Destinations
Get Off The Beaten Path
Have a client looking for a side of adventure on their next beach trip? If so, the experts at Cheapflights.ca have unveiled their “10 Trek-Worthy Beaches” around the world – idyllic spots far from your average day at the beach. The following are five “off the beaten path” beaches located in the Americas where the reward is worth the journey: Kalalau Beach, Kauai, Hawaii – Rugged and majestic, Kauai’s Na Pali Coast will steal anyone’s breath. And getting a glimpse of it is no easy feat. After all, this sweeping coastline is largely inaccessible by land; most will...
Sonoma Wine Country Open For Business
California’s Sonoma Wine Country is open for business following the Aug. 24 earthquake that struck about 20 miles east of the town of Sonoma. It caused minimal damage and most wineries, shops, and restaurants are open for business. There are no reports of significant injuries or structural damage in Sonoma County. A preliminary indication from the USGS showed that it was centred 4.2 miles northwest of American Canyon in Napa County, which was harder hit. “We are very fortunate that the quake was short lived and the damage was minimal here,” said Ken Fischang, president/CEO...
Top Of The Pops
In its latest Hotel Price Index (HPI), Hotels.com reports that London was one of the top three most popular international cities for Canadian travellers during the first half of 2014. It moved from fourth place in the first half of 2013 to third place in the first half of 2014; while Paris moved into the fourth spot. Hotels.com noted that the recent stability of the Euro, which has hovered at a lower than historical rate for the first half of 2014, is likely one of the reasons behind the increased interest in European cities from Canadians. Historically popular with Canadians,...
Aston Has Fall Savings
Fewer crowds, lower rates and mild weather are just some of the reasons to love fall-season getaways to Hawaii. Now Aston Hotels & Resorts is giving travellers one more reason to take advantage of the fall season: 15% off nightly rates on hotels and resorts in Hawaii, as well as Orlando, South Lake Tahoe and Lake Las Vegas for stays through Dec. 19. Sample fares: Oahu from $102/night; Maui from $115/night; Kauai from $73/night; and Hawaii Island from $153/night. Guests also enjoy value-added amenities, such as fully equipped kitchens and on-site laundry facilities; the free...
Goway Creates Wonders DownUnder
Goway is offering a number of what it describes as “great value” packages to Australia, along with an opportunity for travel agents to win a trip DownUnder. The operator has partnered with both Air New Zealand and Tourism Australia in order to offer great Australia vacation packages with prices starting from CAD$2,279 per person As for Air New Zealand, it is featuring airfares to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Coolangatta, Cairns and Adelaide at special prices that Goway’s Downunder specialists have packaged to create 8 vacation ideas which range from cheap and cheerful Sydney...
Big Developments In Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda's tourist trade is receiving a helping hand from China and Sandals among others. Tourism Minister Asot Michael told a Toronto gathering Friday that Antigua has signed an agreement with a Chinese firm for a US$2-billion resort development that will include five-star hotels, a golf course, conference centre and casino. As well, early next year will see work start on a 400-room Beaches resort on an island that's already home to a Sandals. Michael said that a new airport terminal will open in March and be the largest in the Eastern Caribbean and have VIP lounges and...
Favourite For A Decade
For the past decade, Disney's magic has earned it the top spot in the Attractions, Festivals & Events (International) category of the Agents’ Choice Awards poll. Well, 2014 was no different as Canadian travel agents picked Disney as their favourite in that category, leading Marlie Morrison, managing director of marketing and sales for Disney Parks & Resorts (Canada), to exclaim: “Wow. We are so happy and humbled to be voted No. 1 again by the agency community. With all the amazing places in the world to visit, to be chosen No. 1 for the 10th year in a row is...
On The Radar
Agents with clients looking for an upscale vacation experience will want to keep St. Kitts on their radar as the Caribbean island is on the verge of gaining two luxury hotel options that will be found in distinctly different settings. December will see the opening of the first phase of Kittitian Hill, which will have 97 guests units. Later phases will feature villas and private homes. And next year will see the arrival of a Park Hyatt, which Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, said will be a beachfront property, unlike Kittitian Hill, which will have a rainforest...