This could be the year where tourism to the UK makes a total comeback

In 2022, the British Tourist Authority’s chair Judith Macgregor says the organization is anticipating over half of 2019’s arrival figures when the destination saw 40 million visitors.

“We reckon 21 million visits this year would be good but we’re always open for going above that,” Macgregor told Offshore during a one-on-one virtual interview at ExploreGB. “Our goal is [to increase] tourism as quickly as possible, particularly from faithful markets and markets like Canada, which were growing very well prior to COVID. We had a 30% increase in our tourists from Canada prior to COVID-19.”

Now that the UK has removed all remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions — including testing requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated — executives are optimistic that inbound figures will continue to ramp up. In fact, results from VisitBritain’s latest wave of travel sentiment research shows the strongest desire for people to travel internationally since the survey launched in 2020.

“83% of respondents say they would take an international leisure trip in the next 12 months,” says Richard Nicholls, Head of Research and Forecasting for VisitBritain.

With only 42% of respondents already booked or decided on where to go, Nicholls says the destination also has a huge opportunity to go after its marketshare for more bookings.

Flight bookings have recovered to the highest point in almost two years — they’re now up to 30% below normal levels so that’s just the inbound flights overseas into the UK,” he adds. “We’ve regained most of the ground that we lost since COVID began.”

While there was a little blip in flight bookings after the start of the Ukraine invasion, the latest data showcases that has levelled out again too.

“North America is a region where we’ve seen some really strong bookings,” Nicholls says. “We’ve been thinking for a long time that this may be a market to lead the recovery. We’re optimistic about a strong recovery from the North American market.”

Prior to the pandemic, 875,000 Canadians visited the destination with a record spend of £730 million pounds.

“We’re encouraged by what have been good and increasingly good forward booking tallies,” says Macgregor. “The best statistics we’ve had so far have just been in the last couple of weeks. That is showing a very strong and healthy resurgence of people wishing to travel now.”

But while 2022 is shaping up to be significantly better than 2021, Nicholls points out that full recovery in terms of arrivals and visitor spend isn’t expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2025.

“The travel industry is incredibly important to Great Britain,” adds Gavin Landry, Director of the Americas for VisitBritain. “Tourism and the visitor economy drives the prosperity of Great Britain. In 2019 it represented over 10% of GDP and supported around 3.1 million jobs.”

Sailing away with Holland America Line

As a company that’s been around for going on 150 years, Holland America Line is no stranger to adapting.

The premium cruise line started out as a shipping and passenger line, slowly gaining a reputation for safely bringing emigrants from Europe to North America. Nearly one million people made the journey to new beginnings and adventures on a Holland America ship — including Albert Einstein, Olympic boxing champion Bep van Klaveren, Alfred Hitchcock, Ernest Hemingway and Roald Dahl — to name but a few.

During the First World War, several ships were called upon to carry and transport soldiers. In the Second World War,, ships like Nieuw Amsterdam were even converted into troopships, eventually resuming regular operations after being refitted back to passenger ships post war.

At the height of the prohibition, the company offered what could be dubbed the original booze cruises — taking passengers into international waters from New York City to serve alcohol. Now doesn’t that sound like a party?

Facing other challenges like stiff competition and the takeoff of trans-Atlantic air travel, HAL charted a course for new destinations in the Caribbean and Alaska, transitioning to a primary focus on cruise holidays.

And while the pandemic dealt another blow, the cruise line forged ahead to make sure the return to the waters would be strong by enhancing its content and putting in place new programming to mark its 75th year of operations in Alaska.

“The pandemic has been hard, but as I stand here today, I’m flooded with hope and filled with confidence that our best days are still ahead,” Michelle Sutter, vice president of North America sales, said kicking off a session during the Attitude of Gratitude trade appreciation cruise held on the Rotterdam from March 10 to 13.

