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Ahead of this year’s World Cup of Rugby this Fall, rugby fans around the world are also celebrating the 200th anniversary of the sport’s birth this year. And interest and activities are most notable in British town of Rugby at the West Midlands school where it is said to have all begun.

The aptly named Rugby School, which gave its name to the sport, is expecting close to 40,000 visitors as its hosts a number of events and exhibitions throughout the year, all marking the day that William Webb Ellis first “took the ball in his arms and ran with it” on “The Close” (field) at the school in 1823.

Prior to this date the sport, then known as football, was played much like Australian rules football is today, until Webb Ellis demonstrated a “fine disregard for the rules of football as played in his time” leading to the impromptu invention of the new sport of rugby.

Among the year’s activities, Rugby School will be welcoming teams from a range of backgrounds and abilities to play on The Close, as well as hosting dinners, evenings, and its staging its annual arts Festival On The Close (June 26-29), which will be named “With a Fine Disregard,” in honour of Webb Ellis.

Meanwhile, on April 23, the school will be attempting the World’s Largest uncontested rugby scrum on its hallowed pitch. The current world record is 2,586 people, a record the school hopes to surpass with 3,000 participants.

Exhibition

Of longer duration, the Ruby School Museum is hosting an exhibition, running through Dec. 9, welcoming visitors to discover the birthplace of rugby at the school. The visual and audible exhibition will feature photographs, memorabilia, video footage, and interviews with previous members of Rugby School’s XV, illustrating how the game has developed over the years.

The exhibition is open on event days or by prior booking.

Another exhibition – “He Ran With It” – takes place at the Lewis Gallery (through April) and at the Rugby Art Gallery and Museum (Sept.-Oct.).

Visitors to the town can also follow its “Pathway of Fame,” which celebrates the history of the game and commemorates some of its most notable players and events.

For a full list of school events and activities, visit HERE.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Last week, in which the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was marked, the Canadian trade also saw the return of the annual Destination France roadshow, a glimpse of the future of travel from Air Canada, a unique promotion from Swoop, the opening of a new hotel for visitors to Toronto, and retirement news from a well-known travel industry figure.

NEWS

National Aviation Day was observed on Feb. 23, with Canada’s minister of transport marking the anniversary of Canada’s first powered flight in 1909 when pilot J.A.D. McCurdy flew the Silver Dart nearly 800 metres in Baddeck, NS. “This first flight over 100 years ago,” said Omar Alghabra, “paved the way for today’s dedicated aviation and commercial pilots to connect people and move goods safely and quickly across our country and around the world.”

Feb. 24 marked the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, prompting the United Nations Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to mark the “sad” anniversary of the occasion and urge ongoing solidarity from the tourism industry for the Ukrainian people.

Atout France was on the road last week, conducting its annual Destination France events for close to 350 agents, including events in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary (which rotates with Quebec biannually), and Vancouver. On average, close to two dozen suppliers took, including sponsor Air Canada, and a nearly dozen-strong supplier delegation from the Occitanie region of southern France, which will receive new Air Canada flights from Montreal into Toulouse starting in June.

BY THE NUMBERS

Dubai received 14.36 million international overnight visitors in 2022, growing 97% year-over-year from the 7.28 million tourist arrivals in 2021, according to the latest data published by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

AIR

Air Canada and United Airlines have announced that through their enhanced transborder joint business agreement they will offer more than 260 daily transborder flights and two new routes this summer. The new routes include a new United-operated flight between Washington-Dulles and Calgary and a new Air Canada-operated flight between Washington-Dulles and Vancouver.

Swoop has launched its own clothing line called “Swoopwear,” with an innovative debut product dubbed “The Warmest Hoodie Ever.” That’s because each $99 sweater comes with a $500 flight voucher, which can used to buy a flight somewhere warm. Only 100 limited-editions sweaters will be produced. Visit swoopwear.ca.

Initially started as a seasonal service, Singapore Airlines flights to Vancouver will be suspended from October 2023, as the carrier adjusts its capacity in response to demand.

