Loft Entertainment and Oak View Group (OVG) today unveiled its first announcement of artists and speakers stemming from music, art, comedy and tech who are confirmed to attend the inaugural Departure Festival + Conference from May 6-11, 2025 in Toronto. These creatives include music luminaries Bryan Adams, Mustafa, Tia Wood, and Death From Above 1979; renowned restaurateur Matty Matheson; platinum record producer T-Minus in conversation with Brian “B.Dot” Miller; influential figure and innovator in the sports and entertainment industry Tim Leiweke, Chairman & CEO of Oak View Group (OVG); tech thought leader Matt McGowan, GM of Snap Inc. in Canada; and reputable crisis communications expert Molly McPherson. Together, these creatives exemplify the very best of their respective crafts, achieving massive success domestically and abroad. A groundbreaking new partnership with Elevate, Canada’s most influential tech and innovation event, adds to the conference’s dynamic programming.

A reimagined and expanded vision of Canadian Music Week (CMW), Departure is a dynamic and innovative launchpad bursting with diverse talent, audience favourites, and modern creative industry thinkers. While Hotel X Toronto, the urban resort on the Lake Ontario Waterfront, will serve as Departure’s host hotel, the global event will reach audiences across Toronto with concert venues in every corner of the city. A stream of notable speakers, artists and must-attend events will continue to be revealed over the coming months. Priority and Conference passes are on sale now at departureto.com.

“Our first edition of Departure is about honouring our roots in music and growing into other creative spaces while fostering the relationship between artist and industry,” said Kevin Barton, Executive Producer at Loft Entertainment. “This year’s lineup showcases a wealth of established and emerging talent from across the country and beyond, creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue, sharing innovative ideas and building deeper connections within Canada’s dynamic arts community. We look forward to sharing more programming announcements in the weeks to come.”

“With its vibrant cultural scene, Toronto is the perfect home for the Departure Festival + Conference,” said Tom Pistore, President of Oak View Group Canada. “We look forward to bringing together the most diverse and talented group of artists, innovators, and industry leaders to create a launchpad for the next wave of music, art, tech, and comedy.”

The Conference portion is where industry professionals from Canada and abroad will come together as a community to share ideas, inspire one another and connect to build a vibrant creative future. The Festival portion of the weeklong event is where audiences can enjoy musical performances by their favourite artists, comedy sets from some of North America’s funniest people and culinary experiences from top chefs.

CONFERENCE PROGRAMMING TO DATE:

Industry Experts:
Departure’s robust lineup of powerhouse speakers highlights individual streams within the creative space, welcoming Canadian chef, restaurateur and actor/executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning hit show The Bear, Matty Matheson; legendary music superstar Bryan Adams in collaboration with Radiodays North America; leader and veteran in the sports and entertainment industry Tim Leiweke, Chairman & CEO of Oak View Group (OVG); Grammy-nominated record producer T-Minus; one of music journalism’s most revered voices and viral Rap Radar Podcast co-host, Brian “B.Dot” Miller; Emmy award-winning music supervisor Matt Biffa who has worked on Sex Education, Hacks, and Harry Potter; and renowned photographer and creative director Danny Hastings, who has worked alongside some of the biggest names in the music industry.

Incorporating a wider spectrum of artistic expressions, the Conference will also include trailblazer and advocate for Indigenous voices Shayla Stonechild and internationally recognized crisis communications expert Molly McPherson.

“Toronto has helped me build a beautiful community I can always come back to and has deepened my love for food,” said Matty Matheson. “Toronto is a perfect place to discover something new and really dive in head first. Departure reminds me of those feelings for Toronto; where we thrive on creativity and culture and all the people who make this city special.”

Radiodays North America:
Taking place May 6 – 8 at Hotel X, ​Radiodays North America is the premier conference for radio, podcasting, and digital audio professionals, Radiodays will feature inspiring speakers about the latest trends and strategies shaping the future of audio. More programming details to be announced in the coming weeks.

Tech:
Diving into the future of technology, Departure will feature leaders in the tech space including General Manager of Snap Inc. in Canada, Matt McGowan, President of Visibility Media and former Global Head of Riot Games Music Toa Dunn, and the Co-Founder and CEO of Elevate, Lisa Zarzeczny.

