Destinations
AC Adds Seasonal Vancouver-Dublin Service
Air Canada is adding seasonal non-stop flights to Dublin, Ireland next summer out of Vancouver. This new seasonal route follows the recent announcement of several enhancements at the airline's Vancouver hub for 2016, including new transborder services to Chicago, San Jose and San Diego, double daily flights to London Heathrow, and the only flights linking Canada to Brisbane, Australia. The Vancouver-Dublin flights will be operated three times weekly by Air Canada's leisure airline, Air Canada rouge, with Boeing 767-300ER aircraft beginning June 10. To promote the new route, Air...
On The Run in Kenya
Kenya is happy to host people who dream of life in the fast lane. The Kenya Tourism Board held a Toronto reception yesterday (Nov. 25) during which the board's Susan Webb said that a country best known for its wildlife safaris also welcomes non-Kenyans who dream of training with elite runners in the world's foremost running powerhouse. “You go and learn to run with the [world-class] runners and train with them,” she said of training opportunities in a country that dominates the international marathon scene and has a staggering 3,000 people who have turned in times that could...
Remodeled ClubHouse Riu Negril Reopened
Riu Hotels & Resorts reports ClubHotel Riu Negril has reopened after being completely remodeled. The chain invested $20 million in the Jamaican property, which now has a more current and contemporary style and offers its guests new restaurants, bars and areas for children to enjoy. The hotel is one of RIU's most popular in Jamaica, thanks to its Caribbean design and its location in Bloody Bay, overlooking a white sand-beach. The hotel's 420 rooms now offer a more attractive and contemporary design, although their wooden furniture has been preserved. The bathrooms, in which the...
Discovering Austria
From snow-capped mountains, ski resorts and Christmas markets, to hot springs, wine regions and even a photo of Arnold Schwarzenegger, the spotlight was on Austria last night (Nov. 24) in Toronto. Organized by the Consulate General of Austria - Commercial Section in Toronto, the third annual Discover Austria road show event was also held in Montreal earlier this week and is heading to Vancouver tomorrow. “We are trying to attract more Canadian tourists to Austria. The figures now are about 120,000 per year and there’s definitely room to improve that,” Christian Lassnig, Consul...
Scottsdale Loonie for Canadians
Hotels, resorts, restaurants and attractions in Scottsdale, Arizona are showing their love for Canadian visitors by offering discounts throughout 2016 to help offset the weaker Canadian dollar. “It’s a small way for us to say ‘thank you’ to the Canadian visitors who choose to travel to Scottsdale,” said Caroline Stoeckel, vice-president of marketing of the Scottsdale bureau. “A weak Canadian dollar shouldn’t need to eliminate the possibility of enjoying our warm weather and hospitality.” For example, travellers can feel like they're on the set of Mad Men when staying...
Making Its Presence Known
Derya Serbetci Acar says it's time for Canadians to try Troy. Serbetci Acar is now carrying the flag for the Culture and Tourism Ministry of Turkey in Canada, with her recent arrival in Toronto marking the re-establishment of a Canadian tourism office following the closure of the last one in the mid-1990s, reports Ian Stalker in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. Serbetci Acar is now working out of the Turkish consulate in Toronto and expects to move into a dedicated Toronto office next year. “Turkish tourism is growing so fast,” she says. “Right now, Turkey is...
Still Time to Win Thailand Trip
Agents still have time to enter to win a trip for two to Thailand, courtesy of the Qatar Airways and The Tourism Authority of Thailand. Through Nov. 27, book two economy class tickets to Thailand with Qatar Airways for entry into the contest. Agents can triple their chances by booking a Business Class ticket. To enter, visit...
DCI Named Canadian Rep for Visit California
Visit California has announced that travel marketing agency Development Counsellors International (DCI) has been selected as in-market representative for the destination’s tourism promotion in Canada. As the representation office, the dedicated team for Visit California will manage Canadian consumer marketing, public relations and travel trade efforts to drive tourism growth and raise California’s profile as a leading travel destination. “As our neighbour and one of our top international visitor markets, Canada is a top priority for California,” said Caroline Beteta,...