Oct25

UNESCO World Heritage turns forty

In 1960, UNESCO’s campaigned the world over to save Egypt’s Abu Simbel from flooding by the Aswan Dam. This mammoth act of multinational cooperation galvanized the global community around heritage. France’s Culture Minister, André Malraux, said that our world “publicly proclaims [our] art as its indivisible heritage.” Over 50 countries funded half of the then $80 million cost to move the monuments out of harm’s way. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the World Heritage Convention, one of UNESCO’s most successful programs, arguably the most powerful vehicle for heritage preservation. Adopted by...

Scenic Ruby Sparkles Jun11

Scenic Ruby Sparkles

The Scenic Ruby offers top amenities and excursions and nearly everything is included The Scenic Ruby and its identical sister Space Ships stand out for their ability to accommodate larger floor plans of 205 square feet for most cabins, as well as for their amenities. Full step-out balconies, upgraded butler services and specialty dining are among the highlights of cruising on a Scenic ship. Space is the most amazing amenity of the accommodations onboard. Advise your clients not to be fooled by the cozy feeling they may have, as the immense convertible King bed in suites gives the illusion of a smaller cabin. High thread count white linens...

Jan15

Canada’s Eastern Gay Capitals

Travelers will find the Canadian capitals offer big-city and small-town delights. Story By Marc Kassouf • Photography By S. Nathan DePetris Along Canada’s coast, the cosmopolitan capitals of Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa beckon to gay and lesbian travelers and provide communities rich with heritage, culture, attractions and nightlife. It’s no wonder that the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (www.iglta.com) counts dozen of hotels and even cities themselves as members. TORONTO • Gay Pride & Events Pride Toronto has grown in size and popularity. With over one million attendees, Toronto’s Pride festival and parade...

Culture and Cuisine in Chiang Mai Aug12

Culture and Cuisine ...

Pride Travel’s CEO Marc Kassouf explores a temple and tastes northern Thai food in Chiang Mai. Outside the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, lies Chiang Mai, a more relaxed region to the North. Popular for its eco-tourism, Chiang Mai offers a variety of culinary and...

Visting Japan After ...

A first hand report on Tokyo and the surrounding area’s recovery in the aftermath of the disaster. When I was recently offered the opportunity to travel to Japan, I jumped at the chance to see how the tourism industry was recovering from the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Seeing what...

Jan20

24 Hours in Kingston

Canada’s former capital offers hidden history and heritage. Just two hours from either Toronto or Ottawa by VIA Rail train, the city of Kingston, Ontario, is a treasure trove of historic landmarks and picturesque Victorian heritage homes. Clients should start their sightseeing with a tour of...

Oct22

Fave Five Hidden Cities and Sites in Bavaria

Owner and CEO of Pride Travel Marc Kassouf shares his favorite finds in Bavaria, Germany. Germany, as a destination, offers a wealth of options when choosing cities and attractions for our clients; even an area seemingly as well defined as Bavaria presents a number of unique towns and sites. Each of the five picks listed below offers unique experiences and what I deem to be among the best sites in Southern Germany. Wurzburg The gateway to the Romantic Road, running south to fairytale-like castles, Wurzburg can serve as your client’s or group’s hub, with its good selection of hotels and various classes of accommodations. Nestled about...