Destinations
Discover the flavour of Aruba
The Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) and Aruba Gastronomic Association (AGA) are teaming up to invite visitors to "Dine On Us" this summer. When guests book a stay at one of the "Dine on Us" participating hotels between now and July 15, 2012, for to travel from June 1 to June 30, 2012, or from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, 2012, they'll receive two $50 "Dine on Us" gift certificates that can be used at 20 well-known international restaurants on island. Go to http://www.aruba.com for...
Atlific expands in Alberta
Atlific Hotels is adding the Clearwater Residence Hotel Timberlea in Fort McMurray to its growing portfolio of hotel properties. It is the the seventh hotel in the region managed by Atlific and owned by Temple Real Estate Investment Trust (TREIT), bringing the total numbers of rooms in Fort McMurray to 833. Philippe Gadbois, senior vice-president sales and marketing, Atlific Hotels, said: "We are thrilled to be growing our partnership with TREIT with another fantastic Fort McMurray property. Clearwater Resdience Hotel Timberlea will provide superior extended stay accommodations to the...
Wyndham hits 500 in Asia Pacific
The Wyndham Hotel Group now has 500 properties in the Asia Pacific region with the opening of the Super 8 Nanjing Shan Xi Lu in ChinaÆs Jiangsu Province. The company's Asia Pacific portfolio now includes over 70,000 rooms operating under the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Ramada, Howard Johnson, Days Inn, Super 8, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham and Dream hotel brands. Go to http://www.whgdevelopment.com for...
Customized Hawaii from Fairmont
The all-suite Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui is offering travellers summer and fall packages with customized amenities and discounts up to 40%. Located in south Maui in Wailea, the resort has created a package for everyone, including families, couples, golfers and active travellers. For families, there's the Suite Ride Car package, while for couples, there's the Kea Lani Romance package. The Wailea Golf and Spa package will appeal to both couples and golfers, while active travellers will enjoy the Suite-to-Reef package. Go to http://www.Fairmont.com/kealani for complete...
New York loves Canada
Not to put too fine a point on it: New York state loves Canadians. That shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone in the business, considering that Canada delivers more tourists to New York than anywhere else, holding a 17% market share. Ontario is the leading province for visitations, with a 67% market share. And that's why a group of 14 New York state tourism types, representing 9 different regions of the state, were in Toronto this week, with a simple and straightforward message. "We love Canadians," Markly Wilson, director of international marketing for the New York State division of...
Hong Kong, Shenzhen offer new opportunities
Hong Kong and Shenzhen are teaming up to offer Canadian travellers a host of new travel options designed to allow them to discover the wonders of both destinations. A select group of agents and operators were on hand in Toronto last week as top officials from the Hong Kong Tourist Board and the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Culture, Sports and Tourism unveiled details of new tours and excursions now available into Shenzhen, China from Hong Kong; new visa rules that are designed to ease access to Shenzhen; and new plans, including a high-speed rail link, that will shorten the travel time...
PATA is back in the Philippines
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will hold its 2012 PATA Travel Mart 2012 at the SMX Convention Center in Manila from Sept. 25 to Sept. 28, 2012. The event will be hosted by the Department of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines. The national campaign, "It's more fun in the Philippines, will offer delegates the opportunity to tap into new energy levels, business growth and a mood of optimism that will be apparent on the show floor and in B2B transactions at the Mart. The first ever PATA Travel Mart was held in the Philippines in 1978. PATA CEO, Martin J Craigs...
Save with Insight
Insight Vacations has launched Winter Europe 2012-2013 which features Eastern Mediterranean and Christmas Market programs. In all, Insight's Winter Europe program offers 30 autumn, winter and spring itineraries, including three new, fully escorted tours. Cris David, president of Insight Vacations Canada, said: "Autumn, winter and spring offer a truly unique travelling experience as each season has a distinct atmosphere ranging from the rich colours of autumn to the snow-covered Christmas markets." David noted as well that "In addition, clients will enjoy better access to sights and highlights...