. Before joining Riverside Luxury Cruises, the ships were a part of Crystal Cruises’ river fleet as the Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler.

Explora Journeys has confirmed firm orders for two hydrogen-powered ships with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The deal completes a total investment of CDN$5 billion in six luxury ships for Explora Journeys. EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will have new state-of-the-art energy efficiency measures and will be delivered in 2027 and 2028.

HOTELS

The largest hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, The Venetian, is revelling in its ideal location adjacent to The Sphere, Vegas’s new “it” attraction, which opened on the weekend with a concert by U2, who is in residency at the giant multi-use marvel. Guests can now request a “Sphere-view” room (in addition to Strip-view) at an upgraded price, and a walkway leads guests from the hotel to the venue. Soon packages will be available that include Sphere events.

The H Dubai was recently recognized as the first hotel in Dubai to earn the Certified Autism Center designation, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), reflecting the hotel’s aim to providing accessible and accommodating services to autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. This milestone also aligns with Dubai’s wider initiative to achieve the Certified Autism Destination (CAD) designation, marking the emirate as an inclusive and sensory-friendly destination in the Eastern Hemisphere.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

Orlando’s Discovery Cove is offering guests up to 40% off reservations through Dec. 31, 2024 when reserved by Oct. 22. The all-inclusive day resort offers guests a one-of-a-kind opportunity to swim with dolphins and snorkel with thousands of tropical fish and rays, and includes breakfast, lunch, and all-you-can-eat snacks throughout the day, plus unlimited gourmet coffee, ice-cold beverages, and beer and wine (for guests 21+). Parking, lockers, wetsuits, and swim gear are also included.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

During the month of October, travel advisors can earn an additional $50 on every booking they make to Australia or New Zealand with Goway.

Agents making hotel bookings with Expedia TAAP through Nov. 15 (for travel completed by April 30, 2024) qualify for a grand total of $4,500 in grocery gift cards up for grabs, you’ll be in the running with every eligible booking you make. One agent will win $2,000, another $1,000 and three $500. The more bookings, the more chances to win. Click here to register: https://bitly.ws/XdbQ

Collette has a special group offer which gives travel advisors an $1,000 on all bookings of 15 or more (except Antarctica). The offer runs through Nov. 24 for travel any time in 2024. Offer code GROUPOFFER23 must be used at time of booking. “Many advisors are making $15,000-$20,000 commissions on groups, so this is icing on the cake,” says Ron Lonsdale, VP of business development at Collette.

EVENTS

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) will be conducting Jamaica Travel Expo & Destination Weddings Showcase events will take place in Calgary on Nov. 7 (Best Western Premier Calgary), Montreal, Nov.  9 (Intercontinental Hotel Montréal), and Toronto on Nov. 10 (Pearson Convention Centre). Each regional event will feature dedicated product training sessions from 3 to 5 p.m. followed by a Destination Showcase from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with live entertainment, Caribbean-inspired cuisine, games, photo opportunities and prize giveaways. Travel advisors can sign up to attend the free events at visitjamaica.com/canada/expo. Deadline is Friday, Oct. 27

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

The Travel Agent Next Door has appointed Christine Ufniak as its Marketing Director. Ufniak was previously Director of Marketing for North America at Carlson Wagonlit Travel, playing a pivotal role in shaping the marketing strategy and driving growth for the company’s North American operations – before leaving the industry for the past three years.

Collette, the oldest tour operator in the US, has announced the succession of Jaclyn Leibl-Cote to Chief Executive Officer of the organization, only the fourth CEO in the 106-year history, and its first woman. She is also the third generation of the Sullivan family to transition into the role. Current Collette CEO, Dan Sullivan, Jr., who has led the Rhode Island-based tour operator, including its Canadian office in Mississauga, since 1990, will transition to the role of Executive Chairman, effective immediately, where he will act as an advisor to Leibl-Cote and the Executive Team on the company’s overall direction and long-term strategy.

DESTINATIONS

Martinique (photo) has been awarded its third UNESCO recognition: for the Volcanoes and Forests of Mount Pelée and the Pitons of Northern Martinique. Located at the foot of the volcano, Saint-Pierre was devastated by the eruption of Montagne Pelée on May 8, 1902, and it took decades for the town to rise from the ashes. The landscapes, geology and the protected endemic and irreplaceable flora and fauna of this area are also recognized as special by UNESCO. Yole de Martinique (a type of indigenous boat) was listed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage site in 2020, and the entire island and surrounding waters were declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2021.

