Destinations
NACTA gears up for China event
The National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA) is gearing up for its first international conference that's set to take place in Hangzhou and Shanghai, China from Sept. 10-17. Registration is now open and NACTA advises that not only will participants have the opportunity to become China destination specialists, but travel agent attendees will be refunded the land cost of their trip when they sell a group tour of 15 or more through J Yang Tours within 18 months following the event. NACTA vice-president, Ann van Leeuwen commented, "The NACTA International Conference is an event not to...
American Cruise Line sets sail for Alaska
American Cruise Line will sail to Alaska for the first time in 2012, offering small-ship adventures along Alaska's Inside Passage aboard the American Spirit. With a maximum of 150 passengers on each sailing, guests are treated to an intimate onboard atmosphere on small ships designed to navigate calm, narrow inland waterways. Seven-night, round-trip cruises from Juneau and 11-night, one-way cruises between Juneau and Seattle travel into Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm Fjord, visiting Sitka, Hoonah and Petersburg. Complimentary shore tours are offered at each port of call....
Tee For Two’
Kauai's acclaimed Poipu Bay Golf Course, situated on the island's sunny south shore, has introduced a new "Tee For Two"program designed specifically for couples who want to enjoy an afternoon round on the course at a great value. Tee For Two allows couples to play an 18-hole round for US$125 (plus tax) p.p. -- a substantial savings over Poipu Bay's standard rate of US$240. The special rate includes rental clubs (a US$55 value p.p.), if needed, featuring the course's brand new Callaway RAZR X clubs. Tee times for the program are offered daily from 1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. only, and couples will be...
Grizzly bears on view with northern BC operators
In BC's protected Khutzeymateen Valley, northeast of Prince Rupert, two eco-friendly outdoor adventure operators provide the best vantage points to watch grizzlies -- from a respectable distance. May through July, Prince Rupert Adventure Tours operates daily six-hour excursions into the "Valley of the Grizzly"in Chatham Sound. Alternatively, Bluewater Adventures offers the seven-day Discover the North Coast/Khutzeymateen journey. It promises a spectacular exploration of northern glacial fjords and estuary ecosystems. Onboard naturalists and a local bear guide provide keen insight along the...
Mai Tais & Sunrises on Kaua’i
Just in time for spring and summer travel are two Hawaiian specially priced packages from Courtyard Kaua'i at Coconut Beach, making its recently renovated and revamped property the ultimate oasis for a family vacation, honeymoon, or girlfriend's getaway. Guests can choose from the Mai Tais and Sunrises package through June 15 or the Sun Kissed Kaua'i from June 15 to Sept. 15. Mai Tais & Sunrises includes: Mai Tai welcome, early arrival, late departure, upgrade to next view room category (caps at Ocean View), Garden View to Pool View, Pool View to Ocean View, Ocean View to Premium Ocean View,...
Prince Hotel Waikiki gets makeover
The 521-room Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club has recently completed a $5 million room renovation that includes guestrooms updated with flat-screen TVs; island inspired weaves, textures and motifs with a contemporary twist; specially designed bed décor; Hawaiian kappa patterned carpeting; new artwork featuring local artists; and contemporary lighting. In addition, the hotel redesigned its waterfall fronting Ala Moana Boulevard; new carpet and furnishings have been installed at Prince Court and Hakone restaurants; and Wi-Fi service is now available for guests in all rooms as well...
Sam Roberts Band booked for Banff
Banff National Park's popular outdoor summer concert, "Performance in the Park", now in its third year, will host Montreal's Sam Roberts Band in Banff's Cascade Gardens June 23. Performance in the Park - produced with Parks Canada, The Banff Centre and Banff Lake Louise Tourism - kicked off in 2010 to celebrate the destination's mountain heritage and the importance of sustainability in protected Canadian places. Each concert has proved successful with ticket sales reaching maximum capacity. The Sam Roberts Band will be accompanied by folk-rock singer/songwriter Dan Mangan of BC, who is a Juno...
Sheraton Maui debuts room makeover
Following a $6.5 million renovation, the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa now features newly enhanced guest rooms. The 508-room resort has upgraded its in-room features with plush carpeting, traditional Hawaiian artwork, delicate drapery, freshly painted walls in warm hues, new tropical furnishings and newly installed wireless Internet....