Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

April is World Autism Month, and Visit Myrtle Beach and the communities along the 60 miles of coastline have been committed to creating an autism- and sensory-friendly destination throughout the year since 2016.As a recognized autism-friendly destination, Myrtle Beach continues its increasing efforts to provide a safe, accessible, and welcoming destination for all, including a sensory-friendly pledge and numerous initiatives to promote and foster inclusivity throughout the region.
“We believe that everyone belongs at The Beach, and our top priority at Myrtle Beach is to provide an inclusive destination for visitors of all abilities,” said Karen Riordan, President and CEO of Visit Myrtle Beach. “Families with children diagnosed with autism often feel vacations are out of their reach — and we want to change that. At Visit Myrtle Beach, we believe in the restorative and life-altering power of travel and continue to further our efforts to provide greater support and access to memorable vacation experiences for all.”
Highlights of sensory-friendly services and programs available throughout the Grand Strand include:
In conjunction with the Champion Autism Network (CAN) and TravelAbility, Visit Myrtle Beach launched The Beach is for everyBODY: Sensory-Friendly Pledge in 2022. To date, more than 150 businesses along the Grand Strand have pledged their support or received CAN certification. Participating organizations are committed to welcoming guests with autism and other neurodiverse disabilities through tangible and meaningful actions designed to support residents and visitors.Myrtle Beach International Airport has launched its participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. The program provides a discreet way for travelers with a hidden disability, including autism, to self-identify, alerting airport personnel that they may require additional assistance or patience throughout their travel journey. Individuals wishing to utilize the program can request a sunflower lanyard at one of the two information booths in the terminal (pre-security at baggage claim and post-security near Nacho Hippo and Gate A2). The airport also offers a “Quiet Room” in the baggage claim area to give families a space to decompress before or after a flight.The Autism Travel Card offered by CAN (formerly the CAN Card) is a simple way for guests to identify their family as one that includes someone with autism, without needing to say a word. Participating restaurants, hotels and venues have been trained in the needs of individuals with autism and their families and to provide a special or expedited service. Autism Travel Cards are available online at AutismTravel.Club for a $7 membership fee and offer several benefits including services and discounts with participating businesses.Participating hotels, including the 15 properties of Vacation Myrtle Beach and many others, help create a safe and sensory-friendly experience for children with Autism and their families, including room placements, removing potentially dangerous or trigger items from rooms, coordinating unique experiences and more.Wait staff at participating restaurants are trained to seat guests in a quiet space, expedite meals and check outs as needed, and handle potential sensory-overload situations with understanding and compassion.Myrtle Beach attractions offer services such as trained staff, special programming and discounts to families that present the Autism Travel Card. Examples of the available experiences include SkyWheel Myrtle Beach where families receive expedited attraction access along with discounted tickets and Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach where noise-cancelling headphones and special pricing are available.During the month of April, the team at CAN has put together a month-long campaign called, “You’re Invited!” The campaign includes events and promotions at partner businesses, including sensory-friendly attraction and movie days, special SkyWheel illuminations, and community gatherings, such as beach sweeps in the town of Surfside.Through Project Lifesaver, Myrtle Beach area police and tourism professionals are trained to administer a GPS tracking band program for children who are prone to wandering off or are at risk of becoming lost. Those wearing the band, whether on the wrist or ankle, can be quickly located by search teams and returned to families/caregivers.This summer, Visit Myrtle Beach will be launching a new children’s book, titled Splish, Splash, Squawk! Finding Joy in a Sensory-Friendly Vacation. In partnership with author and illustrator, Lynda Farrington Wilson, the book will help to encourage families with children on the autism spectrum to vacation together through a fictional story that helps readers discover the joy and wonder in a family vacation, despite the overlooked challenges of acclimating to new environment, and experiences.For more information on Myrtle Beach’s autism-friendly offerings and accessible trip planning resources, visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/autism-friendly-vacations.

