Destinations
Sun shines at Florida Huddle
The annual Florida Huddle travel trade show kicked off late last week in Fort Lauderdale with an evening gala on the beach on the site of what will soon be a Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville hotel and restaurant complex in Hollywood (opening 2014). Canada, as usual, was represented a strong delegation of media and tour operator buyers, including WestJet, Sunwing and Thomas Cook. The show moved onto the floor of the Fort Lauderdale Convention Centre over the weekend, with meetings taking place that will help shape the look of next winter's Florida tour programs. Fort Lauderdale CVB vice president...
Gastown craft beer culinary tour
BC is one of North America's leading craft beer destinations, with local brewers offering their distinctive draughts at bars throughout Vancouver. Now, visitors can explore Gastown's explosive craft beer scene on a beer-centric culinary tour, hosted by Vancouver Food Tour. Led by a passionate beer educator, the tour allows beer aficionados to enjoy tastings at four destinations - each offering a unique aspect of beer - along with tasty, hand-picked food pairings. From learning about the history of beer and the brewing process to sipping beer cocktails and international selections, this tasty...
Emirates appoints new western sales manager
Emirates Airlines has announced the appointment of Savio Pires to the position of sales manager for Western Canada. In his new role, Pires will be responsible for Emirates' sales operations in Western Canada and for facilitating local partnerships and initiatives. Pires is the airline's first sales manager in Western Canada and has a background of experience in the airline, cruise, tour and online consumer travel industries. His appointment comes shortly after the airline announced an interline agreement with WestJet, and before the launch of a new daily service from Seattle, starting March...
Lufthansa, Austrian resume Tripoli flights
Both Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines have resumed their flights to Tripoli. Lufthansa began its service on Feb. 2 and Austrian will recommence its operations to Tripoli on March 25, 2012. The Libyan capital will be served by Lufthansa three times a week from Frankfurt. When it resumes its service, Austrian will operate to Tripoli five times a week from Vienna. Go to http://www.lufthansa.com or visit http://www.austrian.com for additional...
A Dragon of a deal
Chinapac International is celebrating the Year of the Dragon with new 2-for-1 China tours promotion. "In our 27 years of business, never before has such a super value tour been offered, " said Chinapac president Jenny Soares, "it is definitely something to take advantage of especially if you have long been wanting to visit China." The itineraries include must-visit cities Beijing, Xian and Shanghai; the Yangtze River and the towns of Suzhou and Hangzhou; and the full package with air, land, meals and accommodation is priced from $2,999 for two. The 12 Day Super China is a great introduction...
Jamaica unveils ‘One Love’ rewards program
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has launched a new online travel agent specialist program, "A One Love Rewards Program."The program serves as a dedicated training platform for agents to become experts on the destination. The first 10 agents to pass the series' final exam by Feb. 15 will become eligible to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Jamaica. In addition to learning about the island, agents will also earn valuable rewards points as they complete the curriculum. Agents can login to the step-by-step instructional web site at http://www.tauniv.com/jamaica . The JTB is offering a range of...
Your Time, Our Place
Northern Ireland is doing it all in 2012 with a cornucopia of special events, anniversaries, new visitor attractions, not to mention some compelling visitor experiences and its wrapping it up nicely under the banner -- "Your Time, Our Place." Jayne Shackleford, manager of Tourism Ireland in Canada, says of the coming year: "2012 is going to be an amazing year for Northern Ireland and should be a must-see destination for Canadian travel specialists' clients." Shackleford continues: "With a new iconic Titanic Belfast visitor attraction, unprecedented events and historic anniversaries, there...
Goway has a plan for Asia in 2012
With the release of its brand new Asia 2012 Travel Planner, Goway definitely has a plan for Asia. The new planner features 12 adventure ideas, 14 boutique cruises, 10 rail ideas, 22 luxury ideas and 365 hotels covering 25 countries. Diane Molzan, general manager, Asia, said: "This year we're introducing Russia to our Asian line up, featuring a Moscow to St. Petersburg cruise, along with some new Korea World Expo tours, eco jungle lodges in Northern Thailand, three newly selected Stays of Distinction in Shanghai, Ubud and Taipei, and more group touring options than ever before." Also in 2012,...