Destinations
Discovering the Austrian Advantage
Although many people associate Austria with The Sound of Music, Arnulf Gressel, vice consul and deputy trade commissioner, Austrian Consulate General - Commercial Section, says most Austrians actually haven't seen the internationally recognized film. In addition to providing other trivia facts like Austria is home to the headquarters for Redbull and Swarovski crystals, Gressel was on hand to host the trade who gathered in Toronto yesterday (Sept. 27) onboard the Yankee Lady IV to take part in the fourth annual Discover Austria event. Organized by the Consulate General of Austria -...
SeaWorld Ups The Fun Factor in 2017
SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. has unveiled an extensive lineup of new attractions, shows and events for 2017 – part of an approximate US$175 million in capital spending and one of the largest new attraction years in the company's 50-year history. The announcement includes major new ride additions at three of its theme parks, a virtual reality experience in Orlando, a new orca presentation in San Diego and new shows and events at many other park locations. “We are extremely excited with the scope and depth of the new attractions and events coming to our SeaWorld and Busch Gardens...
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...