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Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture is an internationally known, leading edge nonprofit dedicated to the ideas and risk-taking that fuel contemporary popular culture.Through interactive and immersive exhibitions, MoPOP offers a one-of-a-kind museum experience, touting more than 85,000 artifacts in their permanent collection and over 1,800 artifacts on display like the Notorious B.I.G. suit, an Idris Alba costume from The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger, Carrie Brownstein’s Rickenbacker 330 electric guitar, the Jimi Hendrix Westerner hat, Grandmaster Flash’s turntables, and more!
New to MoPOP this year is the world premiere exhibition, Hidden Worlds: The Films of LAIKA, a partnership with the award-winning animation studio LAIKA, which was founded in Oregon in 2005 by President and CEO, Travis Knight. With a sold out opening in March, Hidden Worlds continues to take visitors behind the scenes of LAIKA’s most beloved and Academy Award®-nominated films, including Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, Kubo and the Two Strings (BAFTA® Award for Best Animated Film and received an additional Oscar® nomination for Visual Effects), Missing Link (Golden Globe® for Best Animated Film), and Wildwood (forthcoming). Through a variety of interactive displays, visitors will get an up-close look at the intricate craftsmanship and artistry that goes into each film, as well as the unique and imaginative worlds that LAIKA has created. Explore the Pink Palace apartments from Coraline, and the town of Blithe Hollow from ParaNorman. Visitors can see the original puppets and costumes, as well as concept art and storyboards. Interactive experiences allow visitors to learn about the stop-motion process and even try their hand at creating their own stop-motion animation.
Other MoPOP favorites include a wide range of Seattle’s music scene history – from Jimi Hendrix to Nirvana. Or they can delve into the world of science fiction and fantasy in the museum’s Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction exhibit, which features costumes, props, and other memorabilia from iconic movies and TV shows. Families will enjoy the Sound Lab exhibit, which gives people of all ages the opportunity to explore the tools of rock ‘n’ roll through electric guitars, drums, samplers, mixing consoles, and more.

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As travelers plan their Earth Month activities, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is excited to offer guests a variety of opportunities to volunteer, explore and protect its natural resources while they visit. With 62 miles of scenic coastline,several nature reserves – like the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge and the Gulf Island National Seashore – cypress swamps, bayous and salt marshes to explore, sustainable travel is important to preserve these diverse ecosystems, throughout April, and all year long.
“Attractions, businesses and tourism partners along the Mississippi Gulf Coast are committed to sustainability and the preservation of our abundant natural resources. Many have taken major strides with new sustainable programs including oyster shell recycling, dozens of farm-to-table restaurants to choose from, and endless ways to immerse yourself in nature,” said Pattye Meagher, Director of Communications and Engagement at Coastal Mississippi CVB. “We at Coastal Mississippi hope that visitors not only have a fantastic experience in our destination, but that they also learn a little bit about our unique environments and wildlife, and feel inspired to help us keep them healthy, so we’ve curated a list of sustainable experiences they can enjoy during Earth Month, but also year-round.”
Sustainable Programs, Events & Volunteer Opportunities
Opened on March 1, The Collective Ocean Springs is a mixed-use entertainment property with big plans for a sustainable future. Owned and operated by Rain Residential, the property serves as a hub for community makers, growers, chefs and entrepreneurs to share their talents in a collaborative and eco-conscious way. At the center of The Collective is a sustainable garden and organic chicken farm that will provide fresh foods and resources for a new restaurant and development. Within the next year, the development plans to open an amphitheater, nano brewery, bookstore and a farm-to-table restaurant called Apple Pear Restaurant and Farm, helmed by Ocean Springs native and renowned chef Alex Perry, a 2023 James Beard Award Finalist and chef/owner of nearby Vestige restaurant. Visitors can also stop by every Wednesday from 3-6 p.m., for a community Farmers Market with live local music, a pop-up bar and more.This year, The Nature Conservancy of Mississippi is launching a pilot oyster shell recycling program called Save Our Shells (SOS) to help conserve oyster reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. The program officially launched during the 7th Annual Gulf Coast Oyster Cook-off and Festival in March, with many top local restaurants, hotels, and businesses participating like White Pillars, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino and Keg & Barrel. Visitors can feel good patronizing partner businesses, knowing that oyster shells are delivered to the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources to be processed and integrated into restoration projects.Plastic Free Gulf Coast is an organization dedicated to eliminating single-use plastic before it becomes part of the waste stream through partnerships with local schools, businesses and restaurants. Visitors