Parmjit (Parm) Parmar

These Canary Islands emerged from volcanic activity in the Atlantic Ocean 20 million years ago and were discovered by Europeans in the 1500s.

Written by Parm Parmar
It's been two years since the 'Best of the Alps' made Toronto their last stop on their North American Roadshow. On Wednesday (October 22) they returned to host a media luncheon at Cibo Wine Bar downtown to showcase what's new for Canadians to explore in the Alps.
For over 30 years, Best of the Alps has been capturing the essence of the Alps by bringing together 10 of its most iconic spots: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Courmayeur, Crans-Montana, Davos Klosters...

Nantes is a vibrant city full of art, culture and history! It’s a port city on the Loire River, less than an hour from the sea, making it a great place to visit all year round. This city (France’s sixth largest) seamlessly blends centuries-old architecture and cobbled streets with modern art installations.
In summer, Nantes comes alive with performances, concerts, public art with Le Voyage A Nantes and many cultural festivals such as the Folle Journée classical music festival.
✈️ Book your fl...

The Loire River, longest in all of France, is in a region once favoured by French Royals (pre-French revolution), home to chateaus, vineyards, medieval cities and Nantes, the cultural gateway to the Loire region. Once an 18 th century maritime city, Nantes is now a youthful university town with boutiques, art and Michelin-worthy restaurants.
Our ship is moored on “ile de Nantes”, just steps away from the famous ile de Machines, a steam-punk park featuring the famous mechanical elephant and on...

Views of Golden Gate Bridge from The Presidio in San Francisco (all photos courtesy Parm Parmar)
Post date: Apr 12 2024
By: Parm Parmar
SAN FRANCISCO — Canadians have always needed more options for flying into the U.S., and with the expansion of Porter Airlines into more destinations south of the border, there’s a new option for many cities – including San Francisco.
Porter aims to redefine the economy flying experience, and we were along for the ride to see it firsthand. To experience San Fr...

The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) hosted a farewell reception for Gal Hana, Consul for Tourism and Director for Canada for IMOT Canada, on 18JUN as he embarks on new ventures.
While a live band played in the background at a club overlooking Lake Ontario, guests, including tourism partners, travel agents, and media, sipped cocktails and nibbled on appetizers while catching up with Hana and the IMOT team on the latest developments.
Hana arrived in Canada in 2019 during the Toronto Raptors' ...

The aptly named Finger Lakes region, with its long willowy-shaped lakes crested by vineyards on either side, is looking to attract Canadians.
Located in New York State just across Lake Ontario, this cottage country’s charms are relatively undiscovered. Visitors will experience fine, farm-to-table dining, bountiful nature and a number of fine wineries.
New York State Tourism recently organized a "mini-fam" tour with prominent travel agents to delve into the Finger Lakes region, showcasing firs...

For millennia, the Palm Springs area has been renowned for “taking the waters,” harnessing the therapeutic benefits of natural mineral-rich hot springs. This custom traces its roots back to the original Native American inhabitants, notably the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who deeply understood and revered the healing properties of these underground waters.
In contemporary times, Palm Springs remains a premier destination for relaxation and indulgence in spa treatments, drawing in d...

Embark on an exhilarating escape to three Palm Springs spas amidst breathtaking desert scenery and towering mountains

The Caribbean islands of Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines united with Sandals to present an unforgettable Travel Advisors Mixer at the Hilton Toronto Airport (26FEB, 2024).
A gathering of 150 travel advisors from Ontario convened for an evening filled with networking and exploration, delving into the distinct charms of these island gems. Open Jaw spoke with several agents; many had booked clients to one or more of these destinations, while others had no exposure, which w...

On Valentine's Day, the Jamaica Tourist Board partnered with Couples Resorts and Sandals to present an exclusive movie screening commemorating the long-awaited debut of the Bob Marley "One Love" biopic.
Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Yorkdale's Cineplex, travel agents, their hands complete with movie snacks, enjoyed the opportunity to delve into the Jamaican culture, captivating music, and legend of Bob Marley.
Racquel Queensborough said, "Tonight is our first night with retail agents. Late...

Canadians have always had a love affair with Puerto Vallarta.
PVR’s tropical climate and warm temperatures make it an ideal vacation spot from December to April. The weather is perfect during this period, with temperatures not too hot during the day and cool enough at night to require a light jacket or sweater. An added plus, you might even get lucky and spot Humpback whales.
What makes Puerto Vallarta So Captivating?
Beyond its reputation as a beach resort, Puerto Vallarta has transformed in...

More than three million customers are expected to travel with Air Canada this holiday season, and over 1,200 Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express flights will fly daily.
Tina Flammia, Director of Global Concierge and premium Customer Experience at Air Canada, shared her top holiday travel tips with Open Jaw. Today marks her 35th year with Air Canada, during which she navigated various roles, from reservations to managing operations across Canada and North America. It has been ...

The Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA) launched its yearlong campaign, "Show Me Taiwan!" in Canada, aiming to strengthen the bond between Canadian travellers and Taiwan's vibrant culture.
The campaign kicked off in Toronto on 09DEC with a lively pop-up booth at the CF Eaton Centre. In Vancouver, the excitement continues from 16DEC to 17DEC at CF Richmond Centre.
The public was invited to drop by and explore Taiwan's adventure, culinary, and cultural offerings—going beyond traditional tourism...

Jamaica is experiencing a remarkable surge in tourism, evident by the impressive visitation numbers reaching 3.88 million as the year 2023 draws to a close. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett recently returned from Europe after promoting Jamaica in Eastern Europe and earlier at the World Travel Market.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
Philip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism for the Americas at Jamaica Tourism Board (JTB), extended a warm welcome to travel agents and guests at the award gala (06...