Canadians Will Travel For Food, Plus Cruise News, Air Canada and More

According to a recent survey conducted by KAYAK and OpenTable, Canadians are 38% more likely than Americans to book a trip based on culinary offerings. The survey also revealed that when travelling, almost three quarters (74%) of Canadians would prefer authentic local dining to something familiar.

KAYAK and OpenTable's survey, commissioned through YouGov to help travellers and diners bring their passions for travel and eating together, revealed that the appetite for culinary adventure among Canadians is very strong, with 22% claiming they would book a vacation solely to dine at a restaurant they wanted to try. Additional key takeaways from the survey include:

Good food is worth the road trip. A lengthy drive is no obstacle for Canadians, with 71% claiming they would travel an hour or more to eat at a restaurant on their wish list. Many also noted that they have taken a long detour (27%) or a day trip (33%) just to dine at a restaurant they wanted to try.

Food is top of mind for Canadians when making travel plans. 28% of Canadians will research restaurants in another country before booking their flights, and 10% will book a reservation before booking their travel.

Canadians have an adventurous palate. 74% of Canadians claim they would prefer to try something new and local rather than food they are familiar with revealing that they are keen to experience a city's culture.

Air Canada this week announced the introduction of new year-round service between Montreal and Bogotá, Colombia beginning June 2, 2020. Flights will operate three times weekly onboard Air Canada Rouge Boeing 767-300ER aircraft offering a choice of premium and economy service.

Special introductory fares start as low as $795 round-trip, all in, and tickets are now available for purchase at aircanada.com or through travel agents.

"We are very pleased to offer the only non-stop, year-round flights connecting Montreal and Bogotá, two vibrant cities steeped in history and culture. This new route complements our existing Toronto-Bogotá service, and positions Air Canada as a significant player linking the growing markets between Montreal and Colombia's capital and largest city. The addition of Bogotá represents Air Canada's 39th new route launched from Montreal-Trudeau Airport since 2012, firmly illustrating our commitment to developing Montreal as an important, strategic hub. Bogotá is also strategically situated to allow for seamless travel across South America through Star Alliance partner Avianca," said Mark Galardo, Vice President of Network Planning at Air Canada.

"For several years now, Aéroports de Montréal has been wanting to improve service from YUL to destinations in South America. While a flight to Sao Paolo will be inaugurated in a few weeks, Air Canada is doubling the stakes by adding this new direct connection to Bogotá, Colombia," said Philippe Rainville, President and CEO of Aéroports de Montréal. "In addition to greatly facilitating air travel for members of Montreal's very large Colombian community, this announcement once again affirms YUL's role as a hub for international air traffic. We are confident that this destination will be extremely popular with travellers. And we thank our partner Air Canada who is sparing no effort to continue improving the range of destinations offered from Montreal."

TravelPulse Canada had a chance this week to sit down with Wendy Eardley of Curtain Bluff, a stunning resort on Antigua. Eardley is from Montreal but moved to Antigua shortly after graduating from McGill University and has been at Curtain Bluff for 32 years.

It's an all-inclusive property on the west coast of the island where everything is included, including sailing and diving. There are 72 units in total, 40 of them junior suites with a whopping 816 square feet of space.

The resort was recently renovated and more work goes on every year, so you'll find all the latest in style, design and comfort; including new gym equipment and an award-winning spa. The Tamarind Restaurant has live music every night.

The resort has two beaches, one more open to the surf and the other quite protected for those who prefer quiet water. The kids' club is outdoors, so children aren't stuck in an air-conditioned room but can explore, fish off the dock, make tee shirts and check out tortoises, birds and iguanas, Eardley? Said.

The resort also raises thousands of dollars every year local charity, which has helped put 300 kids through college or university, she said.

It's a family-run spot, so there's a very personal touch that guests enjoy year after year, she added.

This year Emerald Waterways, the river cruise company known for exceptional value, launched its first foray to the African continent with two Egypt cruise and tour packages. The line is now taking bookings for Egypt itineraries through 2021, as well as a brand new, seven-day Israel extension that will take guests to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Galilee.

