Destinations
Westin Bayshore has new director of sales
Ryan Matheson has been appointed director of sales and marketing at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver. He brings more than 20 years of hospitality and sales experience to the position at the hotel. In his new role, Matheson will be responsible for leading the sales and marketing efforts for the hotel while driving revenue for the hotel located on picturesque Coal Harbour. Most recently he held the position of director of sales and marketing at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel. Previously he held the role of senior regional sales manager with Metropolitan Hotels leading the...
Waikiki Beach Walk marks return of Na Mele No Na Pua
Hawaii’s Waikiki Beach Walk is set to bring back its popular monthly Na Mele No Na Pua Sunday Showcase concert series. Kicking off on Feb. 16, the concert will feature renowned entertainer Ku‘uipo Kumukahi and Na Lani ‘Eha Band. The free concert series will treat music lovers to live music performances every third Sunday of the month from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Waikiki Beach Walk Plaza Stage. Na Mele No Na Pua, or “Music for the Generations,” is sponsored in part by Outrigger Enterprises Group and underscores the company’s long-standing commitment to preserving and...
Morocco aims to increase tourism from Canada
“If there’s a place to go in the world today, it’s Morocco.” That was the message that Morocco’s minister of tourism, Wissal El Gharbaoui had for a select group of travel trade and business types during a meeting in Toronto yesterday (Feb. 4). El Gharbaoui made it clear that Morocco was a good place to do business and that the climate for investing -- particularly in tourism -- in the country was right. The minister told the Toronto meeting that Morocco was a “stable, open, democratic” country offering a healthy business environment, improved competitiveness in...
WestJet Hits The Jackpot in Vegas
If you listen closely, you can hear the champagne corks popping as Las Vegas and WestJet celebrate the fact that the Canadian carrier deliver 1 million passengers to McCarran International Airport in 2013 and will also be increasing its nonstop service into Las Vegas with 18 additional weekly flights starting this summer. Beginning in June, WestJet will boost its Vegas offerings in multiple cities to a total of 76 weekly, non-stop flights. John Weatherill, WestJet's director, network and schedule planning, observed: "In 2013, WestJet became the first foreign airline to carry over 1...
Emirates Ramps Up Its Tourism Promotion
The Ruler of Dubai, UAE vice-president and prime minister, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued a new law that establishes a new body -- the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM). The new DCTCM is an affiliate of the Dubai government's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and will become the entity responsible for the promotion and marketing of the Emirate of Dubai. The decree dictates that the DCTCM will have a mandate which includes promoting the Emirate as a prime destination for tourism, entertainment, and events;...
Cupid If You Will
Cupid will be aiming his bow at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre and The Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport for the 2014 Valentine's Weekend as both hotels will be featuring a pampered and relaxing romantic getaway that's bookable for the evenings of Feb. 14, Feb. 15 or Feb. 16. Upon arrival, guests will enjoy chocolate dipped strawberries and a bottle of either white or red wine. Long stemmed roses will be delivered to the room and guests are invited to relax and enjoy an in-room movie of their choice (up to a $15 value) and in the morning, guests will enjoy continental breakfast...
Valentine’s Day vow renewals available at Outrigger
Outrigger Hotels and Resorts is making Valentine’s Day even sweeter this year with romantic offers at two Outrigger properties. Couples staying at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach or Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach in Hawaii can say “I do” once more along the Waikiki shore in a traditional Hawaiian vow renewal ceremony. The package will be offered throughout February to all couples near and far, and includes a vow renewal ceremony, romantic dinner for two and seven night’s accommodation in a deluxe ocean view room. The ceremony is conducted by a non-denominational Hawaiian...
Tourism Ireland celebrates record year
Tourism Ireland reports the island of Ireland had a record year for visitors from North America in 2013. CSO Overseas Tourism statistics released yesterday show the total number of visitors from North America in 2013 amounted to 1.158 million, exceeding the previous record set in 2008, and representing an increase of 13.9% on the 2012 figure. All of Ireland’s main overseas markets grew in 2013 compared to 2012; the number of visits from Great Britain grew by 5.6%; visits from Mainland Europe grew by 4.9% while there was also strong growth of 15.1% from other long-haul markets. A...