Joe Journeys Blog

WHY TORONTO'S EXPATS LEFT, AND HOW TO GET THEM BACK

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:24:37 +0000

The number of Canadians abroad (including myself), 2.8 million according to a recent study, includes scores of bright Torontonians found on trading floors of Wall Street to cultural destinations like London, thriving in different countries and cultures.

A recent report by the Toronto Homecoming Working Group which examined a set of talented people in the early to mid-stages of their careers with links to Toronto choose to live abroad. After a series of focus groups and surveys in Toronto, London (including yours truly), New York City and San Francisco, found the following findings to why expats decided to leave and work abroad:

1. Emerging leaders and innovators leave Toronto, and then stay away, for better career and educational opportunities
2. Toronto is viewed as a highly liveable city
3. Leaders and Innovators deem opportunities for career progression to be the most important factor in deciding where to live
4. Emerging leaders and innovators appear to return to Toronto at specific points in their lives
5. Toronto is perceived to lack sectoral focus
6. Emerging leaders and innovators reported facing barriers to finding employment in Toronto
7. Toronto is viewed as highly multicultural, yet often not globally-minded, particularly in hiring practices
8. For most, Toronto’s transportation system is frustrating

According to some experts, of all the factors influencing economic growth, strengths and talents of people are the most important. Research has shown that cities like Toronto lag the world in productivity per worker, as a country, Canada is not doing everything possible to attract and keep the best at home.

Expats perceive Toronto to have competitive disadvantage in career related factors: career progression and professional networks and industry growth. Opportunities for career progression is the most important factor in choosing a city in which to live, with strength of transportation, infrastructure, access to leisure and work-life balance next in line of importance.

Focus groups consistently indicated that Toronto does many things well, but is the best at nothing. New York City is the centre of global finance, San Francisco conjures information technology, Paris and Milan are centres of fashion, and what comes to mind for Toronto? Nothing.

Toronto may be number one in a Canadian context, it is the capital of Canada's financial industry, but on a global scale Toronto is rarely prominent, nor does it appear as a global player.

Transportation infrastructure was the one area respondents were less satisfied with Toronto than in the city they lived previously, the absence of a direct connection from the downtown core to the airport as one of the accessibility issues (I’ve been saying this for years). New York City and London focus groups felt the transit systems in those two cities were far superior to Toronto's.

The number one factor pulling expats back to Toronto is liveability. Boasting affordable real estate, clean environment, and a pace of life that is much more manageable.

Toronto is viewed as highly multicultural, yet often not globally-minded.

Global competitive of the city's future, a recommended strategy for reaching out to and attracting people to return are:

1. Focus on those thinking about starting a family
2. Individuals who are career-focused, though want a a better work-life balance than in city's like New York City
3. Entrepreneurs who are attracted to the relatively cheaper cost of living and the lower wages for world-class human capital

It aims to focus on ways to make coming back home to Toronto easier by connecting people who have done this and 'Toronto Homecoming' events to encourage networking. Make Toronto a clear choice for global professionals in more fields, improve career opportunities by adopting sectorial approach and improving the city's public transit system.

Being an expat myself, these finding clearly have made my decision to leave more clear and find these results encouraging. Now that the reasons are known, perhaps my great city of Toronto can work towards building itself as a global city with opportunity, in many ways Canada still remains a ‘baby’ nation learning from others.

Living as an expat for almost 10 years now, my eyes have opened to how other cities and countries have succeeded in a global view, as we become better connected the world becomes smaller and the more global our view needs to be.

Toronto, if your listening or reading this and you think your ready to come out of your shell, I have some ideas on how to do it, contact me.

*The report can be found at: www.torontohomecoming.ca
The Globe and Mail Report: Toronto the good - but not good enough

TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR 2010

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:05:12 +0000

Its hard to predict what the next travel hotspots will be but I've looked around and complied a list from some of the most recognised travel websites and put together this list of the world’s best journeys, destinations, and experiences for the coming year.

