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BaxterTravelMedia baxter-travel-media CdnTravelPress BaxterTM Week of January 1, 2018
LINE-UP, LINE-UP OVERTOURISM A SIGN OF THE TIMES
JOHN BOULDING
[Editor’s Note: In this week’s issue, well-known industry veteran, John Boulding takes a thoughtful look at overtourism – a topic that’s getting more and more attention these days. His commentary makes for some interesting reading.]
he travel press recently picked up on some TripAdvisor research identifying the lengthiest lines at tourist attractions around the world, aka: the places Ttourists should avoid. Interesting stuff. Like TripAdvisor’s hotel review platform however, it just so happens that this morsel of analysis furthers their commercial interests. The bespectacled owl nowadays sells skip-the-line tickets to those very same venues at tempting prices. Clever marketing of course, although frustrating that this loss of impartiality perhaps takes away something from their concept of being a bastion of consumer review integrity. No matter. This tale of investigation and touristic gridlock does have an upside. It throws the limelight once again on one of the bigger issues facing municipalities and the travel industry today: that of overtourism. The term describes destinations where hosts or guests, locals or visitors, feel that there are too many visitors and that the quality of life in the area or the quality of the experience has deteriorated unacceptably. It’s a subject that has become quite fashionable with columnists and bloggers over the last year or so; more so since the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) declared 2017 to be the International Year of Sustainable Tourism Development. There have been some great articles on the subject. For one, I recommend you look at Edward Lucas’ piece published in the Times in August: “Times”. You see, iconic spots across the globe are being caught up in a good tourism versus bad tourism struggle. There will always be inhabitants in a destination who are positive (or at least benign) to the wandering hordes, because they benefi t fi nancially (either directly or indirectly) or lifestyle-wise from tourism. Turn to page 4
010118_CTP_PG01.indd 1 12/20/2017 10:55:48 AM Voices of Travel print ads.ai 1 11/22/2017 2:41:46 PM
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0101PG02.indd 2 12/20/2017 3:31:37 PM Hotel loyalty program partnerships a key satisfaction driver
Flexibility in how to redeem points and the ease with which customers can “redeem those points are the key drivers of customer satisfaction in this space…
Marriott Rewards ranked the highest in the J.D. Power 2017 Hotel Loyalty Program Satisfaction Study, and received the Gold award for overall member satisfaction with a score of 806.
t is becoming clearer and clearer that having a diverse (+103 points); and dining (+86 points). Redeeming for portfolio of reward options with hotel loyalty rewards pro- hotel stays adds only 4 points, on average, to loyalty Igrams is a key driver of member satisfaction. members’ overall satisfaction with a program. According to the recently released J.D. Power 2017 Hotel • Many customers do not understand how to redeem Loyalty Program Satisfaction Study, overall satisfaction is rewards: Among customers who say they fully higher among program members who redeem rewards for understand how to redeem their points, overall dining, product purchases and special events than among satisfaction is 147 points higher than those who say those redeeming rewards for hotel stays alone. they do not fully understand the process. Despite The study measures customer satisfaction by examining this powerful effect on satisfaction, nearly half of four factors (in order of importance): ease of earning and all loyalty program members indicate a less-than- redeeming rewards (35%); program benefi ts (27%); account clear understanding of how to earn their points management (22%); and member communication (16%). and only 50% know how to redeem them. Satisfaction is measured on a 1,000-point scale. • Loyalty program satisfaction boosts brand loyalty: Rick Garlick, travel and hospitality practice lead at J.D. Of hotel stays booked in the past 12 months, 47% Power, said that: “As loyalty and rewards programs of every were booked with a brand affi liated with the type continue to saturate virtually every consumer market, member’s loyalty program. That percentage the key to success for hotel loyalty programs is variety of increased to 52% among members who say they reward offerings.” are delighted with their loyalty program. Garlick pointed out that: “Flexibility in how to redeem points and the ease with which customers can redeem Hotel Loyalty Program Rankings those points are the key drivers of customer satisfaction Of note, Marriott Rewards ranks highest in the 2017 study, in this space, which makes forming strong partnerships and receives the Gold award for overall member satisfac- with third-party service providers a priority for hotel loyalty tion with a score of 806. World of Hyatt is the Silver award programs.” recipient with a score of 805, followed by Hilton HHonors, the Bronze award recipient, with a score of 793. Some of the key fi ndings include: The 2017 Hotel Loyalty Program Satisfaction Study • Frequent travellers want more than hotel stays: Overall measures member satisfaction with hotel rewards and satisfaction is 138 points higher among hotel loyalty loyalty programs. The study is based on 4,682 responses members redeeming rewards for product purchases from rewards program members who experienced fi ve at retailers. Satisfaction also is higher for redemptions or more trips in the past 12 months and was fi elded in involving special events (+124 points); car rentals September-October.