Calling the process, simple, seamless, and safe, Air Canada has launched digital identification, becoming the first airline in Canada with approval to use facial recognition technology to confirm identification. The pilot project is currently underway for select passengers departing from YVR for Winnipeg, and entering the Air Canada Café at Toronto Pearson, but will be expanded to other locations.

DEALS

Through April 9, the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, Fla., has several special guest offers, such as a fifth night free and a nightly credit of up to US$300 towards dining and spa treatments. For stays at the five-star resort through Dec., 2025, families willing to book and pay in advance will receive 20 per cent off room rate.

HOTELS

On Feb. 24, The Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Fla, lit up in blue and yellow (photo) – the colours of the Ukrainian flag – to mark one year since the start of the war in Ukraine.

Opening this fall in Orlando, Aloft Lake Nona will be a six-story, 205-room music-themed property. Its eclectic décor and design nods to the hotel’s music and technology roots that gives each guestroom its own character. Aloft Lake Nona will also feature a 930 sq.-m. conference centre and full-service restaurant.

RESORTS

Located on more than three hectares along Palm Beach County, Florida’s picturesque Singer Island, Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences is a new health-centric resort expected to open in April. It will offer first-class service along with a program combining Eastern well-being philosophies and western technology with 92,000 sq. m. of wellness amenities including The Aayush Hydrothermal water therapy circuit; indoor/outdoor treatment rooms; float tank; IV, sound and light therapies; acupuncture; body therapies from around the globe; and arguably the most sophisticated, spa-centered Ayurvedic and yoga program in the US.

As part of its “Stay Human” packages, participating Kimpton hotels and resorts have each developed a selection of bookable a la carte experiences with everything from on-demand elixir shots and private perfumery classes to sound bath healings and Thai boxing classes. The unconventional packages offer a diverse range of experiences that can arranged through designated Stay Human concierges on-property.

TOUR OPERATORS

ACTA is calling for Sunwing to pay commission on bookings made via a discount code the tour company is posting in compliance with a class action lawsuit settlement in Quebec. ACTA says the offer excludes agents and it is continuing its advocacy with the company to change that. At the same time the Association of Canadian Independent Travel Advisors (ACITA) says a recent survey indicated that 86% of its members, half from Saskatchewan, said their bottom lines were severely affected by recent cancellations by Sunwing, notably its discontinuation of service in the province, which resulted in recalled commissions.

Collette’s ‘Americana’ brochure for 2023 is set to be released, featuring 14 of Collette’s tours to the United States, including various Classic, small group Explorations, and Spotlights tours. The brochure will be out in early March and will offer consumers a $20 Uber voucher to help them further explore.

CAR RENTAL

SIXT has opened a new rental car branch at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). The move continues the company’s expansion into Canada, which began last summer, adding to its branch location in Vancouver.

CRUISE

Celebrity Cruises has become the first ocean cruise line to ever earn prestigious Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”) Star Awards. The five inaugural resorts at sea star-rated ships are Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Millennium (photo) and Celebrity Summit.

A new vessel has been added to the Greek and Easter Mediterranean cruise line Celestyal. Originally built as the Ryndam for Holland America Line and more recently operating for P&O Australia, the 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey will undergo an extensive, $28 million) refurbishment and technical maintenance overhaul before entering service.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

TRON Lightcycle/Run officially opens April 4 at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. The attraction will be one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world.

As it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, Carowinds theme park in Charlotte, NC, will open Aeronautica Landing, which draws inspiration from North Carolina’s First in Flight history and spirit of innovation. New rides arriving in the spring include the speedy Air Racer, the futuristic Hover & Dodge, and the Air Walker, inspired by the Outer Banks setting where the Wright Brothers achieved powered flight in 1903. Since its opening on March 31, 1973, Carowinds has built a reputation for roller coasters, including the Fury 325, the world’s tallest and fastest giga coaster. The park is also home to Carolina Harbor, a 10-hectare waterpark with slides, wave pools and large play structures.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Canadian travel advisors who complete the Occitanie module of Atout France’s new ACTA-accredited France Connaisseur online specialist program by March 15 will have a chance to win six-night trips in the southwestern region (capital Toulouse). Sign up at destinationfrance.ca.