The Lonely Planet "Best in Travel 2010"

Lonely Planet released the 'Best in Travel 2010' list, ranking Iceland a top ten money-saving vacation destination in 2010, due to the low local exchange rate, has allowed travellers and tourists to holiday in Iceland at a much lower price. Explore volcanoes and ice caps and bathing in hot springs, 2010 is your year.

Top Countries:
El Salvador, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Portugal, Suriname, Greece, Germany, and the United States. Only three European countries are on this list including Greece, one of the more affordable countries Americans can visit in Europe and get good value for their money..

Top Regions:
Alsace, France; Bali, Indonesia; Fernando de Noronha, Brazil; Goa, India; Koh Kong Conservation Corridor, Cambodia; Lake Baikal, Russia; Oaxaca, Mexico; Southern Africa; The Lake District, England; Southwest Western Australia. These regions offer travellers a great experience that is off the beaten path.

Top Cities to visit in the World:
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Charleston, United States; Cork, Ireland; Cuenca, Ecuador; Istanbul, Turkey; Kyoto, Japan; Lecce, Italy; Sarajevo, Bosnia; Singapore; and Vancouver, Canada.

Top holiday destinations for 2010 influenced by sporting events and green issues:
International competitions like the World Cup and Winter Olympics will increase visitor numbers to South Africa and Vancouver, and other tourists will be inspired to visit cities like Stockholm due to its title of European Green Capital for 2010.

Topping the list of popular destinations is Cape Town, which is expecting around half a million supporters for the world's biggest international football competition.

It is hotly followed by Istanbul, which has taken over the accolade of European Capital of Culture from Vilnius in Lithuania.

Delhi is also holding the Commonwealth Games next year, once again attracting the sporting crowds, as well as cultural visitors.

National Geographic Top 25 Best New Trips for 2010

The Washington DC-based magazine listed the Philippines as a new entry into its list of 'best new trips for 2010', it described the Philippines as “harbouring as many islands as the Caribbean and some of the most spectacular reefs on the planet.” It described the Philippines and the 24 other destinations as “just right for right now” for “travellers who want their dollars to do more – for others, for the planet and for themselves.”  Among the magazine’s other must-see places were Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Costa Rica, Iceland, Ireland, Kenya, Laos, Nepal, Peru, Slovakia, and Sri Lanka.  So for all you nature lovers and all of you who love to travel, here is the list of the 25 must-see places in 2010 (alphabetical order):

Bhutan: Bio Bio Expeditions
Bolivia: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Botswana: Explore Inc
Canada - B.C.: Monashee Adventure Tours
Canada - Manitoba: Earthwatch Institute
Chile + Argentina: Boojum Expeditions
Costa Rica: Wildland Adventures
France: Discover France
Iceland: Explorers' Corner
Ireland: Country Walkers
Kenya: Geographic Expeditions
Laos: Asia Transpacific Journeys
Madagascar: Kumuka Worldwide
Montserrat: Green Monkey Dive Shop
Nepal: Journeys International
New Zealand: Active New Zealand
Peru: Adventure Life Journeys
Philippines: Wilderness Travel
Slovakia: Biosphere Expeditions
Sri Lanka: Access Trips
Tanzania: Tropical Ice Limited
Tonga: Wilderness Travel
U.S. - California: Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides
U.S. - Colorado: Western Spirit Cycling
U.S. - Idaho + Montana: ROW Adventures
 
Hot Destinations for 2010
Brittany: A fantastic destination for families due to its proximity to the UK and excellent beaches with a notable drop in property rental prices and making it excellent value for money in 2010.

Nicaragua: Set to be the next big Latin American destination, visitor numbers to the country have been increasing steadily in the last few years.

