Epcot Enhancements, Celebrity Galapagos, Four Seasons Hotels and Virtuoso Hot Spots

Changes are coming to one of Florida's most popular theme parks.\

Disney has announced several new enhancements for Epcot, including a new play pavilion, a reimagined main entrance and an Experience Center showcasing the park's future. These are the latest additions to a robust lineup of new projects already announced for the park.

"Epcot has always been, and always will be, an optimistic celebration of the real world that is brought to life through the magic of Disney," said George A. Kalogridis, president, Walt Disney World Resort. "The exciting plans we have on the horizon will honour Epcot's rich legacy of creativity and innovation while continuing to exceed the expectations of our guests for decades to come."

The new pavilion in development will include first-of-their-kind experiences devoted to playful fun, inviting guests into an innovative, interactive city bursting with games and hands-on activities. Friends and family will interact with favourite Disney characters in an energetic metropolis unlike anything ever seen before at Epcot. The as-yet-unnamed space will come to life under the vast dome of the pavilion previously known as Wonders of Life (more recently the Festival Center) and will debut to guests in time for the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary.

If your clients are looking for luxury, here's where to find it.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world's leading luxury hospitality company, has been awarded 36 Five-Star ratings by Forbes Travel Guide, the highest honour from the guide. Once again, Four Seasons has received the most Five-Star ratings awarded to a hotel brand in a single year in the list's 61-year history.

"While each Four Seasons hotel or resort is unique to its locale and character, the common thread that unites each of our properties around the world is the unscripted, empathetic care and service of our people," says Christian Clerc, President, Worldwide Hotel Operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. "It is this service excellence, delivered consistently across the portfolio, which truly sets Four Seasons apart as the world's leading luxury hospitality company."

Four global Four Seasons properties earned their first Five-Star designation this year, including Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon; Four Seasons Resort Lanai; Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An; and Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island.

Clerc continues, "I am incredibly proud to see our hotels and resorts recognised for their excellence by Forbes Travel Guide, an accolade that affirms Four Seasons' continuous drive for innovation, and the incredible dedication, craftsmanship and excellence of our people."

The Four Seasons Hotel Toronto is among those on the list. On a related note, reservations are now being taken for the new Four Seasons Hotel in Montreal, slated to open in June of this year.

The joys of the Galapagos, and the convenience and luxury of Celebrity.

Modern explorers looking to discover the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands in unrivaled comfort will find an array of exciting new opportunities with the unveiling of Celebrity Cruises' 2021 sailings. With the launch of the cutting-edge luxury mega yacht Celebrity Flora and the stunning modernization of Celebrity Xpedition, this is poised to be Celebrity's best Galapagos season yet, connecting guests to these awe-inspiring islands and the evolutionary wonders found exclusively in this region, such as the blue-footed booby, Darwin's finches, land and marine iguanas, and more, like never before.

"Celebrity Cruises has been sailing the Galapagos Islands since 2004. All this time in the destination allows us to perfect every detail of the vacation experience and offer our guests a one-of-a-kind, seamless and completely unforgettable vacation," said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. "We have taken our experience in this unique and untouched archipelago and combined it with an unparalleled experience on board, so that we offer the best ships, the best crews and certified naturalists, and the best all-inclusive packages. There is simply no better way to experience the incredible Galapagos Islands than with Celebrity."

With its all-suites accommodations, the 100-guest Celebrity Flora will be one of the most energy-efficient ships of its size in the Galapagos Islands. The ship will offer seamless sea-to-shore transportation with the innovative new Novurania Yacht Tenders, and an industry-first Galapagos Glamping experience. Innovative outward-facing design gives guests 360-degree views of the islands, while personal suite attendants, new dining venues, an open-air stargazing platform, and expert-led ecological seminars take Galapagos vacations to new heights.

On Celebrity Flora, guests choose from a selection of 10-, 11-, and 16-night packages, which feature either pre- or post-cruise expeditions to bucket-list destinations and including one of two seven-night Inner or Outer Loop Itineraries, both sailing from Baltra, Ecuador.

Looking to find the latest travel trends for Canadians? Look no further.

Global luxury travel network Virtuoso is revealing the around-the-world locations where upscale Canadians plan to spend spring break this year, including destinations showing renewed strength following down periods. Hailed as a leading trend forecaster, Virtuoso has examined its warehouse of (U.S.) $49.5 billion in transactions to showcase the top destinations for March and April. With holidays occurring deeper into April this year, the prolonged spring travel period will allow visitors to enjoy warmer temperatures in many of these must-see destinations.

The Virtuoso Top 10

The most popular destinations for spring travel based on future bookings:

1. Canada 6. Australia

2. United States 7. New Zealand

3. Mexico 8. Italy

4. Israel 9. United Kingdom

5. China 10. France

The Top 10 analysis: Canadians are staying closer to home, visiting Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, or seeking the sun south of the border in cities like Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles. Always a favourite, Mexico offers chilled Canadians a warm escape, specifically Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. As the birthplace of major world religions, Israel holds great appeal as an educational family destination, with spring a peak season due to Easter and Passover celebrations. Spring is a wonderful time to visit China, before the heat, humidity and other travellers arrive, and while the country is adorned with colorful blooms. Australia and New Zealand beckon families this time of year with pleasant temperatures and abundance of active experiences. Eternally desirable Europe holds three spots on the list; Italy and France in particular exhibit year-round popularity. Spring's shoulder season is ideal for enjoying the continent minus the summer crowds.

