Destinations
Goway Offers Accessible Africa
Goway has launched an “Accessible Africa” product in Botswana catering to clients with disabilities, including mobility, visual or hearing impairment. “Everyone should have the privilege of going on safari no matter what challenges they have,” said Moira Smith, general manager of Goway’s AFRICAExperts. “With our Accessible Africa product, a dream safari is within everyone’s reach.” Botswana is decidedly an animal viewer’s paradise. Over a third of its terrain is devoted to National Parks offering exceptional game drives. There is also the opportunity to go on...
Croatia Among Transat’s New Europe Program
Transat kicked off its Europe season in Toronto last night (Jan. 20) with a trade VIP night where guests received copies of the tour operator's new brochure, featuring 28 direct flight destinations and more than 300 package holidays, including new destination Croatia. Transat's commercial director Nicole Bursey told guests that 2015 was one of the best ever for Transat's Europe program with double digit growth, and that hopes remain high for this year as well. Bursey (pictured right, with Transat's Denise Heffron) noted that the new brochure, which follows the previously recently...
W Hits the Slopes of Aspen
W Hotels Worldwide will debut its second alpine escape – and first in North America – with the W Aspen and The Sky Residences at W Aspen slated to open in time for the 2017 winter ski season. W Aspen, formerly the Sky Hotel, will be situated at the base of Aspen Mountain and provide skiers the ability to ski right into the hotel. The mountain chalet will offer 88 guestrooms (including six suites) and 11 W-branded fractional residences. The hotel will feature an oversized split level Living Room (the brand’s alternative to the staid hotel lobby), a 1,600-square-foot outdoor...
Visa Free Travel to Brazil
Canadian passport holders travelling to Brazil between June 1 and Sept. 18 will not need a tourist visa, thanks to the Summer Olympics being held there at this time. The visa exemption will not require travellers to have purchased tickets to see any of the sporting events at the Olympics, and the “visa waiver” will apply only for tourist visits, with visitors allowed to stay for up to 90 days. Goway describes South America's giant, Brazil, as “a seductive country with dazzling beaches, tropical islands and picturesque colonial towns. Its verdant rainforests boast an astounding...
London Calling
Trafalgar is encouraging travellers to live for the moment and explore the world with its “Simply the Best” guided vacations to Europe and Britain. And, through Feb. 29, agents from across Canada can enter to win return flights for two to London courtesy of Trafalgar and WestJet. To enter, agent’s need to book clients on any Trafalgar guided vacation with WestJet air. Agents also have the opportunity to win a travel basket (value $500) each week through Feb. 29. “To kick-off 2016, we want to celebrate and reward our loyal agents with a chance to win two return WestJet...
Small Is Beautiful
Legend has it that the pastel-coloured colonial architecture along the waterfront of Willemstad, Curaçao, actually used to be white. The story goes that a former governor got terrible headaches from the sun reflecting off the buildings and mandated locals paint the town. Fact or fiction, the vibrant colours of Handelskade in the Punda district are now a distinct and highly photographed feature of the Dutch Caribbean Island's capital city. Curaçao’s popularity among Canadian travellers is rapidly growing, with a 43% increase in arrivals in 2015, and visitors from Quebec up...
DoubleTree by Hilton Opens New Hotel in London
DoubleTree by Hilton has opened its newest property in London – the 260-room DoubleTree by Hilton London ExCel, located in the heart of London's up-and-coming financial hub. Featuring 31 deluxe rooms and 35 suites, the hotel gives the brand more than 25 properties across the U.K. The new property offers views of London's Royal Victoria Dock and is conveniently located near Canary Wharf, London ExCel, The O2, London City Airport and the Emirates Air Line Cable Car. Facilities include the 112-seat DoubleTree Restaurant, the DoubleTree Lounge Bar, fitness centre and two contemporary...
Myrtle Beach Helps Canadians Fight Declining Loonie
In light of the weakening Canadian dollar, the Myrtle Beach area is helping Canadians “make up” the difference with offers of up to 30% discounts – and in some cases up to 65% – at select hotels, live entertainment, attractions, golf and restaurants through April. “We have been welcoming Canadians to the Myrtle Beach area for decades and hope this promotional solution will help overcome any financial hurdles caused by the exchange rate,” said Susan Phillips, director of marketing for the Myrtle Beach Area CVB. “This special Canadian discount is just one more reason to...