If you were to book a hotel stay right now, what would be your first steps? Would you browse through your favourite travel blog to find a cozy hidden gem? Pick up a copy of the latest Lonely Planet or Fodor’s for an in-depth review of a trusted establishment? Or maybe you would simply do an online search for hotels in the city you plan to visit, read what previous customers had to say, and then make your decision from…
Every year tourists flock to cities like Paris and New York to take in the sights and enjoy some of the popular attractions offered there. While an abundance of tourism is great, it can’t be fun for travellers looking to relax and unwind. Long lineups, high prices, and crowded destinations can quickly turn a dream vacation into a stressful experience. Fortunately, even as tourism continues to grow, there are still many incredible destinations just waiting to be explored. Professionals in…
For cabin crew members, taking flight means landing an interview. While job interviews can seem intimidating, candidates can increase their chances with careful preparation. From practice questions to call-backs, the interview process favours those with a keen attention to detail—and an understanding of the expectations of their potential employers. Interview strategies help aspiring flight attendants stand out in a competitive industry. With online tests and in-person assessments, cabin crew interviews are often thorough, and offer opportunities to showcase one’s qualifications…
World travellers are increasingly finding ways to combine two of their favourite things: wine and tourism. An estimated 40 per cent of the world’s wine is now consumed outside its country of origin, up from 22 per cent in 2000. With refined palettes around the globe, wine tourism is an increasing source of revenue in wine-rich countries, driving economies in places like California and Southern France. A chance to combine great tastes with vivid scenery, wine tourism accounts for an…
Some guests look for simple creature comforts, while others seek the comfort of creatures. From ranches to resorts, there are many hotels around the world that appeal to visitors with the help of in-residence animals. Helping create a unique hospitality brand, the promise of a hotel pet or the appearance of wild animals is enough to attract many guests. Animals are enlisted to improve guest experiences in a variety of hospitality settings. Whereas city hotels sometimes keep pet cats or…
Last month, interns at the Thebe Tourism Group in South Africa launched the #CTRainDanceChallenge, a song and dance video recognized throughout the tourism industry for its important message and creative approach. Addressing the drought around Cape Town, the video raised awareness for water conservation, welcoming rain with open—and dancing—arms. The video exemplifies how the best tourism campaigns make the most of digital platforms by combining powerful messages with fun and creative ideas. Are you curious about new and exciting tourism…
It’s a question that many travelers have wondered, but that few might know the answer to: how do cabin crews spend their down time? Some flyers have an unduly glamorized view of cabin layovers, while others assume the worst. The truth, as flight attendants know, is somewhere in the middle. Layover periods are often used for rest and catching up with home life, but they can also be a time for exploration. Are you curious to know what cabin crews…
It’s an increasingly common sight. Travelers finally find the time and money to reach their dream destination, only to find—what else—a sea of tourists. As the natural result of affordable travel and the information age, over-tourism shows no signs of slowing down. The UN estimates that in 2030, the number of international tourists will reach 1.8 billion, up from 1.2 billion in 2016. And while over-tourism means long lineups and poor views for travelers, it can present infrastructural challenges for…
Castles and hostels might seem like they have about as much in common as, well, castles and hostels, but sometimes the best ideas come from the most unexpected combinations. Over 100 years ago in 1912, a schoolteacher named Richard Shirrmann wanted to encourage his students to explore, travel the countryside, and enjoy the outdoors. He dreamed up a vision of cheap accommodations for young adventurers, and to make that vision happen, he converted Altena Castle, a local castle, into the…
There’s something about a great book that transports readers to a land far away. How many readers lost themselves in the magical landscapes of Harry Potter, for instance, or felt the heat of the Cuban sun while reading Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea? Who hasn’t dreamed of stepping into the fantastical world described in Alice and Wonderland? This experience can be a great feeling, which is why many readers see books as opportunities to escape and explore…
Safety is at the core of what it means to be a flight attendant. Flight attendants are the ones who provide the pre-flight safety demonstration for every flight, soothe stressed passengers, and step into action in the event of an emergency. Of course, flight attendants aren’t the only ones who care deeply about flight safety. Airlines are always vigilant about safety onboard their planes, and are quick to enact new policies to ensure that flying remains the safest way to…
This year, almost 30 million passengers are expected to board cruises all over the world. They will enjoy a stay packed with activities, leisurely relaxation time, upbeat entertainment, many destinations to explore, and plenty of delectable menu items to savour. It’s the experience of a lifetime! Or, it would be if guests didn’t come back again and again and again. What’s it like working in this unique environment? Here’s a small taste of what students can expect from this career…
Just a handful of years ago, hospitality was very different from what it is today. Big screen TVs were the hot new technological luxury, menus were a firm and fixed endeavour, and lobbies were little more than where travellers sat while waiting to check in. Today, many of these facets have been turned upside down. Communal spaces are often brimming with activity, menus vary with the seasons, and many hotels have gone full tech with smart rooms, apps, and more….
Imagine booking a vacation online. You set your budget, add in a few preferences, include the dates you would like to travel, and that’s it. A few weeks later, you receive a letter that you aren’t supposed to open until you’re at the airport. Only on the day of your trip do you open it and discover where you’re headed, where you’ll be staying, and a few recommended activities to include in your itinerary. This type of trip isn’t just…
Don’t love the idea of office work or a 9-5 job? Like getting out into the fresh air? Love getting to meet people from all over the world? If so, you could be a great candidate for a career as a campground operator. It’s a fun line of work to be in, and since outdoor recreation is big business in Canada, there’s no shortage of opportunity out there for motivated, well-trained professionals looking to make their mark. Want to get…