The Virtuoso Hot 10

The countries that have seen the largest percentage of growth in year-over-year bookings:

1. Japan (+196%) 6. Belize (+76%)

2. French Polynesia (+186%) 7. Antigua and Barbuda (+66.3%)

3. Greece (+148%) 8. Dominican Republic (+66.1%)

4. Singapore (+99%) 9. China (+41%)

5. Egypt (+85%) 10. Chile (+40%)

Air Canada has a great new way to connect Alberta with southern Ontario.

The airline has announced new daily, seasonal flights between Calgary and London, Ontario, running from June 24, 2019 until mid-October. Flights will be operated onboard Air Canada Rouge Airbus A319 aircraft with a choice of two cabins, wi-fi options and in-flight entertainment streamed to personal devices.

"We are pleased to expand Air Canada's domestic network linking London, Ontario to our Calgary hub with daily seasonal flights this summer. We have strategically added these non-stop services between the considerable southern Ontario market and Alberta to offer both convenient point-to-point travel, as well as easy connections at our Calgary hub to and from destinations throughout Alberta and BC including Vancouver Island," said Mark Galardo, Vice President, Network Planning at Air Canada. "In London, the addition of Calgary flights complements our flights to Montreal and Toronto, giving customers in the greater southwestern Ontario region unparalleled options of connecting over three convenient hubs when travelling to their final destinations this summer."

Canada's love affair with Mexico continues.

The Los Cabos Tourism Board announced that Los Cabos welcomed more than 100,000 Canadian visitors in 2018, a 12% year-over-year increase from 2017.

Some of the travel trends driving this growth are the increasing interest in ecotourism, adults seeking more temperate winter vacations, wellness and singles, particularly women, seeking safe and secure sun destination travel.

With its outstanding natural landscapes and environmentally responsible hospitality offerings, Los Cabos is a haven for those who want a laid-back travel experience at one with the natural world. Situated where the waters of the Sea of Cortez mingle with the Pacific Ocean, the marine life is particularly rich and varied.

With 350 days a year of clear skies and temperatures that range from the high twenties during the daytime dropping to the mid teens in evenings during the winter months, Los Cabos is perfect for those who want to stay active and avoid the oppressive heat and humidity of some sun destinations. This is perfect weather for getting active and Los Cabos has plenty to offer including golf, whale watching, scuba diving, horseback riding, sailing and so much gastronomy.

Wellness tourism is growing twice as fast as the general tourism category representing over $900 billion worldwide. With fitness-centric resorts and hotels with holistic spas and natural immersion getaways, Los Cabos vacations offer rejuvenation and a kickstart on a new, healthier lifestyle.

Porter is making it easier to reach the wonderful province of Newfoundland.

Porter Airlines has released its 2019 schedule for Stephenville, N.L., with 48 round-trip flights operating between Halifax, beginning May 4, 2019, through January 8, 2020, with schedules varying by season.

"We are ready to begin our sixth year of service in Stephenville," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines. "It is an important route for locals and an opportunity for visitors to access a unique area of the province."

"We are pleased Porter Airlines recognizes the importance of the Stephenville Airport as a critical transportation hub for Western Newfoundland," said Joe Sheen, Chair of the Board of Directors.

Travellers can discover the beauty of Newfoundland's west coast, enjoying the distinct local culture and many amazing outdoor activities, when flying Porter to Stephenville.

Flights also connect with Ottawa and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on the same aircraft. Other destinations in the Porter network are accessible from these points.

Important changes are being made to one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programs.

Accor has announced a shift of its loyalty program into a fully integrated global platform, integrating rewards, services and experiences across their entire ecosystem to bring value to everyday life whether you work, live or play.

This new lifestyle loyalty program will recognize, understand, cherish, communicate with and reward guests like never before, giving access to "ALL of Accor."

It will open doors across a unique and iconic portfolio of over 30 hotel brands as well as an unrivalled collection of bars, restaurants, nightclubs and experiences that "money can't buy."

This new lifestyle loyalty program will be delivered through a new app and website that will allow members to access the world of Accor from the palm of their hands.

The new guest promise of this new lifestyle loyalty program will address four strategic stakes:

Introducing new premium status to reward their most loyal members

Enriched benefits according to their augmented hospitality strategy

A worldwide connected experience to earn and burn points across the broadest range of brands in the industry and a new digital app delivering value across work, live & play

Partnerships and experiences

Far beyond the stay, partnerships anchor ALL in members' day-to-day, on the move and everywhere. Following an extensive study, three main passion points resonate with their loyalty members: Entertainment, Dining and Culinary & Sports.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, a luxury all-inclusive river cruise line, is giving travellers a sneak peek of its brand-new S.S.Mekong Jewel debuting January 3, 2020 as the newest and most luxurious ship on the Mekong river.

Mekong Jewel's 13-day itinerary will take guests from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, with visits to Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat and more. This is part of the company's commitment to converting their entire fleet to Super Ships in the coming years.

The newly-built S.S. Mekong Jewel will feature all-suite accommodations, an indoor swimming pool and two restaurants: a main dining room and an al fresco eatery on the upper deck. The S.S. Mekong Jewel will be roughly 10 meters longer than the Mekong Navigator, but with the same capacity of 68 guests, offering guests more space and amenities with one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios on the river. The ship is being constructed with sustainable and eco-friendly materials, such as special paint used for the hull of the ship that creates less drag caused by bio-fueling, specially designed ship propellers that increase performance and efficiency, energy-efficient LED light fixtures, automatic air conditioning controls to optimize cooling resources, and water cooled air-conditioning system that will save energy.