Destinations
Getting To Know The ‘New’ NYC
Although Broadway performer NaTasha Yvette Williams belted out a tune from her role as Matron Mama Morton in the musical Chicago, the focus of an industry event in Toronto yesterday (May 7) was all about The Big Apple. Presented by NYC & Company, New York City’s official tourism and marketing organization, the luncheon highlighted what's new and things to do in the five boroughs of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. “Canada is one of the two leading international markets into New York City. You guys are virtually tied with the UK,” said Reagan...
Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Set for Reno
The Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre has embarked on more than $37 million in renovations designed to enhance the guest experience. Renovations will transform all 733 guest rooms and common areas, adding new guest services and offerings to the hotel. The renovation will be completed in two phases, with the North Tower the first to be completed, this month. The second phase of renovations will begin in December, with a focus on the South Tower to be completed by March of 2016. Renovations will include full guestroom and suite refurbishment, as well as replacement of all floor and...
Homewood Suites to Open in Santo Domingo
Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement to introduce its Homewood Suites by Hilton brand – an upscale, all-suite, extended-stay offering – to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Scheduled to open in 2017, the new-build 120-room Homewood Suites by Hilton Santo Domingo represents both the brand’s first hotel in the Caribbean and first hotel designed in line with its Caribbean and Latin America prototype. “The signing of Homewood Suites by Hilton Santo Domingo is a great milestone as it introduces a new Hilton Worldwide brand to the Caribbean and our third hotel in...
California Dreaming
A road show of Californian proportions hit Toronto this week to showcase 20-plus destinations and businesses from across the state. Presented by Visit California, the fifth annual Toronto event highlighted California's diverse offerings from boutique hotels to rock 'n' roll venues and nightlife to road trip destinations and family adventures. “Canada is such an important market for us,” Jennifer Sweeney, public relations manager for Visit California, told PressToday. “There's a lot of great lift into California, we have great weather, there's a diversity of things to do,...
Europe Proves Popular
It seems an increasing number of Canadians are planning to vacation in Europe this summer. According to Booking.com, nine out of the top 10 international destinations Canadians are booking this summer are in Europe. The recent decline in the value of the Euro, coupled with stable airline fares, have made the continent an appealing summer destination for Canadians. The top five European destinations Canadians are booking this summer, says Booking.com, are Rome, Italy; Paris, France; London, England; Barcelona, Spain; and Venice,...
Choose Chicago
A group of tourism officials from Chicago hosted an industry event in Toronto yesterday (May 5) to help promote the cultural side of The Windy City. Among the highlights are EXPO Chicago, an international art fair taking place Sept. 17-20 and playing host to more than 140 leading galleries from around the world, and Chicago Architecture Biennial, running from October through Jan. 3, 2016. Also known for its culinary and music scenes, Chicago will play host to more than 60 festivals this summer alone, including the Chicago Blues Festival, June 12-14, and Taste of Chicago, July...
A New Era for Cuba Cruise
Despite earlier reports that Cuba Cruise was closing its office in Canada, Celestyal Cruises said that it is actually enhancing its presence here and extending Cuba Cruise's 2015-2016 season. Commenting on the changes, Pythagoras Nagos, director of sales, Celestyal Cruises, said: “We are happy to announce that following the Cuba Cruise start-up phase, the brand is now fully owned by Celestyal Cruises. The venture has been restructured to create synergies and meet consumer demand for a product covering vacation needs all year round.” Nagos continued, “From the best of the...
Fireknife Championships Set To Light Up Hawaii
The world’s “hottest” international competition, the World Fireknife Championships, will light up the stage at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), May 7-9, to determine the best at this traditional Samoan art. Now in its 23rd year, the World Fireknife Championships draws its roots from the Samoan ailao, a warrior’s knife dance, performed before battle with the nifo oti, or “tooth of death.” This year’s competition features 22 entrants in the senior or elite division, including defending champion Via Tiumalu, Jr. of Orlando, FL, 15 entrants in the older junior...