Bridging the gap between tech and entertainment, Departure will also be joining forces with Elevate, Canada’s most influential tech and innovation event. Elevate is a non-profit that unites world-class innovators to catalyze transformation in the Canadian tech ecosystem. Elevate has hosted global icons such as First Lady & Author Michelle Obama, Businesswoman & TV personality Martha Stewart, and Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.

Film:
Continuing to celebrate the power of music, Departure will host special film presentations including Alex Ross Perry’s (Golden Exits, Her Smell) latest film Pavements (MUBI) about the iconic ’90s indie band Pavement starring Jason Schwartzman​ and Joe Keery. More film programming will be announced in the coming weeks.

FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING TO DATE:

Departure will present Music and Comedy Showcases available to all pass holders, along with Premium events that require the purchase of separate tickets. The Comedy Showcase lineup will be announced in February and the Music Showcase following in March.

Music:
With lively performances across the city from Meridian Hall to History, The Drake Hotel and more, Departure will feature some of the most sought-after artists making waves today. The Premium events include multi-award winning powerhouse Mustafa; groundbreaking soulful performer Tia Wood; punk rock duo Death From Above 1979 performing for two nights at Lee’s Palace celebrating the 10th Anniversary of their album The Physical World; R&B visionary Avenoir; French pop duo Papooz ; indie rockers Rural Alberta Advantage; genre-defying duo Freak Heat Waves; celebrated singer-songwriter Bria Salmena; and burgeoning Brooklyn-based punk band YHWH Nailgun; with more to be announced.

Ensuring audiences experience the full breadth of Toronto’s bustling cultural scene, Departure will extend across the city with special events at Stackt Market, The Well and a 40th anniversary celebration of Lee’s Palace. More information on those events to be shared in the coming weeks.

Highlighted Premium events include:
Mustafa – May 6 @ Meridian Hall
Avenoir – May 6 @ Axis Club
Rural Alberta Advantage – May 7 @ Lee’s Palace
Freak Heat Waves – May 7 @ Dance Cave
Death From Above 1979 – May 8 & 9 @ Lee’s Palace
Bria Salmena – May 9 @ The Great Hall
Tia Wood – May 9 @ The Drake Hotel
YHWH Nailgun – May 9 @ Bovine Sex Club
Papooz – May 11 @ Lee’s Palace

Comedy:
With more than 40 years of shaping the comedy landscape, Bruce Hills, the former president of Just For Laughs, has joined as the Executive Producer of Departure Comedy. Renowned for uncovering and fostering the talent behind some of the biggest names in comedy today, Hills’ focus will be on curating an impressive comedy slate, conference and spearheading the Canadian industry showcases for the festival.

From intimate spaces to large theatres, the festival’s comedy programming will be in iconic venues around the city including Meridian Hall, Comedy Bar, The Second City Toronto, and Queen Elizabeth Theatre – all of which will come alive with laughter as they host acclaimed stand-up comedians.

In the coming weeks, Departure will unveil its 2025 comedy and conference lineup and a number of Canadian industry showcases which will include Don’t Tell Comedy, the # 1 global discovery platform for stand-up comedy, who will bring their premier stand-up showcase to Toronto at a secret and unique location, while spotlighting incredible Canadian talent. Don’t Tell Comedy’s Tapings are a global phenomenon, the clips garner over an astonishing 1.2 billion views annually.

More details on the Departure comedy programming to be announced.

Additional guests and events will be announced in the coming weeks. For more programming and ticketing info, visit departureto.com.

As AYLA continues to enchant guests with its cinematic nod to Hong Kong’s golden era, we’re thrilled to spotlight two upcoming celebrations. ​​For Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Weekend, AYLA’s chefs have created feature dishes that blend bold, vibrant flavours with cultural traditions, offering a memorable way to mark these occasions.

Lunar New Year Special (January 31 – February 2)
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with Ayla’s Good Fortune Salad, a stunning creation symbolizing prosperity and abundance. Thoughtfully composed, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious:
-Good Fortune Salad: Cured salmon, cabbage, pomegranate, daikon, cashew, toasted sesame, crispy chickpeas, red watercress, chow mein, watermelon radish.
-To honour the Lunar New Year tradition, all orders of the Good Fortune Salad will include a red pocket with a surprise for your next visit—such as a glass of bubbly, dessert, or another special treat.