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka: Perhaps the world’s best place for leopard-spotting, but it’s been off the map for many travellers in the last decade due to the Civil War. However, the end of the conflict has seen Foreign Office warnings on the area softened, and so visits are once again possible for UK operators. Sri Lanka generally looks a great bet for 2010, as prices are really low after years of low tourist numbers. Get there before the hordes catch on…

Praa Sands, Cornwall: The village of Praa Sands, is said to enjoy the longest hours of sunshine in the UK. If that wasn’t enough, its consistent waves make it perfect for savvy surfers, yet is is nowhere near as well known as hotspots like Newquay.

Papua New Guinea: The Lost Land of the Volcano series on BBC1 has placed Papua New Guinea firmly on the radar of intrepid travellers planning their next adventure. And rightly so: this is the place to marvel at masked fire dances, dense jungle of the Baining Mountains, snorkel the azure blue waters of the Duke of York islands and camp by an active volcano, Tavurvur.

Bulgaria: Perhaps better known as a busy Black Sea enclave, there’s a quieter side to Bulgaria just waiting to be discovered. Currently a very inexpensive destination, there’s never been a better time to explore Bulgaria’s impressive array of monuments, monasteries and museums, and beautiful, diverse landscapes. History buffs will be bowled over, too, by the tangible evidence of the many ancient civilisations that have left their mark on Bulgaria – including the Thracians, Greeks and Romans.

Bhutan: Hidden in the Himalayas, Bhutan is eternally overshadowed by its powerful neighbours, India and China. It ought not to be: having been inaccessible for years, Bhutan boasts a unique, traditional Buddhist culture, as well as gorgeous scenery and rich biodiversity. A democracy since 2008, the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’ is now much easier to reach, although tourist numbers remain controlled. Smoking-ban stalwarts will love it though: Bhutan is the world’s only country to prohibit the sale of tobacco.

South-Eastern Sicily: Most of Sicily’s very well-trodden in tourist terms, but much less so the island’s Baroque south-east. This is a region of long sandy beaches, river valleys, Greek heritage sites, sprawling farms and honey-coloured, crumbling towns that stay hot well into October. Whilst Taormina to the north – a great two-centre combination with south-eastern Sicily – has long been lauded, this more rustic corner of the island receives far fewer visitors… for the moment, anyway.

Northern Peru: Less accessible than the south, Northern Peru is deeply intriguing – pre-Inca archaeological sites and cultural treasures are both abundant and still being discovered. Take the Tombs of Sipan: discovered largely intact in 1987, with many precious gold and ceramic artefacts. Other sites include the Huacas del Sol y Luna (adobe pyramids) and the amazing Gokta Falls, while pink dolphins even swim in this region’s section of the Amazon.

Mirleft, Morocco: An ancient, traditional village on the country’s southern Atlantic coast, it is an intimate world away from the rainy days and recessions of home, and a great place to relax and reflect. A Saturday morning camel market provides local colour, and daytime temperatures rarely drop below 22ºC.

California by rail: California’s picturesque railroads offer a fascinating way to see America’s Wild West, with giant redwoods, rugged coastlines and historic gold rush towns providing a unique holiday combination. The pristine wilderness of Yosemite and a ride on the renowned Skunk Train – so called because of its gas engine’s distinctive smell – never cease to impress.

Kosterhavet, West Sweden: Sweden’s first marine national park opened in autumn 2009, meaning 2010 represents the first opportunity to see this beautiful area in the height of summer. New experiences will be available, such as hands-on boat trips with a marine biologist to explore the life in the park.

Beirut, Lebanon: Still a relatively undiscovered gem for the independent traveller. The fascinating history and beautiful coastline are reasons enough to visit its vibrant capital Beirut.

Isle of Youth, Cuba: The Isle of Youth’s always been underestimated: post-revolution, young Cubans (hence the name) cultivated the island, establishing the varied plantations that today provide many of Cuba’s fresh vegetables. And now tourists are arriving – in 2009, the Hotel Colony was refurbished, making visits to the Isle’s perfect beaches, ecological zones, cave paintings and crocodile farms that much more attractive.