Travel agents have the chance to earn 2% bonus commission plus one air seat for every 30 passengers booked (max four seats) made via Air Canada Vacations’ ‘Book Your Own Group’ program. ACV will track all qualifying files for travel between May 1 and Dec. 18 to Mexico, the Caribbean, California, Florida, Hawaii or Las Vegas. For full details and terms and conditions please click HERE.

Luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways has extended its popular Tour Conductor (TC) credit promotion, allowing travel advisors booking groups of 10 or more guests the opportunity to earn TCs on river cruise, airfare, and pre- and post-cruise land packages. With the limited time offer, travel advisors can earn unlimited TCs on all new group contracts signed with deposits paid between October 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023, for travel on select 2023 and 2024 Europe and Mekong River cruise dates.

EVENTS

On March 1 from 10 to 11 a.m. EST, Incredible India will host an webinar focussing on luxury train journeys, cruise packages and health and wellness.  Register HERE.

VisitBritain is hosting its annual flagship trade event ExploreGB all week – bringing together more than 200 global buyers to connect online and do business with 320 tourism industry suppliers and destinations from across Britain. The five-day program of virtual events gives destinations and suppliers the chance to promote their tourism products and services to top global buyers and forge valuable business connections.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

After 12 years at Transat and a distinguished career in the travel industry, Susan Bowman has announced her retirement. In her final role, Bowman was VP Marketing and Industry Relations at Transat Distribution Canada (TDC). In wishing her a “well deserved retirement,” TDC GM Karine Gagnon, said: “Susan thus concludes an impressive career in the travel industry, having held positions in both retail and wholesale, in the areas of marketing, sales, industry relations, operations and loyalty.” Bowman’s last day will be April 12.

Reps4Rent has announced that industry veteran Gary Howard has joined its network as an Independent Marketing and Communications Professional. With over 30 years of experience in the travel, insurance, media relations, and consumer loyalty industries, Howard had a long tenure with CAA Atlantic as Sr. VP Marketing & Communications.

TRAVEL AGENCIES

The Travel Agent Next Door has been awarded the “Biggest Comeback Agency” award by Celebrity Cruises for the highest increase in sales in 2021 vs 2019 out of all of national and key accounts across Canada.

Several Trevello travel advisors were recognized for their outstanding achievements and recognition at the ACV@Home Simply the Best Awards. They included Clara Power, Kayla Gavin, and Juphel Falcs as rising stars in the “Most Improved Sales” category; and Top Groups Supporters and Top Overall Supporters awards were received by Jen Langlois and Mahla Pourshamsa. And Karin Zabunyan’s earned a Diversified Sales Award.

Vancouver-based Uniglobe Travel has welcomed House of Travel (two locations) in Montreal to its global network, along with two other travel agencies in Istanbul and London, UK.

DESTINATIONS

Tourism Winnipeg has launched a new digital pass to increase visits to local attractions. The new program will run throughout 2023 and is designed to encourage locals and visitors to explore five of the city’s top experiences at one low price. This pass is supported by Travel Manitoba which offers similar passes for different destinations throughout the province.

Anguilla will present its Second Annual Anguilla Culinary Experience (ACE), May 3-6, bringing together talented chefs from Anguilla and around the world for four days of chef collaborations, parties, tastings, barbeques, dinners and other curated culinary experiences at island resorts and restaurants. A portion of ACE proceeds will help fund local hospitality training and education. Schedule and ticket info can be found HERE.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 1993, two British explorers became the first to cross the Antarctic on foot without outside support. Sir Ralph Fiennes and Dr. Michael Stroud dragged their supplies on sledges weighing 196 kilograms across more than 2,100 km.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Business was booming at the Outdoor Adventure Show in Mississauga over the weekend with the massive annual event at the International Centre boasting one of its largest list of travel suppliers ever, enhancing the usual roster of camping, adventure, and outdoor providers and products.

