Destinations
Goway Puts Spotlight on New Zealand
Those who have been “Hobbit-ually” dreaming of visiting New Zealand shouldn't wait until the last minute when it comes to arranging their trip, says Goway Travel. Goway's Shirley Rourke told PressToday during an Oct. 3 gathering in Toronto that, “New Zealand is a hot ticket. Booking in advance is 100% necessary so as not to be disappointed.” Goway's Steve Martin in turn told an audience that New Zealand has some 4.4 million people, a sharp contrast with Japan, which is a similar size, but is home to 126 million residents, and Britain, also similar in size to New Zealand, but...
It’s so Miami in Toronto
With scenic views overlooking Toronto from the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre, the spotlight was on Miami last night (Oct. 3) as the Greater Miami CVB held an industry reception ahead of a sales mission for travel agents tonight. With the economy picking up and Snowbirds starting to head south, Linda Stilmann, senior director of sales travel industry, for the Greater Miami CVB, says Canadian travel to Miami is beginning to pick up again. “We're a hop, skip and a jump away from here,” she says. “I mean 2.5 hours there you are out of the cold weather sitting on the beach...
100% Pure New Zealand
A delegation of tourism officials from New Zealand made a stop in Toronto yesterday (Oct. 3) in the midst of a 15-city road show to update travel industry personnel on all that's new in the land made famous by the Lord of the Rings trilogy – including new direct flights out of Houston with Air New Zealand. The event was held at Sazzafraz and hosted by Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand and a number of partners up from New Zealand. Also on hand was Honorary Consul Phillip Crawley who noted that tourism is a $30 billion business in New Zealand, which has seen a 17% increase in...
Remembering the Heroes of WWII
In recognition of its 10th anniversary and the upcoming 75th anniversary of the Dec. 7 bombing of Pearl Harbor, Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor recently hosted an expanded Living History Day with a multitude of historical exhibits, presentations by award-winning authors and hands-on demonstrations highlighting the history, bravery and heroes of WWII. Living History Day saw more than 2,000 guests visit the museum. This year's event included special tributes to the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, WWII exhibits created by local high school students, and...
New Cultural Exhibits Unveiled at HCC
The Hawaii Convention Center (HCC) has unveiled three new exhibits celebrating the history of ki hoalu (or slack key guitar), the legendary sport of surfing. Presented by AEG Facilities, the sponsorship of the new exhibits is part of HCC’s ongoing commitment to perpetuating Hawaiian culture as the management company of the centre. According to officials, the investment ensures Hawaiian culture, history and heritage remains the focus and foundation of Hawaii storytelling and ensures an understanding of what makes places like the Hawaiian Islands and HCC so extraordinary is passed on...
Vote For Miami
The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau rolled into Toronto last night (Sept. 29) for the first of two trade events designed to promote the city, in this case, primarily as a meetings, incentives and conventions destination. Playing off the US election theme, the CVB is urging Canadians to “Vote for Miami.” Among those on hand for the event were GMCVB president and CEO William Talbert, along with colleagues Jennifer Haz (l), and Jennifer...
There’s Nothing Like Australia
The spotlight was on Australia last night (Sept. 29) as Tourism Australia officials held an industry event at Proof Lounge in Toronto to update travel agents and suppliers on all things new Down Under. With Canadian arrival numbers to Australia on the rise, Robert Keddy, head of commercial partnerships, The Americas, for Tourism Australia, thanked the partners on hand. Numbers were up 1.7% for the last 12 months ending in July, and a whopping 17% in July itself, thanks in part to new Air Canada-Brisbane service. “Canada punches beyond its weight,” said Keddy. Key campaign...
Dominica, Saint Lucia Weather The Storm
Initial reports indicate that Dominica (pictured) and Saint Lucia have weathered the passage of Tropical Storm Matthew. To date, there have been no reports of loss from the tourism sector in Dominica. According to officials, businesses are open and clean-up efforts are ongoing. Utility companies are actively working to restore service to affected areas. Island accommodations and other tourism establishments have weathered the storm with little to no disruptions to normal operations and are open to receive visitors. The Douglas – Charles Airport has reopened and ferry services are...