Meeting Community

Vaccines and Digital Solutions to Ease Travel Restrictions
2021/07/12

New data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) indicates that the global vaccination rollout and increased adoption of digital solutions for safe travel should lead to a rise in international mobility in the coming weeks and months. According to the newest edition of the Travel Restrictions Report from the United Nations specialized agency for tourism, as of June 1, 2021, 29 per cent of all destinations worldwide have their borders completely closed to international tourism. More than half of these…
Feds Granting Exemptions for Fully Vaccinated Travellers Who Meet Specific Conditions
2021/06/28

Starting July 5, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. EDT the Canadian government is extending exemptions for fully vaccinated travellers entering Canada, if they meet specific conditions. Qualifying individuals include those who: • are eligible to enter Canada; • are asymptomatic; • meet the Government of Canada requirements of fully vaccinated travellers; and • meet all other entry requirements, including entering information in ArriveCAN before arrival. Those who meet the requirements may be exempt from quarantine, hotel stopover (for air travellers), and…
WTTC Urges Johnson to Open Up International Travel
2021/06/28

In a June 22, 2021, letter to Boris Johnson, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) warns of £639 million daily loss if international travel remains off limits. The global tourism body predicts a monthly £19.8 billion loss and of up to 218,000 jobs lost if international travel stays off limits over peak summer holiday period. The WTTC urges for a four-step plan to safely restart international travel to avoid inflicting severe long-term damage on the country’s economy and to…
Destination Canada Launches New Portals to Encourage Domestic Travel
2021/06/28

Destination Canada has launched two new portals to encourage domestic travel, which is the key to the recovery and revitalization of Canada’s tourism industry. The Canadian Packages Portal showcases Canadian tour packages across each province and territory, featuring built-out itineraries for domestic travellers to explore and experience the best of Canada. This new portal will support tour operators by providing access to an engaged audience through the Keep Exploring page, which will lead to conversion and bookings. Content will be…
Urgo Hotels & Resorts Canada and Devmont Construction Open First Dual-Branded Hilton Property in Québec
2021/06/28

Urgo Hotels & Resorts Canada and Devmont Construction have announced the first dual-branded Hilton property in Québec, which opened on June 7, 2021. It includes Homewood Suites® by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn brands to offer guests the best of both worlds in terms of leisure and business travel. The unique, custom-built hotel is located in midtown Montréal, in the booming new Westbury neighbourhood only steps from dining, retail, and major city landmarks. The property offers direct access to major…
Study Finds Virtual Events Making Data Management More Complicated for Event Planners
2021/06/28

The results of a research study titled “The Changing Role of Event Data ‐ New Challenges & Opportunities” conducted by Eventsforce in May 2021 showed that 82 per cent of organizers feel good data practices are going to be critical in running successful hybrid events. The study was based on the views of 200+ event professionals in the United States and the United Kingdom, representing corporates, associations, government, educational institutions, and event management agencies. One of the key objectives of…
National Trade Show Alliance Launches
2021/06/11

The National Trade Show Alliance has launched, founded in response to the challenges faced by individuals in the trade show community. “Our community members are those whose livelihood comes from the work created by in-person events, such as trade shows, conferences, and exhibitions,” says the Alliance website about the recent venture. “By creating a centralized platform, the National Trade Show Alliance will help community members find the support and resources they need right now and for their growth in the…
WTTC Campaign Shows Importance of International Travel
2021/06/11

A new campaign recently launched by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) calls on governments around the world to restart international travel and allow the world to “Reunite.” The campaign showcases the importance international travel has on individuals and businesses, and will hopefully encourage travellers to share with the world the positive impact travel makes to their lives and mental well-being, said the press release. “Reunite” will call on people from across the globe to share their own stories of…
PCMA Launches Digital Event Strategist Program to Support Hybrid Future
2021/06/11

PCMA’s Digital Event Strategist (DES) certification for event professionals has secured Encore, a leading global event technology and production company, as partner in a three-year agreement to include scholarships and other direct benefits to the business events community. “Digital and hybrid event education has proven to be important during the global pandemic to re-skill the industry. Organizations needed to find a way to meet, and the rapid transition to leverage digital platforms was the only path forward,” said the release.…
Hubb Survey Finds Majority Now Experienced in Planning Virtual Events
2021/06/11

Hubb, a leading virtual, hybrid, and in-person event software platform, released data earlier this spring on findings from its 2021 Spring UNTETHERED Design-a-thon Event. The findings confirm the pandemic forced a major change within the industry, with 83 per cent of event professionals surveyed saying they now have experience hosting and/or planning a virtual event, versus only 45 per cent surveyed in the May 2020. Hubb surveyed more than 1,600 of the event planners who attended the UNTETHERED event this…