Destinations
Ritz-Carlton, Laguna in a Festive Mood
As the holiday season approaches, California's Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel has partnered with the luxurious South Coast Plaza to provide guests with a seamless shopping experience. The “Luxury Shopping Experience” includes overnight accommodations, complimentary round-trip transportation to South Coast Plaza, admittance to ACCESS, South Coast Plaza's VIP Hospitality Suite that includes package check, gift wrapping and Champagne, a South Coast Plaza VIP Passport featuring exclusive offers from more than 100 stores and restaurants, and a US$100 South Coast Plaza Gift Card Voucher...
Spotlight on Mexico’s Chihuahua State
The director of a tour operator in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua says the famed Grand Canyon of the southwestern United States doesn't measure up against northern Mexico's Copper Canyon. In fact, the Copper Canyon is “four times larger than the Grand Canyon,” Juan Rodriguez told a Thursday Toronto gathering. Train trips along the canyon that cross some 86 bridges are offered and Rodriguez suggested a four-night itinerary that he said would showcase both dramatic scenery and area culture, including area Indians who “are very nomadic” and are great runners, sometimes...
Virginia Loves Canadians
A delegation of Virginia tourism officials, including Governor Terry McAuliffe, stopped by Toronto last night (Sept. 24) during a two-day trade mission to Canada to host a special “Taste of Virginia” reception. Guests were treated to all things Virginia, including fresh oysters, a variety of cheeses, wine and craft beer. McAuliffe welcomed guests and called the Canadian market, Virginia's top source for international visitors, “spectacular.” “You've got 50 states to choose from, but let's be honest, we've got 28 miles of coastal beaches, we've got mountains, great...
Contiki Launches 2016-17 Europe Program
Contiki has launched its new 2016-17 Europe brochure offering “the most epic and bucket list-worthy trips ever.” New for 2016 are eight exceptional itineraries requested by travellers including the 10-day Mediterranean Escape and five-day London Uncovered which are conveniently organizing into “Eight Ways to Travel,” making it easier for agents to help clients book their dream holiday. In celebration of the 2016 Europe launch, clients who book and pay in full by Jan. 14, 2016 can save 10% off for a savings of up to $820 per person. “Our 2016 Summer Europe program is our...
Experience Ireland Webinars Continue Sept. 29
Agents are invited to join Baxter Travel Media at 12 noon EST Sept. 29 as the “Experience Ireland” webinar series continues, in collaboration with Tourism Ireland. Learn about Ireland’s iconic heritage, culture and history – from ancient ruins and high kings to modern luxuries and world-famous writers, musicians and artists. Featuring guest speakers from Christ Church Cathedral, The Temple Bar Company and Celtic Horizon Tours, Tourism Ireland introduces you to Ireland: at once ancient and new. Attendance is free, but space is limited. Register today to reserve your seat at...
Getting Cultural ‘Down Under’
Tourism Australia says Australia's tourist trade can take the rough out of roughing it when it comes to learning about the country's first inhabitants. Tourism Australia spokeswoman Julie Earle-Levine says those wanting to experience Aboriginal culture can easily do so in Australian cities, rather than head for the largely sparsely populated Outback. The “culturally vibrant” cities have “really great programs and experiences” revolving around “one of the world's oldest living cultures,” she said during a Wednesday Toronto gathering. However, many considering Australia...
Jamaica To Host Group Travel Fam
The Jamaica Tourist Board is organizing a fam specifically for agents specializing in group travel. The trip will take place from Oct. 22-28 and visit Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios, including visits to new resort properties such as the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, Melia Braco Village and Moon Palace Jamaica Grande. Group travel represents a growing niche for destination Jamaica and this trip is ideal for consultants with active or upcoming group RFPs for Jamaica. Interested specialists should contact Dan Hamilton at [email protected] for further...
Acapulco Debuts Partnership With Virtuoso
Acapulco has become a commercial partner of Virtuoso, the travel industry’s leading luxury network, as a result of the Mexico Tourism Board’s marketing strategy. Long recognized as an upscale destination for local visitors, Acapulco’s alliance with Virtuoso solidifies the destination’s standing as an international luxury tourism hotspot. Acapulco is home to internationally acclaimed restaurants like Zibu, which fuses Thai and Mexican spices to create unique, delectable dishes, and Tony’s Asian Bistro, which opened approximately two years ago and has held first place on...