Destinations
Saying ‘I Do’ is Easy in Antigua, Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is toying with a “love-ly” way of generating more revenue. Marie Walker, the tourism authority's vice-president of sales and marketing for North America, notes the destination doesn't have any residency requirements for those wanting to get married there and is considering enabling unmarried visitors to get hitched without even setting foot outside the airport terminal. “We want to create Las Vegas-style weddings,” she said in Toronto, adding people impatient when it comes to tying the knot could essentially get off their planes and...
Boomerang Introduces Special to New Zealand
Boomerang Tours is making travel to New Zealand more affordable than ever with some special low airfares with partner Air New Zealand. Valid on all new bookings made by March 31 for travel between July 24 and Sept. 21, travellers can take advantage of special low rates to Auckland from either Vancouver or Los Angeles and combine it with a Boomerang Tours package to create a family vacation or ski getaway. For example, Boomerang offers a nine-night package from $899 per person that includes return air and a 10-day four-berth motorhome rental – a great option for families. Customers...
Britain Posts Record Gains
Despite a distinct lack of cooperation from Canada, Britain posted record tourism numbers in 2014, delegates at the ExploreGB trade show in Ascot, England, were told Thursday. Canadian visitations to the UK were projected to be down 11 per cent for the year -- due mainly to the drop in the Canadian dollar -- but overall visitations were up six per cent to just under 35 million overseas visitors, the second record year in a row for arrivals. 2015 is expected to top those totals. Canada ranked 14th in the listing of Britain's top source markets, but placed 10th in visitor...
Taking Care Of Business
Discover America Canada held its annual general meeting at Toronto's fashionable Spoke Club this week, welcoming close to 50 members as it reviewed its activities in 2014 and looked ahead to a busy 2015. In her report, Discover America Canada president, Sana Keller told members that outbound activity to the US from Canada had been steady, pointing out that even with the dropping Canadian dollar, the industry has been through this before and it is cyclical. On the bright side, Keller pointed out that the drop in fuel prices will put more discretionary dollars in the pockets of...
Former Mobster to Lead New Vegas ‘Casino’ Tours
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the blockbuster movie “Casino,” which provided a fast-paced dramatization of an era in Las Vegas when organized crime controlled many of the city’s casinos. Beginning March 18, history buffs and film aficionados alike can join former mobster Frank Cullotta for a two-hour tour of the places where iconic scenes from “Casino” actually took place. The tour will begin at The Mob Museum, the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, with a special private tour by former FBI Special Agent Dennis Arnoldy and Mob historian Robert...
Simply Elegant
With a collection of five luxury resorts, Barbados' Elegant Resorts has something sure to please any agents' clients looking for an upscale Bajan holiday. The boutique collection includes Tamarind, Colony Club, Crystal Cove, Turtle Beach (popular with Canadians) and The House, a mix of traditional resort, adults-only and unique all-inclusive options with room counts ranging from 34 to 160. Each feature such amenities as beach and pool ambassador service, complimentary motorized and non-motorized watersports and free WiFi. All of the properties are located on Barbados' popular West...
France Says ‘Be Our Guest’
It was everything France last night as Atout France held its annual French Travel Trade Show in Toronto, which, along with numerous partners, featured agent workshops, a trade show and awards ceremony. Similar events are being held in Calgary and Vancouver tomorrow (Feb. 26). France continues to host a record number of Canadians – more than a million in 2013, up 15% from the year before, with many visiting to take advantage of the many activities taking place as France celebrates the centenary of World War I, and the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of France (May 8, 1945). This...
Get Back to Nature at Travaasa Hana
Travaasa Hana, Maui has recently added a new outrigger canoe adventure to its extensive resort programming. This activity helps visitors connect to the nature and culture of Hana and is offered several times throughout the week on the Wananalua, Travaasa Hana’s custom-made canoe. The 1.5-hour journey takes place in tranquil Hana Bay, a short walk from the property. During the adventure, expert local guides will teach the basics of canoeing and its significance to the Hawaiian culture. While onboard the Wananalua, guests will paddle into Maui’s ancient past while simultaneously...