JANUARY 1, 2018 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • 3
0101PG03.indd 3 12/20/2017 3:39:09 PM Tourism needs to find a balance Continued from page 1
Negative experience and ways of life it can bring down barriers, Then there are locals who experience the challenge misconceptions and make the negatives – crowding, strained resources, world politically a better, more stable place. higher prices, etc. – yet get little or none of the fruit. Many of the latter are becoming Growing concerns increasingly irked, vocal and even physical But the negatives are mounting in the over their downright disdain of tourists. minds of locals. Earlier this year we saw Take a quick look at the numbers and it’s demonstrations in San Sebastián and easy to understand the root of residents’ crackdowns in Rome and Dubrovnik as frustration. According to the latest UNWTO locals vented their frustration at city-break World Tourism Barometer, global tourist tourists and cruise ships. In Venice, Mallorca arrivals grew by a mighty 6.4% to June 2017, and Barcelona the physical side of a wave compared to a growth of 3.9% in 2016. Try of anti-tourism protests has fortunately looking at it another way: 1.2 billion people, so far been largely limited to tourist bus there are 7.6 billion on the planet, will cross tire slashing and the daubing of Tourist Go international borders this year. This includes Home signs on walls. all kinds of all travel but you start to get an In my many years of tour operating, I’ve idea of the scale. seen the situation get steadily worse. The One of the plus sides of tourism growth is lines are real and the crowds are never- that around 292 million people are employed ending. The Eiffel Tower and Alhambra in jobs created through tourism. Many are at Palace are just two examples where the entry-level, so tend to be lower paid, but it is visiting process is quite broken. My old “Iconic spots across the work nonetheless; and in some destinations, company, like others in escorted touring, globe are being caught up in that’s a blessing. There’s more. The World overcame many of the obstacles by pre- a good tourism versus bad Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) suggests booking venues to avoid the lines, becoming that travel and tourism provides $7.6 trillion more fl exible with our schedules for tourism struggle.” “ in direct and indirect contributions to global visits, fi nding alternative experiences and GDP. That’s a heck of a lot of money and developing off-season travel. We also had it amounts to 10.6% of total global GDP. the advantage of only a relatively small Tourism can also do a power of good if it is group of people to move around for each trip managed properly. It can help conservation, and luxury transport to hand. preservation and the community. And when It remains a diffi cult challenge for the people meet others from different cultures industry though. First time visitors especially
Vol. 50, No. 15, Published January 1, 2018
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4 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • JANUARY 1, 2018
010118_CTP_PG01.indd 4 12/21/2017 10:29:34 AM for a six hour whistle-stop tour of the island, culminating in the old town where the streets were wall to wall jammed from 3 pm onwards. You can understand locals’ chagrin when you learn the average spend of cruise passengers that day would have been around €3 per head, according to research undertaken recently in Venice. Tourism policy makers are concerned about achieving a balance. They want people to visit the icons a little less, or at least at non- peak times, and at the same time, get to places off the beaten track to spread the load. That’s easier said than done of course. To have any chance of success it needs a strong push/pull strategy to cajole and persuade. In simplistic terms this means a whole heap of investment and incentives in new product development and infrastructure creation to get people away from the icons. It requires a giant swag of marketing dollars to develop the concepts and convince consumers. And it needs a good dose of tough regulation to ensure the municipal stakeholders and travel industry players don’t simply perpetuate the easier route of status quo. Tom Buncle, founder of the The Yellow Railroad consultancy, comes from a solid background in NGOs and tourism planning. He is passionate in his views and agrees that managing tourism will take some convincing not to visit