Destinations
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,...
Canada’s Tourism Industry Has Robust Summer
Canada's tourism industry experienced a healthy summer with international Visa cardholders spending US$3.6 billion in Canada, according to the 2015 Summer Travel Snapshot released by Visa Canada and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC). For the first time, the uniquely detailed report broke down US spending by state revealing that California, New York and Washington were the top source markets. The 2015 Summer Travel Snapshot (May through September) uses data collected by international Visa card holders to reveal other interesting findings including: The top 10...
Agents Have Chance to Join Pitbull’s New Year’s Eve Party
Air Canada Vacations (ACV), in partnership with Visit Florida, has launched a contest for agents in which they can win a trip to Miami for Pitbull's New Year's Eve party. Through Dec. 13, every time an agent books a flight or vacation package to Florida through ACV, they will be entered into a draw to win a trip for two to Miami for Pitbull’s Revolution party. Five lucky winners will be awarded with the following prize package: round-trip air for two from YYZ or YUL to Miami, five night's accommodation from Dec. 30 to Jan. 4, admission for two to Pitbull’s New Year’s Eve...
Sheraton Waikiki Unveils ‘Sand-sational’ Holiday Displays
After 250 hours over 15 days and 32 tons of sand, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around the Sheraton Waikiki. Sandsational Sand Sculpting, a company based in Melbourne, Fla., has put the finishing touches on the second of two holiday sculptures at the hotel. The first one, completed on Nov. 9 using eight tons of sand, is titled “Santa’s Serenade,” and features Santa Claus playing the ukulele and singing to Mrs. Claus in the hotel’s main lobby. The second sculpture in the Sheraton Waikiki Porte Cochere titled “Santa’s Selfie,” was completed on Nov. 18 and...