Destinations
Insight Goes All-Inclusive in Europe
Insight Vacations has unveiled its 2016-17 Europe and Britain collection highlighted by nine new premium all-inclusive trips and four new itineraries. The program features more than 100 hand-picked itineraries and 13 new escorted journeys. Many of the tour operator's Signature Hotels have been upgraded and new “Relaxed Starts” have been introduced on various itineraries offering leisurely starts of 9 a.m. or later. Signature Highlights for 2016 include VIP and priority access to excursions, including an open-top cable car to the summit of Mt. Stanserhorn and fast track entry to...
Jerusalem Opens Its Doors
Inspired by successful Open House events in London and New York City, Open House Jerusalem will open the doors to some of its most exclusive and unique spaces from Oct. 22-24. Designer lofts, urban villas, unique synagogues, architectural marvels, curious construction sites and private gardens are among the spaces that will be open to the public free of charge. Tours will include: A look at houses in the Old City dating back 500 years; Access to areas of the Sha'are Tzedek Hospital that are not accessible to the public; Underground visit of the site where the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv...
Seeing Is Believing
St. Petersburg/Clearwater says it has a one-two punch when competing for tourist dollars from tourists planning to vacation in Florida. Visit St. Pete/Clearwater spokesman Leroy Bridges says the Gulf Of Mexico -fronting destination can easily host those who appreciate beaches and also effortlessly accommodate those who wish to add to their learned sides as well. “No one else has a combination of beaches and culture like we do,” he said Friday while he and colleagues were hosting tourism industry personnel at a Toronto Blue Jays home game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Bridges...
On The Road In Algarve, Portugal
From coastal views and historical sites to beaches and its diverse gastronomy, Transat Holidays and Visit Portugal are promoting getaways and long stays in the region of Algarve, Portugal. A popular destination for snowbirds and retirees, Hugo Nascimento, sun and sea product manager at Algarve Promotion Bureau, told PressToday the area is also a good fit for younger generations and families. After a drop in tourists from Canada in 2011, Algarve is seeing an increase in travellers from Ontario and Quebec, reports staff writer Ann Ruppenstein from the destination. “Canadians are...
Carnival Goes Mobile Year-Round
Carnival Cruise Line will operate a year-long schedule of four- and five-day cruises to Mexico aboard Carnival Fantasy out of Mobile, Alabama beginning in fall 2016. Prior to its deployment to Mobile, the 2,056-passenger Fantasy will undergo a multi-million-dollar refurbishment that will add several elements of the cruise line’s popular Fun Ship 2.0 product enhancement program, including Guy’s Burger Joint, developed in tandem with Food Network star Guy Fieri, two poolside watering holes, the RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar, and the BlueIguana Cantina Mexican-themed...
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...