A newly released survey reports that the global travel and tourism industry could do more for responsible and sustainable tourism. Conducted by SustainIt during the 2011 World Travel Market in London, the survey found that more than 7 out of 10 industry professionals -- including hoteliers, airlines, resorts and tourist attractions -- believed the industry could do more to reduce poverty and support sustainable local economic development in destination communities. It also found that only 18% of companies questioned had sustainable supply chains and procurement policies in place. The survey...
AMResorts says it's continuing to reward the travel agent community with a series of ongoing incentive-based promotions and featuring the return of "40 Days and 40 Nights to Win, Win, Win."AMResorts is offering the booking promotion through Feb. 29 with agents who book three nights (minimum) at any AMResorts property for travel through April 30, and register their bookings at AMRAgents.com automatically entered for three ways to win: daily drawing for $500 bonus commission; weekly drawing for a three-night stay in the brand featured that week for the agent, plus a guest; and a weekly drawing...
At the beginning of March, hoteliers, tourism marketers, travel technology types and other industry professionals will head to Toronto for a trio of conferences that have been creating quite a buzz in the tourism business in the last couple of years. From March 5-6, 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 association, he'll...
The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) has announced the 2011 Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence winners. The awards program was developed by the HAC to recognize those of its members (individuals, companies or properties) that have demonstrated significant accomplishments, exemplary leadership and tireless commitment to Canada's lodging industry. The winners of the Award of Excellence in each category include: !!! Humanitarian: Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre Slave Lake and Edmonton South; !!! Human Resources: The Westin Ottawa; !!! Energy & Environment: Hotel M - Holiday Inn Express & Suites...
Bellstar Hotels & Resorts has just announced the opening of One Wellness & Spa at the Solara Resort & Spa in Canmore, AB. It makes the Bellstar flagship property a leading wellness destination resort in the Canadian Rockies. The "Pathways to Engagement"process is the spa's signature experience menu. Guests choose a pathway that best represents a current need -- sleep, release, clearing, transition or joy -- and then they are led through a process of needs assessment, massage, aromatherapy, etc. More traditional spa services are also offered by a talented staff, using the best possible...
The Riviera Nayarit's Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa underwent a renovation late last year to transform the Puerto Vallarta hotel into a Grand Palladium Resort & Spa. Several areas of the hotel went through a significant transformation, starting with the lobby area, which now has a new décor with modern furniture. All rooms, including suites, were refurbished, and some restaurants have a completely new look in terms of decoration and furniture, such as the El Bosque Restaurant, which serves a buffet-style menu of international cuisine, and the Asian-themed "a la carte"Bamboo Restaurant....
Those who are still feeling the effects of seasonal over-indulgence can consider making a reservation at the Loden Hotel in Vancouver. It is offering a New Year's detox with a twist, helping guests to recharge with the Digital Detox Package. The $344 package includes overnight accommodation in the signature King guestroom, a Detox Elixir cocktail upon arrival, a 60-minute massage in the Loden Spa Treatment Suite, a 30-minute purifying infrared sauna treatment, a $50 dining certificate for Tableau Bar Bistro, an in-room lululemon yoga kit, complimentary valet parking and more....
The Quebec City-area HÒtel de Glace is now open to the public and will be accessible until March 25. The 2012 design is dedicated to the Northern Québec and the First Nations of that huge territory. Through the art, culture, knowledge and values of the First Nations of Northern Québec, visitors will enter a journey between folklore and modernity. This season, new outdoor activities for families will be available on site. Two major projects are found this winter: the realization of an ice skating rink of 12-metre in diameter and the creation of a covered slide completely made of...
The Mission Hills Group, a driving force behind golf's rapid growth in China, has partnered with Marriott International to manage new Ritz-Carlton and Renaissance Hotels at Mission Hills on Hainan. The proposed Ritz-Carlton, Haikou will become the brand's first Asia-Pacific golf resort hotel. Along with the new Renaissance Hotel, it will cater to the ever-increasing number of tourists and business visitors to Hainan Island. Guests at both hotels will enjoy access to all resort amenities at Mission Hills Hainan, including 10 golf courses carved through lava rock fields, spa and volcanic...
Howard Johnson Canada has returned to Moncton, NB with the opening of its 68th location. The Howard Johnson Inn, located at 1062 Mountain Rd., is centrally located in the heart of Moncton and just minutes away from Magnetic Hill. It offers 55 guest rooms, kitchenette suites, complimentary high speed Internet access, HoJo's signature complimentary Rise and Dine breakfast and an indoor pool. Meeting rooms for small groups are also...