Emerald Waterways' 10-day Cairo and Ancient Egypt River Cruise starts with three nights in Cairo, where guests will see the pyramids, inspect the remains of Tutankhamun's Tomb and enjoy a home-hosted dinner and cooking demonstration with a local family.

From there, a quick flight to Luxor allows for a visit to the West Bank of the Nile and the well-preserved, colourful hieroglyphics adorning the tombs in the Valley of the Kings before embarking on the MS Hamees for a five-day cruise southbound on the mighty Nile.

While sailing, guests can opt to join daily excursions to see famous sites like the Hathor Temple and Luxor Temple in Dendera, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, and the Osiris Temple Complex of Philae. After disembarking, guests will fly to Abu Simbel to visit the World Heritage-listed temples of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari before returning to Aswan for an overnight stay. The epic journey concludes with a trip to a Nubian village in Aswan before returning to Caio for a final evening in Egypt. Itineraries start at $5,495 per person, based on double occupancy.

The Anguilla Tourist Board is pleased to announce that the island is well on its way to achieve its goal of a 20% increase in stayover arrivals for the fiscal year 2019.

According to the latest numbers released by the Department of Statistics, Anguilla recorded a record breaking 55,916 stayover arrivals from January through June 2019. This reflected an increase of 26 % over the same period in 2016 (44,368), and a 16.75% over the 47,894 arrivals recorded in the corresponding period in 2017, the previous all-time high.

"We are delighted to see the results of the intense work we have put into the marketing and promotion of Anguilla," said the Hon. Cardigan Connor. "We are grateful for the combined efforts of both our public and private sector partners, in producing the desired results. With events such as our recent Summer Festival, and the upcoming Anguilla Cup, we are confident that we will continue to attract and grow the number of visitors to our wonderful island," he concluded.

The Anguilla Tourist Board has a full schedule of trade and consumer related activities in market, and a series of on island trade and media familiarization trips from all source markets planned for the Fall. All activations are designed to generate consumer awareness and drive bookings to the destination for the all-important winter season.

For information on Anguilla, please visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: www.IvisitAnguilla.com

Explorers, wanderers and travellers looking to connect with cultures around the world will have new itineraries aboard Holland America Line's Maasdam for its 2019-2020 cruising season. Ranging from seven- to 30-days, the popular journeys continue on the 1,258-guest Maasdam from September 2019 through April 2020 to the waters of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, along with two new Mexico itineraries and a new Pacific Coastal cruise. The Maasdam's specially curated itineraries set themselves apart with a dedicated onboard team of subject-matter experts and Excursions by Zodiac tours for up-close exploration.

"Guest feedback has been extremely positive from the first year of our innovative Maasdam voyages, and we're excited to continue into 2020 with more exceptionally planned itineraries that are ideal for this unique style of exploration," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's president. "These cruises cater to seasoned travelers who are eager to find new ways to experience and understand the world and who seek enriching and in-depth programming as part of their journey."

Maasdam voyages depart from Sydney, Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; Papeete, Tahiti; San Diego, California; and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Late-night departures and overnight calls are a highlight of the voyages so guests have more time in port to experience the nightlife. Guests will have late-night departures at Adelaide and Phillip Island, Australia; Suva, Fiji; Nouméa, New Caledonia; Auckland and Tauranga, New Zealand; Hobart, Tasmania; Papeete and Huahine Iti, French Polynesia; Lahaina and Honolulu, Hawaii; Victoria, British Columbia; and Loreto, Topolobampo and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The ship overnights at Fremantle (Perth), Australia; Hobart; Papeete; and Vaitape, Bora Bora.

In addition to the new Mexico and Pacific Coastal cruises, new itineraries include a 10-day New Zealand & Coral Sea Odyssey and 20-day Pacific Islands Adventure.

Nonrepeating, back-to-back itineraries can be combined to form even longer voyages ranging from 19 to 51 days that showcase multiple regions.

The German National Tourist Office held an event in Toronto this week, talking up a variety of anniversaries and special destinations.