An ancient Roman imperial palazzo atop the Rome’s Palatine Hill that offers sweeping views of the Roman Forum below has reopened to tourists, nearly 50 years after its closure for restoration. The nearly 2,000-year-old Domus Tiberiana was home to rulers in the ancient city’s Imperial period. The public is now able to tour it, following decades of structural restoration work to shore the palace up for safety reasons. Excavations uncovered artifacts from centuries of Roman life following the decline of the empire.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 1972, a charter plane carrying 45 people – members of an amateur Uruguayan rugby team, plus friends and relatives – crashed in the Andes Mountains. Ten weeks later, two of the 18 survivors reached civilization and the others were rescued shortly after. The story became the subject of the Piers Paul Read book, “Alive,” and at least two movies.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

I am now an official jet setter. I was recently invited to fly from Hamilton, Ont.’s Jetport to Fox Harb’r Resort in Nova Scotia. Our small group boarded the Challenger 605 and sipped mimosas in grand comfort and style until we landed on the resort’s private runway. What a way to go!

We’ve had a grand day on the 7,253-yard links, designed by Canadian architect Graham Cooke. Now we are sitting in the Cliff Dining Room overlooking the fabulous final fairways at Fox Harb’r as the setting sun sinks into Northumberland Strait. We are tucking into butter-poached lobster and panna cotta with fresh berries. Not a Timbit in sight.

Our gracious host is Steven Joyce, the resort’s CEO and son of Fox Harb’r’s visionary, the late Ron Joyce, who co-founded the fabulously successful Tim Hortons franchise and eventually sold it to Wendy’s. Fox Harb’r is a luxury resort and real estate community where the likes of Bill Clinton, Tiger Woods, Bobby Orr, and Joyce himself zoom in on their private jets.

Located in Wallace on NS’s North Shore, Fox Harb’r is well off the beaten track. But it’s close to Tatamagouche, where Ron Joyce grew up and it’s where he returned to “give back” to the community. As his donut empire grew, Joyce started the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation for underprivileged children in Wallace in 1974. There are now six camps in Canada and one in the US. Nearby, he bought a parcel of land that would become Fox Harb’r.

“I’m very proud of what we’ve created here. Luxury without pretension, in one of the most beautiful places on earth,” said Ron Joyce.

18 new surf & turf fairways

Joyce’s vision began with the championship golf course that was named Best New Golf Course in 2001 and Best Golf Resort in Canada in 2011 by Golf Digest. Known for his masterful use of the lay of the land, Cooke created two unique experiences. The front nine plays around meticulously manicured parkland with sheltered forests, extensive wetlands and lakes.

Head onto the back nine and you are transported to a Scottish links-like landscape with waving fescue and fairways hugging the rugged coast of the Northumberland Strait.

Tiger Woods, who holds the course record of 63, stayed in Edgewood in 2009, one of many homes and townhouses for sale at Fox Harb’r.

No doubt Ron Joyce would be ecstatic to learn that his original 18-hole golf course is about to become a 36-hole facility with 18 parkland-style fairways and 18 links-style fairways with views of the rugged coastline. And he’d be proud of the fact that two of Canada’s most distinguished architects, Doug Carrick and Tom McBroom won the international competition for the project. This is the first time the two architects have collaborated and they have flown into the resort to discuss their vision with our group.

The newly routed Ocean Course should be ready for the 2024 season. McBroom describes it as a “refined links-style” that revolves around the ocean. The 18-hole parkland Vineyard Course that will play around the resort’s own grapevines should be complete by 2025.

Why Carrick and McBroom? “These two Canadian architects are every bit as good as any others,” says Steven Joyce.

Fox Harb’r began with golf as the main attraction, but there’s plenty more to keep you occupied. Now guests and owners can go horseback riding, play tennis, take a hike, or bike ride. At the Sporting Lodge, sharp shooters might take instruction in archery, clay shooting or hammer tossing.

The recently renovated Dol-ás spa offers a full range of treatments, including a signature rejuvenating facial and executive men’s menu. Awarded best spa in Nova Scotia, the popular facility is scheduled to expand.

Napa North

All this activity and fresh sea air whets the appetite so it’s no surprise that fine cuisine is an important element of the Fox Harb’r experience. The Cape Cliff Dining Room is Atlantic Canada’s first sustainable seafood restaurant certified by Ocean Wise. You might even find trout on the menu that chef Jeff McInnis has caught himself from one of two stocked trout ponds on the property. Fox Harb’r also uses fresh herbs and produce from its own greenhouses under the direction of horticulturist Michael Steward.

The resort’s extensive wine list has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Recently, Fox Harb’r partnered with nearby Jost Winery to grow its own vines. Who knew that Wallace, Nova Scotia, would become Canada’s own Napa North?

