News that has caught Chris' eye in the Travel World

Canadians taste for travel! (12 July, 2017)

New research commissioned by Booking.com reveals that 69% of Canadians would travel somewhere known for its food and drink. And with the joy of trying local delicacies often becoming one of the highlights of any trip, it’s clear Canadians have developed a ‘taste for travel.’

As for which destinations are top of mind for those looking to sip, savour and sample their way through their next vacation, Booking.com found that the top Canadian cities include Vancouver, Montreal and Halifax. The results are based on more than 118 million real reviews from global travellers on Booking.com.

Globally, Asian and South American flavours were favourites in the top ten foodie destinations, with Greece, Australia and Spain not far behind. Hong Kong, with its famous dim sum, Sao Paulo with Brazilian barbeque and Tokyo, whose restaurants have accrued more Michelin stars than New York and Paris combined, top the list.

Limiting the impact of Tourism (5 July, 2017)

If Machu Picchu is on your bucket list, then this news is for you…Travellers to Peru's famed Machu Picchu will be restricted in future to visiting during morning or afternoon tours.  In a move aimed at conserving the site's archaeological splendour, this move will impact all visitors to this incredible site. The changes are a result of a study by archaeologists and recommendations from UNESCO on how best to ensure that Machu Picchu isn't harmed by rising numbers of tourists. 

The new rules go into effect this month and will allow about 3,600 visitors to enter the ancient Incan citadel from dawn to midday and another nearly 2,700 people to explore during the afternoon. Previously of course, travellers could spend the entire day taking in the world-renowned site. Visitors will also be required to use a guide-led tour. We will start seeing more of these kinds of measures to protect some of the world’s most famous sites.

Happy Birthday Canada - Toronto Celebrations (28 June, 2017)

Happy Birthday Canada! Our 150th birthday is being celebrated in events all over the country, especially in our Nation’s Capital, as we related on the Travel Show a couple of weeks ago. But there’s an event taking place here in Toronto this long weekend that hasn’t received as much coverage as perhaps it should – the Redpath Waterfront Festival. It is perfect for getting out and having fun on our great birthday bash.

The Redpath Waterfront Festival runs July 1-3, 2017. It is featuring The Royal Canadian Navy for the first time in Harbour Square Park from Saturday to Monday. The public is invited to join the Navy for their daily run, test their fitness in a Navy-themed obstacle course, watch the Navy Cook Off and tour the decks of two Coastal Defence Vessels.

Parks Canada will be located in Harbour Square Park to celebrate the fascinating heritage behind our National Parks, Historic Sites and Marine Conservation Areas. Take an arctic dip or paddleboard on the Great Lakes with their interactive Green Screen Photo Booth, or learn about the northern discoveries of the Franklin shipwreck.

The Waterfront Artisan Market returns to HTO Park with 50 top artisans, crafters, chefs and bakers. Browse and shop for finely crafted jewelry, unique works of art, delicious foods and special gifts. Those who are looking to discover food will find more than 20 food vendors. The Ultimutts Stunt Dog Show runs Sunday and Monday, featuring non-stop tricks from adorable rescue pups. Take a break and experience live music, dance demos, live art and buskers at the WaveDecks. And on Monday, there will be a Grand Finale Parade of Sail with all participating ships plus unique local vessels. The ships will tour the harbour and then sail along Toronto’s dock wall from west to east. Admission to the Festival is free and a detailed list of scheduling and program information is available on the Festival website at www.TOwaterfrontfest.com.