Valentine’s Weekend (February 14 – 16)
Celebrate love with AYLA’s Valentine’s Weekend features, designed to bring joy and indulgence to the table. Each dish is crafted with care to enhance your romantic evening:
-Juicy Lamb Dumplings: Lao gan ma, sour cream, anchovy.
-Mousse au Chocolat Baijiu: Shaved strawberry, condensed milk.
-Deviled Ramen Egg: Miso kewpie, ikura, smoked bonito.

Reserve here.

From Ryan Coogler—director of “Black Panther” and “Creed”—and starring Michael B. Jordan comes a new vision of fear: “Sinners.”

Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.

“You keep dancing with the devil, one day he’s gonna follow you home.” Written and directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Coogler, “Sinners” stars Jordan (the “Black Panther” and “Creed” franchises) in a dual role, joined by Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld (“Bumblebee,” “True Grit”), Jack O’Connell (“Ferrari”), Wunmi Mosaku (“Passenger”), Jayme Lawson (“The Woman King”), Omar Miller (“True Lies”), and Delroy Lindo (“Da 5 Bloods”).

The film is produced by Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian and Ryan Coogler. The executive producers are Ludwig Göransson, Will Greenfield and Rebecca Cho.

Coogler’s behind-the-camera artisans include his “Black Panther” franchise collaborators: director of photography Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Oscar-winning production designer Hannah Beachler, editor Michael P. Shawver, Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Göransson, and Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents A Proximity Media Production: “Sinners.” The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theatres only nationwide on April 18, 2025, and internationally beginning on 16 April 2025.

TIFF is marking a major milestone in 2025 as it celebrates the 50th edition of its Festival with a once-in-a-lifetime marquee series titled The TIFF Story in 50 Films. Curated by TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey, with input and insight from TIFF programmers past and present, this series will showcase 50 landmark films from around the world that played a significant role in connecting with audiences, and reflect the story of TIFF.

“The TIFF Story in 50 Films is more than a retrospective — it’s a celebration of the landmark moments that have defined our Festival’s legacy,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF. “Curating this series has been a labour of love, poring over decades of Festival programme books to select 50 films that reflect five decades of TIFF’s taste, eye for new talent, and passion for bringing groundbreaking cinema to our audience. While so many more films have been integral to TIFF’s story and illustrate our current narrative, I’m excited to share the full list in the months ahead and to revisit the memories and enduring impact these films have had on all of us.”

These film titles will include groundbreaking World Premieres and bold discoveries of new filmmaking talent, and speak to the breadth of artistry that has created such memorable Festival moments over the years. While only a sample of the many thousands of films presented since 1976, this selection captures the Festival’s enduring impact. The TIFF Story in 50 Films is free for TIFF Members, one way of thanking supporters for 50 years of discovering great movies together. The series will run from June to August and will feature special events and guests, with the full list of film titles, dates, and invitees to be shared at a later date.

See the North, TIFF’s monthly, free series of Canadian cinema presented by MUBI, will celebrate the 50th milestone in 2025 by honouring the work of Canadian women and nonbinary filmmakers programmed in the years since the first Festival five decades ago. Coming up on February 11 is Darlene Naponse’s Falls Around Her, which had its World Premiere at the 2018 Festival. Monthly films will be listed in the seasonal programming highlights and online at tiff.net.

Over the past five decades, TIFF has evolved from the “Festival of Festivals” (the organization officially changed its name to the Toronto International Film Festival in 1994) to the largest public film festival in the world, which in 2024 welcomed approximately 700,000 guests, more than 700 talent, and 280 films as part of its Official Selection.

As announced last week, Rogers, the official Presenting Partner of the Festival, will develop and produce a TIFF 50th edition television special exploring the history, and featuring archival footage, to be aired exclusively on Citytv.

The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, will run September 4–14, 2025. For more information, visit tiff.net.

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers in Toronto and Montreal a chance to attend an Advance Screening of LOVE HURTS!

