Destinations
Live the Good Life – Win a Trip to Cayman Islands
It's clear the luxury lifestyle of the Cayman Islands is resonating with affluent Canadian travellers – after three years of record tourism growth, 2014 is on track to hit the highest level of visitation ever from Canada. Highlighting luxury accommodations, amazing restaurants and a cosmopolitan feel, the Cayman Islands is a perfect destination for the client who is experiencing “all-inclusive fatigue” and wants a lifestyle experience instead of just a vacation. Don't miss your chance to win a spectacular trip for two to the Cayman Islands including round-trip airfare courtesy...
McCartney Departs President Post at HTA
Mike McCartney, who served as the president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Association since 2009, has stepped down from the position to become chief-of-staff for Hawaii’s Governor-elect David Ige. McCartney helped lead Hawaii’s visitor industry from economic downturn to a robust recovery with year-over-year record-breaking visitor arrivals and spending. His extensive government experience was effective in advocating the passage of legislation that permanently set the transient accommodation tax (TAT) at 9.25%. He was also instrumental in securing and hosting the 2011...
Porter Does The Charleston
Porter Airlines is introducing seasonal service between Toronto and Charleston, S.C. From Feb. 14 to May 2, 2015, Porter will operate one weekly round-trip flight, with introductory one-way fares beginning at $238, including all fees and taxes. Flights are now available for booking at http://www.flyporter.com . Charleston is home to many golf courses, pristine beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and a historic downtown full of charm and southern hospitality. “Charleston is a truly southern destination that offers some of the world’s best hospitality,” said Porter president...
Banff Ski Special
Alberta's Big Three Mountains – Mt. Norquay, The Lake Louise Ski Resort and Sunshine Village – are on a single pass and skiers can enjoy light powder, family adventure and big mountain skiing in Banff National Park. Those who stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs can get luxury accommodations, two ski passes per room, per night valid at the Big 3, shuttle service to the ski hills, daily a la carte or buffet breakfast and more. Rates start at $539 per night, double...
Air Canada Goes Year-Round to Rio de Janeiro
Air Canada has inaugurated new non-stop service between Toronto Pearson and Rio de Janeiro - Galeão International Airport. The year-round flight to Brazil's “Marvelous City” complements the airline's existing daily non-stop service to Sao Paulo and further drive Air Canada's international expansion strategy. “Air Canada is very pleased to become the only carrier operating non-stop flights between Canada and the celebrated city of Rio de Janeiro. The service complements our Toronto-Sao Paulo route, meaning Air Canada now offers two destinations in Brazil. The new route also...
Cypress Gets More Snow Making, Wider Trails
Cypress Mountain, just a short drive from downtown Vancouver in the North Shore Mountains, was the official venue for freestyle skiing and snowboarding events during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. This year, it has expanded its snowmaking operations on the Easy Rider trail to improve the quality for ski lessons. Also, the Collins, Panorama and 3 Bears trails have been widened. Cypress is the most technically challenging of Vancouver’s mountains, with a vertical rise of 612 metres. It has 53 runs (including 19 expert trails), six chair lifts, plus freestyle terrain...
All That Jazz
The home of jazz is getting another home for jazz. Maria Manzella of the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau reports that next year will see a showcase for jazz open in her hometown, which already bills itself as the birthplace of that musical genre. New Orleans Jazz Market is the brainchild of local jazz enthusiast Irvin Mayfield and will have a theatre for performances and exhibits telling of that musical expression, she said during a Wednesday Toronto reception. “It's going to be a state-of-the-art facility,” said Manzella, adding New Orleans already has a...
Transat Direct to Havana
Air Transat will begin offering direct flights from Toronto to Havana, Cuba, starting Dec. 22 and operating March 30, 2015. Travellers wishing to stay in the Cuban capital, known for its architecture, will be able to choose one of several packages offered by Transat Holidays and Nolitours. Available hotels include the Iberostar Parque Central and the Tryp Habana Libre, a new addition to Transat’s offering. For those wanting to explore further, Havana can also be a point of departure for discovering other parts of the island, or to embark, directly from the airport, on a...