ANN RUPPENSTEIN The general manager for Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Rose Hall was only nine weeks on the job when Hurricane Beryl hit Jamaica on July 3. “I had the baptism by fire with Hurricane Beryl, which luckily or unluckily depending on how you want to talk about it, was my 16th hurricane so I’m...
Royal Caribbean looks ahead with SEA the Future ANN RUPPENSTEIN During the launch of Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s Nick Rose pointed out that the ship is designed to be 30 per cent more efficient than what is required by law today. “When you look at how we’re doing that, obviously,...
‘When I go to Jordan, I feel at peace,” tourism board staffer says IAN STALKER A Jordan Tourism Board North America employee says her own recent visits to Jordan have convinced her that the country remains safe for tourists, even as fighting continues to rage between Israel and Gaza. Janine...
The resort report: what’s new in the hotel world ANN RUPPENSTEIN Checking out the latest hotel and resort news from fresh renovations to brand new or upcoming properties to entice your clients. Tivoli Portopiccolo Sistiana Wellness Resort & Spa Tivoli Portopiccolo Sistiana Wellness Resort &...
Cuban businesses will be taking CAD, US, and euros IAN STALKER Cuba-bound Canadians who are reluctant to use credit cards when abroad will soon no longer have to worry about seeking out currency exchanges upon arriving in the Caribbean country. Cuban officials are transitioning their island to one that...
“They call me the boomerang” — Wolters is back at Intrepid Travel IAN STALKER Christian Wolters’ tourism industry career has come full circle, with the Toronto-based Wolters returning to head Intrepid Travel’s Canadian operation after a 9-year hiatus from the Melbourne,...
Baxter Media’s Mitchell McClung just got back from participating in Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic’s Travel Advisory Board Fam trip, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Western Greenland aboard National Geographic Resolution. Lindblad Expeditions first pioneered private citizen...
Surfers are among those hosted by Rancho Santana IAN STALKER Nicaragua’s sprawling Rancho Santana resort happily hosts those seeking either waves or well-being. Rancho Santana serves as a resort and residential community on Nicaragua’s pristine Emerald Coast, which fronts the Pacific Ocean,...
Texas will get its own Michelin guide that pairs well with array of attractions IAN STALKER Texas tourism officials say those who visit their jurisdiction will be able to enjoy intriguing food-and-drink opportunities, although some of those dining options clearly have non-American influences and there...
Operators say tourism must be sensitive to those whose cities are being visited IAN STALKER One of the tour operators that routinely sends clients to Europe says it understands the reasons behind a growing backlash to tourism in some European cities that traditionally have drawn huge numbers of visitors....
