Global Travel News

MSC Cruises’ latest vessel – and new US flagship – has sailed off to its winter home, Miami, and onwards to Caribbean itineraries after a dazzling debut in New York last week, officially named at a traditional maritime ceremony at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

Marking the brand’s continued growth in North America, the event was attended by more than 3,000 guests, including VIPs, key travel partners and global media, and the entire cruise division of the company and its parent MSC Group, who previewed the Big Apple as a new homeport for MSC, starting in April.

One of the highlights of the traditional maritime ceremony was a performance from international singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli, hot off the heels of his performance at the naming ceremony of MSC World Europa last month.

Godmother of the MSC Cruises fleet, movie icon Sophia Loren, blessed the ship virtually while Alexa Aponte-Vago, daughter of MSC Group’s founder and executive chairman Gianluigi Aponte, performed the traditional cutting of the ribbon to officially name the ship (photo below).

Following the ceremony, the guests were treated to a gourmet gala dinner and performance by international Grammy Award winner singer/songwriter Ne-Yo.

MSC Seascape is the 21st ship in the MSC Cruises fleet and the second ship to be launched in less than a month after MSC World Europa launched in November. She will be closely followed by the line’s second LNG-powered vessel MSC Euribia, due to come into service in June 2023.

The new flagship for the US will offer two contrasting itineraries this winter:

• Eastern Caribbean: Calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and Nassau in The Bahamas, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic
• Western Caribbean: Calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Cozumel in Mexico, George Town in the Cayman Islands and Ocho Rios in Jamaica

MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise brand and operates a fully bilingual permanent office in Canada to provide sales and marketing services to the Canadian market.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

From a new music trail in Louisiana to the 150TH anniversary of the famed Kentucky Derby, there’s plenty going on in the southern US that is sure to attract and appeal to Canadian travellers spreading their wings after the pandemic. And to help get the word out on what’s new, dozens of suppliers convened at the recent Travel South International Showcase in Louisville, Kentucky.

Buyers and media from 16 countries attended the 10th annual event, and amidst the avalanche of information at hand – enough to fill a ballroom at the Omni Louisville, not to mention a myriad of off-site venues and events – Travel Industry Today asked a representative of each of the 12 Travel South member states to simply list a single piece of news or view from their destination that stands out above the rest. Here’s what they had to say:

ALABAMA

A new ‘All in One Ticket’ program being introduced offers 60 different attractions curated into 14 separate cities/regions in a state known for its civil rights history, outdoors (including under-the-radar beaches), golf, and growing culinary scene. In Birmingham, the pass features 11 attractions, including the 16th St. Baptist Church, Civil Rights Institute, zoo, Oak Mountain State Park, and several museums. Tickets are available through Expedia or at alabama.travel.

ARKANSAS

Using Little Rock as a base, it’s less than three hours to anywhere in Arkansas – a state that rep Kim Williams maintains is “different from its neighbours.” Highlights include endless outdoor activities thanks to 60 state or national parks, along with numerous hot springs; the Bill Clinton – a good ‘ol boy from Arkansas – presidential library in the capital; and a mine where visitors can dig for diamonds and, “if you find it you keep it.”

GEORGIA

“The No. 1 thing I’d like to tell Canadians is about our coast,” says Meggan Hood of Explore Georgia. “I think they know Atlanta and Savannah, but our coast is extraordinarily different than other coasts.” With hundreds of kilometres of Atlantic shoreline, she cites the sparsely populated Golden Isles (including St. Simon, Little St. Simon, Jekyll Island, Cumberland) in particular. Located about 90 minutes south of Savannah and stretching to the Florida state line, the area boasts wild expanses of beach, dunes and marsh lands, lighthouses, small villages, and plenty to do. “It’s a choose your own adventure kind of thing,” she enthuses.

