‘THEY ARE EXTERMINATING US’: Cubans at breaking point with no relief in sight
Sweltering nights. Water and power shortages. Dwindling fuel and crumbling homes. Limited public transportation and weak cellphone signals. The psychological toll of daily life in Cuba is pushing many to their breaking point on this island of nearly 10 million people, with no relief in sight as a U.S. energy embargo persists and longtime economic and financial troubles deepen.
‘HARD TO NAVIGATE’ : Budget airlines strain under sky-high fuel costs.
Flair Airlines CEO Len Corrado is feeling the heat of high jet fuel prices, as he steers the budget carrier away from a recent strategy targeting business travellers and the United States.
BOSTON UNCOMMON: A city that has it all, and then some
By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Boston wears it’s history on it’s sleeve, even if it’s most obvious in its iconic landmarks and distinguished architecture. But the city, which is preparing to celebrate its 400th birthday in 2030, is, in fact, so much more: a combination of history and modernity, America’s most European city, and a democratic bastion at a time when it means more than ever.
RETAIL ROUND-UP: Agent news, fams & incentives
This week: Flight Centre goes “old school” with new bricks and mortar locations; Travel Leaders Network expands its Cruise Complete booking platform; Ensemble’s media brand has launched a new editorial awards program; Nexion is developing its next-gen tech platform; Explora Journeys has launched a new travel advisors rewards program; Air Canada Vacations is hosting groups workshops; and travelbrands has a million reasons to book.
AUTHENTIC ANGUILLA: Where the Caribbean is measured in experiences, not miles
By CINDY-LOU DALE/ There are few destinations in the Caribbean that have managed to retain an authentic sense of place while simultaneously establishing themselves among the region’s most exclusive escapes. Anguilla is one of them.
GUATEMALA NAMES TRADE REP IN CANADA: New flights boost Canadian access, interest
With new Air Canada service to Guatemala taking flight this Fall and continuing momentum from last year’s launch in Montreal, the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT) has named an official public relations and travel trade representative in Canada.
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WORTH EVERY PENNY: Canadians willing to spend for travel
Booking.com has released new research showing that Canadian travellers see travel as an investment in their quality of life and believe the cost is worth it, even when financial sacrifice is required.
SERENITY NOW: An insider’s look at what makes this Saint Lucia resort so special
By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ What I remember is the ginger beer made from scratch. It’s a small detail but represents what makes Saint Lucia’s Serenity at Coconut Bay resort so special: nothing about the experience is canned.
HURRICANE POLO EXPECTED TO IMPACT MEXICO
Hurricane Polo will rapidly intensify in the Pacific Ocean and become a major hurricane later this week, forecasters said Monday. Polo could bring heavy rain, rough surf and tropical-storm-force winds to parts of Mexico late Tuesday into early Wednesday, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said.
REIMAGINING THE HONEYMOON AT SAINT LUCIA’S SERENITY AT COCONUT BAY
A honeymoon can be one of those rare trips where there is nowhere else you need to be and no reason to rush. For couples who want to make the most of that freedom, Serenity at Coconut Bay in Saint Lucia offers the space, privacy and service to make their honeymoon their own.
PAUL THEROUX’S ‘FINAL CHAPTER’ TAKES STOCK OF ‘COMPLEX’ CANADA
Over decades of travel writing, renowned travel writer Paul Theroux has often observed that a journey is transformed by the generosity, humour and spirit of the people one encounters along the way. Beautiful scenery may attract visitors, but it is kindness, curiosity and conversation that remain as the memory connection long after the trip has ended, he says.
THE INTUITIVE ART OF BUTLER SERVICE AT SAINT LUCIA’S SERENITY
At Serenity at Coconut Bay in Saint Lucia, butler service is built around a simple idea that couples should be able to spend their vacation the way they want, while someone else takes care of the planning. As a couples-only, Unlimited All-Inclusive resort, Serenity has designed its butler service to be personal and discreet, with each butler getting to know the couple’s preferences and intuitively knowing when to step in and when to step back for those who prefer a lighter touch.