Riding The Rails At The Royal York

with Martha Chapman

It’s not very often that Europe comes to Canada, so what a pleasure to mingle with tourism folks from Holland, Flanders (in Belgium) and EuRail at the posh Fairmont Royal York this week.

The occasion was an update from all 3 hosts, each of whom seems very happy about happenings for 2012.

According to Brigitta Kroon-Fiorita of the Netherlands Board of Tourism, Floriade is where it’s at next year. Holland’s once-every-ten-years floral mega-show is expected to draw millions of visitors to its acres and acres of displays. Next year’s Floriade will have 5 core themes showcased by Dutch designer Jan Taminiau, each separated by woodland areas: health, sustainability, culture, innovation and the green city. Green-thumbed clients will be pleased to hear that many tour operators and European river cruise operators are offering visits to Floriade in combination with a trip to the legendary Keukenhof Gardens.

Maastricht will host TEFAF, the world’s leading arts and antique fair from March 16th to 25th and the Maritime Museum has recently opened in Amsterdam. According to Kroon-Fiorita, it’s a joy for even diehard landlubbers, with a particularly great section for kids.

Over in Flanders, Liliane Opsomer conveyed news about 2 attractions for 2012, one very moving, and one very hilarious. The new Flanders Field Museum in Ypres will make sure the memory of World War I is kept alive; while the May 13th Cat Festival will see over 2,000 floats in a furry parade that is expected to draw flocks of fans of all things feline.

And to connect all of Europe, there’s EuRail. Did you know you can buy passes for 1 or up to 26 countries? That the passes give your clients reduced rates at museums, ferries, buses and even bike rentals? And that the darned cutest thing at this event was the miniature steam train puffing its way around a large table? Loaded with Belgian chocolates and delicious Dutch stroopwafel cookies - it was a delicious sight indeed!