Destinations
New Dual-Branded Hilton Opens in Chicago
Hilton has announced the opening of its newest hotel, the dual-branded Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop and Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown South Loop. The new property brings a total of 342 new rooms and suites (many featuring scenic lakeshore views) to downtown Chicago’s bustling South Loop neighbourhood. The dual-brand hotel adds even more versatile options for guests visiting the Windy City, which attracted a record number of nearly 58 million tourists in 2018. “The popularity of Chicago and its flourishing South Loop neighbourhood is undeniable, and...
WestJet Now Boarding for Barcelona
WestJet opened greater access to both Europe and Canada May 24 with its inaugural flight between Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ). The airline's new route is its first to Spain and gives European business and leisure travellers access to the greater WestJet network through the airline's Toronto hub. “This flight between Barcelona and Toronto complements our existing Toronto-London (Gatwick) service in providing our guests with another non-stop flight to a popular European tourism and financial centre,” said Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet chief...
Transat Puts the Spotlight on Family Travel to Greece
Whitewashed villages, temples with Doric columns, blue-green seas and stands of cypress trees are just a glimpse of what awaits travellers heading to Greece and its islands this summer. Transat is encouraging Canadian families looking for adventure, leisure and history to take advantage of its various travel options for discovering Greece and shares tips for a successful summer holiday in this mythical land. Preparing kids and stimulating their imaginations In her Experience Transat blog entitled Découvrir la Grèce en famille, Nathalie Richard proposes a couple of ways for...
‘Canada. For Glowing Hearts’
(G)O Canada... The country's annual tourism show Rendez-vous got underway in Toronto yesterday (May 28), with Ben Cowan-Dewar, chairperson of Destination Canada's board of directors, telling the gathering that 2018 saw this country host more than 21 million visitors for the first time. Cowan-Dewar credited the likes of growing direct air access and “international excitement” over Canada to last year's strong performance. Destination Canada president David Goldstein in turn asked how Canada can stand out in “the sea of the same” when it comes to countries working to...
Hotel Belmont Now Open in Vancouver
Vancouver is now home to its first-ever Ascend Collection Hotel. Hotel Belmont, a boutique hotel in a landmark Vancouver building, is open for bookings. The modern and trendy hotel is a newly renovated, 82-room boutique property that has stood at the corner of Granville and Nelson for more than a century. “This hotel offers a unique product in downtown Vancouver, satisfying a gap in the hotel market. It has been designed with the millennial traveller in mind, providing a modern, fun and vibrant hotel experience,” says Juan Duran, director of franchise development at Choice...
ACV Launches Summer Europe Sale
Air Canada Vacations (ACV) has introduced a summer sale, offering some of its best deals on Europe vacation packages for August departures. Included are popular vacation packages such as Best of Greece, Taste of Ireland, Wonder of Italy, London & Paris and more. The starts on June 3. “We know that your customers are now looking to book Europe this summer, so no better time for Air Canada Vacations to offer you these amazing deals in exclusivity. Don’t forget that when you book our Economy Base fare, the first bag is free when you reserve a European package with Air Canada...
Lauderdale Calling All Canadian Sunbirds
Greater Fort Lauderdale is making summer an equally attractive time for Canadians to visit with dpecial offers and VIP hotel packages at some of the destination’s top-tier properties. The Vacation Like a VIP promotion and destination-wide 2-for-1 Summer Savings program runs through Sept. 30 with hotel stays starting at US$159. “With our summer value programs, our Canadian visitors can discover a new opportunity to visit and indulge in the ultimate VIP experience with our Resort Collection hotels at reduced rates and visiting 40 attractions at half price for two people,” says...
Canopy by Hilton Set to Debut in Africa
Hilton has announced the signing of a management agreement with Growthpoint Properties, South Africa’s largest REIT, to open a hotel under its lifestyle Canopy by Hilton brand. The 150-room Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof is expected to begin welcoming guests in 2021 and will be the brand’s debut property in Africa. Canopy by Hilton launched in 2014 to appeal to travellers seeking locally inspired stays and wishing to immerse themselves in the culture and history of local neighbourhoods. It currently operates in nine destinations around the world with more than 35...