Visit Portugal launches sustainability initiatives

Visit Portugal is doubling down on its sustainable mission, intent on becoming one of the most sustainable tourist destinations in the world.

The organization has launched several initiatives to call for a change of action, led by the promotional message, ‘For a better planet, a better tourism.’

To help protect the oceans, Visit Portugal has created the ‘Unwanted Shapes’ campaign, inviting surfers to ride surfboard models made with sustainable materials, under the moto ‘Only one board can ride the future.’

In addition, Turismo de Portugal has developed ‘Oceans Wall,’ which invites 12 urban artists from several countries to create an art piece on a Lisbon public hospital’s wall to highlight the need for the preservation, protection and conservation of the oceans and marine resources.

For more information go to www. visitportugal.com.

Huntington Travel Group celebrates 50th anniversary

Huntington Travel Group (HTG) is saying a big thank you to its staff and travel advisor partners during its golden anniversary year.

In operation since 1973, the full-service wholesaler/consolidator is celebrating its 50th anniversary and its longstanding reputation for being one of Canada’s most respected consolidators.

“In celebrating 50 years in business, I recognize our strong airline relationships that brought us to where we are. HTG’s offering includes the best choice flights and fares on a global platform and we qualify as the consolidator with the most airline contracts than any other to the African continent,” says Ravi Kumar, HTG’s COO.

Through HTG, travel advisors have access to first-level content and net fares to Europe, transborder, the Middle East, South Pacific, Asia, Latin America and South America, not only from all gateways in Canada but also several in the United States.

Dear Travel Advisors,

Huntington Travel Group, established in 1973, is proudly celebrating 50 years of dedicated service to the travel trade. Our sincere thanks to all of you for your support over the years. You helped us along this incredible journey, and we assure you of our unwavering support for years to come.

Kumar says Huntington’s strength is its staff, which has acquired GDS specialization and boasts decades of experience in managing complex airfares.

“They are experts at handling groups and have specialized knowledge of all major airline alliances. Above all, there’s always the possibility of them offering override commissions on many airlines in the economy, business and first,” he adds.

Over the years, the company has grown and expanded its offerings to include hotels and custom-tailored holidays. ‘Hotels by Huntington,’ a standalone brand, offers hotel rates at over 600,000 properties worldwide, ranging from economy to luxury. All hotels are booked in real time and hotel vouchers can be downloaded online. Travel agents receive net, prepaid rates, allowing them to control their own margins.

Escapades by Huntington (DBA MyEscapades) is the standalone holiday brand within the Group. Dedicated to giving one-of-a-kind travel experiences, the brand’s purpose is to bring formidable expertise and buying power to the table, allowing travel advisors to receive exactly the right product at affordable prices for their clients.

“We have always demonstrated a strong desire to work harmoniously with our travel agency partners. Hence, our Hunt Rewards program that adds dollars to your prepaid Hunt Rewards card every time you conduct business with us. Our hotels and holidays brands complement our air consolidation services to ensure that we are your one-stop shopping experience,” said Kumar.

Get to know Jamaica’s distinct resort areas

With six unique resort areas, Jamaica offers something for everyone, whether clients are a thrill-seeking group of friends, honeymooners looking for romance, or a family of four with little ones in tow.

Montego Bay

This popular resort area is just minutes away from Sangster International Airport and is well-connected by roadways, making it the perfect home base for day trips to other areas of the island. Visitors can enjoy a guided river rafting tour, tee off at a number of golf courses including Tryall Club and Cinnamon Hill, and swim in the bio-luminous waters of Luminous Lagoon.

Negril

Known for its dramatic cliffs, golden beaches and laidback vibe, Negril offers plenty of attractions and experiences for all ages. The world-famous Seven Mile Beach is where to go for cool ocean breezes, kayaking, paddle boarding and horseback riding on the sand, while Royal Palm Reserve is perfect for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Also not to be missed is Rick’s Café, situated on a rocky outcrop atop a 35-foot cliff and known for its cliff jumping.

Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios is one of Jamaica’s major tourist hubs thanks to its family-friendly attractions, historic sites and fantastic food scene. The coastal area is well connected by highway roads – making it easy to get to and from airports in both Kingston and Montego Bay –and is also serviced by the Ocho Rios Cruise Port for travellers arriving by sea. Highlights include Dunn’s River Falls, one of Jamaica’s most popular attractions, Mystic Mountain, home to a variety of thrilling rides and a stateof-the-art chairlift, and Stush in the Bush, an unforgettable farm-to-table destination renowned for its sustainable cuisine.

Port Antonio

A quiet and beautiful haven on Jamaica’s northeastern coast, Port Antonio is a favourite hideaway for visiting film stars and famous musicians. Here, guests can take a dip in the Blue Lagoon, explore Frenchman’s Cove, home to a casual beach bar and grill, and sample authentic jerk chicken at Boston Jerk Centre, credited as the birthplace of jerk cuisine.

South Coast

Visitors who want to escape the crowds gravitate to the secluded countryside of Jamaica’s South Coast. This wild and beautiful corner of the island is home to dark sand beaches, remote fishing villages and hidden waterfalls. Top attractions include Pelican Bar, located in the middle of the water, the seven-tiered YS Falls, and the Appleton Estate, a multi-sensory rum tasting experience.

Kingston

A cosmopolitan city with historic colonial architecture, Kingston is the go-to destination for art galleries, colourful markets, world-class dining, live concerts and festivals. Highlights include Devon House, the former home of

Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel, the Bob Marley Museum, located in the legendary singer’s former residence, and the National Gallery in downtown Kingston, which tells the story of the island’s people through exhibitions and historic artifacts.

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

Relax and recharge in Wyoming

Being the least populated state in the U.S., Wyoming offers something no other state can: unparallel tranquility and calm not found anywhere else.

Its stunning mountains and the vastness of its landscapes provide the perfect escape from major cities and the hustle of summer’s busy months, allowing visitors to reconnect with nature.

One of Wyoming’s signature experiences is a dude ranch vacation, available throughout the state. Accommodations range from the luxurious Brush Creek Ranch or Brooks Lake Lodge, to the oldest dude ranch in America – Eatons’ Ranch, where visitors can live out their cowboy/cowgirl adventures. Set against the eastern slopes of the Bighorn Mountains, Eatons’ offers both day rides and overnight pack trips into the mountains and across 7,000 acres of rolling hills and meadows, with activities that include roping lessons, fishing, hiking and dancing and karaoke.

For more information on travel to Wyoming, go to www.TravelWyoming. com.