KENTUCKY

Kentucky bills itself as the home of bourbon, bluegrass and barbecue, but the state is equally synonymous with horses, and nowhere is more central to equine culture than Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby – the iconic race that is as much social spectacle as sporting event. Always held on the first Saturday in May, the race is celebrated for weeks in advance, festivities will take on greater significance, and flair, in 2024 as the race celebrates its 150th anniversary. Music, food (incl. barbecue), fireworks, hot air balloon races, and much more will colour the April weeks leading up to the race, which features the world’s best three-year-old thoroughbreds, and is dubbed “the most exciting two minutes in sport.”

LOUISIANA

From Dixieland jazz to blues and zydeco to Cajun, Louisiana has always exuded music. However, for the first time, the state will have its own music trail, starting in 2023. The trail will feature a website and on-the-ground markers linking historic and current venues and attractions, from New Orleans’ iconic Preservation Hall to the Jolly Inn in Houma, and the Blue Moon Saloon in Lafayette. The program will also provide education and interactive activities. “It’s designed to not just let you enjoy the music, but learn about music too,” says Jennifer Berthelot of the Louisiana Office of Tourism. “It would be great for the novice. If you want to explore and don’t know how, this will make it easy.”

MISSISSIPPI

This southern state stakes a claim as “the birthplace of American Music.” From its comprehensive Blues Trail (check out the app) to the legacy of favourite son Elvis Presley (born in Tupelo and having resided in iconic Graceland across the Tennessee border in Memphis), Rachel Obermeier of Mississippi Tourism says matter-of-factly, “Music is our calling card.” But she quickly adds that there are also considerably more things to fill the spaces between the notes: Antebellum, civil war, and civil rights history, as well as active outdoor opportunities including Gulf Coast beaches, golf, casinos in Biloxi and Gulfport, great cuisine, and temperatures that are “very inviting” year-round.

(Ed. Note: Stay tuned for Part II of our state-by-state recap from the Travel South symposium: Missouri, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia).

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Airfares are forecast to rise 2023 according to Amex – find out how much. Also last week, Japan is WestJet’s star destination for summer 2023, Air Canada touted JFK flights as part of its 2023 sked, Porter unveiled new perks in economy, and Boeing marked the end of an era.….

NEWS

Domestic airfares in North America are forecast to rise in 2023, though not as much as in other regions of the globe, according to American Express Global Business Travel’s annual Air Monitor 2023. Domestic fares are expected to see moderate rises (3.4% business, 2.9% economy) as more capacity comes online in 2023. Meanwhile, Europe-North America routes are expected to see modest rises of 3.7%, and Asia-North America flights slated to see significant rises (5.6% business, 9.8% economy).

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has officially reopened two NEXUS and FAST enrollment centres in Canada enabling applicants to now schedule interviews at the Lansdowne, Ont. (Thousand Islands Bridge) and Fort Erie, Ont. (Peace Bridge) enrolment centres. The agency says more Canadian enrolment centres will open at additional select land border crossings in the future. Notably, however, applicants will still have to cross the border for an interview with US agents.

After more than half a century, Boeing rolled out its last 747 out of a Washington state factory on Tuesday. The jumbo jet, which debuted in 1969, was the largest commercial aircraft in the world and the first with two aisles, and it still towers over most other planes.

BORDERS

The Advance CBSA Declaration feature in ArriveCAN is now available to all travellers arriving on international flights at the Québec City Jean-Lesage International Airport. The Advance CBSA Declaration feature provides travellers with the option to submit their customs and immigration declaration to the CBSA up to 72 hours in advance of their arrival in Canada.

AIR

Canada Jetlines commenced direct roundtrip Airbus A320 service between Toronto and Vancouver on Friday (Dec. 9).

New service between Montreal and Fort McMurray, Alta., next June, plus increased frequencies between Toronto-Kelowna, Winnipeg-Toronto, and Montreal-Vancouver highlight Air Canada’s summer domestic schedule, which will see also see the carrier restore suspended services and increase frequencies as well. Meanwhile three new transborder routes, including service from Toronto and Montreal to JFK, and Toronto-Sacramento will start in 2023, along with the restoration of 11 suspended services and increased frequencies on 12 other routes.

