|
|
Discover more travel industry news in... | Press Today | West Today | travelpress.com | Cruise Industry Today | Tourisme Plus |
|
Chris Ryall is an industry insider with strong, outspoken opinions that readers enjoy, whether they agree, or take issue, with his viewpoint. Chris actually writes two columns, The Ryall Report, a general ‘whatever’s on his mind’ column which is often filed from exotic travel locations, and The Spa Scene, about (surprise) spas - which is an absolute must for any spa enthusiast or anyone with spa loving clients. TOURISM FUNDINGCanada Losing Out
29 MAY 2012: Is Canada’s tourism industry facing a crisis? Yes, according to Tony Pollard, president of the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC). Should Canadian based hotels, restaurants, operators and others involved in Canada’s travel industry be waving the white flag? I don’t think so, but Pollard is correct in sounding the alarm of the significant decrease in funding for the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC).
ALL ABOARD FOR EUROPERiding the Rails
15 MAY 2012: Europe has always been very appealing to Canadians with its stunning architecture, breathtaking scenery, rich history and delectable food. I have been to Europe many times but usually travel by plane between cities due to work and time restrictions. Rarely do I get the opportunity to just sit back and relax – on a train.
SCANDINAVE SPA BLUE MOUNTAINTime for a Bath
01 MAY 2012: Blue Mountain has always been a popular winter and summer playground for kids and adults alike, conveniently located only about two hours northwest of Toronto. In the winter skiers and snowboarders beckon while in the summer the cyclists and beachgoers gravitate to nearby Wasaga Beach and Collingwood. For the past few years more spa enthusiasts or those who just need a retreat visit the Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain.
CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPSShow Me the Results
17 APR 2012: In my last column I discussed the topic of trade shows and their relevance today both pro and con. Readers of this column as well as others who emailed me piped in with their own opinions and experiences with trade shows. Keeping a similar theme, today’s column will focus on the agency chains and consortiums’ conferences, workshops as well as those from suppliers – wholesalers, tourism boards, cruise lines and resort companies. Has it become workshop and conference overload?
TRADE SHOWSAre they still relevant
03 APR 2012: Travel and trade shows have been an industry fixture for decades. I remember being excited (yes excited) going to my first shows in the mid-1980s. There was anticipation, a buzz, lots of chit chat about who was exhibiting. On the supplier side if you were a destination, airline, car rental company, or wholesaler they were one of the key activities in any marketing plan. But are trade shows on their way out and still relevant?
FACTS RANTS AND HYPERBOLEDue to a problem yesterday we are re running the Ryall Report
21 MAR 2012: What is the fastest growing hobby in the world? When you look at the volume it must be posting a review of a restaurant, attraction, hotel, airline or countless other consumer products. We have become a society obsessed with reviews which guide our daily lives.
TRAVELLERS REVIEWSFacts Rants and Hyperbole
20 MAR 2012: What is the fastest growing hobby in the world? When you look at the volume it must be posting a review of a restaurant, attraction, hotel, airline or countless other consumer products. We have become a society obsessed with reviews which guide our daily lives.
STEREOTYPESTraveller Survey says
06 MAR 2012: In a recent LivingSocial Vacation survey it was Americans who considered themselves the world’s worst travellers. The “ugly American” stereotype still seems prevalent even amongst its own citizens. Can Canadians be smug? How did we fare in the survey?
SPAS AND ROMANCENot Always a Perfect Match
05 MAR 2012: How many times have you seen this in spa and resort advertisements? Pictures of a couple on individual massage tables lying side by side. The fawning and loving looks between the man and woman suggest romantic bliss – with sexual bliss to follow! Before you go ahead and book that couple’s spa getaway do your research to make sure you have the right spa that would cater to your spa and romance needs.
PAMPERING AND PRESERVINGThe Ritz-Carlton Cancun
22 FEB 2012: I may stay at 40-50 different hotels each year in various countries and continents. They may range from luxurious 5-star hotels to more budget-oriented hotels. For most hotel stays they are what I expect – nothing more, nothing less. Once in a while a hotel totally surprises me. The Ritz-Carlton Cancun did just that but not for reasons you think.
|