can stop by plastic-free partners like Mockingbird Café in Bay St. Louis, Greenhouse Biloxi and more, for delicious eats and a sustainable experience. Some of the coast’s top museums are also plastic-free partners, including the Walter Anderson Museum of Art and The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum. The program provides tips and resources, and even organizes regular beach clean-up events for residents and visitors alike.The Mississippi State University Monthly Coastal Clean-Up program is another great way for visitors to make an impact and help keep the coast healthy and beautiful. In honor of Earth Day on April 22, the program will host an Earth Day Celebration at the Biloxi West Beach Boardwalk. Volunteers are encouraged to sign-up ahead of time and will be provided with the necessary gear and materials needed upon arrival.Education, Outdoors & Eco-tours
The Pascagoula River Audubon Center offers more than 70,000 protected acres of unique ecosystem along the Pascagoula River, the largest free-flowing river in the contiguous United States. On Earth Day weekend (April 21-22), the center will host a Native Plant Sale that is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The mini festival will include kids’ activities and a wide variety of native perennials, shrubs and small trees for purchase. Other opportunities for visitors to learn and explore include kayak rentals, nature-based programming for all ages and countless volunteer opportunities like citizen science projects, litter pick up, critter care and more.The Institute for Marine and Mammal Studies (IMMS) has aided in the rescue, rehabilitation, release and research of stranded marine animals along the Gulf Coast for nearly 40 years. In addition to daily general admission, IMMS is also currently rehabbing baby sea turtles from Massachusetts. Visitors can stop by to see the progress of these small creatures before they’re released back into the sea. Other opportunities include swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with stingrays and a wide variety of educational camps, classes and experiences to learn more about the important rescue and rehab process.The can’t-miss Eco-Tours of South Mississippi gives guests an up-close look at the flora and fauna of the cypress swamps, bayous and salt marshes of the 80-mile-long Pascagoula River waterway–including over 300 different species of plants and an abundance of unique migratory birds–like pelicans, ospreys, herons, egrets and even bald eagles. The 2-hour interpretive tours are led by knowledgeable guides and offer a variety of watercrafts from single and tandem kayaks, to a fleet of motorized boats all powered by modern clean burning outboards.The Gulf Coast Gator Ranch in Moss Point brings visitors face to face with alligators big and small. Recognized as the oldest gator farm in the state of Mississippi, the sanctuary offers 105 acres of swamplands and wildlife to explore. Visitors can stroll along protected walkways or climb aboard a high-speed airboat tour through the preserved wilderness to catch a glimpse of alligators, turtles, birds and other wildlife.Farm-to-table & Gulf-to-table DiningADVERTISEMENTThe one-of-a-kind Makin Groceries is a plant-based café and meal prep catering service located in Biloxi. Owned and operated by local chef and mother, Lauren Turner, the company provides vegan, vegetarian, soy-free and gluten-free options that are made to order, while also offering a new farm-to-table seasonal menu every week in the café. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, Makin Groceries is also a proud partner of Plastic Free Gulf Coast. Chef Turner uses compostable and plastic-free materials, as well as fresh local ingredients in every order.Vestige is an Ocean Springs farm-to-table restaurant whose owner and chef, Alex Perry, was recently named a 2023 James Beard Award Semi-finalist for the title “Best Chef in the South.” Perry’s approach incorporates the freshest, seasonal ingredients to create contemporary dishes inspired by the flavors and techniques of Japan–where his wife and co-owner, Kumi Omori, grew up. Vestige offers a multi-course, pre-set tasting menu that changes almost daily based on what’s fresh and in season.Opened in August 2022, Radish is an upscale restaurant located in the heart of downtown Long Beach. Owner and chef William Rester offers an ingredient-driven menu that showcases the fresh, authentic flavors of the South using traditional techniques and preparation styles inspired by the nineteenth century farmers who harvested the land. During that time, the favorite bar snack was a long scarlet radish dipped in luxurious butter and coarse salt.The award-winning White Pillars restaurant is owned by Mississippi-native, Austin Sumrall, and his wife Tresse Sumrall. Chef Sumrall – a 2020 James Beard Nominee and the 2021 “Great American Seafood King” – is known for fusing global flavors with fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farmers markets to curate an ever-evolving menu that mixes nostalgic and modern dining. The restaurant is also a proud partner and advocate of the Save our Shells program.Thorny Oyster located in the heart of Bay St. Louis, inside the beautiful Pearl Hotel, serves local coastal fare with bold flavors. The menu is packed with creative seafood dishes, from raw options, to sandwiches and brisket. Founded by Chef Jeffrey Hansell and his wife, Amy Hansell, the popular locale offers a vintage modern vibe and refined plates that are extremely fresh and flavorful.To learn more about these activities and more happening in Coastal Mississippi, visit our website at www.coastalmississippi.com.