Advance screenings will be held Wednesday February 5, 2025 at 7 pm in: 

·         Toronto: Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Dundas and VIP 

·         Montreal EN: Cinema Banque Scotia 

Synopsis:

No matter how hard you try, you can’t break up with your past. 

This Valentine’s Day, Oscar^® winner Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once, Loki) rockets into his first major leading man role as an unlikely hero, a seemingly mild-mannered realtor with a dark secret that he is desperate to leave behind. Spoiler alert: He won’t. 

From 87North—producers of the groundbreaking action films Nobody, Violent Night, Bullet Train, Atomic Blonde and The Fall Guy—comes a visceral, high-octane story of wrath and revenge.  

Quan stars as Marvin Gable, a realtor working the Milwaukee suburbs, where ‘For Sale’ signs bloom. Gable receives a crimson envelope from Rose (Oscar^® winner Ariana DeBose; West Side Story, Argylle), a former partner-in-crime that he had left for dead. She’s not happy. 

Now, Marvin is thrust back into a world of ruthless hitmen, filled with double-crosses and open houses turned into deadly warzones. With his brother Knuckles (Daniel Wu; Tomb Raider, Warcraft), a volatile crime lord, hunting him, Marvin must confront the choices that haunt him and the history he never truly buried.

The film features a killer soundtrack and impressive and diverse cast that includes former NFL running back and Super Bowl champion Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch (Bottoms, 80 for Brady), Mustafa Shakir (Emancipation, Luke Cage), Lio Tipton (Crazy, Stupid, Love., Lucy), Rhys Darby (Jumanji: The Next Level,Yes Man), André Eriksen (Violent Night, The Trip) and Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Perry Mason).

Produced by 87North’s Kelly McCormick and David Leitch, Love Hurts is written by Matthew Murray (Sheltered, CloudStreet: Soaring the American West) & Josh Stoddard (Warrior, Kaleidoscope) and Luke Passmore (Archenemy, Slaughterhouse Rulez). Guy Danella (Violent Night) is also producing. The executive producer is Ben Ormand. 

Making his feature film directing debut on Love Hurts is acclaimed veteran stunt coordinator and fight coordinator JoJo Eusebio, whose credits include some of the greatest action films of the past decade including Black Panther, The Avengers, the John Wick films, The Matrix Resurrections, Violent Night, The Fall Guy and Deadpool 2. Eusebio also served as the second-unit director on Deadpool 2, Violent Nightand Birds of Prey. 

Genre: Action

Starring: Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, Daniel Wu, Sean Astin, Mustafa Shakir, Lio Tipton, Rhys Darby, Marshawn Lynch, André Eriksen

Directed by: JoJo Eusebio

Written by: Matthew Murray & Josh Stoddard and Luke Passmore

Producers: Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, Guy Danella

Executive Producer: Ben Ormand

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. In the comments please tell us which City you are signing-up for.

Rules and regulations here.

Universal Pictures Canada release LOVE HURTS Friday, February 7, 2025.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

Today, Disney Branded Television announced the “Jonas Brothers Christmas Movie” (working title), a holiday comedy from 20th Television that is slated to premiere during the 2025 holiday season on Disney+. In the movie, Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas and Nick Jonas face a series of escalating obstacles as they struggle to make it from London to New York in time to spend Christmas with their families. The Jonas Brothers also serve as producers.

Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger (“I Want You Back,” “This Is Us,” “Love, Simon”) serve as writers and producers. Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas and Nick Jonas are producers, alongside Adam Fishbach, Spencer Berman and Scott Morgan. EmmyⓇ and Academy AwardⓇ winner Jessica Yu (“Quiz Lady,” “This Is Us”) is directing, and GRAMMYⓇ nominee Justin Tranter is executive music producer, writing the original songs. The movie is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios.

Just For Laughs has signed on as co-producer of the Broadway musical Real Women Have Curves, set to begin previews at Broadway’s James Earl Jones Theatre on April 1, 2025. Sylvain Parent-Bédard, new owner of Just For Laughs and CEO of Just For Entertainment Group – who produce the Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, the world’s largest comedy festival – and Jérôme Tremblay, producer for the group, are joining the producing team.

