Destinations
Hard Rock Moving Into The Big Easy
Hard Rock International is expanding its hotel portfolio into the historic French Quarter and New Orleans Theater District with plans to open Hard Rock Hotel New Orleans and the Residences at the Hard Rock Hotel New Orleans. The 18-storey building is scheduled to open in the spring of 2019. Located on a landmark corner in the heart of New Orleans, the property will sit adjacent to two-street car lines, allowing guests easy access to all parts of the city. The new development melds together New Orleans’ rich history of music and culture. Accommodating both business and leisure...
Saint Lucia Appoints New Trade Sales Manager
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has appointed Rod Hanna as its new trade sales manager. Hanna will work closely with the trade as part of a leading, national strategy to increase travel agent engagement, to reach Canadians seeking unique and exotic island experiences. Hanna has over 10 years experience in the industry, most recently working with the Sunwing Travel Group where he held the position of marketing co-ordinator, before being promoted to business development manager. Prior to that, he held positions at Sell Off Vacations and Loyalty One, working closely with...
Caribbean Region Hits 30-Million Mark
It seems all is well in the Caribbean. The catastrophic hurricanes that devastated some Caribbean destinations last September slowed down tourism’s progress, but did not stop it, according to figures released by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the authority on regional tourism statistics. Ryan Skeete, the CTO’s acting director of research, reports that the Caribbean reached the 30-million mark in stay-over arrivals for the first time ever last year, even as the region battled the effects of hurricanes Irma and Maria, as well as Hurricane Harvey, which lashed parts of...
Discover America Canada Picks New Executive
Discover America Canada (DAC) elected its new executive team during its annual general meeting in Toronto last night. Cynthia Farrill, Visit Florida – Canada; Denise Graham, Experience Kissimmee/VoX International; Annika Klint, KAI – Colorado Tourism Office – Canada; and Susan Webb, VoX International were picked for the 2018-2019 executive committee. The meeting also featured a review of Discover America Canada's activities during 2017; a look at its financial position; special presentations by Brand USA's Karly Melo and Expedia MediaSolutions Raina Williams; and a glimpse of...
Dominican Celebrates A Record Year Out Of Canada
After a record year in 2017, with almost 850,000 Canadian visitors to their country, the Dominican Republic is celebrating in a very Canadian fashion – at a hockey game. On Feb. 24, the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, through its Tourist Office in Montreal, will be hosting a colourful Caribbean themed evening at the Bell Centre in Montreal, during the match between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Hockey fans will be treated to live music, a traditional Merengue dancing exhibition, a virtual reality experience and the chance to win an all-inclusive...
Myrtle Beach Celebrates With Annual CAN-AM Days
Calling all Canadians! Though the 57th annual Canadian-American Festival lasts just one week – March 10-18 – select Myrtle Beach area hotels, merchants and attractions are offering discounts throughout spring for travellers with a valid Canadian passport. Ranging from 25% to as much as 55%, the discounts are designed to help Canadians “make up” the difference in the Canadian exchange rate. “We have seen a growing number of Canadian visitors to the Myrtle Beach area, especially in the past decade,” said Julie Ellis, public relations and communications manager for the...
Savouring Switzerland
In the beginning there was Thomas Cook — so to say. Switzerland’s roots as a tourist destination can be traced back to 1863, when a documented tour led by the international travel company brought a group to the Central European country for a holiday, reports assistant editor, Ann Ruppenstein in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. “We have 150 years of history of Switzerland as a travel destination,” Alex Herrmann, director, North America for Switzerland Tourism tells Travel Courier. “Over 150 years ago, the first groups came from the UK, so you have all these...
Playacar Palace Unveils Complete Transformation
Mexico's five-star Playacar Palace has reopened following an extensive, US$14 million multi-phase remodel. The all-inclusive resort for couples, families and groups is located on the white sands of Playa del Carmen, just steps away from the Quinta Avenida. Renovation details include upgrades to guest rooms, lobby, front desk, restaurants and lounge areas. Each of the 201 rooms boasts new décor, installation of modern furnishings, enhanced showers and vanity areas, top-of-the-line Lavazza coffee makers and advanced jets added to the in-room double whirlpool tubs. The...