Yearly Archives: 2025

Another front in the trade war: tourism dollars

Save for laterThousands of Canadians are ripping up plans to play slots in Vegas, watch Broadway shows and explore the Grand Canyon for one reason – they are disgusted by Donald Trump’s treatment of Canada.The U.S. President’s bombastic annexation threats, his belittling of Canada and his erratic tariffs have caused many Canadians to ditch plans to visit south of the border. The trend – driven by patriotism, anger and in some cases, fear – is more than symbolic.The boycott is causing pain for U.S. businesses that depend on tourism. By keeping up the pressure, Canadians can spur American business owners to push back on Mr. Trump. It’s another front in the trade war, adding to official retaliation such as dollar-for-dollar tariffs and the buy-Canadian movement that is sweeping through this country’s retail sector.In February, the number of Canadian residents returning by automobile from the U.S. – 1.2 million – was a 23 per cent drop from the same month in 2024, according to Statistics Canada. Canadian airlines are seeing drops in cross-border bookings, with WestJet pulling some routes to the U.S. Tourism firms in the U.S. say bookings from Canada have dramatically slowed and cancellations have increased. Much like the boycott of American consumer goods, cutting U.S. travel is a move that is difficult for the Trump administration to counter.A 10 per cent drop in Canadian travel would amount to US$2.1-billion in lost spending, and could result in the loss of 14,000 jobs, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Florida, the home of Mr. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, is likely to feel the most pain, given the state is the top destination for Canadian travellers. As a Republican held “red state,” it has strong connections with the new government. Other top destinations for Canadians include Arizona, Nevada and Michigan, swing states that could be closely watched in the 2026 midterm elections.Regardless of a person’s political views, the environment in the U.S. today is less welcoming for Canadian travellers. The low loonie has made travel more costly, and fears about treatment at border crossings have increased.It would have been hard to imagine even a few months ago that white collar businesses in Canada would advise employees to use “burner phones” and scrub their social media accounts before entering the U.S. Reports about a B.C. woman held by American immigration officials for two weeks, and the refusal to allow entry of some Iranian-born Canadians, have sparked concerns about the risks of interrogation and arbitrary detention at the border.And the general political climate, with raids on migrants and the gutting of the civil service, contributes to a dark atmosphere that for some, is overshadowing America’s reputation as a fun travel destination.Canada’s own tourism industry is well positioned to benefit, and tourism boards and government officials should look for ways to help the sector take advantage of the moment through advertising campaigns and other initiatives. Some tourism operators in Ontario’s Prince Edward County and Niagara Falls are seeing signs that Canadians are shifting to domestic tourism options, which could help bolster the economy and offset other sectors, such as manufacturing, which face tariff headwinds.There is also an opportunity for Canada to attract tourists from Europe and other places who would normally vacation in the U.S. An article in Britain’s Sunday Times about an increase in interest in Canada travel asked: “Is Vancouver now cooler than Seattle?”Let’s not write off our American neighbours either. Despite the two countries’ differences, Canadians should continue to offer a warm welcome to American tourists. Many are still keen to travel here – cross-border trips from U.S. residents did drop by 8 per cent, but that’s a less dramatic plunge than the one for Canadians heading south. Every dollar they contribute to our economy helps – think of it as a counter-tariff.A travel boycott is not going to cause Mr. Trump to immediately ditch his provocations, but it adds pressure on him to rethink his actions toward his neighbours. Some business and family trips to the U.S. can’t be avoided, but vacations, shopping trips and other discretionary travel can be cut. Canadians can’t vote in U.S. elections – but they can vote with their feet.

Pacific Tourism Organisation Partners with Solomon Islands Tourism on 2024 Business Confidence Index