This collaboration with National Artists Management Company (NAMCO) and TruWorthy Productions marks a significant milestone for the Quebec-based company in the field of theatrical and musical productions. In addition to the amazing comedy festivals that Just For Laughs has been producing around the world, the company has also created French-language adaptations of beloved musicals such as Mary Poppins, Annie, Waitress, Chicago, and many more. It was after collaborating with Barry and Fran Weissler, along with NAMCO’s executive producer Alecia Parker, on the French adaptations of Waitress and Chicago in Montreal, that the company was approached for the co-production of Real Women Have Curves on Broadway.

“Collaborating once again with our Quebec partners at Just For Laughs, this time in New York, is truly exciting. We have built a wonderful relationship and it’s a pleasure to have them as co-producers on Real Women Have Curves. They are incredible and valuable partners.” says Barry Weissler, producer of Real Women Have Curves and founder of NAMCO, the New York-based company with an impressive track record of nearly 50 years of experience in producing world-class productions. Whether on Broadway, the West End, or with international tours, NAMCO’s productions have earned 93 Tony Award nominations and 8 Laurence Olivier Award nominations, winning 24 Tony Awards and 2 Olivier Awards.

“This new and exciting adventure confirms the position of Just For Entertainment as a leader in musical theater production in Quebec and marks a significant expansion for its Just For Laughs division, opening the door to new opportunities in New York, the United States, London, and internationally.” said Sylvain Parent-Bédard, president and new owner of Just For Laughs, a division of the Just For Entertainment Group. “Although comedy has always been our focus, we are convinced that theater—whether musical, comedic, or dramatic— can be an equally powerful unifying force. We are excited about expanding the Just For Laughs brand with musical productions on Broadway, and it is an honor to begin this new chapter for the company with trusted partners like Barry and Alecia.”

“Our involvement as co-producer of Real Women Have Curves is a natural extension of our successful collaboration with NAMCO for the world premiere of Waitress in French last year and now for the production of Chicago. I must also say that we were immediately captivated by this original musical. The songs by Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez are absolutely beautiful, and the show powerfully demonstrates that a heartfelt story about the real challenges faced by immigrants can also be a funny, inspiring, and uplifting celebration of family, community, and resilience. It’s truly a show that brings people together!” concludes Jérôme Tremblay, producer at Just For Entertainment.

Based on Josefina López’s acclaimed play that inspired the iconic HBO hit film by Josefina López and George LaVoo, Real Women Have Curves is a captivating new show that explores life’s unexpected turns with strength and emotion. This adaptation marks a historic first on Broadway: a musical where the entire creative team (book, music, choreography, and direction) is made up of Latin artists, including music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning artist Joy Huerta and composer/lyricist Benjamin Velez, book by Lisa Loomer with Nell Benjamin, and direction and choreography by Tony and Olivier Award winner Sergio Trujillo. Music Supervision is by Nadia DiGiallonardo. The show will star Tatianna Córdoba in her Broadway debut, alongside Screen Actors Guild Award-winner Justina Machado, and has been cast by X Casting/Victor Vazquez, CSA and ARC/Duncan Stewart, CSA.

ABOUT JUST FOR ENTERTAINMENT

Since it was founded in 1997, Just For Entertainment/Juste pour divertir (formerly ComediHa!) has firmly established itself as an international entertainment leader in the world of live shows, television, film and festivals. In 2024, the acquisition of the Just For Laughs Group added to ComediHa’s strengths and values. We solidified our position as the benchmark in the comedy industry for “Making people laugh around the world”. Established in 1983, Just For Laughs is internationally renowned for organizing the world’s largest comedy festival, attracting millions of visitors to Montreal and Quebec City. It’s also celebrated for its role in promoting comedy worldwide and for catapulting the careers of countless comedy stars. Today, Just For Entertainment goes far beyond comedy to deliver a diverse range of content, including music, drama and much more. Our talented team is made up of nearly 200 permanent employees and 6,000+ temporary employees and collaborators, who always bring their shared passion and creativity to the table. Our mission is clear: Bring together talent to create a world of entertainment through inspiring brands and content. Our brands and products now captivate hundreds of millions of viewers around the world via our broadcast partners, festivals, social media, and digital platforms, which are followed by over 70 million engaged fans and have accumulated over 100 billion views so far.

