Destinations
Getting Roped Into Texas
Kevin Fitzpatrick hasn't had “a real job” in over 20 years. The trick roper and bullwhip artist was in Toronto as part of the “Texas on Tour” destination exhibit at Yonge-Dundas Square May 27-29. “Texas on Tour is an interactive high-tech marketing exhibit that brings a taste of what Texas has to offer to consumers in their own backyard,” Tim Fennell, tourism deputy director at Texas Tourism, told PressToday during an industry soiree promoting the exhibit on May 28. “You can get a hands-on personal experience of some of the different activities and everything you might...
On The Road At IPW 2015
``A lot of creative assets and capital investment has made Orlando as attractive a destination as it has ever been.” That was the proud boast from George Aguel, CEO of Visit Orlando, alluding to the five-year-gap between now and the last time the city hosted the huge IPW trade show, reports Press Today's Mike Dunbar. Aguel told a Sunday-morning kick-off event that Orlando was the first US destination ever to record 60 million arrivals in one year; upping that figure to 62 million last year. Visit Orlando chairman Peter Kacheris added, ``As a destination, our true mission is to...
Orlando’s Fastest, Longest Coaster Coming to SeaWorld
Surfacing summer 2016 at SeaWorld Orlando will be Mako, a 200-foot-tall hypercoaster that will reach 73 mph along 4,760 feet of steel track – nearly a mile long – and leave riders feeling both breathless and weightless. Named for one of the ocean’s fastest known sharks, Mako will be Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster. “On Mako, you’ll experience what it’s like to be this apex predator, surging through the water at top speed and chasing prey throughout a massive reef,” said Brian Morrow, SeaWorld’s attraction creative director. “It will be a...
Universal Unveils Plans for Volcano Bay
Universal Orlando Resort has unveiled plans for an entirely new water theme park experience called Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort and joining Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure to become the resort’s third incredibly immersive park. Universal’s Volcano Bay will be a place for the entire family, featuring “radically innovative, thrilling attractions, peaceful moments of relaxation and an inspired guest experience that will forever change the perception of water theme parks. It will be set in a highly themed, completely immersive environment...
Air China, AC to Launch Beijing-Montreal Flights
Air China and Air Canada are preparing for the launch of non-stop flights between Beijing and Montreal that will create the first transpacific direct link between Asia and Montreal. The flights will be operated by Air China starting on Sept. 29, initially three times a week, with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and Air Canada will place its code on the flights for sale on a codeshare basis in a first phase. In the second phase, subject to requisite approvals by the relevant competition authorities, Air Canada and Air China intend to form a comprehensive revenue sharing joint venture in...
Maui Film Festival Special
In celebration of the Maui Film Festival, Tropical Villa Vacations – a management and rental agent for Wailea Beach Villas – has reduced its spring rates by up to 20%. The 16th Annual Maui Film Festival will be held June 3-7 with a schedule of events at various venues in Wailea on Maui, including film screenings, award tributes and gala dinners. Wailea Beach Villas is a residential villa resort set on 4.5 hectares on Wailea Beach, within walking distance to many of the Film Festival events. The gated resort community features manicured gardens, two heated swimming pools, two...
Transat Calling All Adventurers, Thrill Seekers
Transat's upcoming Travel Basecamp web series is set to take travellers off the beaten path showcasing a new way for travellers to journey through Honduras. The four-part series dedicated to Honduras leaves the comfort of the resort, with participants spurring travellers to tempt fate in haunted caverns, dive into the second largest reef in the world at Roatán, and trek through mangroves to visit secret pirate dens. Whether your clients are seeking to discover the local countryside, explore urban life, taste local gastronomy or swim in secret waterways, Travel Basecamp and Transat...
CTC Has New Corporate Identity: Destination Canada
The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) is getting a new corporate identity: Destination Canada. Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism) (Agriculture) announced the move at Rendez-vous Canada 2015 in Niagara Falls. According to officials, Destination Canada represents the dynamic campaigns and programs used to distinguish Canada as a competitive global destination. The CTC will use Destination Canada instead of Canadian Tourism Commission whenever doing business at home and abroad. Bernier also highlighted the government's continued commitment to promoting...