The European Commission launched the 2024 edition of the European Capital of Smart Tourism, as well as the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competitions; calling for cities to submit their leading examples of smart and sustainable tourism practices in Europe.

Tourism is the EU’s third largest socio-economic activity, representing around 10% of the EU’s GDP. The sector plays a crucial role in generating growth and jobs, but still holds untapped potential – especially in the area of smart and sustainable tourism. Innovation, accessibility, and sustainability are the future of tourism, and the European Commission aims to keep European tourism ahead of the curve.

The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) has announced the expansion of its membership, as Bermuda officially re-joins the organisation through a collaborative partnership with the Government of Bermuda and the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA).

With its unique, distinctive attributes, Bermuda further strengthens the organisation’s ability to promote the depth of the Caribbean experience as it seeks to explore new growth opportunities. With Bermuda’s membership, CTO marks yet another milestone in its efforts to expand its reach and influence in the regional tourism sector.

Jamaican Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has welcomed the announcement by low-cost Norwegian airline Norse Atlantic Airways that it will expand its services to the Caribbean to include Jamaica this winter season. “This service is coming at an opportune time as we seek to diversify the options available to our visitors from the UK, which is our largest European market,” noted Minister Bartlett.

As has become customary, year after year Cuba holds its international tourism fair, FITCuba, which in its 41st edition presents novelties worthy of being disclosed.

Once again, Caribbean News Digital and the Excelencias Group are also present at the major tourism exchange in the largest Antillean Island, covering every relevant event.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has revealed that Jamaica is placing special focus on the world’s most populated country, India, as a nation to pull visitors from in coming years as part of a renewed campaign to diversify Jamaica’s tourist markets as he and his team pound the pavement at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, United Arab Emirates this week. Jamaica gets the bulk of its visitors from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.  

The 2023 cruise season at the Port of Montreal got off to a great start this morning with the arrival of Holland America Line’s Zaandam, one of the largest cruise ships that visits the Port of Montreal, with a capacity of 1,440 passengers.

To mark the occasion and honour the 150th anniversary of Holland America Line, a plaque was presented to the captain of the Zaandam, Ane Smit. The season will run until October 30, 2023, and the number of international passengers is expected to exceed 45,000, up nearly 20% more than last year.