Destinations
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...
Thai Cultural Events Come West
A schedule of events in western Canada celebrating the culture of Thailand was recently previewed by Thailand’s new consul general in Vancouver, Sutthiluck Sa-ngarmangkang. She did so with a presentation of Thai traditional dancing, modern fashion and cuisine at the Thailand consultate in YVR, in support of the upcoming events. The Discovering Thailand show will take place at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre on Aug. 22, Victoria’s Belfry Theatre on Aug. 25 and the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton on Aug. 28. Guests will see traditional dances by a dance troupe from Bangkok and...
Qatar Encourages Leisure Tourism
After government efforts to promote Qatar as a leisure, culture and sports destination, inbound tourism in the country is expected to increase by about 7.5% a year over the next five years, says a new report from Timetric. Until now, Qatar has mainly been considered as a business travel destination. In 2013 business trips alone accounted for 66% of the total inbound tourism, with most of its tourists coming from countries such as Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. However, with its newly developed strategy, the Qatari government aims to focus on the development of leisure and cultural...