Destinations
Star Wars’ Hamill Joins Dublin celebrations
Tourism Ireland reports that Star Wars legend Mark Hamill will return to Ireland as International Guest of Honour of the St Patrick’s Festival Dublin. This new honourary role has been created to celebrate the achievements of those in the fields of business, arts, and the media who have a special connection with Ireland. Nothing could be more special in 2018 than the connection Hamill has with Ireland and its people after his captivating journey along the Wild Atlantic Way – from Skellig Michael to Cork and all the way up to Donegal – for the filming of the latest chapters in...
WestJet Launches Mexico City Service
WestJet has launched service to Mexico City from Calgary, to be followed by flights from Vancouver to the Mexican capital beginning today (March 15). “WestJet is proud to be at the forefront of expanding on vital trade and tourism linkages between Mexico and Canada,” said WestJet president Ed Sims. “Non-stop, year-round flights from Calgary and Vancouver to Mexico City connect the country to one of the most important major markets in the Americas and expand on growing opportunities for Canada/Mexico tourism.” WestJet begins service with four weekly flights between Calgary...
Culinary Star Puts Spotlight On Japan
The Japan National Tourism Organization used some culinary star power to promote Japanese dining opportunities during a Tuesday night Toronto reception. The JNTO had celebrity chef Susur Lee offer insights into Japanese cuisine at one of Lee's downtown Toronto restaurants, with Lee – who oversees several eateries, frequently appears on television and has visited Japan to learn about its food – praising the Asian nation's dishes. “I think it's one of the hot cuisines in the world,” he told PressToday, adding some ingredients used in Japanese dishes in Japan aren't available...
Greg Norman Visits New Sandals Golf Course
Golf icon Greg “The Shark” Norman recently met with Sandals Resorts International deputy chairman and CEO Adam Stewart in Saint Lucia to discuss transformation plans for Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club at Cap Estate. The 18-hole golf course is the newest addition to the Sandals brand in Saint Lucia. Sandals Resorts acquired the St. Lucia Golf and Country Club last year, with massive plans for expansion and redesign by Greg Norman Golf Course Design, who previously created the award-winning golf course at Sandals Emerald Bay. Norman and his team will convert the...
Collette Launches St. Patrick’s Day Flash Sale
Collette has launched a special St. Patrick’s Day Flash Sale on air-inclusive tours to Ireland. Available through March 18, air-inclusive tours start from $2,298 per person. All rates include land, $399 round-trip airfare, taxes and fuel surcharges from eligible gateways. Agents must mention code IRELAND399. “We’re offering some amazing deals in conjunction with our 100th year celebration for agents to pass along to their clients,” said Courtney Iannuccilli, vice-president of marketing. “Explore Ireland to see beautiful castles, experience the unique culture, and behold...
Tourism New Zealand Offers $500 Fam Credit
The 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Program is gaining popularity with travel agents across North America, thanks in part to the debut of Explore PLUS, a heavily discounted independent familiarization benefit designed to help travel professionals build in-depth destination knowledge first-hand. As of yesterday (March 12), Tourism New Zealand is incentivizing travel agents even further with a special $500 trip credit available to the first 50 agents to book an independent fam trip. Also new to the program is Hawaiian Airlines, which now offers agents a $500 return airfare. Other...
Celebrating All Things Irish
The 40th edition of The Ireland Funds St. Patrick's Day Luncheon was held Friday at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, attracting more than 1,000 people. The mission of the Fund is “to harness the power of a global philanthropic network of friends of Ireland to promote and support peace, culture, education and community development across the island of Ireland and among Irish communities around the world.” In the past 40 years, the Fund has raised more than $550 million. Honoured at this year's luncheon was General de Chastelain, a retired Canadian Forces officer, the...
Go Custom With Katarina Line
Croatia's Katarina Line is expanding its customizable tour options for 2018 as the North American group travel market heats up. The company's fully customizable programs include a wider range of tours catering to groups such as music aficionados, youth travel, food lovers, history buffs, soft adventure vacationers, as well as those seeking classic sightseeing tours. The new tours also include more excursions into neighboring countries such as Slovenia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and Serbia, among others, and feature English speaking guides and private buses. As well, Katarina Line is...