Among those on hand from the travel side was G Adventures, an official sponsor of the show (which started Friday and ran for three days over the weekend), as well as a full complement of Canadian-based exhibitors and presenters populating Caribbean, US, and Canada pavilions, and coming from as far away as Nunuvat and South Africa.

Here are just a few of the familiar faces found by Travel Industry Today:

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons has launched its 2023 collection of bridal gowns and the first-ever collection of Disney Princess-inspired bridesmaid dresses. Also unveiled at Disney Weddings is a new coach at Disneyland, as the company showcases its venues for nuptials around the world coinciding with this year’s 100th anniversary celebrations.

Twenty-one gowns were recently unveiled during a fashion show in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort in California. The 2023 collection includes gowns inspired by Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Rapunzel, Snow White and Tiana.

They also feature new and innovative fabrics, including a signature sparkle tulle on a Princess Jasmine-inspired Platinum gown and a laser-cut lace design on soft satin featured on a Rapunzel-inspired style.

A Cinderella-inspired ballgown offers a unique platinum colourway option, while a dreamy vintage look for the Princess Tiana-inspired gown, shimmering with thousands of beads and sequins, captures the spirit of the Jazz Age.

Disney and Allure Bridals launched their first sophisticated bridal line in 2020, offering modern brides stunning, on-trend gowns that capture the style and spirit of beloved Disney Princess characters. Three years and four collections later, Allure Bridals provides various options that designed to transform a bride’s look, like the stunning, detachable overskirts available on a selection of gowns, including one Rapunzel-inspired dress and the Platinum Cinderella dress. Platinum Aurora and Tiana gowns feature detachable sleeves for a chic transitional option from aisle to reception.

With details such as ethereal puff sleeves, and accessories like custom veil options and delicate tulle flowers, the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings 2023 Collection has a dresses available in sizes 0 to 30, starting at US$1,799.

Bridesmaids

In an expansion beyond bridalwear, the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection will also introduce nine princess-inspired bridesmaid gowns for the first time this Fall. The bridesmaid collection is inspired by the personalities and essence of Disney Princess characters and stories, incorporating subtle design cues meant to complement each Princess-inspired bridal gown, which are available in a range of colours and romantic fabrics like stretch chiffon, stretch satin, and stretch satin jersey fabric in sizes XS to 4X. More details will be revealed in the coming months.

New coach at Disneyland Resort

Meanwhile, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons has also unveiled the design of a new coach (photo) that will join the fleet of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings carriages. The new coach features details inspired by the classic Disney love story, Cinderella, and will arrive at Disneyland Resort this fall. Handcrafted details include a pumpkin canopy and an interior shrouded in delicate vines. The new coach at Disneyland Resort will round out the trio of carriages that include the Cinderella Coach at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disney Fairy Tale Carriage at Disneyland Paris.

Disney wedding venues

Couples marrying with Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings can celebrate their wedding ceremonies and receptions in Disney locations around the world. There’s the enchanting Disney’s Wedding Pavilion at Walt Disney World Resort, theme park lands and attractions, a stunning beachfront resort in Hawaii, the ships of Disney Cruise Line and more.

“Our goal is to bring fairy tales to life. Immersive and one-of-a-kind venues allow us to tell each couple’s unique love story in an epic and magical way,” says Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons marketing director Korri McFann.

In honour of the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings is showcasing more than 100+ wedding venues at Disney destinations around the globe:

• Walt Disney World Resort – More than 50 unique venues span international settings at EPCOT – from Italian courtyards to a replica of China’s Temple of Heaven, to a backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, couples are immersed in vibrant settings like Harambe Village in Africa, the Belvedere Palace Ruins hidden in the jungles of Asia and many more. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, couples can dance the night away on Sunset Boulevard, and at Magic Kingdom Park, they can marry with views of Cinderella Castle.

