Destinations
Transcending Climate Change
The PATA New Tourism Frontiers Forum, held in the city of Legazpi in the Philippines, recently ended after a successful series of presentations themed as “Ecotourism -- Transcending Climate Change.” A total of 541 delegates from 20 countries attended the event, which ran three days in late November. The forum convened experts in various fields of ecotourism that are key to meeting the challenges of global climate change. Delegates from both the public and private sectors shared insights and experiences on ecotourism, adventure travel, climate change mitigation, crisis...
Hogwarts Coming to Hollywood
Get ready Harry Potter fans, it’s official: “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will open at Universal Studios Hollywood on April 7, 2016, marking the highly anticipated arrival of the West Coast’s new immersive experience at The Entertainment Capital of L.A. The news coincides with the launch of a new marketing campaign “designed to sweep guests into the land’s magical world through the lens of imagination.” In making the announcement, Universal Studios Hollywood illuminated the land’s Hogwarts castle. More than five years in the making, and inspired by J.K....
On The Run in Kenya
Ephraim Mwaura and Eliud Lagat (pictured) want Canadian runners to experience life in the very fast lane. The transplanted Kenyans – both trained coaches in the National Coaching Certification Program – are guiding Canadian runners through the Toronto-area CanKen Sports Club, with Mwaura having been a sprinter in Kenya, while Lagat was a distance runner. “We try to train Canadians in the Kenyan style,” says Lagat, whose running background includes a blisteringly fast one hour and 53 seconds in a 2000 half-marathon and two-hour and 11-minute marathon in Hamburg in 2002, and...
Long-Forgotten Tunnel Ashford Castle’s New Wine Cellar
As part of its US$75-million restoration project, Ireland's Ashford Castle has unveiled a new wine cellar equipped for hosting wine tastings and private events. During the process of the restoration, Red Carnation Hotels (the hotel's parent company, which oversaw the renovation and reopening of Ashford Castle as its new flagship property) discovered an unused tunnel that was originally a limestone coal bunker and later an old servants' entrance and walkway underneath the castle. Ashford Castle has long been recognized for its outstanding wine list, with its original wine cellars...
Win a Trip to St. Pete/Clearwater
Get ready for sun, top-rated white-sand beaches and the charming coastal character that St. Pete/Clearwater has to offer. The gulf-side Florida destination, comprised of a collection of communities, entices visitors with lively restaurants, eclectic shops, and historic neigbourhoods. And there's always something new and fun to do from festivals to sporting events, concerts to museums, and so much more. One lucky travel agent and a guest will win a one-week getaway to popular St. Pete/Clearwater including round-trip airfare on WestJet from Toronto to Tampa; seven-night stay at Sheraton...
Start 2016 Off Right With Sunwing
Sunwing Vacations has launched a New Year's Resolution Sale that offers savings of up to 40% on the operator's beach getaways for a limited time. Now that's a resolution that's worth keeping. From Dec. 5 to Dec. 11, agents' customers can take advantage of discounted rates on vacations to the most popular destination hotspots in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America; with over 30 local gateways to choose from across Canada. For more information on Sunwing Vacations' New Year's Resolution Sale, agents should go to http://www.sunwing.ca...
MSC Sending Second Ship to Cuba
MSC Cruises will further strengthen its presence in Cuba when it home-ports a second ship in Havana during the winter 2016-17 season. In a move that will double the number of MSC Caribbean itineraries centred on Cuba, MSC Armonia will join MSC Opera in Havana, starting November 2016, for the entire winter season. Armonia will sail two separate, culturally diverse, eight-day, seven-night itineraries, adding an enhanced choice of Central American and Caribbean destinations to the MSC portfolio. Following two days and one night in the Cuban capital, the first itinerary will take...
ACV Adds New Hotel In Guadeloupe
Air Canada Vacations (ACV) has added the Langley Resort Fort Royal to its Guadeloupe line-up. The resort sits on the beach in Anse du Petit Bas Vent, Deshaies and is a 30-minute drive from the International Airport of Pointre-à-Pitre. Langley features 133 standard rooms, seven suites and 82 bungalows for a total of 222 rooms. Standard rooms and suites can accommodate up to six people and include ocean and garden views. The bungalows include a terrace and some are even located on the beach. There are two bars on the property as well as Le Royal Restaurant offering a combination...