Destinations
Ski Austria Launches in Canada
Austria is home to Mozart, Vienna coffee, Red Bull, Swarovski and Arnold Schwarzenegger. It is also known worldwide for its Alps, and the new Canadian-owned and operated Ski Austria wants Canadians to experience everything Austria has to offer. “We offer Canadian skiers affordable packages where all they have to worry about is the skiing and we take care of the rest,” says Gordon Dreger, co-owner of Ski Austria. “Surprisingly, a ski trip to Austria can be less expensive than some Western Canada or US ski areas.” The Toronto tour company, registered and licensed with the...
Costa Returns to Port Everglades
Costa Cruises returned to Broward County's Port Everglades yesterday (Dec. 21) with an inaugural call by the 2,260-passenger Costa Deliziosa. Costa has sailed from Port Everglades since the 1960s and is returning for the winter season following a four-year hiatus. Costa Deliziosa entered service in 2010 and features stylish Italian décor such as various types of marbles, granite, mother-of-pearl and Murano glass. The 92,600-gross-ton ship has four restaurants, three pools, 11 bars, the Samsara Spa and a 4-D...
Goway Travel Supports Koala Clancy
Koalas in Australia’s You Yangs region will enjoy an extra conservation safety net after a crowdfunding campaign aided by “Down Under” experts Goway Travel exceeded its fundraising goal. Organized by the Koala Clancy Foundation, The Give Koala Clancy a Safety Net campaign is in support of the foundation’s star marsupial Koala Clancy. After a life-threatening injury hospitalized Clancy, the costs of safe capture, vet bills and resettlement led the foundation to recognize the need for a safety net to assist the region’s threatened koalas in the future. Goway Travel, which...
Ireland Feels ‘The Force’
Star Wars mania is even hitting the shores of the Emerald Isle as an island off Ireland’s south west coast is wowing audiences at screenings of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Unveiled in the film’s closing minutes, this closely guarded secret ending to Episode 7 was filmed in September 2014 on Skellig Michael Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since 1977, the record-breaking movie franchise has travelled through many galaxies, and this time, director JJ Abrams along with cast and crew jetted into a little village called Portmagee, County Kerry, on Ireland’s Wild...
St. Kitts’ James Set For Retirement
After 26 years at the helm of tourism for St. Kitts and Nevis in Canada, Carolyn James has announced plans to retire from the position, effective Dec. 31. In a statement, she commented, “I would like to thank you for your support to the organization which I represented during my tenure. It has been a pleasure to have developed such strong relationships, and to have been able to work alongside all of you in the travel industry... It is heartening to know that St. Kitts and Nevis has only been able to succeed because of your interest in helping us make travel to St. Kitts and Nevis...
Cuba Cruise Now Offering Passengers Travel Insurance
Cuba Cruise by Celestyal Cruises has added an additional service for passengers – the convenience of purchasing travel insurance simultaneously with their booking. Travel medical insurance is mandatory for all visitors to Cuba and Cuba Cruise is now offering it at what it says are competitive rates “to ensure its passengers enjoy a flawless and comfortable cruise.” The insurance is from Mondial Assistance Group and is offered at an introductory rate of $5 per person per day for eight days, or $40 for the duration of the cruise. The insurance covers Cuba Cruise passengers both...
ASTA Gives Cuba Initiative A ‘Thumbs Up’
The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is pleased with the U.S. State Department's announcement that it has reached a bilateral arrangement with Cuba to establish scheduled air service between the two countries. “ASTA congratulates the State Department on reaching an agreement with Cuba that brings us closer to restoring the right of all Americans to fly to Cuba, which has been denied them for far too long. ASTA member travel agents believe that Americans ought to be allowed to travel across the globe without restriction, allowing them to act as ambassadors of freedom and...
Hard Rock Set For Berlin Expansion
Hard Rock International has revealed plans for Hard Rock Hotel Berlin Checkpoint Charlie, a 372-room city hotel reflective of the area’s musical past and spirited present, set to open in 2020. The property will be centrally located adjacent to the renowned Checkpoint Charlie. Hard Rock Hotel Berlin is set to rise on a site where the Berlin Wall once stood. Offering a variety of amenities, Hard Rock Hotel Berlin Checkpoint Charlie will feature a rooftop pool and lounge, inviting both visitors and locals to enjoy sweeping views overlooking Checkpoint Charlie and Berlin’s...