Destinations
England Pilgrimage Will Seek The Holy Grail
Did the uncle of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea, bring the goblet used in The Last Supper when he visited England? A May 8-18, 2016, Vancouver-based Sacred Earth Journeys sacred sites tour will examine not only the Grail legend, but also places associated with King Arthur, Lady Guinevere and Merlin. The “King Arthur's Avalon” tour will be led by Phil Cousineau host of the “i television series Global Spirit and author of the bestseller, The Art of Pilgrimage: The Seeker's Guide to Making Travel Sacred. Highlights of the itinerary include excursions to Glastonbury, where a thorn tree...
WestJet Vacations Launches New Brochure
WestJet Vacations has released its 2015-2016 print brochure – now available for travel agents across Canada. “This year's WestJet Vacations print brochure truly showcases our vacation product lineup and we are excited to share it with the trade,” says Jane Clementino, WestJet director of agency sales. “We are confident that that we have developed a valuable resource that travel agents can use with their clients. Travel agents are very important business partners and we hope that this year's brochure demonstrates our support and commitment to providing them with the tools they...
NCL Returns to Asia, Australia
Norwegian Cruise Line has introduced new itineraries for the brand’s Fall/Winter 2016/2017 deployment – including a return to Asia and Australia. Norwegian is offering several new destinations and new ports, including cruises to Asia onboard Norwegian Star, with itineraries departing from Istanbul, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney and Auckland – marking the line’s return to the Asia and Australia regions for the first time since Norwegian Wind Fall/Winter 2001-2002 and first-ever visits to The Gulf and India. Norwegian Epic will continue to spend its summers in Europe and...
NYC Invites Visitors to Sail Away to St. George
As the summer travel season continues to heat up, NYC & Company, New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization, has named Staten Island’s St. George as the next neighbourhood featured in its NYCGO Insider Guides. A 25-minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan, St. George is described as a historically rich and charming neighbourhood with cultural institutions, authentic restaurants and outdoor activities. As part of the promotion, a short documentary film is available online that features local insiders who highlight and recommend the must-see...
TIABC Applauds Announcement on MRDT
TIABC board chair Jim Humphrey says the recent announcement by Shirley Bond, minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, to further promote British Columbia's tourism sector is an important next step for thousands of businesses, communities and destination marketing organizations that will give the industry another avenue to build on its recent success. “Allowing municipalities, eligible entities and regional districts an opportunity to apply for and ultimately receive an increase to the Municipal and Regional District Tax (from 2% to 3%) is a...
‘Fall Into Winter’ With Prince Resorts
Why would spending your fall season in Hawaii this year be better than anywhere else in the world? Prince Resorts Hawaii is suggesting three good reasons, as well as its special "Fall Into Winter" promotion: More beach time. Soak in some serious warmth before the chill of winter sets in. Waikiki Beach is mere minutes away from Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki. And two of Hawaii Island’s highest-rated beaches, Kaunaoa Bay and Hapuna Beach, are at your doorstep when you stay at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. More ocean viewing. Every one of Hawaii Prince Hotel...
China Targets Tourism as Tool to Fight Poverty
UNWTO welcomes the recent decision of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development of China to promote rural tourism as an effective means to fight poverty. In a recent meeting with Chinese tourism authorities, UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, welcomed China’s continued recognition of tourism as an effective development tool as well as its special focus on rural tourism. “Tourism is well positioned to contribute to rural development as it is a labour-intensive sector providing a wide range...
‘New’ Riu Palace Aruba Reopens
Riu Hotels & Resorts has reopened the Riu Palace Aruba after investing $25 million in a complete renovation. The resort, which opened in 2007, now has a “luxurious, elegant and modern style” combined with new services and facilities and an infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean. The 450 rooms also have the latest technology, such as flat-screen satellite TVs, electronic safes and free WiFi. The restaurants and bars of the Riu Palace Aruba have also undergone a complete transformation. For example, the Don Nicolás buffet restaurant, which offers international cuisine, is...