Destinations
Fiji declares state of emergency
Flash floods have reportedly ravaged Fiji and a state of emergency was declared yesterday (April 1) with officials warning tourists to stay away for the time being as heavy rain and high winds continued to pound the South Pacific nation. It's reported that floods have killed at least two people and forced more than 8,000 to take shelter in evacuation centres. Yesterday, national carrier Air Pacific cancelled all inbound flights and was operating only limited outbound flights for passengers who had already checked in at Nadi airport. Police and the military are working together to co-ordinate...
The Whaler celebrates
Discounted rates for stays at the The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach are now being offered by Aston Hotels & Resorts, to celebrate completion of The Whaler's $14 million exterior renovations. These include enhanced lanais with new tiles, railings and planter boxes and a contemporary earth tone colour palette. This recent reno project was preceded by major pool, garden courtyard and porte cochere improvement initiatives in 2009. With its two classic, 12-storey towers, the luxury condo resort on Kaanapali Beach is located across from two championship golf courses and adjacent to Whalers Village...
Hawaii seeks proposals for tourism marketing service
The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) has released a request for written fixed price proposals from qualified applicants to provide leisure tourism destination marketing management and island support services. The purpose of these services will be to drive incremental visitation and revenue for Hawaii from the US and Canada leisure market area. Applicants should be prepared to develop and deploy an annual tourism marketing plan that will increase leisure travelers and visitor expenditures for the Hawaiian Islands; integrate activities with the travel trade (retail and wholesale) and consumers...
Guests at BC resort may return home healthier
Two BC resorts, Predator Ridge and Sparkling Hill, have announced a partnership. Located minutes apart, the new relationship gives guests of Predator Ridge access to the KurSpa at Sparkling Hill. Combined with Predator Ridge's 36-hole golf facility, fitness centre and 12 km of linked hiking and biking trails, the affiliation positions the Okanagan among top wellness destinations. In addition to accessing spa treatments at Sparkling Hill, Predator Ridge guests will enjoy a special day rate for use of spa saunas and pools. Guests can book starting April 11 through Predator Ridge's central...
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre wins tourism award
The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) has been recognized by Aboriginal Tourism British Columbia (ATBC) as the recipient of the Cultural Centres and Attractions Award. The First Nations museum, located in the mountain resort setting of Whistler, was honoured March 29 at the ATBC industry awards event held during the National Aboriginal Tourism Opportunities Conference at the Nk'Mip Resort in Osoyoos, BC. The SLCC was recognized as the cultural/interpretive centre or attraction "committed to ensuring cultural authenticity in sharing their knowledge, histories, exhibits and...
Virgin set to launch London-Vancouver service
Virgin Atlantic will officially launch its new non-stop route between London and Vancouver on May 24. Expected to join the inaugural flight - due to touch down at Vancouver International Airport at 1:10 p.m. - is Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Group. Flights will depart from Heathrow Airport four times a week between May 24 and Oct. 27, with an estimated 40,000 passengers projected to use the service during its first season. The new route is expected to increase capacity from the U.K. to Vancouver by 10% and add $54 million in annual revenue to Vancouver's tourism market....
Dining is dynamite at new Honu’s on the Beach
The Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel on the Big Island offers visitors wonderful ocean views during the day and cozy outdoor fire pits in the evening while dining at the brand new Honu's on the Beach Restaurant. Those staying for a minimum three nights get a $50 resort credit through a special online offer. Visitors can also experience the newly completed hotel renovations, stroll through an exclusive Herb Kane art exhibit, before spending a special evening at Honu's on the Beach Restaurant....
For Canadians on the move, Las Vegas stays hot
Canadians are on the move. According to a recent report released by Statistics Canada, Canadians made a record-breaking 5.1 million trips outside of the country in December 2011. This represents a 1.5% increase from the previous month and the first time since March 1994 that monthly travel abroad surpassed five million trips. While similar reports for January and February of this year haven't been released yet, the strong finish to 2011 travel points to a promising 2012. Now, two months into this 2012 travel season and with summer quickly approaching Canadians are starting to think about...