The new Pinnacle-class ship is the seventh to hold the Rotterdam name, including the company’s first ship, the original Rotterdam. Although the flagship has come a long way since those original cross Atlantic sailings with offerings like the Music Walk, featuring nightly entertainment ranging from B.B. King’s Blues Club to the Rolling Stone Rock Room, where a live band plays classic rock and roll hits, and a culinary scene with high-end options like Tamarind and Rudi’s Sel de Mer to quick bites like gourmet hotdogs and burgers, elements of the past are still evident throughout.

“Our first ship was Rotterdam. The company was headquartered in Rotterdam — it’s actually a hotel now,” explained Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “There’s always been a Rotterdam as part of the fleet. The history of the company is very important to us — it’s acknowledging our roots, where we’re coming from and where we started.”

The evolution of HAL plays out during an evening staged presentation called Origin Story on Rotterdam and look no further than the cocktail menu at Half Moon Bar for a drink called the Three Mile Run, in honour of the prohibition days.

And for those truly wanting to get back to HAL’s origins, Rotterdam will be replicating the first crossing from Holland to New York on a special itinerary set for Oct. 2, 2022. Although unlike the original crossing 150 years ago, there are added ports of call on the docket like Copenhagen and Paris.

“We’re adding a few other ports because just a straight-shot Rotterdam to New York wouldn’t be that interesting — but in October, this ship will go from the Netherlands to New York, we stop in Paris along the way, which is nice. That voyage in particular will have a lot of our history and some of the memorabilia,” said Antorcha. “It’s pretty cool when you’ve been operating 150 years and started around bringing emigrants and doing it in a way that was safe. It was safe passage, it was quality, but it was focused on emigration.”

And stay tuned for 2023, as the company marks a milestone 150 years of operations since officially being founded on April 18, 1873. More details about highlights and the celebrations that are in store will be released closer to the anniversary date.

“The not so obvious advantage for booking a cruise right now, at least in the short term, is service,” he said. “The ships are staffed up and the service is excellent. Compare it to other options today where costs may be high with service gaps due to staff shortages and supply chain issues. This was not a issue on board which was a delight to experience.”

As for the Rotterdam, Pearlman said the flow of the ship made sense and it was apparent that “HAL is just as delighted to be back to cruising.”

“The Pinnacle class ships are great,” he said. “Small enough not to feel crowded but big enough for lots of extra space and energy. I think there something for everyone but I would say it’s geared more towards adults — of any age — with an affinity for music and food.”

Travellers to Jamaica no longer need a pre-COVID test

Effective April 16, 2022, international visitors to Jamaica will no longer be required to present a negative result from a COVID-19 Antigen or PCR test conducted within 72 hours prior to their travel to enter the island. Additionally, Jamaica’s mandate to wear a mask in enclosed public spaces will also end on April 15, 2022.

“Eliminating mask mandates and the need for travellers to present a negative COVID test result are important strides toward our continued gradual relaxation of travel protocols as the spread of COVID-19 keeps declining,” said the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica. “We are optimistic that these simpler requirements will serve to increase the appeal of Jamaica as a premier destination and keep us moving along the road to a stronger recovery for both the tourism sector and the nation’s economy as a whole.”

All other public health measures remain in place, including the requirement for public establishments to provide hand-washing stations or hand sanitizing equipment for anyone entering the premises. Visitors and residents are also encouraged to continue to exercise caution and observe best practices for health and safety.

Jamaica has recently eliminated travel-related quarantines and the requirement for travellers to complete and receive approval of a Travel Authorization Form for entry to the island. It also shortened the isolation period required for travellers who test positive for COVID-19 while in Jamaica, in keeping with CDC recommended guidelines, and eliminated quarantine restrictions for fully vaccinated business travellers who present a negative PCR test taken within 3 days of travel to Jamaica.

“As we review our Jamaica CARES program and travel protocols regularly, taking these actions was the logical next step to keep Jamaica aligned with best practices globally,” noted Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board. “Many destinations in the Caribbean region and around the world have been easing travel requirements, so this change will help us ensure that Jamaica retains its leadership position among the world’s top tourism destinations.”