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), in collaboration with Tourism Solomons and the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), has released the Solomon Islands Business Confidence Index (BCI) 2024 Report. This comprehensive survey provides key insights into the local business community’s perceptions of the tourism sector and its prospects.Conducted from September 3 to December 31, 2024, the survey gathered 84 responses, with 78 valid submissions analyzed. The findings reflect private sector perspectives within the tourism industry and offer valuable guidance for policymakers, investors, and business leaders.
Solomon Islands is among 10 Pacific Island countries —Cook Islands, Niue, PNG, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga, Kiribati, Timor Leste, and FSM-Yap under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative funded by the New Zealand Government. PTDI continues to serve as an essential resource for tourism data across the Pacific through the bi-annual International Visitor Survey (IVS), an annual Business Confidence Index (BCI), and an annual Community Attitude Survey (CAS) report to strengthen regional tourism strategies.
87% of respondents from the survey were Solomon Islands citizens, with 46% of businesses based in Honiara and 54% operating in other provinces, demonstrating broad national participation. Accommodation providers comprised 48% of surveyed businesses, followed by visitor activity and tour operators (23%) and retail outlets (11%). The average annual business turnover was reported at SBD 634,444, with 51% of total revenue attributed directly to tourism. 46% of businesses plan to expand their workforce, yet 67% cited workforce development challenges, and 33% identified a lack of tourism expertise in local communities. Businesses highlighted economic constraints (23%), governance and policy concerns (18%), and infrastructure and accessibility issues (18%) as major hurdles to growth.
The Solomon Islands Government has allocated SBD 46 million in the 2025 Budget to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to support industry development and investment. Key
areas for long-term sustainability include service quality enhancement (80%), product development (69%), and business continuity and strategic planning (67%).
Tourism Solomons CEO Dagnal Dereveke emphasized that the BCI results serve as a crucial tool to drive informed decision-making. “These insights will help shape policy priorities, boost investor confidence, and enhance strategic planning within the private sector. Addressing workforce development, economic challenges, and infrastructure concerns while leveraging government support is essential for long-term growth and resilience in the tourism industry.”
The 2024 BCI Report underscores tourism’s pivotal role in the Solomon Islands’ economy. By focusing on skills development, infrastructure improvements, and sustainability, the sector is poised to strengthen its contribution to national growth and economic resilience.
SPTO CEO Christopher Cocker mentioned the results of the Solomon Islands BCI survey offer invaluable insights into the evolving needs and expectations of visitors, which will guide efforts in enhancing tourism experiences.
“This data is crucial for shaping a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector that aligns with the aspirations of both visitors and local communities, ensuring that tourism continues to be a force for good in the region.”

Heathrow Express slashes ticket prices for savvy travellers

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowBy booking 45 days or more in advance, passengers can snap up a one-way ticket for just £10 and enjoy a 15-minute, non-stop journey between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport. No traffic jams, no crowded tubes – just a fast, comfortable, premium service at an affordable price.These bargain fares aren’t a limited-time deal. Available all year round, Heathrow Express offers smart travellers a reliable and affordable way to save on travel costs without compromising on speed or comfort.Whether heading off on a business trip, a weekend getaway, or a long-haul family holiday, passengers can expect spacious seating, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of secure luggage space, offering the fastest, smoothest, and most stress-free journey to or from Heathrow Airport.Aoife Considine, Business Lead at Heathrow Express, said: “We know every penny counts when travelling. That’s why we’re committed to offering an affordable way to get to and from Heathrow, without having to compromise on quality. It’s all the perks with none of the premium price, and a no-brainer for anyone looking to save both time and money on their travels”.Heathrow Express StaffTickets are available exclusively online or via the Heathrow Express mobile app, and with no set travel time, you can hop on any train on your booked day. But act fast – the further in advance you purchase, the cheaper the ticket.Start your trip the smart way – book early, save big, and enjoy a premium journey for a bargain price.Continue Reading

Is JOMO Travel The Secret To An Amazing Vacation?

Oscar Wong via Getty ImagesEmbracing JOMO fosters a sense of peace and freedom in travel. “Gig-tripping.” “Sleepcations.” “Hush trips.” The list of quippy terms and trends in the travel industry is ever growing. Lately, another new concept has been circulating: JOMO travel.As we race through spring break season and into summer 2025, people planning trips might want to consider embracing the JOMO approach. But what exactly is JOMO travel and how does it work?Advertisement

Below, experts break down the benefits and downsides of this trend ― and how to best embrace it in your future travels. For starters, what is JOMO?“Most people are familiar with the term FOMO, or the ‘fear of missing out.’ JOMO is the opposite of that – it stands for the ‘joy of missing out,’” Melanie Fish, a travel expert and head of global PR for Vrbo, told HuffPost. “The JOMO mentality is all about protecting your peace and personal needs rather than staying super busy and compelled to always be doing something.”Advertisement

Is JOMO Travel The Secret To An Amazing Vacation?

Oscar Wong via Getty ImagesEmbracing JOMO fosters a sense of peace and freedom in travel. “Gig-tripping.” “Sleepcations.” “Hush trips.” The list of quippy terms and trends in the travel industry is ever growing. Lately, another new concept has been circulating: JOMO travel.As we race through spring break season and into summer 2025, people planning trips might want to consider embracing the JOMO approach. But what exactly is JOMO travel and how does it work?Advertisement

Below, experts break down the benefits and downsides of this trend ― and how to best embrace it in your future travels. For starters, what is JOMO?“Most people are familiar with the term FOMO, or the ‘fear of missing out.’ JOMO is the opposite of that – it stands for the ‘joy of missing out,’” Melanie Fish, a travel expert and head of global PR for Vrbo, told HuffPost. “The JOMO mentality is all about protecting your peace and personal needs rather than staying super busy and compelled to always be doing something.”Advertisement