the main attractions and growth sustainably, rather than letting it get out of control, is the logistics don’t always allow them alternatives. answer. His fear is that, if destinations don’t manage their growth What are the root causes of this surge? Well, partly it lies in effectively, anti-tourist sentiment will prevail and tourism itself deregulation of air travel and the rise of low-cost carriers. They risks becoming demonized by the media and policy-makers. If that facilitated the subsequent explosion of city-break travel within any happens, then there is a possibility that some governments might given region, which in turn boosted year-round travel so even low- turn their backs on tourism as a driver of economic development, seasons have shrunk. Then there is the burden of mass-cruising, social cohesion and environmental conservation, and thereby which has a huge impact on infrastructure in port cities where the exclude countries that have few other economic opportunities. overcrowding peaks are truly stupendous. Terrorism issues cause waves too, such as Tunisia and Egypt over the last few years. In What now? Europe, this brought people in droves back to Spain and Italy for So what now? Local authorities have already started to act. instance. Barcelona has cracked down on unlicensed Airbnb rentals, And we are seeing exponential growth in travel from ‘new’ Thailand has outlawed zero-based tour pricing, Venice has markets, including India and China. In 2011, Chinese international imposed a ban on new tourist accommodation and cities across tourism spend was recorded at $73 billion. In 2016, it reached the Med are starting to crack down on anti-social behaviour by $261 billion. By 2021, CLSA (a leading Asian capital markets and tourists. Operators too are trying to develop alternatives and investment group) estimates that Chinese outbound tourism will change their schedules. reach 200 million travellers with a spend of $429 billion. At least people are talking about the issues. At the end of the day, it will come down to collaboration between cities, Beware the demon governments and companies. Like it or not, their (and our) The crush is widespread, and it could be Bangkok, St Petersburg interests are inherently aligned. or Milan. I’ve personally sat at a cafe on the dockside of tiny Santorini at 9A.M., and watched as cruise passengers started John Boulding is the CEO TravLinkSolutions and a travel arriving on their shore-excursions to the island. There were six industry veteran. And if you want to read more on other ships anchored in the Caldera that day and between them, no industry topics, check out his blog at https://travlinksolutions. kidding, they disgorged nearly 19,000 people into tenders. After com/the-travellingman-blog/ … you can also visit www. landing, they were herded into line upon line of cramped buses travlinksolutions.com .
JANUARY 1, 2018 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • 5
010118_CTP_PG01.indd 5 12/20/2017 10:55:55 AM On hand for a Ukraine/ Making the Ukraine International Airlines event in Toronto connection were Anna Kutsenok of Blue Chip; Volodymyr Demchyshyn, Ternopil Regional Tourism Center; UIA plans Maryna Radova of the Tourism and Resorts Department of Ukraine’s Toronto-Kiev Ministry of Economic Development and Trade; and GreGG Truman of Ukraine International link in 2018 Airlines. IAN STALKER previous two years were below 13 million, sug- wanting to travel to Kiev can travel with WestJet Ukraine International Airlines will this coming gesting more people are visiting Ukraine. to London and then continue with Ukraine summer become the only carrier directly linking Truman said only 6% of Europe’s largest coun- International Airlines for the rest of their journey. Canada and Ukraine, with plans now calling for try in terms of terrain are problem areas now, and Truman labelled Kiev the “easternmost part of three weekly fl ights and the carrier hoping to later those areas are sealed off from tourists visiting Western Europe because it truly is a Western city.” increase the frequency. his airline’s homeland. Meanwhile, Maryna Radova of the Tourism The airline’s non-stop service to Ukraine’s cap- The remaining 94% of Ukraine is “amazingly and Resorts Department of Ukraine’s Ministry ital of Kiev will begin June 6, with tickets available safe,” said New York-based Truman, who regularly of Economic Development and Trade told the through GPSs and FlyUIA.com. visits Ukraine and reports