Just last week, the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) downgraded Jamaica to a Level 1 designation in its latest COVID-19 travel advisory to citizens due to the country having low cases of the virus. Joining just a handful of countries around the world at Level 1, Jamaica’s case levels have steadily decreased in recent months.

The health and safety of every Jamaican and every visitor to the country remains the island’s top priority through its comprehensive Jamaica CARES program. Jamaica CARES is a nationwide response to COVID-19 that includes the island’s comprehensive health and safety protocols which were among the first to receive the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Safe Travels recognition and allowed the island to safely reopen in June of 2020.

For more information about Jamaica, go to www.visitjamaica.com.

5 exciting music festivals to attend this year in Montreal

Music is an integral part of Montréal’s culture, and the city’s spring/summer calendar offers a variety of exciting festival options for visitors to choose from.

Here are five exciting music festivals taking place this spring and summer!

  • Metro Metro (May 20 – 22): Montréal’s biggest urban musical festival hits the Parc Olympique Esplanade this May with a lineup that’s sure to be one to remember. Headlining acts include Lil Baby, Playboi Carti and Young Thug plus up and comers Don Toliver, Lil Pump and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. Local Québec artists include Loud, Naya Ali, Koriass, Fouki and 5Sang14.
  • Francos de Montréal (June 10 – 18): Showcasing French-language music heavyweights and fresh emerging talent, the top musical artists of the franco music scene will take over the Quartier des Spectacles in June with nearly 250 concerts, many of which are presented free at some fifteen outdoor and indoor venues. Spectators can enjoy hip-hop, rock, pop, folk, electronic music and everything in between at Francos de Montréal.
  • Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (June 30 – July 9): The 42nd edition of the world’s largest jazz festival will feature jazz greats like Ludovico Einaudi, Gregory Porter and Dominique Fils-Aimé, along with Quebec’s own wunderkind Jean Michel Blais.
  • Osheaga (July 29 – 31): Montréal’s major musical festival returns this year with a lineup that includes headliners like Foo Fighters, A$AP Rocky, Dua Lipa and the Arkells. Upcoming artists include London-based singer, rapper and songwriter Ashnikko, Montréal’s own DJ Bolarinho and Ireland’s rock band Inhaler.
  • Lasso Festival (August 12 – 13) The new Lasso country music festival hits Montréal in Jean Drapeau Park this August. Headline acts include American country music singer and songwriter Dierks Bentley, chart-topping country band Old Dominion, Georgia’s Luke Bryan and country-pop star Kelsea Ballerini.

For more fun things to do in Montreal this year, visit the official tourism website.

 

Paradise found: An inside look at one of the hottest resorts in the Bahamas

Atlantis Paradise Island’s iconic coral towers make it one of the most easily distinguishable properties in The Caribbean. The theme of the landmark resort in The Bahamas was inspired by the lost city of Atlantis — a legendary sunken city believed to now be buried underwater somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean. 

“In Bimini, there’s this myth that part of the lost city of Atlantis still exists there today,” explains Ted Adderley, vice president, sales at Atlantis. “This lost city of Atlantis became who we are and our identity. Even today, we try to manage the lost city of Atlantis and create a more modern contemporary feel to the resort.”

The legend behind the myth is evident across the resort from depictions of an underwater world in the lobby to what looks like remnants of a long-lost civilization integrated into its main marine life exhibits.

 

Focus on conservation

While Atlantis has grown to include five distinct properties, including the classic Royal towers connected by a famous bridge suite, and the luxurious and modern rooms found in The Cove, the resort is all about being more than just a place to stay. “We’re a destination in and of itself,” Adderley says. “And purposely done so that you can find what you need here.”

