Destinations
Nominations open for BC Tourism Awards
It's time for the tourism and hospitality stars to shine in British Columbia. The BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards are now open for nominations. "The BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards recognize leaders whose considerable achievements contribute to one of British Columbia's most important economic drivers,"says Lana Denoni, chair of the Tourism Industry Association of BC. "We have some outstanding talent in BC and they deserve the spotlight."Award categories include: !!! Tourism and Hospitality Media Award Tourism and Hospitality Media 2012 Form; !!! Environmentally Responsible Business Award...
Brand USA’s Evans steps down
Brand USA CEO, Jim Evans has stepped down from his post. Caroline Beteta, Brand USA chairman-elect, has been tapped to take over the CEO role on an interim basis and has immediately assumed her new responsibilities. The year-old organization's board of directors has already started the search for Evans' replacement. Agreement on the changes was reached in consultation with the board, and comes as the organization pivots from a start-up endeavour to securing its place as the nation's destination marketing organization (DMO). Beteta is the CEO of Visit California, and a longtime industry...
itraveljerusalem site launched
iTravelJerusalem.com, a new easy-to-use web site offering travel deals, events and information highlighting tourism to Jerusalem, launched this week. The site employs Google Street views and HD videos to provide travellers with a virtual tour of Jerusalem's collection of historical holy sites and modern attractions. The web site, available in English and Hebrew, also offers visitors discounts on reservations at restaurants and hotels in Jerusalem, and provides "smart phone"scanning capabilities of thousands of barcodes around the city accessing information about new events and attractions....
Permanent exhibit for Winnie in ‘Peg
Fans of the children's story, Winnie the Pooh should check out The Pooh Gallery at Assiniboine Park's Pavilion Gallery Museum. Exhibits include the only known oil painting of "Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Pot"by Ernest H. Shepard, who illustrated A.A. Milne's original Winnie the Pooh books, a signed copy of the original book, pop-up books, toys and figurines. The new gallery also features Winnie's Reading Room, a cozy nook with artwork covered walls. The space will also be used for some special Winnie-themed programs....
Hawaiian art exhibit marks Honolulu galleries merger
The recently merged Honolulu Academy of Arts and The Contemporary Museum has just unveiled its new name: Honolulu Museum of Art. With the merger is the opening of the first two of 10 galleries to be reinstalled through the fall. The museum kicks off its year of changes with a new exhibition highlighting the work of island artists - "Biennial of Hawaii Artists X,"which runs until July 22....
Spirit of Tahiti coming to the PCC
The vibrant spirit of Tahiti will take the stage at the Polynesian Cultural Center's (PCC) 13th Annual Te Mahana Hiroa O Tahiti festival and dance competition from July 13-14. Attracting visitors and locals alike, the festival features tamarii (youth) and taurearea (adults) dancers from around the island who will compete in both the solo and group divisions. "It's always a thrill to see the talent each year, especially when showcased though the different skill levels ranging from the eager-to-learn tamarii to experienced taurearea,"said Alfred Grace, PCC's chief operating officer. "Sometimes...
VIDEO REPORT: California Dreaming
It may have been a coincidence, but on the same night that The Beach Boys brought their famous California sound to Toronto this week, Visit California was bringing news of the Golden State's innumerable travel options, hosting an industry event at the Courthouse. Tourism industry representatives from across California were on hand to update travel industry personnel on the latest news and happenings. Partners included representatives from Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Sonoma and West Hollywood, as well as several attractions and resort officials. Check out...
Edmonton party set for Indy week
For the third year running, Race Week Edmonton will be the city's celebration of eats, engines and entertainment centred around the Edmonton Indy auto race. Entertainers include Wide Mouth Mason, Clayton Bellamy and The Headpins. The Ford Full Speed Fun Zone features interactive displays, simulators and activities for all ages. Other activities lined up are: the Capital Power Go Kit Derby, St. Albert's annual Father's Day Soap Box Derby and the United Cycle Lap the Track. Festivities run July 14-22....