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Alabama hosts 430 bird species within its borders, and to a bird lover’s delight, the Alabama Tourism Department is announcing a year-long celebration with its new Year of Alabama Birding campaign. Bird lovers and bird enthusiasts are invited to flock to the state to birdwatch or participate in other birding activities to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of Alabama’s feathered friends.
From the majestic bald eagle to the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker to the crowd-pleasing painted bunting, visitors will be in awe of the many species they see as they journey through Alabama’s eight birding trails and over 280 birding sites. These can be found from the foothills of the Appalachians to the sugar-white sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast.
As the year unfolds, a series of promotional activities will jumpstart visitors’ Alabama birding experience. Travelers can relax as well as listen to the peaceful sounds of Relax with Birdsong found at any of the state’s eight official welcome centers. Travelers will be able to listen to the Sounds of Happy playlist online or by streaming on select audio platforms. Find Your Flock is an online quiz that will associate travelers with the birds they most resemble and where they can find them. Follow a Birder is documentary-style content as seen through the eyes of local experts. Travelers also may share their Alabama birding photos with website visitors. These interactive activities were created by Intermark Group, the Alabama Tourism Department’s agency of record.
“A world of wonderful sights and sounds await those who travel to Alabama,” said Lee Sentell, director of the Alabama Tourism Department. “The Year of Alabama Birding will be an experience that will focus on the state’s birding trails and habitats. We’re offering people an opportunity to commune with nature in a unique and relaxing way.”

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Despite the cost of living crisis continuing to tighten budgets for families across the nation, getting away is still a top priority for Brits, with a recent study finding 73 percent are unwilling to give up their staycation this year.
In light of this, Jess Twitchin, CEO and Founder of QuirkyAccom.com, shares her top tips for how to book a budget-friendly holiday and save money this Easter…
Check in mid-week
As most people tend to book their holidays for the weekend, prices are often higher from Friday to Sunday. But by booking mid-week, you can often find lower rates and better deals on accommodation, as well as enjoy a quieter and more peaceful experience.
However, be sure to check with your accommodation provider beforehand since they may have set check-in days.ADVERTISEMENTSeek out last-minute deals
When hotels, guesthouses, or holiday cottages have unsold rooms or cancellations, they often offer discounts to fill them.
By booking at the last minute, holidaymakers can take advantage of these discounts and enjoy a more affordable holiday.
Now is the prime time to secure a last-minute deal this Easter break. Booking two weeks prior to the desired date can often earn you a 20 percent discount on unsold accommodation.
Be sure to remain open-minded when looking for last-minute deals and remain flexible on location, property type and dates for maximum savings.
Venture off the beaten track
The UK is home to diverse landscapes with each region having its own rich cultural history. But it can be easy to overlook all this country has to offer.
Visiting less popular destinations is a great way to save money and avoid crowds.
Popular tourist hotspots will inevitably be expensive and crowded, especially during peak periods. By choosing a less popular destination, you can often find lower prices on accommodation, food and activities.
Holidaymakers can also have a more authentic and peaceful experience exploring a lesser-known area. Heading away from the top tourist traps is not only cheaper but provides unique and diverse experiences, with travellers able to discover hidden gems and local secrets that are not mentioned in guidebooks.
Go big to save big
Hiring a larger holiday home among multiple families can be a great way to enjoy a more affordable and enjoyable holiday experience.
