Destinations
Spotlight on Germany
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of reunification this year, the German National Tourist Office held an industry luncheon yesterday (April 13) in Toronto featuring seven tourism partners. The tourism representatives gathered to share industry news and upcoming plans to celebrate 25 years of German unity, including an official ceremony, church services and public festivals in Frankfurt from Oct. 2-4. Pictured at the luncheon, held at the Arcadian Loft, are (l-r) Angela Geissler, Munich Airport; Wolfgang Gartner, Saxony Tourism; Susan Rienitz, Bremerhaven Tourist Board; Antje...
Tower of David Tours Offered Twice Weekly
Tours of the newly opened excavations in the moat and Kishle building of Jerusalem's Tower of David Museum are now available in English twice weekly – every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. and every Friday at 11 a.m. Recent discoveries uncovered during excavations in the moat and Kishle building unveil thousands of years of Jerusalem's history through archeological findings dating back to the First Temple 3,000 years ago. The guided tours start on top of King Herod's tower, where visitors have spectacular views of Israel's capital. The tour continues into the moat and ends at the Kishle...
Strong Investment in Puerto Vallarta Continues
Mexico's Puerto Vallarta continues to attract international investors to its shores as tourism arrivals continue their steady increase to the destination. Earlier this month the AAA Four Diamond Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta officially opened its doors making it the sixth property to open in Puerto Vallarta in the past 12 months. The Mexican destination is already looking at the next group of properties to open this year with the Posada’s Group already building a new Fiesta Americana property. New construction in other properties is also scheduled to take place during the summer...
NCL Expands South American Tour Options
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is offering guests the freedom and flexibility to build their dream South American vacation with the introduction of three new South American Cruisetours. These pre- or post-cruise land-based tours are available for guests sailing on Norwegian Sun’s South America itineraries, beginning in November. Ranging in length from three to five days, these in-depth experiences are hosted by expert English-speaking local tour guides and take guests “off the beaten path on a once-in-a-lifetime immersion into the authentic flavours, sights and history of Argentina...
‘Stay-And-Play’ in Myrtle Beach
Mystical Golf – owner and operator of The Witch, Man-O-War and The Wizard courses in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – has two summer stay-and-play packages. From June 1 to Sept. 9, the three-day Gold Package starts at US$96 (per person, per day, taxes included) and includes three rounds with cart on each of The Witch, The Wizard and Man-O-War; one complimentary round (course selection during booking process); three night's lodging in three-bedroom golf villas (four beds); complimentary iHOP breakfast daily (available 24 hours per day); free steak dinner at Logan’s Roadhouse...
Celebrating Festive Calcutta
Jaydeep Mukherjee says even Rio de Janeiro's famed Carnival will look somewhat small-scale compared to Calcutta's Durga Puja festival. Mukherjee said during a Wednesday Toronto gathering that the mid-October celebration amounts to the “biggest cultural event in the world,” drawing some 80 million visits over its five days. “It's full of life, full of colour, full of interaction,” he said of the event, which sees dazzling nighttime displays of light. Mukherjee's colleague Raj Banerjee said Calcutta's “awake 24 hours for those five days. In the night, it's so...
Hilton Makes Rio Debut
Hilton Worldwide has made its Rio debut with the opening of the new 298-room Hilton Barra hotel in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Located on Avenida Abelardo Bueno in the heart of the Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood, the new hotel is celebrating its opening with special introductory rates starting at US$159 per night and rewards Hilton HHonors members with 1,000 HHonors Points per night. The nine-storey Hilton displays a unique visual identity that blends a contemporary architecture and design with the style and feel of the local Brazilian culture. Ideal for both business and...
VIA Expands Yankee Leisure Group Partnership
VIA Rail Canada has strengthened its partnership and added new itineraries with rail specialist, Yankee Leisure Group (operating brands: Amtrak Vacations, Unique Rail Journeys and Yankee Holidays). The partnership will expand tourism packages on VIA Rail for North American travellers, as well as providing additional options for travel agents to earn commission on a number of Canadian and North American rail bookings through Yankee Leisure Group/Amtrak Vacations. “Strengthening our partnership with YLG is a great opportunity for VIA Rail Canada to introduce our product to new...