Destinations
Screen Gem Spawns 2nd US Travel Film
Get ready for USA the sequel. With the phenomenal success of “America Wild: National Parks Adventure” in IMAX theatres across Canada and around the globe, Brand USA (the US's international destination marketing organization) is planning a second a film, likely to be released in 2018. Following the outdoor theme of America Wild, the short, documentary film – working title “America's Treasures” – will move on to American urban and cultural centres as seen through the eyes of some iconic American musical stars. “We're aware that in the US, we're known for our pop culture,...
Starwood Debuts in Buffalo
Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., has opened The Westin Buffalo in partnership with the hotel’s owner and operator, Delaware North. Located in the heart of downtown Buffalo, the newly built Westin hotel is the brand’s first in the city and is poised to introduce a new level of wellness to travellers in the destination. “With the revival of downtown Buffalo and new energy in the city, we are thrilled to introduce a unique wellness proposition for business and leisure travellers, as only Westin can,” said Bob Jacobs,...
Bannikan Named Wilderness Scotland Rep
Toronto-based Bannikin Travel and Tourism has been named the North American public relations agency of record for the UK and Ireland’s leading five-star adventure travel brands, Wilderness Scotland and Wilderness Ireland. Wilderness Scotland and its outpost Wilderness Ireland merge the best locations around Scotland, Wales, Ireland and the North of England with authentic local experiences, charming accommodations (like exclusive-use castles, traditional Highland lodges and more), active pursuits and the region’s fresh and creative cuisine. Guided by the best leaders in the...
Karisma Debuts Mexico’s First Overwater Bungalows
Karisma Hotels & Resorts has unveiled Mexico’s first Palafitos – Overwater Bungalows at the adults-only El Dorado Maroma, a Beachfront Resort, by Karisma. Surrounded by the waters of Riviera Maya’s Maroma Beach, the first phase of 30 elegant suites offer ocean views, glass-bottom floors, direct ladder access to the ocean, outdoor “Aguas del Amor” showers, private infinity pools, indoor Jacuzzis and oversized decks with lounge chairs. “These are the first and only over-the-water offerings in all of Mexico, eliciting a one-of-a-kind experience for travellers seeking...
Air Canada to Launch Montreal-Shanghai Flights
Air Canada has announced the introduction of daily year-round flights from Montreal to Shanghai, China beginning Feb. 16, 2017, marking the airline's first direct service to China from Montreal, as well as the introduction of Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft on flights departing from Montreal. Tickets will be available for purchase on Sept. 28. “Building on Air Canada's success in the rapidly growing Chinese market we are delighted to announce Air Canada's first direct flights between Montreal and China with the launch of Montreal-Shanghai service next year,” said Air Canada...
Kazakhstan Set To Welcome The World
The Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan is getting ready to welcome the world as its hosts Expo 2017 (Future Energy) from June 10 to Sept. 10 of next year. For those unfamiliar with Kazakhstan, it is the ninth largest country in the world (about the size of Ontario and Quebec) with a population of 17 million – bordered by Russia to the north and China to the east. Rapil Zhoshybayev, commissioner of Expo 2017, was in Toronto yesterday (Sept. 21) to promote the upcoming World Expo, which is expected to attract around five million visitors. The big news for Canadians is that starting...
Tauck Expands Small Departures Portfolio
Small group departures are proving popular with travellers and Tauck has announced it will offer 415 of them on 60 different itineraries in 2017, providing a multitude of choices for travellers looking to combine the ease and convenience of guided travel with a small group experience. Tauck has seen strong growth in its small group departures over recent years and has responded by doubling its overall capacity in the category since 2011. For 2017, Tauck will offer small group departures on tours throughout Europe, North America, Central America, South America, Asia, the Middle East...
Drinking Up The Wonders Of Germany
Travellers have long flocked to Germany for Oktoberfest – in fact some 6 million guests attend the annual event now in its 183rd year – but the German beer scene extends far beyond the Munich-based festivities, reports Ann Ruppenstein in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. The country is home to over 1,300 breweries and 5,500 different beers, and this year celebrates the 500th anniversary of the Beer Purity Law. Reinheitsgebot, as it is known in German, is said to be the world's oldest enforced food regulation, limiting beer ingredients to malt, hops, water and...