Destinations
Elementary My Dear Watson
The cover story of this week's digital edition features the world's greatest detective and focuses on a new exhibition – among other things – that's set to open in London on Oct. 17. ‘Sherlock Holmes: The man who has never lived and will never die’ runs from Oct. 17, 2014 to April 12, 2015 at the Museum of London, inviting visitors to dust off their magnifying glass and explore the atmospheric locations in Britain that inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his stories of the great detective. The world of the greatest fictional detective of all time will be illuminated at the...
Goway Puts Spotlight on Africa
Goway is going gangbusters in Africa, particularly in the luxury segment, though fears persist that the Ebola crisis could hurt travel to the destination in the future. “It [Ebola] is so far from the destinations we sell,” notes company GM Africa and Middle East Moira Smith. Nevertheless the Toronto-based tour operator was out in full force with a couple dozen continental suppliers at an agent-consumer event in Toronto Sept. 22. The show was set to move on to Vancouver and, for the first time, Seattle, later in the week. Pictured at the Toronto event are (l-r) Goway's Robin...
New Presidential Suite Unveiled at Hilton Anaheim
California's Hilton Anaheim recently unveiled its most spacious presidential suite, featuring nearly 2,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor terrace space. In addition to a living room and media space, a dining area, and a kitchen and wet bar, the suite features two adjoining oversized bedrooms complete with flat-panel LCD TVs, work desks and Hilton Serenity Beds. The landscaped outdoor spaces include a fireplace, pergola and ample seating to enjoy the nightly fireworks shows at nearby Disneyland Park. The completion of the presidential suite was the first phase in a...
Jamaica Tourism ‘In A Good Place’
Jamaican Tourism Minister Wykeham McNeill gave an upbeat assessment on the state of Jamaican tourism Sunday during the opening of Jamaica's tourism show, JAPEX in Montego Bay. McNeill cited numerous new hotel openings on the island – including Riu, Melia, Blue Diamond and Karisma properties – and the refurbishment of others. Last year, Jamaica topped the two-million mark in stopover arrivals, leading McNeill to declare, “We're in a good place in tourism in Jamaica... We continue to grow out of every source market to Jamaica." Visitations are up 2.4% to date this year....
It’s All About Jamaica
The 2014 edition of the annual Jamaica Product Exchange – better known in the trade as JAPEX – is underway at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James. Press Today's Ian Stalker and Mitchell McClung are on site covering the event and report that hundreds of overseas buyers – a strong Canadian contingent is on hand – are gearing up to meet with Jamaica's top tourism product suppliers. The annual event is put on by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and provides the ideal forum for leading suppliers of the country’s...
A Little Insight On Egypt
Insight Vacations is returning to Egypt in January 2015, offering four itineraries to travellers and to help rebuild tourism in the destination. Cris David, president, Insight Vacations Canada, said: “We have a long-standing history with Egypt spanning more than three decades, so we are excited to announce to our agents that we are able to continue our tradition of taking Canadian clients to experience this historically-rich destination.” David pointed out that: “We will continue to maintain extensive consultation and constant dialogue with our teams on the ground since our...
Britain Rules At Vegas Show
A little bit of Britain came to Las Vegas this week, with British tourism suppliers descending on the desert for the Destination Britain North America 2014 show. Travel and holiday providers, including hoteliers, attractions operators and tour companies, came from England, Scotland and Wales for the show, held at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. They met product buyers from the U.S. and Canada for this seventh edition of the trade meeting – the second to be held in Las Vegas. Attendance by delegates was up over last year, which was also staged in Vegas, said Lynda Falcone of the Visit Britain...
Getting Back To Normal
Mexico's SECTUR has issued a statement on its efforts to restore normal conditions in Baja California Sur following Hurricane Odile. The statement notes that over 5,000 tourists have been evacuated via Mexican government airlift system. The Federal Electricity Commission and the National Water Commission both report positive efforts in restoring much needed resources and services. The National Civil Protection System reports the installation of shelters for more than 11,000 people. Claudia Ruiz Massieu, Secretary of Tourism of Mexico and Coordinator of the Government’s...