Destinations
The Cayman Islands Appoint New Director of Tourism
The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism has appointed a new director of tourism, Rosa Harris. Based in Grand Cayman, Harris assumed the post on July 1 and has had a long history with the department and within the tourism industry of the Cayman Islands. “I am very pleased that such a qualified individual as Mrs. Harris has been identified for the role of director of tourism," commented Minister of Tourism Moses Kirkconnell. "During her tenure with the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Mrs. Harris has played an integral role in many of the department's successful endeavours and...
West Coast Travel Gets New Access Hike
BC’s iconic West Coast Trail, a challenging trek along the west coast of Vancouver Island, now has a new access trail for easier entries and exits. The new hike is located at Nitinat Narrows, at roughly the halfway point of the West Coast Trail, which itself runs between Port Renfrew at the southern end and Bamfield in the north. Hikes on the West Coast Trail generally take at least five days to complete, often more at a less strenuous pace. The new access trail allows hikers to do just half of the daunting hike, or to exit the West Coast Trail in case of injury, foul weather or...
Aqua Introduces Kauai Shores
Aqua Hotels & Resorts has introduced the former Kauai Sands Hotel as the Kauai Shores, an Aqua hotel. Following a $10 million renovation, the refurbished property will offer a beachfront, resort-like experience with stylish guest areas and convenient amenities. Centrally located in the heart of Kapaa, the two-storey, low-rise hotel features 200 guest rooms and two outdoor swimming pools spread across six acres of lush tropical lawns and gardens. To celebrate the debut of Kauai Shores, Aqua is offering an introductory special of 15% off stays through Sept. 30. Ask for promo code:...
Sheraton Set to Kick Off New 3-D Pool Show
Starting Aug. 1, Sheraton Waikiki on Oahu will launch “Helumoa,” the world’s first permanent 3-D pool mapping light show. The pool, located next to RumFire restaurant will fill with lava, reflection illusions, and other visual wonders. Open to resort guests and the public nightly at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m, the two showings are titled “Helumoa: The Birth of Hawaii” and “Helumoa: The Legendary Story of...
Food Adventures in Kentucky
Foodies can visit Kentucky for its eclectic dining scene, which offers everything from haute cuisine in elegant hotel restaurants to down-home fare at diners and even truck stops. There’s never been a more exciting time to dine around Kentucky, where hip new restaurants thrive along with decades-old favourites. Visitors can get off the beaten path and explore out-of-the-way spots, following the lead of cable-TV food programs that recently have featured Kentucky eateries. For starters, take Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Guy has sampled po-boys at Rick’s White Light...
Jamaica Sees Jump in Tourism Arrivals from Canada
The final 2013/2014 winter arrival numbers are in and Jamaica recorded an increase in Canadian visitors over last winter (November to April) with 264,605 arrivals. This figure is a jump of 5% over last year. “We are thrilled to report further growth in Canadian visitors to Jamaica,” said Philip Rose, regional director of Canada for the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). “Our efforts to drive demand have been successful thanks to great partnerships with our airline, resort and attractions partners who continuously deliver great Jamaican experiences to visitors. It’s clear Canadians...
Intrepid Introduces New BDM
The Intrepid Group has appointed Megan Bailey as its new business development manager (BDM) on the Prairies. Her love for travel began in her early 20s on an 11-month solo trip around the world. She returned to Canada to work as a travel agent for seven years in Halifax before heading to the Rocky Mountains to accept a BDM position with Adventure Center. She will now take on a new challenge representing the Intrepid Group, which includes Intrepid Travel, Geckos Adventures, and Peregrine Adventures. Mark Nessle was previously covering western Canada for the Intrepid Group, but with the...
Leaving On A High Note
In this week's issue of Canadian Travel Press, assistant editor, Greg Coates reports that it was a bittersweet night for officials of the Israel Ministry of Tourism and guests during a recent reception in Toronto as Israel and its friends celebrated record visitor numbers, but at the same time bid a farewell to Haim Gutin, Consul/Commissioner for North and South America, who is leaving his post in New York and heading back to Israel in August. After four years of heading up the North American operations of the Israel Ministry of Tourism, Gutin was making what was likely his last...