Destinations
Sunwing Commences 787 Amsterdam Service
Sunwing Airlines' first Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights began this past weekend (June 27). Only available on the carrier's twice weekly service from Toronto to Amsterdam, flights will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays until Sept. 2. Sunwing officials say Amsterdam is strategically positioned in the heart of Northern Europe and is the perfect springboard from which to plan a European sightseeing vacation and boasts easy transport links to many of the region's “must see” destinations including Paris, Bruges and London. On board, passengers can choose between three distinct cabin...
Brandman to Rep The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
The Brandman Agency reports that The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is the newest addition to its worldwide luxury travel and lifestyle portfolio. Located on Maui’s pristine North Shore, this oceanfront resort envelops guests into traditional Hawaiian culture and lush tropical surroundings. Translated from an ancient Hawaiian language to mean “arms embracing the sea,” Kapalua is a secluded luxury paradise where The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua boasts 54 stunning acres and 463 guest rooms and suites, including 107 Residential Suites, and Club Level accommodations. Guests can enjoy six...
Saint Lucia Prizes Piton Winners
The Saint Lucia Tourist Board clearly prizes those worthy of awards. The board recently feted five Canadian travel agents and more than 20 American ones who won a Piton Award, a tribute to agents particularly appreciated by the destination. The winning agents were hosted on the island June 11-14, where their sales of Saint Lucia were acknowledged at a formal dinner at the home of the country's deputy prime minister. “I'm thanking you sincerely on my own behalf and on behalf of the government,” tourism minister Lorne Theophilus stated. “I know the reason why we're doing...
Trafalgar Unveils Its Largest Americas Program Ever
Trafalgar has released its most comprehensive Americas program to date, with the 2016 The Americas brochure showcasing its USA, Canada, Central and South America itineraries in one singular brochure. Building on the brand’s promise to provide industry partners with the best tools they need to be able to sell guided vacations with more confidence and ease, this valuable reference guide has been specially created with “time-poor” agents in mind. Offering even more choice when it comes to experiencing the Americas like a local, Trafalgar is showcasing over 60 itineraries, more than...
Panorama’s Bike Park Now Open
BC's Panorama Mountain Resort has launched its summer operations. The resort’s Bike Park is now operating seven days a week, from 10 a.m. To 5 p.m., until Aug. 30. All 16 downhill trails are open for riders of all abilities to enjoy. Panorama has also announced the completion of a massive rebuild of the beginner downhill mountain bike trail – “Let it Ride.” The name will be familiar to those who have frequented the park in the past. While sections of the original trail still exist, almost three km of new machine-built flow trail has been added over the past two seasons to...
Spotlight on India
Services International Ltd. says “cat-ty” sorts will be at home in India's Ranthambore National Park. Pramod Singla, director of the New Delhi-based company, says the park is best-known for its tiger-sighting opportunities, adding its “50-50” that those who go on one of his company's guided Ranthambore tours will spot one of the large predators. Guides knowledgeable about tiger behaviour lead visitors through the heavily forested region and the park has 12 routes, with park officials distributing visitors on different trails so no one route becomes...
Transat Reverses Trend, Adds Capacity
Increased capacity across the board, new destinations and new gateways will mark the upcoming winter Sun season for Transat Holidays, reports the tour operator. And while bigger and better is often the mantra at launch time, Transat really means it, Annick Guérard, general manager for Transat Tours Canada, told a group of retail VIPs in Toronto Thursday. “This is big for us,” Guérard said, referring specifically to the capacity increase; she noted that Transat had decreased capacity the past two years as it adjusted costs and efficiencies. “Now we're back on track, and happy...
Niagara Serves Up Unique Canada Day Experiences
Steeped in Canadian history and surrounded by stunning natural scenery, Niagara offers a long list of uniquely Canadian ways to celebrate Canada Day. What better place is there to mark Canada’s national birthday on July 1 than in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake, which played a pivotal role in the founding of the country and features activities and attractions you can’t find anywhere else? “The Canada Day long weekend in Niagara is a great time to get a taste of what makes our country so special and to kick off summer at the same time,” says Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours president...