Destinations
ACV adds Huatulco
This winter, Air Canada Vacations will be launching programs to Huatulco, Mexico from Toronto on Saturdays. Known for its eco-tourism, including river rafting, rappelling, and hiking jungle trails, Huatulco is all unspoiled nature, laid-back attitude and of course, pristine beaches. Air Canada Vacations will be featuring the Binniguenda All Inclusive Hotel, Hotel Castillo Huatulco, La Isla Huatulco, Las Brisas Huatulco and Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa in the new program. And for travellers who book and pay by Oct. 31, 2012, ACV is offering savings of $400 per couple, or $200 per adult, on...
Wild retreats at Nimmo Bay
Well known for its heli-fishing and heli-hiking adventures, Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort has now added wilderness and wildlife retreats for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. The new retreats offer guests a chance to experience the amazing wildlife and wilderness that surrounds the property without using the resort's helicopters, which can be expensive, explained Becky Eert, marketing director for Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort. Eert observed: "The resort is truly remote, providing us with access to untamed wilderness and abundant wildlife. From bear watching on stand-up paddle boards to kayaking with...
Expect modest tourism growth in 2012
In its newly released Travel Markets Outlook - Spring 2012: National Focus, the Conference Board of Canada is forecasting that overnight stays in Canada will rise by a modest 1.8% in 2012, as a result of balanced growth in both domestic and international visits. The Conference Board of Canada publishes its report twice a year, providing a five-year forecast for the tourism industry. Greg Hermus, associate director, Canadian Tourism Research Institute, said: "While we expect continued growth in the number of overnight domestic trips, Canadians' limited gains in household discretionary income...
Post-tsunami research ship coming to Maui
A sobering slice of marine exploration will soon make its way Maui, when the 22-metre sailing research vessel, Sea Dragon, reaches Maui's Ma'alaea Harbour on June 30 or July 1. The vessel departed the Marshall Islands on the first leg of a research expedition to study the "Western Pacific Garbage Patch"and arrived in Tokyo on May 21. The vessel is now on its second leg of the journey through the North Pacific Gyre to track and investigate material swept out to sea by the 2011 tsunami. When it reaches Maui, it will be greeted by the Maui Ocean Center and various island organizations and...
Downhill bicycle package for beginners at Whistler
As the snow recedes at Whistler Blackcomb, the dirt takes over and so do the adventures on two wheels. Whistler's Bike Park prides itself on having trails and experiences for all level of riders. But for the enthusiastic beginner rider that likes a soft touch to their outdoor adventures, a new package by EnjoyWhistler.com will do the trick. The "Pedal & Pamper Package"starts at $347 p.p. and includes a beginner bike park lesson, bike rental and lift ticket, entrance to the Scandinave Spa and two-nights accommodation at the deluxe Pan Pacific Mountainside. Bike Park 101 is a two-hour...
Tie the knot with Outrigger
The Outrigger Reef on the Beach and the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach are offering customized wedding packages that are priced from $2,900 for 30 guests and which include event coordinators who will take care of everything from flowers, photographers and food to filing the legal paperwork. Patsy Narimatsu, Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach and Outrigger Reef on the Beach's director of sales and marketing, said: "With Outrigger's comprehensive wedding packages, couples can have the Hawaii wedding of their dreams without having to worry about the details on their special day. Lovebirds can rest...
Poipu golf club features promo for couples
For its "Tee For Two"package designed specifically for couples, the Poipu Bay Golf Course is offering golfers the chance to play an 18-hole round for a discounted US$125 (regular rate is US$240). The price also includes rental clubs from the course's new Callaway RAZR X range. Tee times are from 1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. daily based on availability. This promotion is valid to the end of the year. Poipu Bay Golf Course is situated on oceanfront property adjacent to the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa on Kauai's south shore. The course gained fame as the host course for the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from...
Visiting Vancouver? There’s a new app for that
Tourism Vancouver has released a new destination iPad app designed to be an inspirational trip planning tool and travel companion for visitors from around the world. The Visit Vancouver app -- available for free download from Apple's iTunes store -- is interactive, fun to use and developed to take full advantage of the iPad platform by showcasing bold video and imagery that inspires travel to Vancouver. The app includes information on dining, accommodations, activities, transportation, events and weather. It also allows users to take photo tours of the city, book hotels, peruse online videos,...