Destinations
Contiki Set to Share the Craic
Cloverleafs, leprechauns, pancakes and beer for breakfast are common markers of a festive St. Patrick’s Day in Canada, but Contiki is inviting people to learn how this Irish holiday is celebrated in Ireland. Contiki is encouraging agents to direct their young clients to the four-day St. Patrick’s Day Dublin city stays for St. Patrick’s Day, where thousands take to the streets to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint with their biggest annual party. Travellers will be part of the St. Patrick’s Day party in Dublin, rubbing shoulders with locals and travellers alike. “Spend...
On The Road At ExploreGB 2015
ExploreGB 2015, VisitBritain's new flagship travel trade event, kicked off this morning at the famed Ascot racetrack near London with hundreds of delegates from around the globe, including about a dozen from Canada, in attendance. They were told that Britain witnessed its best ever year for tourism in 2014 with 34.8 inbound visits during the course of the year and tourism spending of 21.7 billion pounds. Stay tuned to PressToday and upcoming editions of Canadian Travel Press and Travel Courier for more reports from Baxter Travel Media correspondent Mike...
Holiday House Has Europe Ready to Book
Holiday House has launched its 2015 Europe program, available now in the system and ready to book. Offering the selection and flexibility that have been Holiday House hallmarks, officials say this year’s program has everything clients could want in planning and booking their next European adventure. Whether looking to visit France, Italy, the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany and more, Holiday House has all the flights, hotels, car rentals, attraction passes, day tours and theatre tickets they may want or need to complete their vacation planning. The following are a few of...
Answering The Call
Aspects of Europe previously unavailable from parts of western Canada are now on the flight roster, with new lift announced by Air France and KLM, reports western editor, Ted Davis in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. Air France will make its inaugural entry to the Vancouver market as of March 29, when it launches a schedule of up to five flights per week to Paris-Charles de Gaulle. Flights will be operated by a Boeing 777-200 with 309 seats: 35 in business class, 24 in premium economy and 250 in economy. The new Air France schedule answers a long time call for a...
Scenic Routes Focus of Germany Webinar
The German National Tourist Office is hosting a March 10 webinar with the theme, Scenic Routes. Chosen for their special landscapes or because of a specific cultural theme, Germany’s more than 150 designated scenic routes wind their way through magnificent scenery, passing historic and contemporary cultural treasures. From the fairytale elegance of Neuschwanstein Castle to the wilds of the North Shore coast, Germany is a land of scenic beauty simply waiting to be explored. The webinar is being held at 1 p.m. EST. To register, visit...
Canadians Flocking to Florida in Record Numbers
It seems Canadians can’t get enough of the Sunshine State. According to preliminary estimates from VISIT FLORIDA, the state welcomed 3.8 million Canadians last year, making it the fourth consecutive record year of visitation to Florida, with a 2.4% increase over 2013’s numbers. VISIT FLORIDA estimates in the fourth quarter of 2014, 765,000 Canadians visited Florida, reflecting an increase of 5.6% over the same period in 2013. For many Canadians, Florida is like a second home and an easy escape from winter – with many convenient flights from across the country. In 2014, about...
Shangri-La YVR Celebrates Year of the Goat
Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver decided to ring in the Year of the Goat with an addition to its team. Che Huadong is a tea master and trained expert in the arts of Kung Fu Tea and Chinese Face Changing Opera. The start of the Chinese Lunar New Year provided an auspicious occasion to welcome Huadong to his new home at Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver, and to showcase traditional performance arts that are rarely seen outside of China. Guests can view Huadong’s performances every Saturday and Sunday in Xi Shi Lounge, with 1 p.m. seeing the Chinese Face Changing Opera and 3 p.m. the Kung Fu...
Saint Lucia Rocks
Saint Lucia has launched a new summer campaign, “Saint Lucia Rocks This Summer,” with a special incentive for travel agents to earn free stays. With each booking of seven nights or more, agents will receive one free night at one of several participating hotel properties. The offer will remain valid for travel from June 1 through Sept. 30. “Our respected travel agent and agency partners are a valuable resource in selling Saint Lucia to travelers and we want to reward them for their ongoing support,” says Tracey Warner Arnold, deputy director of Tourism for the Saint Lucia...