Holiday in larger groups enables costs to be shared across more people, making it cheaper for individuals overall. Guests can also typically enjoy more amenities and facilities in larger properties, such as large dining areas and kitchens, spacious outdoor areas and even pools, saving families money on entertainment costs.
You may also find larger properties have the most last-minute availability during peak seasons, so keep an eye out to snag a deal.
Visit free attractions
Accommodation, travel and food costs can quickly add up when booking a staycation. But families will also need to factor in entertainment expenses which may push budgets over the edge.
Fortunately, the UK has many free attractions that are perfect for families, such as museums, parks, and galleries. By planning ahead and researching free attractions in the area you are visiting, you can create a fun and varied itinerary that won’t break the bank.Step away from the usual tourist haunts and venture into the local area to get a taste of what it’s like to be a local without a hefty price tag. Simply exploring your surroundings is the best way to find hidden gems without burning a hole in your wallet.
Look for dining-out deals
It’s natural to want to treat yourself while away. But dining out every night is a sure way to blow through your holiday budget if you’re not careful.
Look for vouchers or coupons online to save money without compromising on luxury. Many restaurants and cafes offer discounts or special deals through their websites or social media channels. You should also talk to your accommodation provider who may be partnered with local businesses that offer discounts to guests.

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Almost nine in every 10 mainland Chinese say they miss traveling abroad. This, coupled with economic optimism, bodes well for a strong rebound of what was once the world’s largest outbound travel market.
“Outbound Rebound: The Return of Chinese Travellers”, the latest industry report presented by global marketing agency Finn Partners and professional research consultancy Consumer Search Group indicates that mainland Chinese travellers intend to boost their pre-pandemic pace of overseas travel this year.
A survey was conducted from 10 – 24 January 2023, just days after the China government lifted international travel restrictions after three years. The 20-minute-long questionnaire gathered valuable findings from over 2,000 affluent Chinese in first-, second- and third-tier cities in mainland China, and Hong Kong. The respondents’ average annual household income is over RMB 1.4 million (USD 209,000), with purchases of luxury travel and products in the past 12 months. All respondents have travelled overseas prior to the pandemic.
“We already know that there is a strong eagerness and urge to travel after years of border restrictions in China,” said Jenny Lo, Managing Partner for China of Finn Partners. “We conducted this in-depth study to identify the changes in behaviours, needs, decision-making and expectations of affluent travellers, offering insights to better address the Chinese outbound travel market that is anticipating a faster-than-expected revival”.
Whet the WanderlustAbout one in two affluent Chinese travellers are making plans for at least five trips in 2023. On average, they are planning to make 5.9 trips this year, up from 5.6 trips in 2019. While the 26- to 36-year-old demographic shows the most significant increase in number of trips, younger affluent Chinese travellers aged 21 to 25 years continue to be the most frequent travellers.ADVERTISEMENTAside from more frequent leisure trips, a majority want to stay longer per trip. 72% plan to holiday from six to over 10 days in 2023 — bringing the average duration per trip to 8.7 days, versus 8.4 days in 2019. Indulgence in longer vacations is prevalent in the 21 to 25 age group.

Ready to Splurge on LuxuryThe affluent segment plans to increase spending by 15% to RMB 102,500 (USD 15,299) in 2023, 22% more than the budget set aside by Hong Kong travellers. The increase in travel budget is more evident in the 36+ age group, as well as those from Tier-1 cities. Meanwhile, the well-heeled segment (survey respondents in the top 20% percentile) is willing to spend an average of RMB 284,000 (USD 42,388).
More than one third of affluent Chinese travellers plan to fly in first or business class, while one in two choose to stay in upscale or luxury hotels on their next leisure trip.
Take it Slow, Experience is PriorityGone are the rushed, major attractions-packed tours as the affluent Chinese evolve from tourists to travellers. Over 70% of respondents desire slow, recuperative travel over an itinerary filled with activities. Travellers plan to immerse themselves like locals (58%), take more road trips (56%), take better care of themselves (56%), and attend more events (51%) in their future holidays.