walking around Kiev gathering her four-seasons destination has “all “Our goal is to connect Canada and Ukraine,” late at night without any concerns. the types of tourism,” including religious and GreGG Truman, the airline’s North American gen- Ukraine International Airlines’ Toronto service eco-tourism, with Ukraine have many national eral manager, said during a recent presentation in will feature wide-body Boeing 767-300s with three parks and other nature refuges. Toronto. classes of service – Business, Premium Economy The country has seven UNESCO World The airline wants to tap into the Ukrainian and Economy. One-way Toronto-Kiev economy Heritage Sites, and is also home to Europe’s only community in this country but also carry tourists. tickets that include taxes and surcharges start desert, she added. “We look at Kiev as not only the gateway to at $749. The airline’s frequent fl yer program is Among cities Radova said will be of interest to Ukraine but the gateway to Eastern Europe,” compatible with KLM, Air France, Etihad, TAP tourists is Odessa, which she labelled the “pearl Truman said. Portugal and other carriers. of the Black Sea.” The number of people visiting Ukraine in The airline pays commissions of up to 13%. Hotel companies that have a Ukraine presence recent years has fallen as violence fl ared in Truman added the carrier is “super excited” include Fairmont, Hyatt and Hilton. parts of the country where Russia-backed rebels by its decision to add “state-of-the-art” B777s Radova also said that tourists needn’t be nerv- clashed with government troops. But last year to its fl eet in March. Truman notes his 25-year- ous about visiting her homeland. “We are safe for saw the number of people visiting the country old airline – which fl ies to 35 countries – also tourism. That’s why we’re here.” top 13 million, whereas the the fi gures for the works with WestJet, and people in this country 2017 Canadian Tourism Awards Winners
Fourteen organizations and individuals were Myself and everyone at TIAC are honoured to The Canadian Tourism Awards are presented honoured recently by the Tourism Industry recognize the outstanding innovation, dedication annually by TIAC to recognize success, leadership Association of Canada (TIAC) as recipients of the and expertise all of our nominees and winners and innovation in Canada’s tourism industry, and 2017 Canadian Tourism Awards. again this year,” said TIAC president Charlotte to reward those people, places, organizations and The awards were presented at a ceremony at Bell. “Recognizing and celebrating these accom- events that have gone above and beyond to show- the Hilton Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, Quebec. plishments is very important, as these industry case Canada’s very best tourist offerings and offer “Tonights Canadian Tourism Awards have successes ensure that Canada continues to be travellers superior tourism experiences in Canada. showcased our diverse industry to the fullest. seen as a world-class destination.”
The 2017 winners are: • The Air Canada Business of the Year Award • The ITAC Aboriginal (Indigenous) Cultural Tourism Award Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre – Sun Peaks, BC. Tourism Industry of Wendake – Wendake, Que. • The VIA Rail Community Outreach Award • The Hilton Worldwide Small or Medium-Sized Business of the Year Award Great Wolf Lodge – Niagara Falls, Ont. WindsorEats – Windsor, Ont. • The Metro Toronto Convention Centre Event of the Year Award • The WestJet Social Media Initiative of the Year Award Half Corked Marathon: Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association – Oliver, BC. “Test Drive Canada” – Air Canada – Dorval, Que. • The VISA Canada Innovator of the Year Award • The Transat Sustainable Tourism Award Parks Canada Cape Breton Field Unit – Louisbourg, NS. Churchill Wild – Churchill, Man. • The Pursuit Adventure/Outdoors Award • The Tourism HR Tourism Employee of the Year Award Au Diable Vert – Sutton, Que. Debra Elless, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver – Vancouver. • The Diversey & Restaurants Canada Culinary Tourism Experience Award • The CANADA 150 Diversity Award The Flight Across the Top of Canada: Edible Canada – Vancouver. SESQUI Inc. – Toronto. • The Accor Hotels Marketing Campaign of the Year Award • The Tourism Toronto Canadian Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award “The Views are Different Here”: Tourism Toronto – Toronto. Walter Oster.
