Destinations
Barbados Set to Host ‘Classical Pops Festival’
Barbados is getting set to host its first Classical Pops Festival from Dec. 11-14. Featuring some of the world’s top performers from symphony groups such as the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, “Classical Pops Barbados” will also include Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) concertmaster and violinist, Jonathan Crow, among its all-star orchestra. “We are absolutely thrilled to showcase some of the world’s premiere orchestral players, including the TSO’s Jonathan Crow, to Barbados for Classical Pops,” said Cheryl Carter, director of Barbados Tourism...
Start Spreading The News
Book now and save, that's the message from NYC & Company to travellers looking to spend some time in New York City during January, February and March 2015. New York City's official marketing, tourism and partnership organization points out that by doing so, visitors will be able to take advantage of restaurant and theatre savings, along with lower hotel room rates. Plus, there's plenty of special events, including NYC Restaurant Week, which runs from Feb. 16 to March 6, with reservations opening on Feb. 2. During Broadway Week, from Jan. 20 to Feb. 5 (tickets go on sale Jan. 9)...
War Memorial Tours Celebrate Our History
Globus has announced it will be offering five departures of its Great Canadian War Memorial tour to France and Belgium next year. “For the past four years we’ve been offering this escorted coach tour taking Canadians to some of the most significant sites during the two World Wars,” says Stéphanie Bishop of Globus’ Canadian office. “It’s a moving and absorbing way to pay tribute to the brave men and women who fought for their country.” The itinerary is designed by Canadians for Canadians to help acknowledge all who have served their country in the Great War and World...
Croatia 365
The Croatian National Tourist Board has unveiled its new marketing campaign, Croatia 365, with a pilot program that aims to strengthen brand awareness by focusing on authentic products and experiences offered during pre- and post-season in Croatia. The program, Croatia 365, is based on 22 destinations within the country and focused on six different themes (culture, gastronomy and wine, cycling, business trips, wellness and health, active holidays) aimed at building year-round tourism. Ina Rodin, director of North America for Croatian National Tourist Board, commented: "As we have...
A Global Phenomenon
In this week's digital edition of Travel Courier, Greg Coates reports that while it may have started as a colourful band of street performers in Baie-Saint-Paul, a small town near Quebec City, today Cirque du Soleil is a global phenomenon, employing more than 5,000 employees worldwide and having entertained over 100 million spectators – many of these in Las Vegas, Cirque's unofficial headquarters. Las Vegas is home to eight permanent Cirque du Soleil shows – from LOVE, the musical celebration of The Beatles, to the flirtatiously, sensual cabaret style of Zumanity. Cirque's shows...
AMResorts Enters Costa Rica Market
AMResorts has officially opened its first property in Costa Rica and 34th overall – Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica. The introduction of this flagship hotel for the Dreams Resorts & Spas brand marks another milestone for AMResorts, as the company enters its fifth country as part of an aggressive growth plan, including the introduction of five resorts in 2014. The northern Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, where the resort is located, has natural and cultural landmarks. Dreams Las Mareas is on a white-sand beach amidst a jungle. The 447-suite resort features a contemporary design,...
Tasty Treats
Agents sending their clients to Philadelphia may want to let them know that they'll have no end of options when it comes to dining in the City of Brotherly Love. That was certainly the message this week as a trio of representatives from Philadelphia offered some insights into what the city has to offer to its visitors, plus some tasty treats from one of Philly's top chefs. Visit Philadelphia's Donna Schorr points out that Canada has been a strong market for the city, which is just a short flight or a day's drive from Toronto. And while the Canadian dollar has dropped some, Schorr said...
CLIA Sets Up Shop in Asia
The growth of cruising in Asia has taken another important step forward with the establishment of CLIA Southeast Asia and CLIA North Asia as the regional arms of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). CLIA chief executive officer Christine Duffy said the transition to CLIA Southeast Asia and CLIA North Asia was perfectly timed as Asia comes to the forefront as one of the world’s most dynamic emerging regions for cruise. “Asia ranks highly on our list of emerging cruise regions as the globalization of the cruise industry continues to gather pace,” said Duffy. “CLIA...