Eight out of ten travellers are more willing to pay for experiences over tangible products, particularly those from Tier-3 cities (86%). This points to the growing potential of authentic and personalised travel experiences, where one savors the local sights, sounds and culture.
“What we are seeing among more affluent and experienced travellers are different mindsets and habits. We are seeing less desire for a frenetic pace of travel and itineraries that are deliberate. Millennials and Gen Z are more laid-back, they prefer experiences where they can interact with locals in meaningful and authentic ways,” said Simon Tye, Executive Director of Consumer Search Group.

Good Experience Drives LoyaltyThe survey confirms that Chinese travellers long to revisit destinations where they had positive experiences and fond memories, after missing out on travel for more than three years. They are keen to repeat the good times and pleasant experiences hence prioritise all-time favourite destinations including Japan, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, the United States, New Zealand and Canada.
Affluent Chinese travellers also tend to choose hotel or resort brands where they had good personal experiences in the past. Star-ratings and positive word-of-mouth also carry great potential for repeated visits.
Live to Eat but Bask in NatureWhile culinary experience remains a strong driver of leisure travel, 60% of travellers consider natural scenery as their first priority, especially among those aged 36+ (69%).
Chinese outbound travellers are also keen to incorporate wellness in their holidays (56%), with one-third prefer experiences including camping, hiking, outdoor adventures and cultural immersion. While shopping remains popular among them, interest in this activity wanes over younger age groups.
Hotel Brands Influence Destination ChoicesThe majority of travellers decide on a destination first before making hotel choices, but this decision process is declining. Instead, hotel brands are becoming a deciding factor in destination choice, especially among Gen Z travelers, with 26% plan their vacations around locations where their favorite hotel brand has a property.
The expectation on the roles of a hotel or resort has also expanded. With Chinese travellers being keen to engage and build social connections on the road, they hope to meet and interact with new people in the accommodation they stay in, shifting their preference towards community-minded and design-centric hotel properties, where there is a sense of conviviality, impeccable hospitality, and aesthetics.
Business Travel ReturnsMainland Chinese expect to resume their pre-pandemic level of international business travel this year, at an average of 2.1 trips — consistent with optimism towards post-pandemic recovery. While globally, business travel is facing a slower return amidst economic concerns, work-related trips from China are expected to rebound on the back of client servicing needs, internal engagements, conferences and industry events.

Staycations to StayEven as there is strong sentiment to travel overseas, “staycations” are also becoming more popular, with 80% planning to continue domestic travel, while 31% expecting to take four to 10 staycation trips in the next 12 months.
“This augurs well for domestic tourism which has grown tremendously over the past three years. With the government pump-priming development of attractions and experiences across China, we anticipate that domestic tourism will continue to be in demand even as international outbound travel continues to pick-up,” added Lo.
The “Outbound Rebound: The Return of Chinese Travellers” report also provides in-depth insights into other areas of interest, including key factors influencing decision-making, satisfaction levels of destinations, the value of loyalty memberships, the consumer decision journey, among others. The full copy of the report is available for download from https://www.finnpartners.com/news-insights/

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From celebratory slow travel on New Brunswick’s Fundy Trail Parkway to Indigenous projects that deepen our connection to the destination, there are genuine reasons to journey across the Great White North in 2023. Tailor-made tour operator Frontier Canada has outlined five holidays to book, with the list including an opportunity to combine the Yukon and neighbouring Alaska—the Canadian province and the U.S. state both marking historic anniversaries this year. The Yukon will also take centre stage this week (Wednesday, March 29, at 9pm), as episode two of BBC1’s Race Across The World sees contestants make their way into the heart of the northern territory to reach Dawson City.