6 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • JANUARY 1, 2018
0101PG06.indd 6 12/20/2017 3:39:47 PM Canada’s global brand remains strong
The data shows: its ability to attract talent and investment • Canadians are perceived as the friendli- capital. O Canada! est by respondents, who said they would However, in the other three categories, Canada’s global brand remains among the feel welcome when visiting the country and Canada’s rankings slipped slightly from top four in the world, tying Japan for fourth would willingly hire a well-qualifi ed person 2016 to 2017. place with a strong showing in the latest from Canada. In the Exports category Canada fell from Anholt-GfK Nations Brand Index (NBI) study. • Canada is seen as having a competent and fi fth to seventh. Its Culture ranking fell from Germany retakes the top ranking from honest government – one that has a high 10th to 12th, and its Tourism ranking fell from the US, which fell to sixth place from fi rst. respect for citizens’ rights and fair treatment. eighth to ninth. France climbs to second, with the UK holding The Governance category also rates Canada’s Of the 50 countries measured in the on to third place. global behavior in the areas of international study, only the US saw its overall NBI score Canada remains number one in the world peace and security, environmental protection drop this year. However, it still ranks among for the second consecutive year in three of six and world poverty reduction. the top fi ve nations for three of NBI’s six categories measured in the study – People, • Canada is thought to have a high quality of categories: namely, Culture (where the US Governance, and Immigration/Investment. life and equal opportunity that strengthens is ranked second), Exports (also second), and Immigration-Investment (fi fth). But it fell from 19th place to 23rd for Governance, a notably poor score for one of the world’s Hey, big spenders leading countries. US, China, France tops for Canada in summer 2017
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and Visa Canada safe and seamless new ways to pay. Whether they are shopping in report that international Visa cardholders spent US$4.4 billion in store, online or on-the go, Canadians travelling abroad and visitors Canada from May to September. to our country can count on Visa’s fast, convenient and secure The 2017 Summer Travel Snapshot highlights a 12.1% increase over payment experience.” what visitors spent in 2016, with the United States once again ranked TIAC president and CEO Charlotte Bell pointed out that: “The Travel the top spender, followed by China and France. Snapshot provides invaluable insights tourism businesses are able Some quick take-aways from the report include: to capitalize on, as visitor spending patterns and impact from market • A breakdown of US visitor spending by state reveals California, trends are refl ected in the numbers.” New York and Washington are leading for the third year in a row. Bell continued: “With 2018 forecasting even higher numbers of • The top fi ve countries with visitors to Canada – USA, China, France, expected inbound travel, this report aligns with the path TIAC has set the UK and Germany. for companies across Canada to be ready to meet the demands of an • Insights into international visitor spending reveal they spend almost increasingly competitive international visitor market.” seven times more on sit-down restaurants than quick-serve restau- Summer 2017 has been a great year for tourism, with visitation rants (i.e. fast food). increasing by more than 340,000 international travellers between Stacey Madge, country manager and president, Visa Canada, May and August. TIAC believes tourism’s market trends pave the way observed that: “As Canada sees an increase in international visitors, for Canadian businesses to remain a catalyst of economic prosperity we will continue to deliver innovations that provide travellers with and employment across the country.
JANUARY 1, 2018 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • 7
0101PG07.indd 7 12/20/2017 3:11:47 PM FITUR 2018 ready to go in Madrid
ITUR 2018, the International Tourism In addition, the trade show will intensify inter- Trade Fair organized by IFEMA and nationalization, segmentation and the applica- Fdue to be staged from Jan. 17-21, 2018 tion of technology in the tourism industry. at Feria de Madrid, will see important Latin The fi rst item will see growth thanks to American participation and become the best attracting new countries and companies, while tourism hub for establishing contacts and the second one features an outstanding novelty: doing business with the American market. the incorporation of the FITUR Festivals section, The Trade Fair will be the global meeting point a space that will give impetus to new tourism for tourism professionals and will yet another networks through the opportunities offered by year become the leading trade fair for Latin the world of live music as well as the promotion of festivals already in existence and the America’s inbound and outbound markets. destinations that host them. This section is added to the rest of fi rmly consolidated areas that demonstrate FITUR’s segmentation: FITUR GAY (LGBT), FITUR HEALTH, FITUR SHOPPING, FITUR B2B and INVESTOUR.
