Destinations
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...
National Adds St. John’s-Orlando Service
Orlando-based National Airlines has begun service from St. John’s International Airport to Orlando Sanford International Airport. Scheduled service is available Mondays and Fridays, departing Orlando at 9 a.m. EST. Flights will return to Orlando from St. John’s on the same days, departing St. John’s at 4 p.m. NST. The airline also launched nonstop flights from Orlando to Windsor, Ont., and San Juan, Puerto Rico, in December. Passengers can view National Airlines’ flight schedule at www.nationalairlines.com/service. Travellers to Orlando experience the airline’s...
Escape With Goway
IslandsEscapes by Goway has launched their 2016-2017 “World’s Most Idyllic Islands” travel planner. The 52-page catalogue features a comprehensive range of island products to Tahiti (French Polynesia), Fiji, the Cook Islands, Hawaii, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles and Bali. Bronwyn Hodge, general manager of Goway’s IslandsEscapes, said: “We have focused again on exotic islands recognized for their natural beauty, with a range of cultural, active and romantic experiences for our globetrotting clientele.” Hodge continued: “Our product can all be customized to create...
Dine Out Vancouver Back in Action
Vancouver’s Dine Out Festival is now back in operation for its fifth year, featuring Street Food City, an annual showcase local food trucks outside the Vancouver Art Gallery until Jan. 24. The cuisine choice ranges from Aussie meat pies to the buzzed-about modern Asian cuisine of Le Tigre. Inexpensive and surprising, more than 25 food trucks will be open for business from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. The entire Dine Out Vancouver Festival runs until Jan....
The Trudeau Factor
With his youthful good looks and charismatic style, he’s already proven to be a magnet for paparazzi cameras and fans. And during his international debut at the recent G20 in Turkey and APEC in Manila, new prime minister Justin Trudeau served notice that his new-look leadership plays well on world stages, reports western editor, Ted Davis in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. Now, Canadian tourism interests want to know if some of that international buzz and glow associated with PM Trudeau might encourage a heightened awareness of Canada and a greater interest in...