​This August will mark 25 years since the first section of New Brunswick’s Fundy Trail Parkway was completed, its 19-mile stretch of road hugging the province’s southern coastline and the Bay of Fundy and winding its way through over 6,300 acres of woodland. Completed in 2020, the entire project is the brainchild of Dr. Mitchell Franklin. Containing part of the Fundy Footpath (rated as one of the Top 50 Hiking Trails in the World by Explore Magazine), the parkway is one of the longest stretches of remaining coastal wilderness areas between Florida and Labrador. Straddling two UNESCO sites, including the Fundy Biosphere Reserve and Stonehammer Global Geopark (the first in North America), its stellar scenic views have been compared to Australia’s Great Ocean Road and the Cabot Trail in neighbouring Nova Scotia. Slow travel at its best, the route includes 21 lookouts, 14 observation decks, five tidal-swept beaches, 19 hiking trails, and four waterfalls. Officially opened in 2020, the new Walton Glen Gorge observation point saves you a once-strenuous hike and leaves you with what is probably the most spectacular view in the province. Created by a series of volcanic eruptions, the 550-million-year-old gorge is 1,000 feet across, 525 feet deep, and features a waterfall. Finished in 2021, the latest connector road, which runs all the way to the Fundy National Park, integrated four natural attractions, including the Fundy Trail Parkway, the Fundy National Park, Hopewell Rocks, and Cape Enrage—the world-class signature coastal area named the Fundy Coastal Drive. 10-night Discover New Brunswick fly-drive holiday from from £2,190pp (two sharing) including all accommodation, car hire and return flights.

​In February 2023, Gwaxdlala/Nalaxdlala (or Lull Bay and Hoeya Sound) became the first designated marine refuge in the Northern Shelf Bioregion Marine Protected Area Network. Located in Mamalililkulla territory on the coast of British Columbia, the area is a vital ecosystem for more than 240 aquatic species and is home to a unique sponge and coral reef, estuaries, and salmon-bearing streams. The Mamalililkulla co-own Knight Inlet Lodge with four other First Nations, and their guides visit the same location on their full-day marine and whale excursions. Having lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years, Indigenous conservation is seen as the key to the successful conservation of wildlife and marine life. By rebalancing the ecosystem, travellers are also able to enjoy richer experiences and, by viewing the destination through an indigenous lens, make a deeper and more authentic connection with both people and place. Knight Inlet Lodge’s main attractions are Grizzlies, with cubs and juvenile bears best sighted from May through August along the estuary shoreline. Peak bear viewing and spawning salmon season runs from September through mid-October. The summer is the best time to view whales, including humpbacks and Orcas, along with Pacific white-sided dolphins and seals. The full-day marine tour is available on 4, 5 and 6 night packages. A donation to the lodges many conservation projects (for example, the ongoing Bear ID project), is included in the cost of the holiday. Six-night Bears of Knight Inlet Lodge wildlife viewing holiday from £4,095pp (two sharing) including all accommodation (including 3 nights at Knight Inlet Lodge – including full board and activities) and return Flights (including flights to Campbell river and return).
ADVERTISEMENT​June will mark 125 years since the Yukon was incorporated into Canada, and a second 125th anniversary celebrating the discovery of gold in the territory has been extended through 2023. Dawson City will forever be known as the capital of the Klondike Gold Rush (1896–1899), with visits to the nearby Discovery Claim, where paydirt was first struck, and Dredge 4, the largest wooden-hulled dredge in North America, both worthy of a visit. The Yukon’s stark natural beauty is best seen at your own pace on a self-drive trip. Revel in the panoramic views off the aptly named Top of the World Highway, savour the raw beauty of Kluane Lake (once called the most beautiful lake in the world), gaze at the snow-capped mountains and glaciers of the St. Elias Mountains, and drive through the Kluane National Park and Preserve. Home to ice fields, clear lakes, forests, and 17 of Canada’s 20 tallest mountains, the national park is a paradise for hikers, kayakers, and paddle boarders. 10-night Klondike Explorer fly-drive holiday from £2,639pp (two sharing) including all accommodation, car hire and return flights to Whitehorse via Vancouver.
With neighbouring Alaska also celebrating 100 years since the founding of the Alaska Railroad, it is the perfect time to hit the tracks and holiday across America’s Last Frontier by train. Climb aboard the Alaska Rail Explorer and enjoy magnificent window music and wildlife sightings from your glass-domed carriage. Delve into Alaska’s Native heritage in Anchorage, go wildlife cruising in Kenai National Park, hike across trails and tundra in Denali National Park, and pan for pay dirt in Fairbanks—the once-gold boom town doubling as a spectacular Northern Lights viewing hotspot. Eight-night Alaska Rail Explorer from £4,035pp (two sharing) including all accommodation, train as per itinerary, some excursions and a flight from Fairbanks back to Anchorage, and return Flights to Anchorage via Seattle.

