Destinations
Hong Kong’s Hidden Treasures
The British flag is gone now, but it once flew over this fishing village as it grew to be a global powerhouse of trade, commerce and tourism on the eastern edge of Asia, reports western editor, Ted Davis in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. Arriving in 1841, British occupiers saw enormous potential in the way that Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon mainland circled Victoria Bay (now Victoria Harbour) to create an ideal, sheltered port – not to mention a commanding market position next door to China, in a stunning geographic location. Now, a sea of distinctive business...
Free Korea Transit Tours From Incheon Airport
Travel agents attending a recent dinner sponsored by the Korea Tourism Organization and Incheon International Airport were pleased to hear about the Free Transit Tours being offered to travellers. The no-cost programs are designed for passengers who have just a few hours to spare in Korea while waiting for their connecting flights. For instance, a two-hour tour would be suitable for a traveller who has at least four hours to wait for their connection through Incheon. The programs are now being promoted through agent channels only, said the KTO, which co-hosted the dinner for...
Exploring Our Own Backyard
According to new data from the Expedia Group, domestic travel is on the rise in Canada. In fact in 2016, travel demand by Canadians to domestic cities rose 15% compared to 2015. And that trend continued to increase in the first quarter of 2017, which saw over 10% more demand than in 2016. With domestic travellers accounting for over 60% of the country’s demand, Canadian hoteliers have every reason to shift their strategic focus to local tourism. David Debeule, Canada area manager for Expedia, observed: “As Canada celebrates 150 years of Confederation, the trend toward domestic...
Travel Masters Acquires Altec Travel
Vancouver's Travel Masters has acquired Altec Travel's retail division – a move that is part of the company's growth and acquisition strategy. Altec Travel was established in 1978 and is an independent travel agency and a consolidator representing all the major airlines departing from Vancouver. This agency serves clients all over British Columbia with a strong base in corporate travel, safari and cruises. James Shearer, chief operating officer at Travel Masters, explained: “With two travel agency acquisitions in the first half of 2017, we are firmly setting our sights on...
Turkey Teams Up With ACTA
The Turkish Office of Culture & Tourism and ACTA have entered into a Bronze level Corporate Partnership Agreement through 2017 bringing Turkey'sit history, culture, attractions and beauties to ACTA members. Derya Serbetci Acar, Culture and Tourism Councellor for the Turkish office said of the move: “We are excited about our new partnership with ACTA. We look forward to supporting ACTA members to learn more about Turkey as a destination for their clients and introduce new resources and tools to help them sell more. It is exciting to be recognized as an ACTA Corporate Partner and...
Welcome SKAL
Toronto was the host for the 200 delegates attending the 56th Skål North American Congress at the Chelsea Hotel. The Skål Toronto Club organized and planned the Congress. The annual congress for Skål Clubs included delegates from Canada, the USA and Mexico. The Skål International president, David Fisher, from Kenya, also attended the event. Delegates have remarked that the congress was an overwhelming success. After a themed, “welcome to the neighbourhoods of Toronto” reception and dinner, delegates were inspired by the opening ceremonies which included the Skål Flag...
On The Road With The NHL
With much fanfare and a who's who of the National Hockey League, Las Vegas hosted the NHL Awards last night (June 21), as well as the expansion draft for the new Vegas Golden Knights, who begin play next season, reports Press Today's Greg Coates, who was on hand for the stellar event. In fact, as you can see in the photo, Coates got the chance to meet Montreal Canadiens' goaltender, Carey Price, during the awards ceremonies. The event was held at a packed T-Mobile Arena, located just off The Strip in Las Vegas, and aired live on television. Canada was certainly well...
A Leader In Innovation
Sandals Resorts International (SRI) is sharing its plans for its newest resort in Saint Lucia – the all-suite Sandals LaSource St. Lucia. The resort is located along Pigeon Island Beach and adjacent to Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals LaSource St. Lucia will be the fourth Sandals Resorts property in Saint Lucia, expanding Sandals’ exclusive exchange program to “Stay at One, Play at Four.” The resort, which breaks ground later this year, will introduce three new restaurant concepts to the brand, the American-inspired Tavern, Greek restaurant Éros and an authentic noodle...