Destinations
Brand USA Stirs Up An Appetite for American Cuisine
Brand USA is enticing international travellers to visit the United States through a culinary tourism strategy that includes a newly launched online content hub, guidebook, broadcast sponsorships and partnerships with the U.S. Department of State and the James Beard Foundation. Based on Brand USA’s proprietary research across 12 key international markets, culinary has risen to one of the top five motivations that travellers use to select an international destination. In fact, culinary is a top motivator in seven of the 12 markets Brand USA conducted proprietary research in 2014,...
Shangri-La Paris ‘Rooted in Nature’
Shangri-La Hotel, Paris has a first in the world of Parisian palace hotels by hosting a series of “100% Green Dinners.” On the first Thursday of each month, La Bauhinia will present a special five-course vegetable-focused menu and invite one of the hotel’s French market purveyors to meet with diners. To further enhance the evening, La Bauhinia will be transformed by a nature-inspired decor and a DJ will create a celebratory atmosphere. Shangri-La Hotel, Paris Executive Chef Christophe Moret has been cultivating his nature-driven cuisine since his arrival at the hotel in...
Queen Wilhelmina Lodge Set to Reopen
Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge, located on Rich Mountain – Arkansas’s second highest peak, will reopen on July 1 following a US$9.6 million renovation. “The improvements to this lodge that opened by the state of Arkansas in 1975 should receive rave reviews when it reopens,” says State Parks Director Greg Butts, adding the lodge now features new, larger windows designed to frame the views from Rich Mountain of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains. The exterior of the lodge features shingles and stonework. The lodge was expanded from 25,881 square feet to 37,029 square feet...
Carnival Breeze, Magic on the Move
Carnival Cruise Line has announced deployment changes designed to enhance its position in two key homeports – Galveston and Port Canaveral, Fla. – while providing new “Fun Ship” itinerary choices in time for next summer’s cruise season. Carnival Breeze will reposition to Galveston in May 2016 and Carnival Magic to Port Canaveral in April 2016, several months earlier than previously announced. Breeze will assume Carnival Magic’s year-round schedule of seven-day Galveston cruises beginning May 8. Carnival Magic will take over Carnival Valor’s current seven-day Port...
Goway Offers Australia With Two Free Nights in Hawaii
For a limited time, travellers booking a flight with Hawaiian Airlines and Goway can receive two free nights in Hawaii. Goway is offering the opportunity to fly from a selection of US cities to Sydney or Brisbane and enjoy two free nights in Hawaii at the Luana Waikiki Hotel and Suites. Prices start at US$1,299 to Brisbane or US$1,359 to Sydney for departures from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, San Diego, Seattle, Portland, Las Vegas or an additional $300 to depart from New York. Goway can also help with connecting fares from other US or Canadian cities to an...
AC Opens in Chicago
The AC Hotel Chicago Downtown recently opened its doors to guests in the heart of Chicago’s thriving River North district – celebrated by an unveiling ceremony and grand opening event on June 22. The AC Hotel Chicago Downtown is AC Hotel’s first property in Illinois and fifth in the United States. The eight-storey hotel offers 226 guest rooms, balconies with views of the city, a fifth floor terrace and indoor pool, along with a fitness centre. Additional amenities include secure on-site parking, 3,000-square-feet of meeting space and complimentary WiFi. AC Hotel is part of a...
Calgary Hyatt Hosts In-House Art Exhibition
On June 25, Hyatt Regency Calgary welcomes the community to admire a unique display of artwork created by the hotel’s own employees. Beginning at 10 a.m. in the hotel’s main lobby, the exhibition will feature more than 20 original works of art, ranging from leather work and costume design to photography and paper craft. “An appreciation for art is central to our culture here at the hotel,” says general manager Herb Rackliff. “So many of our associates have artistic hobbies and special talents, so we’re very proud to honour them and share their work with the...
Contiki Offers South Pacific Savings
Contiki is offering a limited-time discount to Australia and New Zealand. Travellers who book and pay in full by July 31 can save 7.5% off their trip, up to $369, on all 22 itineraries and optional sailing in the Whitsundays. “Contiki caters exclusively to young travellers, for whom exploring Australia and New Zealand means visiting iconic landmarks, feeling the rush of outdoor activities like surfing and sky diving, and returning home with absolutely no regrets,” says Contiki Canada president Brad Ford. “With this extra limited-time savings, Contiki is lessoning the cost of...