Destinations
The Whaler introduces renovation special
For a limited time, Maui's The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach is offering special rates. The rates are offered by Aston Hotels & Resorts in celebration of the completion of The Whaler's US$14-million exterior renovation, which included enhanced lanais with new tile, railings and planter boxes and a contemporary earth tone colour palette. This recent renovation project was preceded by major pool, garden courtyard and porte cochere improvement initiatives in 2009. With its two classic, 12-storey towers, this luxury condominium resort on Kaanapali Beach is conveniently located directly across from...
Empress Artist in Residence named
The Fairmont Empress in Victoria has introduced its first Artist in Residence for 2012. Manon Elder of Victoria replaces Judy McLaren and will exhibit her work in the hotel gallery until June 30. Elder's first major collaboration was as the first living artist to partner with the Royal BC Museum. The Other Emily paired Elder's works with those of Emily Carr's and was the museum's feature exhibition, March to October in 2011....
Roberts Hawaii launches web site for agents
Roberts Hawaii has launched a new web site specifically for travel agents, and is offering a 10% commission for online bookings of its tours and services. "The web site will also enable them to provide quotes to their clients and secure their reservations faster and more efficiently,"said Roy Cordeiro, VP of sales and marketing strategy for Roberts Hawaii. Agents can earn the commissions on a wide selection of tours and activities, including the Roberts Hawaii Express airport shuttle service and popular entertainment options like the new Lani Misalucha Show, award-winning Magic of Polynesia...
Kids Go Free on 10 popular Oahu tours
Taking the kids out for a fun tour of Oahu's most famous landmarks is now more convenient and affordable with a newly extended program by Gray Line. The "Kids Go Free"special on the popular Hawaii/Polynesian Adventure Tours has been extended through to the end of the year. Travellers of all ages can visit well-known and historic sites such as Pearl Harbor, Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific and 'Iolani Palace aboard comfortable Polynesian Adventure Tour motor coaches and shuttle buses, or sightsee through Waikiki and downtown Honolulu while enjoying the sunshine and fresh air aboard...
New tourism video for Thompson Okanagan unveiled
In an effort to draw more visitors to the region, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has released a new high-definition, five-minute video. "Building the Tourism Experience"showcases stunning scenery and exciting activities in the region. "We need to find ways to tell our stories and show people the outstanding and unique experiences they can have in our region,"said Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of TOTA. Activities featured include skiing, golfing, winery and vineyard tours, culinary experiences, agri-tourism, heli-touring, whitewater rafting, skiing, snowmobiling, high-country...
BC ski resorts up the cowboy factor
Yee haw! Two BC ski resorts have lined up rodeo-themed festivities for this spring. At Panorama Mountain Village, "Stampede"runs from March 16-18 and features roping contests, wrangler ski races and cowboy cook-outs. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort's annual "Wrangle the Chute"takes freeskiing to another level as top riders compete on challenging terrain that includes a "bronco"ride at the end of the run. The event is held from March 17-18. (http://www.panoramaresort.com ;...
Still time to register for HAC, CTMS & ORC
There's still time to register for the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) conference, the Canadian Tourism Marketing Summit (CTMS) and Online Revealed Canada (ORC) event -- which take place next week -- March 5, 6 & 7 -- at the Sheraton Centre Toronto. On March 5 and March 6, the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) will hold its annual conference which, in 2012, features Dr. David Suzuki and Joie de Vivre's founder, Chip Conley as the headline speakers. HAC's incoming chairman, Hank Stackhouse will not only give delegates the inside scoop on what's coming in the next 12 months for the...
Canada fastest growing market for Anguilla
It seems Canada's love affair with Anguilla is continuing as Canadian visitation to the Caribbean island jumped 17% in 2011. According to Dale Pusching, Canadian director of the Anguilla Tourist Board, Canada had the largest percentage growth in visits of all countries. "A solid achievement during a year of continued economic challenges,"said Pusching, noting the island enjoyed an overall increase of 6% in visitors. Pusching cited agent fams, education and support, as well as increased lift from Canada to neighbouring St. Maartin (the main gateway to Anguilla), as the contributing reasons for...