The Faroe Islands: Nestling within the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic, the unique and stunning Faroe Islands boast the highest sea cliffs in Europe, a virgin landscape unlike anywhere else on earth, and a unique culture and architectural heritage. As a tourist destination, the islands are little known, but with an increase in direct flights from London planned for 2010, that’s likely to change.

Tien Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan: The Tien Shan Trek follows nomadic routes across remote mountains, travelling through blue fir and juniper forests, red sandstone canyons and alpine flatlands. There’s wild camping en route, and the shepherds you meet will offer a glasses of kumyz (fermented mare’s milk) to those lacking pep. 
 ... and finally 

Joe Journeys Top 10 Destinations
 My favourite destinations in the world that I have visited, there are so many places yet to discover but for now narrowing it down to my personal favourites here:
 Vietnam: Simply untouched by the western world and thriving as a destination for the 21st century, history, culture and real value.
Sitges Spain: Perfect seaside town in Catalunya Spain offering great beaches and white washed houses, but best of all its its liberal attitude.
Amsterdam Netherlands: Besides the well known coffeeshops and Red Light district, Amsterdam really is the perfect place to get lost in its labrynth of canals.
Prague Czech Republic: Simply stunning old quarter and town, walks to enchant and fairy tales that could have been true, this is where to imagine it all and see the real thing.
Barcelona, Spain: Modern, chic, and sexy. Unlike other European destinations this town is up to date and modern and a good life too.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: There are dangers anywhere we travel but Rio really is a sexy place to visit with a stunning location and plenty to see and do to entertain us.
Venice, Italy: Not considering the pocket Venice stands on its own as somewhere really magnificent in terms of how it was built and still stands today, certainly must not be missed.
Toronto, Canada: Canada’s buzzing metropolitan city with similar energy of New York but without the attitude, culturally rich and diverse and plenty on hand to keep you busy, it still remains as on of the world’s unrated destinations.
Canadian Rockies: If you like camping and the outdoors then the Rockies can’t be missed, emerse yourself among glaciers and mountains, wildlife and forests.
Thailand: Beaches and paradise can only be associated with Thailand, the land of smiles always makes a good welcome away.
Sien Reap, Cambodia: Untouched and still underdeveloped, Siem Reap remains one of my favourite places with red dirt roads, strange customs and unique out of the way places to eat, and of course, its proximity to Angkor Wat.

There is lots of information here but I hope at least I have inspired you in some way to discover some new destination you never considered. Off the beaten track and undiscovered makes travel so much more enjoyable.

IRAQ Travel and TOURISM

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 15:45:05 +0000

At a London trade exhibition next week (November 2009) the Iraq Tourist Board will promote itself as a new destination to be discovered. The war ravaged country could become a ‘viable destination, just like Vietnam’.

The tourist board believes it is time for tourists to experience its unique charms and will attend the World Travel Market Exhibition in London.

Like other war torn destinations like Vietnam and Croatia it could become a hotspot for new visitors with a wealth of history, archeological and Islamic sites.

The birthplace of many of the Earth’s oldest civilisations, Iraq has been home to continuous successive civilisations since the 6th millennium BC. These civilisations produced the earliest writing, literature, sciences, mathematics, laws, and philosophies of the world; hence its common nickname, the ‘Cradle of Civilisation’.

Anyone interested in the ancient history of Mesopotamia will certainly be enticed to visit, I for one would love to see where farming was invented, this was an advanced society before Europe even existed.

For now Iraq remains off my list as a place to see, there are too many dangers for a foreigner such as bombings and kidnappings to consider, but you can be sure this is one place I would love to visit.

Once stability and proper government has been implemented and the people of Iraq welcome the people of the world to visit safely, then peace will have finally arrived in this ancient land.

For more information see
Joe Journeys Iraq
World Travel Market

IS BRITAIN GOING BUST?

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:51:08 +0000

Britain ranked the lowest quality of life in Europe and this is expected to decline because of the recession. These findings were reported when Britain was in its good times but now with a rising unemployment, rising costs of living and a diving strength of the British Pound, can it get any worse than it already is?