The Fox Harb’r story has all the makings of a great Canadian novel or movie. Blue-collar cop, Ron Joyce, from remote Tatamagouche, NS, buys a donut/coffee shop in Hamilton with a Maple Leaf hockey player. Tim Hortons becomes a roaring success with franchises all over Canada and a loyal following eager to “roll up the rim” on their double/doubles. Joyce wants to give back to the Nova Scotia community of his childhood, so he starts his first camp for underprivileged kids near his birthplace. In the process, he buys a parcel of land with a dream to make it a five-star golf resort. He succeeds and his legacy continues to grow.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

As the self-proclaimed “Halloween Vacation Capital” of the world, Orlando continues to offer a host of haunting adventures in theme parks and beyond throughout the spooking season and in some cases, even a bit longer. The central Florida city also has a bounty of fall events to keep visitor entertained, and well-fed.

Among the highlights of the frightful family-friendly experiences are horror movie brunches, paranormal-themed escape rooms, haunted botanical gardens, kid-friendly trick-or-treat trails, and an adults-only vampire bar.

And, of course, the city’s theme parks are known to go all out for Halloween.

“Orlando lives up to its reputation as the Halloween Vacation Capital,” says Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “Halloween fanatics, horror movie enthusiasts and costume-loving families can enjoy the multitude of special events across our theme parks, attractions and beyond. And, with the introduction of new direct flight options from Canada to Orlando, getting here is now more convenient and affordable.”

Effective this month, new flight services from Canada include Canada Jetlines flying from Toronto four times weekly, Porter Airlines flying from Toronto and Ottawa seven times a week, and Lynx Air connecting Orlando and major hubs in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver several times a week.

Here’s a look at some of the activities still going on as All Hallow’s Eve approaches:

THEME PARK EVENTS

• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort (select nights through Nov. 1) makes a frightfully fun return at Magic Kingdom Park. The family-friendly, all-ages event features eerie entertainment that includes the “Hocus Pocus” Villain Spelltacular! at Cinderella Castle, Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, Disney Junior Jam for young partygoers, Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, the Trick-or-Treat Trail, Disney Characters in costume, and more than 20 favorite attractions with a Halloween twist. Guests are also invited to wear costumes, with some restrictions.
• Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida (Through Nov. 4) returns for a record-breaking 48 nights featuring 10 new, movie-quality haunted houses featuring “The Exorcist: Believer”, “Stranger Things 4” and “The Last of Us” along with five scare zones filled with creatures lunging from the shadows, and two live shows.
• Howl-O-Scream (select nights to Oct. 31) at SeaWorld Orlando returns to terrorize guests at SeaWorld Orlando. Offering 24 nights of fully immersive fear, the event will feature fright-inducing haunted houses and scare zones; thrilling nighttime coaster rides and experiences; an interactive bar; and an electrifying live show. And little ones can dress up in their favourite costumes to trick-or-treat and meet colorful Halloween characters at the SeaWorld Spooktacular (weekends, Sept. 16 – Oct. 29), a family-friendly daytime event included with regular theme park admission.
• Brick or Treat Presents Monster Party (photo below) at LEGOLAND Florida Resort (weekends until Oct. 29), a signature Halloween event included with theme park admission, will feature a trick or treat trail with candy, live entertainment and shows, never-before-seen exclusive LEGO characters and an all-new cinematic experience to create the ultimate family Halloween celebration.

BEYOND THE THEME PARKS

Family-Friendly Frights

• Screamin’ Green Hauntoween at Crayola Experience (until Oct. 31) celebrates the Halloween season with a lineup of spooky happenings included with admission, such as a themed scavenger hunt, spook-tastic crafts, character photo ops, trick-or-treating on the weekends and more. Guests craving more can add-on activities like pumpkin decorating and slime making.
• Gatorland‘s “Gators, Ghosts and Goblins” Halloween event (weekends, Oct. 14–29) returns for its fifth year of family fun and fright. The all-ages daytime event, included with regular admission, features an all-new haunt zone and exhibit, interactive characters, animal meet-and-greets, candy giveaways, a children’s Halloween costume parade and more.
• Pirates Dinner Adventure is offering “Vampirates: When the Blood Moon Rises” (to Oct. 31), a limited time Halloween-themed dinner show suitable for all ages. Guests embark on a spooktacular journey filled with aerial artistry, swordplay, death-defying stunts, and dynamic duels.
• Happy Frights at Harry P. Leu Gardens (Sept. 29-Oct. 31) is an all-ages, family-friendly trick-or-treat adventure through 12 immersive worlds. The event will give guests an opportunity to meet a dancing bridge-troll, walk through a garden of sunflowers, explore a neon-light maze, climb up a giant hay-pyramid, celebrate Dia de Muertos, and more –all while visiting eight trick-or-treat stations along the way.
• The German American Society of Central Florida will host Halloween Oktoberfest (Oct. 28), a combination of the well-renowned German autumn festival and a Halloween celebration. The family-friendly event will feature authentic German food, a Biergarten, live musical entertainment, a kids play area, a traditional flag parade and more.
• Lake Nona Town Center will host the family-friendly Lake Nona Graveyard Smash event (Oct. 28). Mortals will be able to party with ghosts and ghouls; participate in trick-or-treat stations; experience live music; and take a journey through inflatable courses. This event is free and open to the public with no ticket required.
• Gaylord Palms Resort’s annual Goblins & Giggles weekends (through Oct. 29) features family-friendly events including a spooky scavenger hunt; live shows; dance and costume parties; a haunted escape room; character experiences; pumpkins; movies and more. The resort features a “Fall into Family Fun” vacation package that includes an overnight stay with premium views, $50 nightly resort credit, one scavenger hunt booklet and two Halloween-themed crafts in the Adventure Kids’ Clubhouse.