FITUR and 5G technology Another major novelty at FITUR will be the presentation of 5G prototypes for application in the tourism industry as a result of the work being done in research and development by IFEMA LAB 5G, launched by IFEMA and 5TONIC in September and which will act as a prelude to learning about the possibilities offered by an innovative technology that will completely transform the way tourism is experienced and managed in a trade fair setting as well as giv- ing access to virtually unlimited, real-time communications, data and computation services. Some of the prototypes on display at FITUR 2018 will be based on applications such as Augmented Trade Fair; Time Travel, which will enable access to all the trade fair sessions in real and delayed time; Translator, a multilingual interpreter in real time open to all trade fair attendees; and Teleport, an immersive, three-dimensional teleconference service. In this same line, and as it does every year, the trade show will continue with the FiturtechY areas and its four forums specializing in sustainability, business, future and destinations as well as with FITUR KNOW-HOW & EXPORT, which will offer Spanish tourism businesses the possibility of showing their tourism potential, knowledge, services and products to buyers from other international markets. In addition to this, the Trade Fair will stage Investour, the Tourism Investment and Business Forum for Africa.
8 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • JANUARY 1, 2018
0101PG08.indd 8 12/20/2017 3:16:18 PM LIFESTYLE & DIVERSITY Madrid embraces a
Armando Mendonca world of diversity
Scott Fordham , choreographer; Nino Montagnese, Air Canada Vacations; Armando Mendonca, life- style & diversity writer; and Peter Salituro, Mosaic Hair Group.
s the city prepared for the infl ux of Atourists to cele- brate World Pride (June 23 to July 2), I managed to fi nd refuge compliments of Monograms, a Globus family of brands independ- ent travel your way division. Their preferred property in Madrid is H10 Puerta de with destination information, local map and helpful tips a great property with a rooftop terrace restaurant called Alcalá, a boutique hotel cen- to help plan your stay. A half day sightseeing tour of the Radio, where glamour takes new heights while sipping on trally located in the upscale city and visit to the Prado Museum is a nice introduction a fancy cocktail. This property seems to be a favourite Salamanca neighbourhood. to get your bearings and a stop to one of Madrid’s most among LGBT tourists wanting to be just off the main drag This charming property, to iconic attractions. I’m acclimatized and ready to explore and only a 15-minute walk to the village. my delight, offers a view the many sights, attractions and areas like the Chueca Back to where I was staying which is the Salamanca like no other appropriately neighbourhood known for it’s vibrant LGBT scene as the neighbourhood, this can easily be another favourable named El Cielo de Alcalá city hosted World Pride Madrid 2017. area to stay for a higher end experience considering the Rooftop Bar overlooking the dining and shopping choices. This area is rich in authen- city’s breathtaking land- Checking out the scene tic cuisine hangouts and chic boutiques that can burn a scape. Nothing compares to Chueca is located in the city centre and named after the hole in your pocket but well worth every euro. I had the sharing a meal or a bever- main square, Plaza de Chueca, just off Calle Gran Via distinct pleasure of meeting the chef and owner of Ten age of choice rooftop with known for being one of the main shopping streets with con Ten restaurant, Sandro Silva, born in Brazil and now your travelling companions a variety of local designer shops. The area offers many a resident of Madrid. In addition, attention to service as you plan your day. dining choices, cool bars with entertainment, artisan and how your meal is presented was topnotch and highly The Monogram repre- shops and street vendors with tapas to go. One of my recommend any of the restaurants that is associated sentative’s tour desk is favourite spots is just off Chueca called Plaza de Santa with Silva and his team of culinary dynamos. onsite awaiting your arrival Ana with great outdoor patios offering local cuisine and with a personalized wel- not as busy as some of the other main plazas. In addi- Madrid Pride come package complete tion, the ME Madrid Reina Victoria opposite the plaza is Madrid hosted Europe Pride in 2007 and a decade later World Pride 2017 and the time in between has seen increasing interest in visiting Madrid during pride season from around the world. Madrid Gay Pride 2018 also known is Madrid Orgullo 2018 will take place from June 27 to July 1, with the parade on June 30 and is con- sidered to be one of the largest in Europe. For more information please visit: • Monograms (Globus family of brands) – www.mono • gramstravel.ca • H10 Puerta de Alcalá – www.h10hotels.com/en • LGBT and Madrid Pride – www.gomadridpride.com • Sandro Silva Restaurants – www.restaurantetenconten.com • Tourist Offi ce of Spain – www.spain.info/en_CA/ • consultas/espana-para/viajes-gay-friendly.html Armando Mendonça is a tourism entrepreneur, philan- H10 Puerta de Alcala Rooftop Terrace View thropist supporting HIV/AIDS charities and LGBT travel expert. He can be reached at: [email protected] .