Along with a massive water park with slides and a lazy river, multiple beaches and pools, a casino, and a luxury marina able to accommodate yachts straight out of Below Deck — and visits by the likes of Drake — Atlantis is home to more than 50,000 marine animals who aren’t there for entertainment value. There’s a major focus on sustainability and conservation with an education centre and animal-rescue rehabilitation hospital on site. Behind the scenes, a team of 165 people, including marine biologists, study these mammals and help nurse them back to health to the point where many get re-released in the wild. 

Food to dine for 

On the guest side, there are many notable restaurant options by internationally renowned chefs on property. The popular Nobu restaurant by chef Nobu Matsuhisa features dishes like Wagyu beef, a wide assortment of nigiri, sashimi, and maki, and a signature bento box dessert creation made from rice flour with chocolate fondant cake and green tea ice cream. 

Matsuhisa is well known for putting his own twist on traditional Japanese fare. Meanwhile, the cocktail menu includes everything from sake infusions and an award-winning Bahamian Samurai cocktail to fresh takes on staples like the Oni Negroni, which is made with Hokusetsu sake and Aperol. 

At Café Martinique, Michelin-starred chef Michael White puts the focus on sustainability with locally sourced food in the adjacent Marina Village. Each dish is like a work of art using local Bahamian ingredients blended with unique Mediterranean-inspired flavours. Appetizers currently range from beef tartare to a creative twist on french onion soup. Mains are seafood or meat centric like a pan seared sea bream with asparagus and gnocchi Parisienne or a venison loin with chestnut bourbon cream. Be sure to leave room for dessert with options like profiteroles with Madagascar vanilla ice cream drizzled with a 70 per cent chocolate sauce. 

Located in The Cove, Fish by José Andrés is another delicious option that pays homage to traditional Bahamian cuisine. The expansive dinner menu features oysters, mussels, tuna tartare, Caribbean grouper, jerk chicken and a vermicelli mac ‘n’ cheese with jumbo lump crab. There are also a multitude of dishes made with conch, a local staple in The Bahamas. A signature beverage is the salt air margarita, which instead of a salt rim features a salt infused foam. 

Notably, Andrés is also the founder of World Central Kitchen, a not-for-profit organization that heads to the frontline around the world to provide meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. Andrés is currently near the border in Poland to serve warm meals to Ukrainian refugees who are seeking shelter from invading Russian troops.

Get off the beaten path in Nassau

While Nassau, New Providence and Paradise Island are well known for tourism in The Bahamas, there’s still plenty to experience that’s off the beaten path when you head off the resort.

If you want a cold one — or to sample a flight — check out Pirate Republic, the first craft brewery in The Bahamas. There are two locations to choose from, one in the Marina Village at Atlantis and one in downtown Nassau near the cruise port, which has a wider selection of seasonal brews like the B’limey Ale, a cream ale made with toasted lime peel for a burst of citrus; or an imperial stout aged for six months in John Watlings Rum Barrels.

For a unique underwater experience, head to Clifton Heritage National Park to admire the views of its underwater sculpture garden including the mesmerizing Ocean Atlas piece by Jason de Caires Taylor of a local Bahamian girl carrying the weight of the ocean above her. Back on land, the site is home to installations about the islands’ colonial and pre-colonial history. 

Those who like to shop can head to Bahama Hand Prints, a retail shop selling accessories and apparel featuring exclusive designs made using a hand screen printing technique. 




An all-female team of chefs and artisans are bringing their talent to this luxury Mexico hotel

UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya, the redefined, adults only all-inclusive hotel located in the heart of the Yucatan peninsula, has announced the women-powered line-up for its fourth annual gastronomy series, Superbia Summer.

From July 11 to Aug. 21, the hotel’s multi-sensory experience will feature an all women roster of chefs, mixologists, and local artisans all coming together to showcase their talent from different regions of Mexico. Each week will feature one chef, one mixologist, and one artisan implementing their unique twist to transform the hotel’s experiences.

