Lots of news in the travel world as the year winds down. Here are some notes of interest that passed through my inbox recently:
Frommer’s picks its top destinations for the coming year
Montréal has been named the best place to visit in 2017 according to Frommer’s.
This endorsement is excellent news for Montréal’s visibility, says Tourisme Montréal, the organization that leads efforts to promote the destination in various travel markets and coordinate hospitality strategies within the city. 2017 will be a great year for tourists to discover Montréal, which will be livelier than ever with more than 175 unique events planned throughout the year.
“We’re seeing the benefits of our ongoing promotional initiatives. The city is getting a lot of buzz and has become a choice tourist destination. So, we’re seizing this opportunity to get our message across: Rediscover Montréal in 2017! The spinoff benefits of this visibility are expected to last beyond 2017 and for years to come,” said Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal.
For more information, visit www.mtl.org.
Aboriginal tourism gets a boost in Canada
Indigenous tourism is a key economic driver in generating long-term social and economic benefits for Indigenous people and for all Canadians.
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, recently announced an investment of $3.15 million for the implementation of a five-year national strategy, the Path Forward 2016‑2021.
The implementation of this strategy over the next few years in order will support and promote both new and existing Indigenous tourism businesses, enhance product and market readiness, increase the visibility of the Indigenous tourism industry, and facilitate the sharing of best practices within and between regions.
This investment will ensure that Indigenous communities can continue to grow the tourism industry, which is shared and celebrated worldwide, differentiating Canada as a unique tourism destination while respecting and strengthening Indigenous traditions and cultures.
For more information, visit Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada
Airport security authority offers tips for travelling families
Travelling with the family can be challenging, especially when you get to airport security. Following these tips from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will not only help bring the stress level down, but also get you through the checkpoint faster and easier.
Download CATSA’s app
Go to CATSA’s website (catsa.gc.ca) and download their “Breeze through security” mobile app. In addition to wait times, you’ll find information on what you can and can’t bring through security, and helpful tips about the screening process.
Ask CATSA
CATSA has staff that will answer your questions on Twitter (@catsa_gc), on the web (catsa.gc.ca) or on the phone (1-888-294-2202) during business hours. If you prefer image-based information, CATAS has you covered with Pinterest (CATSAGC) and its YouTube Channel.
Remember the 100ml rule
Put large containers of liquids, aerosols and gels in your checked baggage. Only amounts less than 100 ml, placed in a 1 L clear, re-sealable plastic bag, are permitted in your carry-on baggage. This includes beverages and non-solid food (e.g. yogurt, pudding and peanut butter). However, beverages and food for children under the age of two are exempt from these restrictions (e.g. breast milk, formula, juice and purees). Keep these items within reach as they need to be inspected separately.
Leave gifts unwrapped
If you’re bringing gifts, leave them unwrapped in case their contents may need to be inspected. Some airports have gift-wrapping services located past security during the holiday season to help out busy travellers.
How to pack your electronics for airport security
Bringing your children’s electronic games is a good way to keep them busy at the airport. To save time, leave small electronic devices like tablets, e-books, cameras and handheld video games in in your carry-on baggage for screening. If you travel with large electronic items like laptops, DVD players, netbooks, notebooks or game consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, etc.) you need to remove them from your carry-on baggage and place them separately in a bin. Make sure there are no other items on top or underneath.
Choose easy-to-remove outerwear
Make sure the little ones are wearing easy-to-remove winter jackets, boots and hats. These items must be placed in bins for screening.
Look for the Family/Special Needs lane
If you need help at the checkpoint, look for the Family/Special Needs lane. It features screening equipment that can accommodate larger items, like car seats and strollers, and screening officers who offer additional assistance.
Have your boarding passes ready
Remember to have all family members’ boarding passes ready for inspection.
