Destinations
Blue River Airstrip Open for Heli-Skiing Access
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing of BC now has access to an air strip in Blue River, about 1 km from the heli village. This means that clients can fly right into Blue River with their private aircraft for the 2014/2015 season. Commercial aircraft entering Canada may clear customs in Kamloops, or alternatively in Kelowna. Blue River is a mountainous area with constant weather changes, so flying in is highly dependent on good weather and visibility. An alternative is to land at Kamloops and hire a private driver service or rental car for the 2.5-hour drive to Blue...
G Unveils 2015 Family Trip Lineup
G Adventures has introduced its collection of 2015 Family adventures. Spanning three continents and 14 countries, the company’s family friendly trips are designed to deliver a mix of adventure and education. “Travelling is a great way open up a child’s world to possibility and wonder. Experiences lead to new interests, and exposure to different cultures, languages, and environments helps the kids of today become the responsible, well-rounded adults of tomorrow,” says Alistair Butchers, innovation manager, G Adventures. Beginning in 2015, the tour operator will offer...
For The Record
Tourism to the Sunshine State continues to thrive with Visit Florida preliminary estimates showing 23.7 million visitors came to Florida in the third quarter of 2014 (July-September), an increase of 3.5% over the same period in 2013. This represents the largest third quarter for visitation Florida has ever experienced, exceeding the previous high of 22.9 million in Q3 2013. Florida Governor Rick Scott commented, “Florida’s thriving tourism industry is vital to growing jobs, and today’s report that Florida has experienced three record quarters so far in 2014, putting the state...
Extraordinary Canada
Lindblad Expeditions is inviting Canadians to explore their home and native land. And that includes locales well above the Arctic Circle. In this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press, Ian Stalker reports that company president Sven Lindblad told a recent Toronto gathering that his company – which has 10 vessels, six of which it owns and four of which it charters – has Canadian sailings, while conceding that many think travel within their own country isn't exotic. Sailings in northern waters and through islands off the northwest coast of this country “highlight the...
Klassen Leaving CTC
Greg Klassen is leaving the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC). After 13 years in senior management leadership roles -- most recently as interim President and CEO – with the CTC, Klassen announced that he will be leaving as of Feb. 13, 2015. CTC chairman, Steve Allan observed: “Since its move to Vancouver nine years ago, Greg has played a leading role in helping the CTC win countless marketing awards making Canada one of the world’s leading tourism brands and in solidifying Canada’s reputation as the most recommended destination in the world to visit.” Allan continued:...
Windstar Goes Year-Round in Tahiti
Windstar Cruises has announced plans to sail year-round in the South Pacific, allowing guests to explore the Society and Tuamotu Islands of Tahiti. Continuous voyages begin May 26, 2015 aboard the renovated, 148-passenger Wind Spirit. Itineraries will include the seven-day “Dreams of Tahiti” voyage, which was launched in May after Windstar’s 10-year hiatus from the region, as well as new extended 10- and 11-day journeys that include stops in the Tuamotu Islands – widely known as a diver’s and snorkeller’s paradise. “When we returned to Tahiti this year, we knew it...
Nolitours Puts Cuba On Sale
Nolitours has introduced “Cuba on Sale,” an early-booking promotion featuring a weekly selection of all-inclusive holiday packages. Bookings made by Nov. 24 for travel in January and February come with a discount of up to 50% on select all-inclusive packages. To learn more about this promotion, visit http://www.nolitours.com...
WestJet Vacations Returns to Cabo San Lucas
WestJet Vacations is welcoming guests back to Cabo San Lucas following the resumption of WestJet air service to the Los Cabos Mexico International Airport on Oct. 26. “The area and its many resorts and hotels have undergone significant repairs in the two months since Hurricane Odile devastated the Baja region,” said Dave Cecco, WestJet director, Product. “We are pleased to once again provide our guests with all this popular destination has to offer.” “There are many reasons why the area is truly a Mexican gem,” added Tim Croyle, vice-president and general manager,...