Additionally, this year’s event will also include a variety of pool activations, live entertainment and more. Superbia Summer invites guests to indulge in paradise and embark on a journey through the senses alongside the following talent:

  • July 11-17: Chef Marcela Bolaño, Mixologist Rocio Frias, Artisan Carina Barbachano

  • July 18-24: Chef Regina Escalante, Mixologist Mafer Tejeda, Artisan Cristina Arnedo

  • July 25-31: Chef Lupita Vidal, Mixologist (not confirmed), Artisan Juana Gomez

  • August 1-7: Chef Marta Zapata, Mixologist Fatima Leon, Artisan Claudia Ponce De Leon

  • August 8-14: Chef Adria Montano, Mixologist Claudia Cabrera, Artisan Paloma Santa Cruz

  • August 15-21: Chef Celia Florian, Mixologist Majo Cruz, Artisan Gaston Gallardo

“Women have always been at the forefront of UNICO 20º87º Hotel Riviera Maya’s identity. From ideation to execution, the hotel would not be what it is today without the powerful women-led team behind it. This year, on the heels of its fifth anniversary, we wanted to pay homage to our roots and bring in a number of exceptional women across the food, beverage and arts industries to showcase their talents,” said Irma Yeo, Director of Sales at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya. “Incorporating a memorable multi-sensory event into a culturally immersive, all-inclusive experience while highlighting outstanding women demonstrates our commitment to offering our guests a curated, one-of-a-kind vacation.”

UNICO 20°87º Hotel Riviera Maya redefines the all-inclusive vacation experience and offers an unfiltered view of modern Mexico. From the concept, to the rustic-meets-modern design, and even the cultural art displayed around the property, UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya is completely ideated by women.

Born out of a desire to create an unparalleled journey within the region while encompassing relaxed luxury and cultural immersion, UNICO 20°87° celebrates five years as the new standard for the sophisticated travellers looking for an all-inclusive vacation. Located south of Playa del Carmen in Mexico, this exceptional, adults only, all-inclusive hotel features 448 lavishly appointed guest rooms boasting predominantly ocean-views with semi-private swim-up pools on all ground floor rooms and outdoor double-hydro spa tubs on all remaining rooms, an in-room mini bar stocked by guest preferences, three expansive pools, a state-of-the-art wellness gym, a full-service spa, five globally-infused gourmet restaurants, six bars and lounges, and two swim-up bars. 

Ritz-Carlton is adding two new super yachts to its luxury collection

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is expanding its fleet with the addition of two newbuild superyachts, Ilma and Luminara, slated to set sail in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

These superyachts will be constructed in collaboration with world- renowned shipyard, Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Sant-Nazaire, France, with an option for additional vessels. Chantiers de l’Atlantique will carry out all production and development, including enhanced design and sustainability features, guided by the highest shipbuilding and marine engineering practices within the ultra-luxury sector. The announcement comes at an exciting time as The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection prepares to launch its first superyacht, Evrima, this summer.

The specially designed superyachts feature the highest space ratios at sea, with 228 suites, each with its own private terrace, and will offer a high percentage of larger suites, with two new, spacious upper suite categories measuring up to 100 square meters (1,076 square feet) in size. Both vessels will showcase modern craftsmanship and interior finishes imagined by London-based architect and design firm, AD Associates, and lighting designer, DPA. Finland-based yacht stylist, Aivan, developed the exterior design of the newbuilds, taking inspiration from the elegant aesthetics of private yacht design.

The onboard experience will reflect the sublime comfort and legendary guest service for which the iconic Ritz-Carlton brand is recognized. Having the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the luxury cruising category, Ilma and Luminara will provide nearly one staff member for every guest. In addition to unparalleled accommodations, the new superyachts will include five restaurants, six bars, a wine vault, and signature spaces found on Evrima such as an expanded marina with a new mezzanine feature, a Ritz-Carlton Spa, and a special space for Ritz Kids programming. For special events, groups can enjoy an exclusive cocktail reception on the yacht’s expanded bow.