​Many people come to Nova Scotia to sample its delicious maritime fare, and the province is home to two seafood-centric culinary trails: the Lobster Trail and the Chowder Trail. With its melting pot of cultural influences, including Acadian, Gaelic, African Nova Scotian, and First Nations people, you can also expect to find many culinary threads underpinning the dishes in Canada’s Ocean Playground. A province that is rapidly becoming known for its sparkling wine, the Benjamin Bridge Winery in the Annapolis Valley, is an example of how culture is influencing Nova Scotia’s offerings. The winery aims to reveal the identity of the Gaspereau Valley (which lies in the cradle of the larger Annapolis Valley) to the world through its collection, and one of its recent signature wines was created in partnership with the Glooscap Nation. Launched on National Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2022, the Glooscap First Nation ✗ Benjamin Bridge Rosé is described as a wine of peace and friendship. It also honours the fact that the winery is set on Mik’maq land, with half of the profits going back into the First Nation’s community. In addition, Benjamin Bridge co-hosts its annual Beyond Terroir event with the Glooscap Nation every September. The occasion features food stations hosted by Mi’kmaq knowledge holders and guided tours through the vineyard, with guests being given the opportunity to sample food and drink pairings prepared with ingredients from the vineyard’s garden and local producers. Seven-night Glimpse of Nova Scotia fly-drive from £1,875pp (two sharing) including all accommodation, car hire and return flights.
​Frontier Canada (020 8776 8709; [email protected]; Frontier-Canada.co.uk).  ATOL PROTECTED No 5405 ABTA W3207.

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Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (left) is given a tour of the construction site of the new 2000-room Princess Resort Jamaica by Chairman and owner of Princess Hotels and Resorts, Robert Cabrera.
Jamaica: Both the Hanover parish capital, Lucea, and the popular resort of Negril are being earmarked for major development to enhance them as tourist towns.With key hotel developments currently underway east and west of Lucea, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says much is in store that will make this area rival other existing resorts.
Construction is underway on the 950-room expansion of Grand Palladium Resorts as well as the new 2000-room Princess Jamaica Resort. Also, work is expected to commence shortly on construction of the Viva Wyndham Resort in Hanover.
Further details on these developments will be known when Minister Bartlett makes his Sectoral Presentation in Parliament on April 18. Meanwhile, he has also signalled that one of Lucea’s historical treasures, Fort Charlotte, is to receive attention and play an important role in marine life in the west.
On Thursday (March 23), Minister Bartlett, accompanied by Permanent Secretary Jennifer Griffith, Senior Advisor and Strategist Delano Seiveright and other senior personnel from the Ministry, toured the two hotels and the old fort from which an aged canon seemingly stands guard over the town.
The two-day tour of tourism entities and attractions in Hanover and Westmoreland is part of an island wide destination assurance drive to ensure that Jamaica delivers on its brand promise to visitors, which assures an authentic, safe, and seamless experience that is respectful towards the community and the environment.ADVERTISEMENTMinister Bartlett echoed announcements made by Prime Minister Andrew Holness in his budget presentation, noting that “Negril is one of our premier tourist destinations and in need of a major injection of resource support to realize its full potential. Within the upcoming fiscal year, the Government will present a comprehensive development plan which will include an international airport, a public beach park, a craft village and, with the help of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), a restored Royal Palm Reserve.”
As a fast-growing town, Negril is without any major commercial, industrial or civic complexes and “the Prime Minister has tasked the Factories Corporation of Jamaica (FCJ) with developing an urban centre for the resort town like that of Morant Bay. Land strategically located in the centre of the town has been identified and consultations started with the relevant stakeholders regarding its use. Soon Negril will be the jewel of Jamaica and the Caribbean,” added the tourism minister.
Additional infrastructure developments that will benefit Negril tremendously are the recently announced bypass road arrangements from Hopewell and Lucea, which will ease traffic congestion and make for faster travel time, as well as significant upgrades to the water and sewage systems.  These major projects will start this financial year.

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