Destinations
It’s All About Entertainment In Vegas
The mere possibility that Las Vegas could get an NHL franchise to fill its new stadium (opening in 2016) tells you all you need to know about the city: it ain't what it used to be, reports editor Michael Baginski in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. Built on casino gaming, Las Vegas is now a destination where visitors are more likely to see stars on ice than gangsters being put on ice. Indeed, where once gambling versus entertainment revenue of the city was city was 70-30, now those figures are being transposed, with entertainment commanding close to 60% of a visitor's...
Spotlight on St. Kitts
St. Kitts and Nevis' newly appointed Minister of Tourism, International Trade, Industry & Commerce, Lindsay F.P. Grant, was in Toronto yesterday (Aug. 25) to highlight news and developments set for the destination. Over the next two years several major hotel brands will open properties in St. Kitts, including Embassy Suites by Hilton, Koi Resort & Residences and the first Park Hyatt in the Caribbean. “That's fantastic for us,” Grant said at an industry breakfast at the Park Hyatt Toronto. “That will drive some traffic into St. Kitts.” According to Grant, the island...
Goway Giving Away a Trip to Japan
Goway, in conjunction with the Japan National Tourism Organization, is giving away a trip to Japan. Bookings made Aug. 1 through Nov. 30 will result in an entry to win a trip on Goway's five-day “Tokyo and Kyoto Highlights” tour, including air from Vancouver. Goway and the JNTO will also buy one winning agent per month a sushi lunch for his/her office (up to a maximum of 10 agents). The offer is valid on all new bookings made on a minimum package purchase of $2,000 anywhere in Japan between now and Nov. 30. Agents can register bookings at...
Machu Picchu to Stay Open Through April
Peru's Machu Picchu will remain open for tourists in April 2016 despite reports of closures for maintenance purposes of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain, according to adventure specialist G Adventures. Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu will be closed at various stages for the month of April, however, these mountain trails are separate to Machu Picchu itself (and the Inca trail and Lares trek) and normal tourist access for the Machu Picchu Archaeological site will remain in place for the duration of the maintenance works. The Andina news agency reported the head of the...
ACV, MSC Introduce All-Inclusive Cruise Package
Air Canada Vacations (ACV), in partnership with MSC Cruises, is offering a unique seven-night Western Caribbean cruise onboard the MSC Opera and offering clients the option to board the ship in Havana or Montego Bay. From Havana, sailings are offered every Wednesday starting Dec. 23 to April 6, 2016, and from Montego Bay every Saturday starting Dec. 26 to April 9, 2016. The cruise begins in Havana where the ship is docked all day and overnight. This is followed by a day at sea before arriving in Montego Bay. From there, the MSC Opera sails to Grand Cayman and Cozumel before...
Canadians Drawn to Allure of Asia
Although American and European cities remained the most popular spots among Canadian travellers heading abroad in the first half of 2015, Asian cities showed the largest growth. Hong Kong, Tokyo and Bangkok had an increase in hotel demand climbing two, five and 12 spots, respectively in the latest Hotels.com Hotel Price Index. “Historically Asian countries have offered great value for accommodation, making them popular among travellers looking to explore a unique, new culture,” says Taylor L. Cole, travel expert for Hotels.com. “With Canada's strong Asian economic ties,...
North Korea Marathon Next Stop for Intrepid
Elite athletes and budding runners alike now have the rare opportunity to add North Korea to their marathon list and get a glimpse of the world’s most secretive country on Intrepid Travel’s new Pyongyang Marathon Expedition in April 2016. A new addition to Intrepid’s popular Expedition range, the North Korea Pyongyang Marathon trip will allow travellers to participate in a full marathon (42.2 km), half marathon (21.2 km) or 10 km run on April 10 in the nation’s capital. The Pyongyang Marathon is an annual event that was held for the first time in 1981 for men and shortly...
Celebrate India With Goway
India is known for its cultural diversity and colourful festivals, and Goway is offering travellers a chance to take part and celebrate Holi with its signature “Splendours of India” tour starting on March 15, 2016. Holi is the liveliest of all Hindu festivals. It marks the end of winter and the dawn of spring. It is celebrated on the day after the last full moon of the Hindu month of Phalguna. The most striking aspect of the festival is the spraying of brightly coloured powders and water in enormous public celebrations. The Splendours of India tour is an 18-day small group tour...