Reaffirming The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s commitment to implementing sustainable practices throughout the business, each vessel will be fitted with four dual-fuel engines and utilize liquefied natural gas (LNG) as its main fuel source, significantly reducing emissions as compared to traditional practices. Additionally, the yachts will include advanced water treatment systems, an efficient heat recovery loop, LED lighting, and more, with the goal of minimizing environmental impact.

Reservations for the 2024 season of itineraries will open to the public this fall. The new superyachts will feature itineraries ranging from seven to 10 nights in the Caribbean and Mediterranean and offer an all- inclusive experience. These superyachts will also be available for private charter.

This new Canadian airline can take you to The Rockies for less than $100

Dubbing itself an ultra-affordable airline rather than an ultra-low cost carrier, Lynx Air has big plans for the Canadian market. During an event held in Toronto on March 17, CEO Merren McArthur announced a major expansion out of the Toronto region, adding four new destinations and five new routes to its network.

“By the end of July, we will be flying 92 flights per week in and out of the Toronto area, which is more than 17,000 seats per week. This is a big investment for a small startup like us,” said McArthur. “We’re offering really great prices and that’s what we want to do to attract people to our airline, but then we want to earn loyalty from our customers through providing great customer service. Our model is about growing the market share, so we’re not going to steal traffic from our competitors, we want to grow the market.”

In Ontario, Lynx will operate out of both Toronto Pearson Airport and John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, with service to six destinations: Halifax, St. John’s, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.

Depending on what time of the year it is, travellers can score deals on fares less than $100 each way to popular destinations like Vancouver or Edmonton.

The newly announced Lynx routes are:

  • Toronto Pearson – Halifax: Three flights per week, commencing June 30, and increasing to five per week from July 30.
  • Toronto Pearson – St. John’s: Two flights per week, commencing June 28, and increasing to seven flights per week from July 28.
  • Toronto Pearson – Edmonton: Seven flights per week, commencing July 28.
  • Hamilton – Calgary: Two flights per week, commencing June 29, and increasing to four flights per week from July 29.
  • Hamilton – Halifax: Two flights per week, commencing June 29.

“We already had three destinations, which were Calgary, Winnipeg and Vancouver on our network map,” she said. “We believe airfares have been far too high for far too long in Canada.”

Lynx is set to takeoff on its first flight between Calgary and Vancouver on April 7, followed by Calgary and Toronto on April 11 on brand-new Boeing 737 aircraft. Lynx will also be increasing its frequencies between Toronto Pearson and Calgary from seven flights per week to twelve flights per week from June 28.

— Story by Ann Ruppenstein

South America’s first-ever luxury train will take you on one of the highest rail routes on earth

As of Mar. 31, the Andean Explorer, the first luxury train in South America, rides the rails once again after a brief hiatus.

A journey on the Andean Explorer is a magical experience designed to connect guests with the nature of the Peruvian Andes while travelling through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country.

This luxury train traverses one of the highest train routes on earth and travels between the ancient Inca capital of Cusco to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca and the dazzling white city of Arequipa. Along the way, guests experience floating islands, fascinating archaeological sites, majestic natural wonders, and ancient kingdoms. 

Andean Explorer’s 20 beautiful cars evoke a contemporary aesthetic, perfectly designed to frame the awe-inspiring Andean vistas. Each carriage is named after flora and fauna found along the route.

Guests can take a seat for a world-class feast in the train’s two beautiful dining carriages – Llama and Muña – and enjoy a series of unique dining experiences against a backdrop of spectacular mountain scenery.

Muted hues and luxurious leathers mingle with artisanal millwork, and polished macramé divider screens keep culinary adventures intimate. Soothing treatments are available in the spa car, Picaflor, and further relaxing spaces include the Observatory Bar Car and Piano Bar Car.

For more information on Belmond’s Andean Explorer, click here!