The weak value of its currency in the world market, losing as much as 40% against some currencies, it really starts to level off the true value of Britain and bringing things more in line with the true cost and value of goods and services. It seems this is the only way that Britain can try to entice investors to bring foreign money for long term growth, but from experience living in London for the past 8 years, Britain lags behind in efficiency and productivity.

Where most of the western world has improved the way things are done, in Britain it takes up to 3 times longer to get anything really done correctly, this means investments can take up to a year to be approved by governing bodies, purchase and sales of property could take up to six months or more to complete, planning for the future means planning for what should have already been decided 20 years previously.

Britain now ranks 17th in the top 20 countries for quality of life sliding down the scale and now even or just below that of Italy, which now overtakes Britain as a ‘richer’ nation.

Britain suffers having an unelected government and Prime Minister unpopular amongst the public, lack of leadership and opposition that offers no better solutions, rising ‘hate’ groups like the BNP, cost cutting conservatives with other spending agendas like spending more to build a new ‘Boris Island’ airport too far to claim as being a London airport and would cost up to 5-6 times more than updating Heathrow, the Cross Rail project which took over 20 years to be approved only to find it may be slashed and offers no ‘real’ added transport links that don’t already exist, and of course London will be the world stage for the 2012 Olympics, which despite promises to the Olympic committee, will leave no legacy behind except the cost behind the games.

Living in the United Kingdom has been a very good place to live and offered great opportunities, but like any good investment one must also known when to sell and pull out. In comparison to Europe, Britain is now falling in line with the rest of Europe, salaries have dropped 40% now that the Euro and British Pound are valued almost one to one. I’ve been predicting this for years and the reality has proved it true.

Tony Blaire chose the right time to leave before the collapse for he saw it coming, the first decade of the 21st century we gave too much power to those with bad intentions and misled the world into fighting wars that were not ours, but for the gains of those who had invested interests.

Britain lost. Its reputation ruined. Its systems failed.

It has a long way to go before it can regain what it has lost, with a massive debt that will take another 60-80 years to pay. The IMF (International Monetary Fund) says Britain’s debt crisis is the worst among major economies.

So.. is it a good time to leave? Personally I have invested too much in the United Kingdom, to leave now means I would have lost the majority of my investments. the plan is to stick it out and hope the strength of the British Pound can be regained and only then it will be time to depart for a better life elsewhere.

For more information see
Joe Journeys United Kingdom
Britain ‘Bottom’ Quality of Life
Top 20 Countries for Quality of Life
Quality of life in ‘sick man’ Britain among EU’s lowest
Britain’s Debt Crisis
Can Britain become insolvent?

BARCELONA T1 OPEN

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 09:06:35 +0100

Arriving in Barcelona El Prat on this occasion found myself in a completely new building on my arrival September 2008, the atmosphere was large, grey and spacious, sparkling polished surfaces.

Gone is the immediate greeting by customs when departing the aircraft so you can quickly be checked and be on your way to collect your bags, instead a rather long walk takes you to the new customs area built to prepare for the masses that Barcelona expects over the next century, the intend is to make this Spain’s second international hub.

Bag collection means entering an atrium the size of a football pitch, waiting a good length of time to see any bags come out from the turning carousel.

Exiting the airport is slightly less efficient if you rely on public transport, taxis are readily available but if you need to catch the train into Barcelona you’ll need to hop onto a shuttle bus to T2 (free) which is 4km away, where most services leave from, including bus and train services to many destinations.

Both terminals should be better connected where transfers should not be required, plans for the future include extending the Barcelona Metro to the airport but this is not expected to be completed until 2012.

An airport should be a one stop, all in one service without hassle of trying to find your way out of it, Barcelona El Prat T1 is impressive when departing but on arriving leaves a rather complicated process for onward travel from the airport.

For more information see
Barcelona El Prat Airport
El Prat Airport Barcelona on Wiki
Joe Journeys Barcelona