Next year marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of a certain Ludwig van Beethoven, probably the world's most famous composer. Look for plenty of music and celebrations.

Next year also features a 100th anniversary celebration of the Bauhaus movement, a modern, minimalist style of architecture born in Germany in 1920.

Visitors to Frankfurt should check out the newly reconstructed Old Town, which was damaged during heavy bombing in World War II but has recently been rebuilt, with 15 reconstructed buildings and 20 new ones. Other great attractions include Regensburg, the best-preserved medieval city in Germany and the beautiful cliffs along the Danube Gorge. Baden-Baden combines a rich history with a highly contemporary lifestyle and is famous for its hot springs, spas and nature.

I had a great visit to Munich a few years ago and also loved touring around Passau, a small town on the Danube River.

Germany attracted a record 87.7 million visitors last year, up 4.5% over 2017. Visits by Canadians are up roughly 7.2% this year, officials said.

Collette, global tour operator, launches their Northern Italy and Its Lakes Featuring Padua and Venice tour.

Wander along the winding canals and cruise on mountain-lined lakes as you journey through Northern Italy. Explore Padua, an ancient city of Veneto, and delve into the city's culture on a walking tour. Embark on a guided tour of Venice, witness the sinking castle of Sirmione, and relax along the shores of Lake Maggiore. Cruise the waters by the rich and famous on Lake Como, and take in the beauty of Italy.

"On this new tour, guests will discover the best of the Italian culture, savoury cuisine, friendly locals, history, and of course the mystical lakes," said Diana Ditto, Director of Product Design. "Each day introduces new, unparalleled beauty."

As the longest-running tour operator in North America, Collette has provided guided travel for more than 100 years. With trips to all seven continents, guests fulfill their deepest travel aspirations in a variety of ways.

T he secret is out. While Los Angeles boasts more than 300 days of sunshine, fall is L.A. locals' favorite season. Featuring some of the best weather of the year, incredible surf and a full calendar of outdoor movie screenings and concerts, it truly is Endless Summer in Los Angeles. In celebration, as of September 17, 34 area hotels from L.A.'s five regions are offering deals and discounts of up to 35% off as part of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board's Endless Summer promotion. Full details available on www.discoverlosangeles.com/EndlessSummer.

Participating hotels have included such perks as shopping gift cards to Westfield Century City, room upgrades, resort credits and museum tickets, in addition to overall percentages off rooms booked, and include hotels in L.A.'s five regions: Venice/Beach Cities, The Valley, Downtown, the Westside and Hollywood.

Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in global cruise travel with a 52-year history of breaking boundaries, has unveiled its Encore Moments campaign to recognize and reward everyday heroes across North America.

Launched in advance of the debut of the brand's newest innovative ship, Norwegian Encore, the company is encouraging the public to nominate those who deserve an encore - applause - for the positive impact they have on their friends, family and communities. Leveraging the ship's festive name for an engaging campaign, Encore Moments will recognize the good works of individuals across the U.S. and Canada by awarding a cruise to one winner from every state and province. This new campaign was developed on the heels of the brand's wildly successful Giving Joy campaign, which recognized and rewarded teachers who spread joy in the classroom.

"We are in the people business, delivering positive, memorable experiences around the world," said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. "We believe it is very important to make the time to celebrate and thank the people whose acts of kindness and compassion make a difference in the lives of their friends and families, and within their communities. We are very proud and excited to launch Encore Moments and we encourage the public to bring these hometown heroes to the forefront for a well-deserved encore."

Norwegian Cruise Line's Encore Moments campaign, which runs from Sept. 18, 2019 to Oct. 18, 2019 will recognize and reward 52 people across the U.S. (one person from each state including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico), and one person from each of Canada's provinces and territories (excluding Quebec). The 64 nominees with the most votes in their state, province or territory will win their choice of a three-to-five-day cruise for two on almost any Norwegian Cruise Line ship. They will also be provided airfare and accommodations for an award ceremony taking place in New York City on December 16, 2019.

nominate a hero, vote and review the terms and conditions, please visit www.encoremoments.ncl.com.