Destinations
Exploring the Road Less Travelled
With 2019 in the books, Skyscanner has analyzed Canadian traveller data to determine where Canadians have been, where they'll go next, and what the best value destinations are in 2020. According to the 2020 Canadian Travel Trends Report, a study of 1,500 Canadians commissioned by Skyscanner, more Canadians plan to travel in 2020. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of Canadians intend to travel this year, compared to the two-thirds of Canadians (66%) who travelled in 2019. “Canadians are planning to take the road less travelled in 2020,” said Juliano Lopez, head of Research &...
Tune In To These Two Cities
“Come and experience the edginess of Berlin in contrast with the cultural side of Vienna,” beckoned Kirsten Schmidt, USA & Canada Representative for Visit Berlin, during a recent lunch at the Bauhaus Restaurant in Vancouver. Between January to November 2019, Berlin welcomed 12.9 million visitors, an increase of 3.4% from the previous year. Canadian travellers rose by 1.2% to reach 55,000. Today, Berlin is one of seven cities worldwide that have garnered over 30 million overnight stays annually. In other news, after a nine-year delay, Airport Berlin Brandenburg Willy Brandt is...
Israel Gears Up For 2020
Not to put too fine a point on it, but Israel is on a roll these days. In fact, Eyal Carlin, tourism commissioner for North America for the Israel Ministry of Tourism, is quick to note that the last three years have been very good for the destination overall out of North America and, more specifically, out of the Canadian market; praising the Canadian team of Gal Hana, Jerry Adler and Ellen Melman for their efforts. Carlin, who was in Canada this week to meet with agents and operators in Toronto, also hinted at a major, new marketing deal with a Canadian tour operator that is expected...
Dream Hotel Group Moving Into San Antonio
Dream Hotel Group has announced plans to open Dream San Antonio, Texas in 2023. With more than 20 new hotels on the horizon for Dream, the signing of Dream San Antonio represents another milestone in the continued growth and expansion of the company and its portfolio of lifestyle brands. “San Antonio is one of the most authentic, passionate and diverse cities in America, as seen through its bold culture, rich history and burgeoning art, music and culinary scenes – making it an ideal destination for the Dream Hotels flag,” said Dream Hotel Group CEO Jay Stein. “We are proud...
Crystal River Releases 2022 Itineraries
Crystal River Cruises is set to take guests on journeys of cultural and historical discovery in 2022, exploring storybook villages, cosmopolitan international hubs, and towns hosting rare events and decked in seasonal delights. Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel – all-suite, all-balcony sister ships – will offer itineraries from seven to 10 nights. Crystal River's 2022 itineraries are available for booking and published on crystalcruises.com. Throughout the roster of 2022 voyages, Crystal’s focus remains on the overall guest experience during their...
Goway Invites Travellers to Spend a Night on the Reef
Goway is inviting travellers to enjoy Australia’s first underwater accommodation, on the incomparable Great Barrier Reef. Guests will have the unique opportunity to stay overnight at Reefworld, overlooking part of the world’s largest underwater eco system, for the ultimate reef encounter. Moored at Hardy Reef, 40 nautical miles from Airlie Beach on the Central Queensland coast, Reefworld is a popular option with reef-bound day-trippers from the Whitsundays. Once the day-trippers return to the shore however, a fortunate few will remain for an on-deck Reefsleep experience, or an...
Geothermal HVAC System Under Construction at YVR
The geothermal heat that can be found in the ground deep under Vancouver International Airport is now being tapped as a new source for air conditioning at YVR. Not only will it provide balanced heat and cooling production/absorption – depending on the season – the new system will also serve to meet goals set by YVR to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Craig Richmond, the CEO of YVR, expects to cut carbon dioxide emissions from heating and cooling by 30% to 35%, compared with a baseline set in 2012. Crews have drilled 850 wells, at a depth of 152 metres into the sand of Sea...
Full Moon Feast at the Great Canadian Winter Lodge
Niagara's Great Canadian Winter Lodge is offering travellers a chance to dine under the brilliant light of the winter full moon while taking in views of the snow-covered fairways of Whirlpool Golf Course. Taking place on Feb. 8, Niagara Parks’ Full Moon Dinner presents a five-course menu of elevated comfort foods alongside seasonal cocktails, local craft beer and VQA wine selections. Inspired by Niagara Parks’ culinary philosophy of celebrating local food and drink, the Full Moon Dinner begins with a warm-up cocktail reception with spiked hot chocolate, traditional mulled wine...