Free WiFi, fresh meals, and enhanced legroom are all part of the new economy class being rolled out by Porter Airlines. The carrier is also introducing a new, all-inclusive economy experience called PorterReserve, which includes dedicated airport check-in, early boarding, enhanced legroom, fresh meals on longer flights, Porter’s signature beer, wine and premium snacks, cocktails, two checked bags, and the ability to change flights without a fee.

WestJet will offer flights three times weekly flights to Tokyo Narita starting April 30, marking the airline’s first non-stop flights to Asia from Calgary. The airline also announced new routes from Calgary to Barcelona and Edinburgh and increased frequency to Dublin, London, Paris, and Rome, also starting in the spring. The new flights are part of the airline’s plan to expand capacity from Calgary by more than 25% by next year, beginning with intercontinental routes.

Sun service from Windsor, Ont. kicked off last week for Sunwing, with first flights of the season to Cancun and Cayo Coco, with Varadero starting Dec. 17 and Santa Clara, Cuba on the 21^st. Similarly, London, Ont. flights go this week: Punta Cana (Dec. 14), Cancun (Dec. 15), and Varadero (Dec. 16).

TOURS

Early 2023 sales for Italy, Scotland and Ireland are at 93% of total 2022 numbers, says Globus family of brands in Canada, “indicating that our Canadian office is on target to break some travel records next year.” Other hot destinations include Portugal, and France. Popular tour styles include off-season Escapes by Globus and Active & Discovery itineraries on Avalon Waterways.

Tauck has again eliminated the single supplement on its Category 1 European riverboat cabins, waiving the supplement entirely for those cabins on each departure of every 2023 Tauck river cruise itinerary. Tauck has also reduced the single supplement by CDN$1,300 on other selected cabin categories on 63 departures of 20 different river itineraries. On its land journeys, single supplements have also been reduced by up to $1,300 on 113 departures of 43 tours visiting five continents.

 RESORTS

Saint Lucia’s all-inclusive Coconut Bay Beach Resort – a long-time favourite amongst Canadian sun-seekers – has a new look and feel after completing a US$6-million property-wide refreshment during its annual September closing. Enhancements touched on guest rooms, the CocoLand Kidz Klub, the Wedding Centre, tennis and basketball courts, the main bar area, resort lobby, hallways, and more.

Now open, Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya is the latest addition to Hyatt’s all-inclusive adult experience nestled in the secluded region of Riviera Maya with easy access to the Cancún International Airport and only 10 km. from Playa del Carmen. The sophisticated resort offers 291-suites with modern hacienda charm, sitting alongside a long stretch of pure white sand beach.

HOTELS

BC-based Accent Inns Inc. reports that all nine of its affiliated properties are now officially Rainbow Registered with Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce. First launched in June 2021, the Rainbow Registered Accreditation Program was created to better identify 2SLGBTQI+ friendly businesses across Canada and help move the needle on social rights. The nationally recognized Canadian accreditation symbol indicates to consumers that the business meets a stringent set of standards to ensure 2SLGBTQI+ visitors feel safe, welcomed, and accepted.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened its first avid hotel in Canada in Vaughan, Ont. The avid hotel Toronto – Vaughan Southwest is the first of four planned properties across Canada for IHG’s newest Essentials brand. With 119 rooms, it is located 15 minutes (traffic notwithstanding) from Toronto Pearson International Airport and adheres to the brand’s “basics done exceptionally well – at a fair price” promise to regional business and leisure travellers.

CRUISE

Silversea’s newest expedition ship, Silver Endeavour, is set to broaden ultra-luxury travel’s most diverse polar offering by accessing more than 125 of the world’s most remote, extreme destinations through summer 2024 and winter 2024/25 with 27 new voyages that incorporate additional calls to Antarctica and the Arctic, as well as the British Isles and Iceland.

Luxury cruise line Cunard has announced a new partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society that will see experts from RCGS featured on select 2023 voyages as part of the cruise line’s Insights onboard enrichment program. The RCGS headliners will be on every Cunard voyage in the 2023 Alaska season on Queen Elizabeth, from June through August, and on the Canada/New England voyage in September, from New York to Quebec, on flagship liner Queen Mary 2.

