Destinations
Leading By Example
Africa specialist Big Five Tours & Expeditions insists brushing up on geography could help allay growing international alarm over Ebola and the company's president is citing his own ongoing travels in Africa to demonstrate that most of the continent isn't now at risk for the deadly disease, reports Travel Courier's Ian Stalker. The number of fatalities linked to Ebola is now hovering around 5,000 and a handful of cases that have surfaced outside of western Africa have raised fears among some that Ebola may work its way into other regions, with Africa – where medical care often...
Thompson Opening Special
The Thompson Miami Beach hotel, which will have a starting rate of US$299 when it opens Nov. 21, has an “Opening Package” offer that will be available to guests when they book a minimum two-night stay starting Nov. 21. The package rate starts at $399 a night and includes daily breakfast for two, signature welcome cocktails, beach swag bag with Coola sunscreen products and admission for two to the Perez Art Museum Miami. There is a minimum two-night...
On Ice at the Fairmont Empress
The annual winter wonderland at The Fairmont Empress in Victoria, BC is expanding this year with the addition of a skating rink on the hotel's iconic front lawn overlooking the festively lit Victoria Harbour. Operating from Nov. 20 until mid-January, the covered rink will offer public skating 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. Skate rentals, Skate 'n Date nights and Family Skate afternoon are some of the ways to enjoy the tradition of winter skating. For groups, there are Office Skates, Holiday Parties on Ice, and Break + Skate meeting options. Special...
Spotlight on Nicaragua
Nicaraguan Ambassador Francisco Campbell is promoting his homeland to Canadians and has a weighty travel industry ally at his side when doing so. Campbell told a Toronto audience last week that Lonely Planet – which has a huge international following, particularly among young travellers – has declared that Nicaragua is one of its top four destinations for 2015. “The tourism industry in Nicaragua is booming,” Campbell said of a country that's gaining news hotels and resorts. “Todays travellers are looking for a new getaway to vacations that will not only be relaxing but...
Karisma Debuts Allure Caramel in Belgrade
Karisma Hotels & Resorts has announced the debut of Allure Caramel, by Karisma in Belgrade, Serbia. The introduction of Allure Caramel represents Allure Hotels’ first property in Europe and third within the brand’s emerging portfolio of boutique city hotels that reflect the culture of each destination. The new hotel is now welcoming travellers. Allure Caramel (formerly The Hotel Admiral Club Belgrade) combines “a rich heritage, historic charm, and classic style with current-day comforts, personalized service, and thoughtful amenities.” Allure Caramel was most recently...
WestJet Adds More Phoenix, South Okanagan
WestJet has launched new daily non-stop service between Toronto and Phoenix, Arizona. “Already a popular destination from Western Canada, we are delighted to offer even more non-stop service to the Valley of the Sun,” said Chris Avery, WestJet vice-president, Network Planning, Alliances and Corporate Development. “With hundreds of golf courses, countless world-class conference and convention facilities, and of course the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Arizona is a must for Canadians looking to escape the winter cold.” WestJet has also launched...
Mazatlan Hotel Reps Host Oct. 28 Webinar
Two resort properties in Mazatlan, Mexico are now being represented in Canada by Vancouver-based Inter-Active PR & M. The company is the go-to contact in Canada for the Oceano Palace Hotel and the Luna Palace Resort – both sister properties under the Hoteles Palace brand. They are both located in Mazatlan's Zona Dorada, close to shopping, attractions, restaurants and nightclubs. Inter-Active is getting the word out on the Mazatlan hotels through a webinar that will take place on Oct. 28 at 3 p.m. The goal will be to deliver key information on the two properties and provide...
Celebrating Partnerships
The Bahamas has further strengthened its commitment to the Canadian market following a strong 2013 winter season and continuing growth from Canada during the first 8 months of 2014. A high-profile delegation, led by Bahamas minister of tourism, Obediah Wilchcombe and the Bahamas new director general of tourism, Joy Jibrilu, was in Vancouver and Toronto this week to update the travel trade on the island's plans for the upcoming winter season. Topping the list was the launch of a national advertising campaign designed to let Canadians know all about the vacation options that the Bahamas...