ABOUT JUST FOR LAUGHS

Established in 1983, Just For Laughs stands as a global beacon of comedy, orchestrating the world’s grandest Comedy festival in Montreal. It has fostered the ascent of esteemed comedians and entertains millions of viewers annually through its festivals and content broadcast in over 150 countries. Just For Laughs also produces shows and musical comedies and organizes the “ComedyPRO” conference.

This year, the Fired-Up Gala is taking place at The Ritz Carlton on February 21, 2025, with the festivities beginning at 6:00 pm.

This highly anticipated black-tie event promises a night of elegance, entertainment, and fundraising for an incredible cause. Following the success of last year’s gala, this year’s goal is to raise $100,000 to support life-changing care at SickKids.

Following dinner, the afterparty will begin at 10:00 pm, where attendees can enjoy late-night bites, a decadent sweets table, and performances by the DNA Project Band and other live entertainment to keep the dance floor alive. Guests will also take home exclusive gift bags filled with luxurious items.

When: Friday, February 21, 2025, starting at 6:00 pm

Where: Ritz-Carlton Toronto – 181 Wellington Street West, Toronto

Tickets: Tickets start at $249, available for purchase here.

Booking.com, a global leader in connecting travellers to an unmatched selection of incredible accommodations, activities, and transportation options, including flights, car rentals, and taxis, is proud to announce the recipients of its 13th annual Traveller Review Awards. Based on over 360 million verified customer reviews, the awards honour travel partners who consistently deliver outstanding hospitality and service. This year, 8,740 Canadian travel partners have won Booking.com 2025 Traveller Review Awards; an increase of more than 1,000 (13%) when compared to 2024, which saw 7,725 winners. A record 1.71 million travel partners worldwide are receiving awards, a 16% increase in winners over 2024’s 1.48 million winners.

Most Welcoming Places in Canada
Based on each location’s share of accommodation providers receiving a 2025 Traveller Review Award*, this year’s list of the ‘Most Welcoming Places’ in Canada includes two southern Ontario hotspots, a distinctly European-feeling city, a Western Canada cultural gem, and a seaside foodie favourite. Here are Canada’s most welcoming places for 2025, plus top places to stay in each :

Toronto, Ontario
Le Germain Hotel Maple Leaf Square
Gladstone House
Québec City, Québec
Les Lofts Dorchester – Par Les Lofts Vieux-Québec
Monastère des Augustines
Halifax, Nova Scotia
The Prince George Hotel
The Inn at Fisherman’s cove
Victoria, British Columbia
Pendray Inn and Tea House
Fairmont Empress Hotel
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Prince of Wales Hotel
Riverbend Inn & Vineyard
Vancouver, British Columbia
O Canada House Bed & Breakfast
Fairmont Pacific Rim
Mont-Tremblant, Québec
Le Westin Tremblant
Le 900 Tremblant Inn Café and Bistro
Ucluelet, British Columbia
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
Waters Edge Shoreside Suites
Canmore, Alberta
The Malcolm Hotel
MTN House By Basecamp
La Malbaie, Québec
Auberge La Châtelaine
Auberge La Marmite

Most Welcoming Cities on Earth

Determined by the share of accommodation partners receiving a Traveller Review Award in a given city, this year’s list highlights the world’s diverse charm and hospitality, inspiring unforgettable adventures in the year ahead. Whether its coffee farms and pristine beaches, medieval hideaways and jungle towns, here are 2025’s ‘Most Welcoming Cities on Earth’.

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Cazorla, Spain
Urubici, Brazil
Taupo, New Zealand
St. Augustine, US
Orvieto, Italy
Manizales, Colombia
Quedlinburg, Germany
Ko Lanta, Thailand
Chester, UK

Learn more about what these memorable locations have to offer in this Booking.com destination guide.

Expanding beyond iconic cities, the Traveller Review Awards also highlight entire regions that deliver consistently outstanding hospitality. Here are the ten most welcoming regions, provinces, or territories across the globe, showcasing a remarkable geographic diversity that offers travellers even more opportunities to experience genuine warmth and hospitality.

