Destinations
Anguilla: Beyond Extraordinary
While renowned for its spectacular beaches and coral reefs, tourism officials from Anguilla are sending a message that the Caribbean island is much more that. Donna Banks, chairperson for the Anguilla Tourist Board, was in Toronto last night (Oct. 23) and hosted a trade dinner at the Royal York to update agents on all that's new in Anguilla. “We're focusing on the authenticity of the Anguilla experience, beyond the great beaches,” said Banks. “A focus on tours and activities [such as caving] and culinary. Also, the people are our greatest asset.” She added that travellers...
Flight Centre Names Its Top Destinations for 2020
Flight Centre has revealed its list of top 10 travel destinations for 2020. The company notes a growing interest outside of classic destinations with more Canadians seeking to beat the crowds and discover something special before everyone else catches on. As a prime example, the well-trodden Yucatan Peninsula shows no sign of losing favour among Canadian travellers, but consumers are seeking more unique ways to experience the destination. “Hidden gems such as nearby Mérida are starting to sparkle as brightly as Cancun or Riviera Maya,” says Allison Wallace, VP Communications...
RIU Opens In Morocco
RIU Hotels & Resorts has opened the Riu Palace Tikida Taghazout, a five-star 24-hour all-inclusive hotel located in the Taghazout Bay area, which is Morocco’s new tourist destination, 15 kilometres to the north of Agadir. The hotel is RIU’s sixth in Morocco with its Moroccan partner Tikida Group, and faces Atlantic Ocean on a paradise-like beach with an exclusive sun lounger area for guests. The hotel covers over 18 hectares at the heart of the main Atlantic Plan Azur resort in Morocco, a plan that aims to increase the number of tourists in 2020. It offers all the services of...
Homewood Suites Debuts in the Dominican
Homewood Suites by Hilton has opened its milestone 500th property, and its first hotel in the Caribbean, Homewood Suites by Hilton Santo Domingo. Designed for guests who want to travel on their own terms, the 145-suite Homewood Suites by Hilton Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic offers all the comforts of home. Homewood Suites by Hilton Santo Domingo welcomes guests with a beautiful view of the city from the sky lobby on the 12th floor. The contemporary designed hotel offers a combination of studio and one-bedroom accommodations, featuring fully equipped kitchens and separate...
Kids Play Free in Whistler This Winter
Whistler’s Early Booking Offer is now on, offering travellers a chance to save up to 35% on a winter escape when booking before Nov. 15. As well, Kids Play Free this winter. Children 12 years and under receive free ski and snowboard rentals, free airport transfers, free winter activities and free entry to the Audain Art Museum and Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre with each paying adult. The winter family fun doesn’t end there, with multiple events and entertainment planned, including Family Après at Whistler Olympic Plaza and the evening Fire & Ice Show at Skier’s...
Ripley’s Myrtle Beach To Open Penguin Experience
Myrtle Beach’s Ripley’s Aquarium is in the midst of its largest expansion ever – with the addition of a Penguin Playhouse exhibit set to open in the first half of 2020. According to Alexia Edge, sales manager for Ripley's Myrtle Beach, the 5,500-square-foot addition will be an interactive experience and allow visitors to see African penguins up close and personal – both from above and below the water line. Penguin encounters will include meet-and-greets and a chance to get a portrait with one the star attractions. In other news, Myrtle Beach is helping visitors reclaim...
In The Lap Of Luxury
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) recently hosted a luxury themed FAM for eight top-performing agents from Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec, and Ontario. All participants were top producing "Saint Lucia Expert" (SLEx) agents. SLEx is an innovative online educational and loyalty program designed to engage travel agents and serve as their central source for resources that enable them to sell Saint Lucia to Canadian clients. While in Saint Lucia, the group was hosted by island top health and wellness properties -- The Body Holiday and Stonefield Villa Resort. The itinerary showcased...
Dubai: A City With A Vision Of The Future
These are good days for Dubai's tourism industry and considering what's happening in the next year and a half, things are just going to get that much better. In October 2020, Dubai will become the focus of world attention with the opening of the Expo 2020 Dubai World Expo that will run for six months. But between then and now, the destination will also the opening of a host of new attractions to entertain, amuse and excite visitors. Soraya Al Olama, Head of North America for the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), points out that Dubai's Vision 2025 is a...