Destinations
Spotlight on Virginia
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe wants word to get through the literal grapevine that no one need go thirsty in his state. McAuliffe, part of a Virginia delegation visiting Toronto Thursday night (May 19), told the gathering that his state has some 145 breweries and 275 wineries, with Virginia now being fifth among US states when it comes to wine production. Brewery trails are found across the state. Tourists can visit both the breweries and wineries, with tastings available. McAuliffe also noted his state is home to distilleries and “put this together and we've got about...
Survey Says: Vancouver Most Expensive
Vancouver is the most expensive city in Canada based on the cost of its lodging, according to a new survey by CheapHotels.org which compared hotel rates across 30 main destinations across the country. In compiling the rankings, the average rate for the cheapest available double room during the month of June was established for each Canadian urban destination. In June, most destinations in Canada reach their highest average rates, making it a good comparative period. In Vancouver, travellers will have to spend an average of $164 per night for the least expensive double room. It...
VoX International Awarded Hawaii Contract
Aloha. Susan Webb, president of VoX International, has confirmed that the Toronto-based company has been awarded the Hawaii Tourist Authority account for Canada. She commented, "We are so proud and so excited to be promoting the Islands of Hawaii to Canadians. Get your grass skirt and Hawaiian shirt...
Insight Offers Sneak Peek Into Europe
Insight Vacations is offering agents and their clients a sneak peek at its new 2017 Europe & Britain program, including 10 of its Luxury Gold itineraries with a guarantee to offer the lowest brochure price if they pre-register their 2017 booking. For a limited time, travellers who pre-register to secure a seat on one of the more than 100 Premium and Luxury Gold itineraries, and pay a $200 per person deposit within three days, will be guaranteed the lowest brochure price – even if the 2017 prices are higher. In the instance that the 2017 price is lower than in 2016, Insight will...
Vegas’ Lucky Dragon Set To Open Late This Year
The new Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas' first resort delivering an authentic Asian cultural and gaming experience, is on schedule to be completed late this year. “Our principals have provided the financial commitments necessary to ensure Lucky Dragon’s development remains on track for an opening later this year,” said David Jacoby, chief operating officer of Lucky Dragon. “As the first ground up casino development in Las Vegas in six years, the opening of Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino will mean more options for Las Vegas visitors and locals alike. We are filling a...
1,600-Year-Old Shipwreck Discovered in Caesarea
Two divers discovered the spectacular remains of a Roman ship that sank 1,600 years ago in the ancient port of Caesarea, Israel. Divers Ran Feinstein and Ofer Ra'anan immediately contacted the Israel Antiquities Authority after discovering the shipwrecked cargo in the Caesarea National Park. An underwater salvage survey was later conducted revealing numerous artifacts from the merchant ship, such as a bronze lamp depicting the image of the sun god Sol, a figurine of the moon goddess Luna and a lamp in the form of the head of an African slave. One of the biggest surprises was the...
Transat Offers ‘Super Early Booking’ Promotion
Transat has unveiled a “Super Early Booking” mega promotion, inviting Canadians to start planning their winter vacation now in order to benefit from exclusive savings and advantages. With Transat’s Super Early Booking promotion and a deposit of $100, clients will get: Transat’s Price Drop Guarantee on all-inclusive packages (if a package becomes available at a lower price than the one paid, the difference – up to $400 per adult – will be refunded); The best prices of the season; The option to modify travel dates up to three hours before departure; A $50 future...
More Sunshine For Florida
Florida Governor Rick Scott reports that the Sunshine State welcomed its highest number of visitors during the first quarter of the year with 29.8 million tourists visiting Florida. This is an increase of 4.8% over the same period last year and exceeds the previous high of 28.5 million in the first quarter of 2015. And, despite a low Canadian dollar, 1.6 million Canadians visited the Sunshine State in the first quarter of 2016. “I’m thrilled that Florida continues to break records in the amount of tourists visiting our state. Nearly 30 million visitors have enjoyed our beautiful...