Destinations
Mazatlan Brings Mexico Fun to Stampede
Mazatlan and Mexico were recognized as “The Best Cultural Entry” at this year's Calgary Stampede Parade. Aboard horses, Mazatland officials Mario López Valdez, the governor of Sinaloa, and Frank Cordova, the regional secretary of tourism, led a mariachi band, youth dance groups wearing traditional costumes from different parts of Mexico and a Mazatlan-decorated float. Also, Mazatlan hosted a Stampede Fiesta, showcasing the destination's culture, unique colonial history and world-glass gastronomy. During the festivities Valdez, Cordova and Mazatlan mayor Carlos González Felton...
Beyond the Beaches of Tahiti
Goway Travel has introduced a new range of day trips designed to showcase all that is unique about a Tahiti vacation. Earlier this year, BRIDES magazine named Tahiti the year’s best honeymoon destination. And, according to Goway, it’s hard to disagree, with “pristine sunsets and tranquil bungalows situated over crystal clear blue lagoons.” But while Tahiti certainly offers these things, its 180 islands also stand out for their unique geography and cultural heritage. Goway officials note to call “Tahiti” the ultimate honeymoon destination is something of a misnomer, since...
Spotlight on Michoacan
The Mexican state of Michoacan's tourist trade is getting a helping hand from Mother Nature. Michoacan serves as the winter home for millions of monarch butterflies that make the journey south from Canada and the US in the fall, and four butterfly sanctuaries welcome visitors from late October into late February, Roberto Monroy Garcia, the state's secretary of tourism said in Toronto Thursday. “It's amazing,” he said of the natural spectacle, adding those visiting a sanctuary will find butterflies hovering around them and even landing on them. Monroy Garcia added that Michoacan...
Exploring Hawaii by Yacht
From November through April, Hawaii-bound travellers can explore four Hawaiian Islands – Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Lanai – by yacht on a week-long cruise with small ship cruise line Un-Cruise Adventures. Cruises sail one way between Hawaii, the Big Island and Molokai or reverse aboard the 36-guest Safari Explorer. With an aft swim step and a full complement of water sports equipment, guests aboard the Explorer can enjoy the freedom of water exploration. Kayak through a lava tube or nearby volcanic cliffs. Jump in a skiff to look for whales or other marine life. Watch dolphins off...
New Canadian LVCVA Team Introduced
Charmaine Singh, president, Connect Worldwide Canada, has announced Afra Davis, David Han and Marsha Mowers as the Canadian team for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor’s Authority. Davis is the LVCVA Canada’s Western representative, operating out of Vancouver. She brings more than 15 years of sales and customer service experience, most recently with WestJet Vacations. She has also held positions at Meridian Holidays, Infinity Holidays, and Cathay Pacific Han is the representative (Eastern and Ontario) and has worked with ConnectWorldWide Canada office since 2012, where he...
Natural Tobago Unveiled
Tracy Davidson-Celestine (second from left) promises that nature-lovers will be in their element in Tobago. Davidson-Celestine, with the island's Division of Tourism & Transportation, told a Toronto audience Wednesday that Tobago is “116 square miles of pristine beauty.” Its attributes include its having over 20 beaches, the largest brain coral in the Western Hemisphere, something divers will be able to appreciate, and the oldest rainforest in the Western Hemisphere, with that rainforest having dozens of bird species. Tobago is working on a Heritage Trail program that will...
Bay Club Gets a US$1.2 Million Makeover
San Diego's Bay Club Hotel & Marina will soon complete a US$1.2 million makeover. The renovations include remodeling of all rooms to match the hotel's nautical theme and upgrades in the lobby, meeting and banquet venues, including the dining room areas. The hotel bar now offers a waterfront view from every...
ExploreGB Set for February
Tourism Ireland has signed up as a key partner for ExploreGB, VisitBritain’s new annual flagship international event, which will debut at Ascot Racecourse in London, England in February. The aim of ExploreGB is to showcase Britain and the island of Ireland to international buyers, resulting in additional itineraries and brochure pages. British and Irish tourism suppliers and destinations attending the event will have the opportunity to meet and do business with up to 250 carefully selected international travel buyers from over 37 countries, including Canada. Tourism Ireland joins...