Destinations
Lots Of Seats To Fill
Air Canada welcomed a select group of its partners – agents, operators and corporate clients – to an intimate gathering in Toronto last night (Oct. 14) to celebrate the impending launch of its new services to Rio de Janeiro and Panama City. Virgilio Russi, senior director, sales – Canada for AC, told the gathering that for him it was a special evening for a couple of reasons, that included both the launch of the new flights, but also because Russi is from Brazil. Both services will operate three times a week, with the Rio flights beginning on Dec. 11, while the Panama City...
And The Beat Goes On
When will Cuba's tourism growth taper off? Well, predicts Eloy Govea, the Cuba Tourist Board's new director for English-speaking Canada, no time soon. In this week's digital edition of Travel Courier, staff writer, Ian Stalker reports that the remarkable growth the country has seen over the past two decades – with the country routinely posting double-digit annual increases – culminated in its hosting 2.8 million foreigners last year and Govea says Cuba is hoping for three million this year. That would amount to something of a slowing compared to some other years, but would still...
Go West For The Powder
The 2014-2015 ski season is just about here and two BC resorts are encouraging ski enthusiasts to book before Nov. 15, 2014 and save big on the slopes this season. Both Fernie Alpine Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort are located in British Columbia's Rocky Mountains and offer some of Canada's best powder. New this year is a shuttle service from the Calgary International Airport – which is the closest major airport to the resorts. The resorts' Ski Free, Stay Free and Ride Free early bird package includes: Stay 6 nights and get the 6th free. Ski/ride 5 days and get the...
Festival Of Lights Set To Shine
With the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights set to begin next month, organizers are eagerly putting the finishing touches on dozens of displays and preparing to flip the switch on millions of holiday lights that will help illuminate Niagara Falls. Canada’s foremost illuminations festival runs from Nov. 15, 2014 to Jan. 12, 2015 and transforms the already breathtaking landscape of Niagara Falls into a palette of magnificent colour. A favourite winter attraction for local residents and visitors for more than 30 years, the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of...
Making Its Mark
It may be hard to believe that it's almost 2015, but for those looking for vacation options in the new year, the City of Brotherly Love certainly has a lot to offer. In fact, only-in-Philly projects, exhibitions, anniversaries and celebrations will give first-time visitors incentives to make that return trip and return visitors reasons to come back yet again. Highlights of Philadelphia's 2015 events calendar include: The Tall Ships Challenge Philadelphia Camden 2015, which will feature a dozen historic ships on the Delaware River Waterfront. Discovering the Impressionists: Paul...
Germany, 25 Years On
The German National Tourist Office and the Goethe Institut Toronto held a joint industry event in Toronto yesterday (Oct. 9) to mark the upcoming significant 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The wall came down on Nov. 9, 1989, with Germany being officially reunified on Oct. 3, 1990. The fall of the wall opened up many new tourism opportunities in Germany. Celebrations and special events are being held around the country, and especially Berlin, to mark the anniversary. Pictured at the Toronto event are Antje Splettstoesser, director of marketing and sales, Canada,...
Scottsdale ‘Cool and Vibrant’
The young and the restless will be in their element in Scottsdale, Arizona, says Laura McMurchie of the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau who told a Toronto gathering Wednesday that the city is suspected by some as being “God's waiting room,” but is in fact a “young, vibrant” destination with plenty of choices for night owls. McMurchie said the city has a flourishing culinary scene and is also a “great outdoor playground,” with hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing among available pursuits for energetic visitors. “You can be super adventurous during the...
Victoria Cruises Reinstates Shibaozhai Shore Excursion
Victoria Cruises will be reinstating Shibaozhai, often referred to as “The Pearl of the Yangtze,” a 12-storey wooden pagoda in Zhong, as a regular shore excursion. The docking facilities at Shibaozhai are currently being extended with an anticipated completion date before the end of 2014, prompting the decision from Victoria Cruises executives. Shibaozhai is known for its impressive wooden pagoda, an architectural marvel which was built without a single nail. Its famous red pavilion leans up against a stone cliff for support and dates back to the 18th century. Shibaozhai will...