 Adults-only

• For Halloween fun all year long, The Bureau features Possession at Haddon Heights, a paranormal themed escape room that forces guests to confront an evil entity at an abandoned school.
• Renaissance Theatre Company will present the return of “Nosferatu” (through Nov. 5) at the Ren. The re-vamped, 90-minute adults-only horror experience offers an entirely new concept from last year’s event, where each patron has a unique experience as the cast of 32 vampires lead the audience into hidden corners of the building playing out engaging scenarios. Later in the evening, “VBar”, the elevated Vampire-nightclub, opens its doors to guests with separate admission.
• Harry P. Leu Gardens will host Haunting Nights (through Oct. 31), an artful, elevated Halloween event featuring thrilling surprises for guests 13 and older. The immersive event will feature jump scares as guests encounter several characters throughout the journey that will provide a heightened level of thrill.
• Teatro Martini, the Vegas-inspired adult dinner show, hosts its annual Halloween Revue (through Oct. 31) this fall. The show features lyrical pole dancers, comedians, magicians, jugglers and limited-edition themed cocktails.
• Scream n’ Stream Drive-Thru Halloween Experience, a haunted Halloween drive-thru event, returns for its third year featuring seven horrifying zones to drive through complete with monsters, music, lighting and special effects Friday through Sunday until Oct. 29.

• Cocktails & Screams in Downtown Orlando (photo above) is an only Halloween-themed bar, featuring live music and an extensive list of creative cocktails. On Sundays this fall, guests can experience the Cereal Killer Brunch from noon to 5 p.m., among other themed events throughout the season. And on Oct. 31, new cocktails and entertainment will debut during the Halloween night event, which will also feature a complete lineup of local bands.
• Vampires, ghastly revenants, and banshees come to life in Phantasmagoria XIV: “Tales of the Undead” (Oct. 26-28). For three nights only at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, guests can experience the original tales of the critically acclaimed Victorian Horror Troupe “PHANTASMAGORIA” and the haunting stories of world-famous authors including Edgar Allen Poe, H.G. Wells, Penny Dreadfuls and more.
• The Halloween Pub Crawl (Oct. 27) returns to downtown Orlando for another year of killer-drink specials and a chance for guests to show off their hauntingly best costumes. From 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., Halloween fans will have access to all participating venues, four complimentary drinks, drink specials and more.

FOODIE EVENTS

Meanwhile, beyond Halloween, foodies will find an array of savoury eats and delectable treats throughout the destination this fall. Among them:

Central Florida Veg Fest, presented by Vegetarians of Central Florida (Oct. 28), the family- and dog-friendly vegan event held at Orlando Festival Park near downtown Orlando, returns for its 18th year. The event will feature a day of educational exhibits and activities from diverse cross-section of vegan cuisines and lifestyles, including new products and ideas from over 200 vendors and 100 contributors as well as a wide variety of food preparation demos.

At the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (through Nov. 18), guests can savour unexpected flavours from around the globe as they circle the iconic World Showcase. The celebration features over 25 global Marketplaces, including a menu of new flavours and sips along with live entertainment, family activities and more. This year, the festival welcomes back two fan-favourite flavour destinations: “Hawaii,” featuring flavours from the Pacific paradise; and “The Noodle Exchange,” offering savoury ramen and noodle bowls. Four all-new Global Marketplaces debuted this year to mark the Disney100 celebration that commemorates the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic (Nov. 10-11) will return for its 14th year, treating guests to a street party festival with unlimited food and beverage tastings at diverse food stations, featuring culinary selections from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and wine from around the world.

First published at Travel Industry Today

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News