• Resorts – Numerous resort locations feature beach settings, intimate gazebos, lush lawns and more. Disney’s Wedding Pavilion is a purpose-built wedding venue at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Walt Disney World. Situated on its own private island in Seven Seas Lagoon, the pavilion is accessed via a bridge and features stunning crystal chandeliers, intricate stained-glass windows and a 75-foot aisle with Cinderella Castle as its backdrop. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort boast tropical and waterside settings for couples to celebrate their weddings with a touch of Disney magic.

• Disneyland Resort offers multiple in-park venues, from the Victorian splendor of Main Street, USA to the Fantasyland Courtyard. The resort’s themed hotels offer even more beautiful venues. There’s the rich Arts & Crafts setting of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the whimsical fun of the Disneyland Hotel.

• Disney Cruise Line provides couples the chance to sail the high seas with their families and friends. From Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, to beautiful ship atriums, and international itineraries, event possibilities are endless.

• Disneyland Paris – From castle courtyards to romantic gazebos, Disneyland Paris offers immersive fairy tale settings for couples dreaming of marrying in the city of love.

• Asia parks – Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings also take place at Shanghai Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Tokyo Disney Resort – each offering unique backdrops for wedding celebrations.

To learn more about the new bridal and bridesmaid collections, visit www.allurebridals.com. For information on booking a wedding, honeymoon, anniversary, or vowel renewal, visit DisneyWeddings.com.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

St. Kitts is launching a distinctive, first-of-its-kind “Rummelier Certification Program” for both rum aficionados and other visitors simply wanting to learn more about the island’s historic spirit, while also getting a taste of Kittitian culture and history.

The St. Kitt’s Tourism Authority initiative enables travellers to become a certified “rummelier” through two classes led by two local rum experts. The program invites travellers to deep-dive into the history of rum and distilling the spirit, gain hands-on experience in creating spiced rum, and learn to master making rum-based cocktails.

“The history of Caribbean rum and its influential impact can be seen throughout St. Kitts,” says Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson. “St. Kitts is home to the oldest surviving rum distillery in the Caribbean and is also home to a growing unconventional rum scene. We are excited to incorporate an integral part of our history into expanding innovative tourism opportunities.”

Henderson says the program is great way for travellers to experience St. Kitts in a different way and “take back home a part of our island’s rich history…”

The first part of the tour is at Wingfield Estate, home of the Caribbean’s oldest surviving rum distillery. During this rummelier course, expert Jack Widdowson teaches rum theory and the history of rum production methods.

The recently excavated distillery is found on the 18th-century sugar cane plantation owned by a direct ancestor of Thomas Jefferson. While sipping rum and learning the history, guests will see a preserved aqueduct, chimney, mill house, boiling house, and lime kiln and learn how to label their own rum bottle.

The second course takes place at Spice Mill Restaurant on Cockleshell Bay and is run by rum expert Roger Brisbane. This course showcases spiced rum creation methodology, rum-blending techniques, and cocktail creations utilizing tasting procedures and nuances in different types of rums. Brisbane is an innovator in the rum space with Hibiscus Spirits, which is created by infusing handpicked and locally grown Roselle Hibiscus calyx, known as sorrel, to flavour the rum and create a natural red colour.

Details of each course are as follows, with a certificate earned after completing both courses:

At Wingfield Estate – home of the oldest surviving rum distillery in the Caribbean:

● Introduction of Rum
● History of Rum in St. Kitts
● Rum production methods
● Learning How to Taste + Identify Flavour Profiles
● Tour the estate
● Label your own rum bottle

At Spice Mill – home of Hibiscus Spirits:

● Learn how to create spiced rum
● Methodology of creating classic rum drinks
● Learn nuances of creating rum cocktails
● Rum appreciation methods

“This is just one of many upcoming opportunities where the destination will utilize local partnerships to market the island’s unique attributes,” says Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, CEO of St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “Furthermore, this program truly sets us apart from other Caribbean destinations while preserving the Kittitian history of rum and its meaning to the culture. We are excited to invite travellers worldwide to spend a day with kindred spirits.”

The Rummelier Certification Program costs US$150 p.p. For info and to book, click HERE.

With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series, click here:

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First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News