JANUARY 1, 2018 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • 9
0101PG09.indd 9 12/20/2017 3:29:09 PM Check out the Yucatan this winter
hile the weather outside may be frightful, Mexico’s Yucatan offers a warm welcome of sun, fun and culture. W With temperatures averaging 29°C during the day with cool evenings in the dry season (November to May), the winter is the ideal time to explore the Market Classes Yucatán and enjoy its markets, archeological sites and cultural events. Visitors will also enjoy shopping at Mérida’s three main open-air markets: Mercado Lucas De Galvéz; Mercado Santiago; and Slow Food Market. Take a tour Visitors can take advantage of the warm weather and explore the Yucatán capital of Mérida Several tours are available, including: and its rich history through guided city tours that include: • The Mérida Market Tour and Cooking Class includes • The open-topped double-decker Turibus which allows visitors to jump on and off along a market tour with a bilingual guide who will allow the route to explore the city’s colonial buildings, monuments and other landmarks. For participants to converse with vendors as they select those short on time, Turibus offers a complete one-hour guided city tour that visits seasonal ingredients for a cooking class with a local more than 30 sites of interest. For additional information, go to www.turibus.com.mx . host. Go to viator.com/tours/Merida/Merida-Market-Tour- • Explore the sights of Mérida on foot with a bilingual guide during a free and-Cooking-Class/d5195-5207MIDCOOK for more . 90-minute guided tour offered by the tourism board. The tour starts • The boutique hotel Casa Lecanda offers the Local Market at the City Hall Tourist Information booth every day beginning at 9.30 Tour Class inclusive of a market tour with a local chef, a.m. Check it out at www.merida.gob.mx/capitalcultural . welcome drink, and a four-course meal utilizing local • For those who prefer to set out on their own, they can jump on a bike and take part products and ingredients that have been used in Mexican in La Bici Ruta (Bike Route) each Sunday. Several miles of streets are closed to cuisine for hundreds of years. For more information, visit vehicular traffi c, making this a safe and fun event for all. Bike rental rates vary. casalecanda.com/activities/cooking-tasting-classes.htm .
10 • CANADIAN TRAVEL PRESS • JANUARY 1, 2018
0101PG10-11.indd 10 12/20/2017 3:37:48 PM Eco-Adventures Travellers can embark on a variety of eco-adventures during • Bikes are provided at Los 7 Cenotes to explore the private their time in Yucatán, whether swimming in underground reserve’s seven cenotes, most of which provide the option cenotes, paddling the waterways by kayak, or seeing fl ocks of swimming and snorkelling. While there, visitors may of colorful birds. For visitors seeking the true water culture enjoy a view of centuries-old Ceiba trees and beautiful experience, a bucket-list item is swimming in one of the gardens. Go to www.xperiencia7cenotes.com for more. region’s sacred cenotes, underground freshwater reservoirs • The best way to see the Celestún Biosphere Reserve revered by the Maya. is by water. Guides will lead boat rides through Another great water activity is kayaking along the coast of mangroves, pointing out the wildlife and providing Yucatán in Celestún and Río Lagartos. While rowing around, the best spot for a swim. Check it out at www.viator. visitors are advised to keep an eye out for fl ocks of fl amingos, com/Riviera-Maya-and-the-Yucatan-attractions/ as there are more than 25,000 in the region and the best time Celestun-Wildlife-Refuge/d770-a14486 . to observe the birds is between December and April.
Events Annual festivals taking place in the winter include Mérida Mérida in February, with its colourful costumes, fl oats, Fest in January, consisting of several weeks of nightly artists, concerts, music and more. For more on Yucatán, fi estas celebrating the city’s founding; and Carnaval of visit gotoyucatan.com/tour-packages .
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ENTER TO WIN LE BOAT CRUISE ALONG THE RIDEAU CANAL No experience or license required!
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For more on the Le Boat experience, visit www.leboat.ca or call 1-855-497-6872
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