BY THE NUMBERS

Black Friday was Royal Caribbean International’s single largest booking day in its 53-year history, which marked the third time the record was broken in 2022 and the peak of what is now the brand’s highest volume booking week. The strong demand and performance demonstrated by the two latest records come on the heels of the first look at the new Icon of the Seas, and the record-breaking day reported when the highly anticipated ship opened for bookings 15 months ahead of its January 2024 debut. Meanwhile, Carnival Cruise Line got a jumpstart on what it hopes will be a busy 2023 cruise season as it posted a record Cyber Monday booking day that was 50% above volume for Cyber Monday 2019.

DEALS

Holland America Line has expanded its “Canada Super Sale” with additional cruise dates in 2023. Featuring up to 20% off fares on select sailings, the offer runs through Dec. 31, and features a diverse selection of Alaska, Panama Canal, Caribbean, and European cruises.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

SeaWorld Orlando’s newest roller coaster will debut next spring, a first-of-a-kind attraction in which riders will experience “wave jumping” motions to make them feel like they are actually surfing. “Pipeline: The Surf Coaster” will feature a unique surfboard-shaped ride vehicle secured on the roller coaster in a surfing position, which is launched at speeds of up to 100 kph to give riders the feeling that they are catching a wave. Riders will then feel like they are hanging loose when their seats rise and fall to mimic the sensation of riding on a wave while sending them through several gnarly twists and turns.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Sunwing’s ‘12 Days of Giveaways’ continues this week with every client booking made by Dec. 16 automatically giving agents a chance to win one of 10 $250 Sunwing gift cards to put towards their future Sunwing travel and one of two free vacations, including flights and accommodation, to Royalton Cayo Santa Maria or the brand-new Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun. Bookings on applicable packages must apply to travel by April 30. Clients can save 40% off their bookings.

EVENTS

Over 150 agents attended a Visit Orlando event last week (photo) in Toronto with partners including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and other hotels and attractions. Agents took part in interactive in-person training events highlighting selling tips and the latest offerings in the Florida city, as well have a chance to win prizes. Agents who could not attend are recommended to sign up for the Orlando Travel Academy to become a certified “Orlando Travel Expert.”

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

TL Network Canada has appointed travel industry veteran Cheryl Babulal as Sales Manager, effective Dec. 12. In this position, Babulal will help identify and develop new business opportunities for TL Network Canada, with the goal of increasing volume and market share through recruiting new travel agencies into the company. Babulal will report to Lindsay Pearlman, Sr VP, Travel Leaders Network.

 David Green, managing director of G Adventures in Canada, has been named vice chair of the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO), succeeding Stéphanie Bishop (Globus). As an MBA graduate he has almost 30 years experience in business strategy across travel retail and travel wholesale backgrounds. An industry advocate who has built a career focused on growth through a customer centric approach working in the UK, Australia, and Canada, Green is a passionate supporter of driving positive change within the industry, including helping businesses, agents and customers to do more to support community tourism and sustainability.

DESTINATIONS

After a two-year hiatus, Junkanoo, the national cultural festival of the Bahamas, returns for its largest celebration in downtown Nassau on Boxing Day (Dec. 26, 2022) and Jan. 2, 2023. The cultural festival represents the rich heritage of the African diaspora and is a colourful tradition that speaks to the strength and resilience of the Bahamian people. Festivities will take place in Grand Bahama Island, Bimini, Eleuthera, Abaco, Long Island, Cat Island, Inagua and Andros.

Arkansas has joined the US Bicycle Route System with the designation of its first US Bicycle Route, while Tennessee has designated a second route. The new routes, along with the realignment of routes in Minnesota, New York, and Ohio, add more than 685 km. to the US Bicycle Route System, bringing total mileage to nearly 31,000 km, and improving connectivity and the cycling experience.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 1840, Scottish missionary explorer David Livingstone set sail on his first journey to Africa. He had been accepted to serve under the London Missionary Society two years earlier.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News