Destinations
Germany Sees Record Results
International travel to Germany reached a record high for the fifth year in a row in 2014, with a total of 75.6 million overnight stays. According to the German Federal Statistical Office, the number of overnight stays by visitors from abroad in accommodation establishments with 10 or more beds went up by 3.7 million in the period from January to December, a year-on-year increase of 5.1%. Petra Hedorfer, chief executive officer of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), commented, “Once again we are able to look back on an outstanding set of results – our record in 2014...
Avalon Introduces ‘Suite’ Sailings on the Mekong
Avalon Waterways is now offering travellers the opportunity to live the “suite life” in Asia with the introduction of a new 36-guest Suite Ship – Avalon Siem Reap – on the Mekong River. “Our wildly popular Suite Ship design is taking on Southeast Asia, sailing through Vietnam and Cambodia,” said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways. “This new, intimate ship which holds only 36 travellers, paired with our immersive Local Favorites program – including such delights as a traditional water blessing and Vietnamese cooking class – were designed to spotlight...
Alitours Puts Spotlight on Tobago
Alitours is promoting stays at four Tobago hotels, announcing rates in place from April 12 to Dec. 14. The properties are the Coco Reef Tobago, Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf, Villa de Lena and Bacolet Beach Club. The luxury, three-bedroom villa Villa de Lena is available from $380 a night, while nightly double rates start at $250 at Bacolet Beach Club, $260 at the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf and $380 at Coco Reef Tobago. Rates include breakfast. Bacolet Beach club is promoted as an “exclusive boutique hotel located directly on a beautiful private beach. Luxurious, warm...
Thaw Out in Myrtle Beach
With bone-chilling temperatures and massive snow accumulations across much of North America, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, wants to spread a “thaw out” to residents of cold-weather destinations. On March 3, Visit Myrtle Beach launched a contest appropriately titled “Thaw Me Out,” encouraging residents to submit their photos and stories as to why they deserve a break from the winter weather. Fans can submit their stories and photos to Visit Myrtle Beach's Facebook page or Instagram channel (http://www.Facebook.com/VisitMyrtleBeachSC and http://www.Instagram.com/MyMyrtleBeach)...
AMResorts Adds Second Costa Rica Property
AMResorts' Secrets Papagayo Resort & Spa will be the company's second Costa Rica property, following the Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica, which opened late last year. AMResorts assumed management of the Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa on Feb. 28 and will operate the resort under the name Papagayo Resort & Spa until May. The property will then close for six months to undergo renovations. The project includes enhancing the resort’s 202 suites, facilities and amenities to offer AMResorts’ Unlimited-Luxury vacation concept, such as premium accommodations and...
AC Set to Launch Atlantic City Service
Air Canada is launching non-stop service between its Toronto Pearson hub and Atlantic City, NJ. The seasonal service, to be flown by Air Canada Express, operated by Jazz, will offer four return trips a week beginning May 22. “Air Canada is pleased to be adding Atlantic City to its already extensive US network. This new route will enable our customers to conveniently travel non-stop to Atlantic City where they can enjoy its famed boardwalk, beaches and casinos. It will also provide Atlantic City a direct connection to Air Canada's Toronto global hub. The flights will be...
SeaWorld Has Exclusive Canadian Savings
Just in time for March Break, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens are offering Canadians exclusive ticket offers – travellers can choose between an all-new $75 Weekday Ticket (with no blackout dates) and the $99 Two-Park Ticket. Whether choosing the Weekday or Two-Park ticket, Canadian visitors will have the chance to discover all-new park experiences. At SeaWorld Orlando, guests can climb aboard and ride the mighty Manta, share an epic voyage with sea turtles on the 3D 360 TurtleTrek and feel what it’s like at the bottom of the world and get up close with more than 250 penguins at...
Swarovski Debuts on Las Vegas Strip
The Las Vegas Strip has welcomed its newest outdoor entertainment spectacle – the Swarovski Midnight Celebration at Grand Bazaar Shops. Created for Swarovski’s custom pavilion and six-storey-tall Starburst, the Swarovski Midnight Celebration was designed to be the centrepiece of the new Grand Bazaar Shops, providing a unique retail and entertainment experience. The Swarovski celebration is a dazzling three-minute-long light-and-sound show designed to mark the dawn of a new day. The spectacle was envisioned as a way to bring New Year’s Eve-style excitement to the Strip every...