Martha Chapman

Toronto

Seasoned corporate writer with focus on leisure travel. Believes most important travel accessory is a sense of humour! 55 countries & counting

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Articles

Travel Advisors Dish on Why They Love Their Career

1 week ago | openjaw.com | Martha Chapman

As we celebrate Travel Advisor Day, it's inspiring to see so many passionate travel advisors across Canada. In many ways, their job grows more complex day by day, but it’s heartening to see consumers increasingly recognize the value of an advisor’s services more than ever (and willing to pay for them). To learn why Canadian advisors love their chosen career, we reached out to several across the country … and here’s what they said.
Almare on Isla Mujeres Brings Boutique Charm to Legendary, Funky Island

1 week ago | openjaw.com | Martha Chapman

About 30 minutes off the coast of Cancun, surrounded by an ocean of a thousand hues of turquoise, lies Isla Mujeres. For decades a destination of the laid back, hippy dippy tourist, it was renowned for its dusty, sleepy vibe and eccentric bars and restos. Times have changed. The island now welcomes hundreds of tourists who come to party on its pure white beaches. Yet the island (“La Isla” as the locals call it) retains its kooky character.
Fora Enters Canadian Host Agency Market

3 weeks ago | openjaw.com | Martha Chapman

In a landscape populated by numerous Canadian host agencies, is there room for one more – and an American one, at that? The answer, according to Fora Co-Founder and CEO Henley Vazquez, is a firm yes. Established in fall of 2021, the host agency says it has already passed $1Billion in total bookings.
“Energizing Advisors” Royal Caribbean Hosts Info-Packed Seminars

1 month ago | openjaw.com | Martha Chapman

If knowledge is power, Royal Caribbean is making sure advisors are more powerful than ever. If there’s one thing that’s true in our industry, it’s that cruising is becoming more and more popular. Only a few years ago, it was a mere 5% of the leisure market in Canada, and is now estimated at a whopping 30%, according to Royal Caribbean’s Maria Gibson, Strategic Account Manager. So the choices are expanding and it’s getting more complicated to sort it all out – much less explain it to the client.
Small Luxury Hotels: “This Will Be the Year of Canada”

1 month ago | openjaw.com | Martha Chapman

In an era where hotel chains are consistent but cookie-cutter, it’s refreshing to see a group of hotels which are defiantly independent. Not to mention devoted to their guests and, in some cases, quite quirky. That was what a select group of media learned on 01APR at the Sassafras Resto in Toronto’s tony Yorkville neighbourhood. For the first time since 2019, Small Luxury Hotels sent a trade mission to Canada to promote their array of extraordinary properties.
Selling Paris Like a Pro as Travel Plans Pivot Away from U.S.

1 month ago | openjaw.com | Martha Chapman

Lining up to board our Air France flight from CDG to YYZ last week, the Canadian entrepreneur beside me did not mince her words. “No one in my circle of friends and family is buying anything American – and certainly not travelling there.”“I’m in Paris instead of Florida,” having switched out Florida’s palms for Paris’ charms, and she was delighted with her decision.
Bucking the Trend: Ontario’s Murdoch Travel Opens 2nd Location

1 month ago | openjaw.com | Martha Chapman

In an era when it seems bricks-and-mortar travel agencies are disappearing faster than melting snow, Ontario’s Murdoch Travel has opened a second location in Waterloo – bricks and all. Founded in Barrie, Ont. in 1989, the agency has grown and prospered to the point that it is one of Travelsavers’ top 25 Canadian agencies. And with their eye firmly on the leisure travel helm, the company sees only an exciting growth curve ahead as clients’ needs and wishes evolve.
Picture Perfect: Avalon Artistry II Inaugural Sailing in Bordeaux

1 month ago | openjaw.com | Martha Chapman

European river cruising goes from strength to strength, and it’s no wonder with innovations such as Avalon Waterway’s new Bonjour Bordeaux itinerary. Open Jaw was on board for a first-hand experience. The ship, the 128 passenger Avalon Artistry II, has recently been refurbished and is a welcoming home for the eight night itineraries which focus on the region’s history, scenery, chateaux (of which there are over 800) and - no surprise here - wine.
Picture Perfect: Avalon Artistry II Inaugural Sailing in Bordeaux

1 month ago | openjaw.com | Martha Chapman

European river cruising goes from strength to strength, and it’s no wonder with innovations such as Avalon Waterway’s new Bonjour Bordeaux itinerary. Open Jaw was on board for a first-hand experience. The ship, the 128 pax Avalon Artistry II, has recently been refurbished and is a welcoming home for the 8-day itineraries which focus on the region’s history, scenery, chateaux (of which there are over 800) and - no surprise here - wine.
Optimistic But Realistic: New York State Courts Canucks

2 months ago | openjaw.com | Martha Chapman

“We can’t say how much we love you.”From “popping across the border” for a spot of shopping to full-blown state-wide fly-drives for longer-haul clients, it’s no secret that Canadians have felt welcomed and comfortable in New York State for generations. But our enthusiastic embrace of the Empire State may now have changed because of, well, you know. We are living through a sea change in attitudes to our southern neighbours, and tourism, sadly, is in the crosshairs.