Most Welcoming Regions on Earth

Osijek-Baranja, Croatia
Kakheti, Georgia
Madeira, Portugal
Misiones, Argentina
Graubünden, Switzerland
South Australia, Australia
Bretagne, France
Baja California Sur, Mexico
Kien Giang, Vietnam
Drenthe, Netherlands

Apartments Lead the Way for Accommodation

As in 2024, apartments claim the top spot in Canada as the most-awarded accommodation type (2,479). Hotels are the second favourite in Canada with 1,703 Booking.com Traveller Review Awards, with holiday homes (1,195), B&Bs (739), and chalets (546) rounding out the top five most-awarded accommodation types.

Globally, apartments remain the most-awarded accommodation type for the eighth consecutive year, with holiday homes and hotels in second and third place respectively.

Notably, capsule hotels saw a 35% increase in awards year over year, the highest growth among accommodation types, followed by villas (25%) and cabins (21%). Overall, awards for vacation rentals and other unique properties increased by 17%, reflecting travellers’ continued enthusiasm for a variety of stays that offer distinctive hospitality and memorable experiences.

Since 2010, Booking.com has facilitated over 4.5 billion guest arrivals, of which over 1 billion have been in alternative accommodations, or non-hotel properties. Today, travellers can browse more than 30 types of accommodations, including everything from cozy country homes, funky city apartments, and elegant villas to charming B&Bs, spacious farm accommodations and beachfront bungalows. For the adventurous traveller, there are even boats, igloos and treehouses.

Transport providers recognized for excellent service and hospitality

Booking.com’s rental car and taxi offering is integral to providing travellers with a seamless and frictionless travel experience, helping make it easier for everyone to experience the world. This year, 34 transportation partners in Canada are receiving a Booking.com Traveller Review Award. Globally, 1,329 car rental companies and taxi suppliers are receiving a Traveller Review Award, a 196% increase compared to the 2024 edition of the Awards.

“Whether it’s a taxi driver giving tips on where to find the best local food, or an apartment owner surprising a couple with champagne and roses to help them celebrate their anniversary, our partners go above and beyond every day to create incredible experiences for travellers in Canada and beyond,” said James Waters, Chief Business Officer at Booking.com.

“Our annual Traveller Review Awards are one way we shine a spotlight on these hospitality heroes and say thank you to them not only from all of us at Booking.com, but on behalf of hundreds of millions of travellers from all over the world.”

Only guests who have booked stays through our platform, rented a car or rode in a taxi can leave a review of their experience on Booking.com. As these reviews are never edited or adjusted in any way, travellers can reference them for an authentic account of what the real traveller experience is like at every place to stay or with every ground transport provider on Booking.com.

About Booking.com
Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com’s marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travellers with memorable experiences every day. For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit news.booking.com.

Paramount+ today revealed the teaser trailer and premiere date for its highly anticipated original drama series HAPPY FACE. The eight-episode season will premiere on Thursday, March 20 with two episodes, exclusively on Paramount+ in Canada, the U.S. and international markets where the service is available. Following the premiere, new episodes will drop weekly on Thursdays, with the season finale on May 1. HAPPY FACE was filmed in Vancouver, B.C. in 2024.

HAPPY FACE features a star-studded cast, including Emmy-nominated and Tony Award-winning actress Annaleigh Ashford, Emmy Award and two-time Golden Globe-nominated actor Dennis Quaid and series regulars James Wolk, Tamera Tomakili, Canadian Khiyla Aynne and Benjamin Mackey.

HAPPY FACE is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa G. Moore; the critically acclaimed Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook. At 15, Moore discovered that her beloved father was the prolific serial killer known as Happy Face. As an adult, she has changed her name and guarded her secret while her father has been serving life in prison.

Jumping off from Moore’s true-life story, the Paramount+ Original Series follows Melissa (Ashford) and her incarcerated father, known as the Happy Face Killer (Quaid). After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed. Throughout, she discovers the impact her father had on his victims’ families and must face a reckoning of her own identity.

HAPPY FACE is produced by CBS Studios in association with King Size Productions, iHeartPodcasts and Semi-Formal Productions. Jennifer Cacicio (Your Honor, Shooter) serves as showrunner for the series and executive producer alongside Robert and Michelle King, Liz Glotzer, Melissa G. Moore, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson, Michael Showalter and Jordana Mollick. Michael Showalter (The Dropout, The Eyes of Tammy Faye) also directed the first episode. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.