Destinations
New Zealand village reopens at Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) has recently re-opened its entire Aotearoa (New Zealand) village, which now features new carvings recognizing Hawaikiroa, the ancient Polynesian navigator. The intricately designed carvings are made from the native Totara timber of New Zealand. The carvings honour the ancient navigator Hawaikiroa for the discovery of the Hawaiian Islands, and for being an ancestor to Aotearoa. The Aotearoa village consists of three houses, including the Marae (sacred place for protocol and social purposes) and meeting house, both of which were the focus of the...
Tourism Australia launches new food, wine initiative
Leave it to Tourism Australia to turn the wonder down under into a gigantic restaurant, but that’s exactly what they’re doing with its launch of Restaurant Australia which will showcase the country’s food and wine. In Toronto yesterday (Jan. 23) to unveil details of the initiative -- not to mention celebrating Australia Day (Jan. 26) -- Tourism Australia’s vice-president, The Americas, Jane Whitehead told a travel trade group that while many don’t associate Australia with food and wine, those who know the destination rate its food and wine offerings highly. And as Whitehead...
Top services, amenities part of Journeys by Anderson
Anderson Vacations has introduced its new product line, Anderson Vacations Journeys, in the new 2014 escorted touring catalogue. This is the first of two brochure installments to be unveiled in 2014 in a new format. The new product, marked as having “Journey benefits,” are experiential explorer programs featuring bucket list destinations and top services and amenities. A new feature on these tours is a 50% discount off the single supplement for the first four singles to...
Rooms fully upgraded at Ohana Waikiki East
The Ohana Waikiki East has rung in the New Year with newly upgraded guest rooms, as part of a recent US$2 million renovation of the property. From new carpeting and paint to brand new mattresses and bedding, the hotel’s guest rooms exude contemporary island ambiance. The refreshed rooms feature an island-style design with neutral hues and sandstone accents. Each features all-new bedding atop plush Serta Concierge beds plus 42-inch flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms were also updated with modern handheld showerheads. The property features free Internet access in all guest rooms,...
Early Rocky bookers get credits for adding extra features
From now until Feb. 28, guests booking Rocky Mountaineer packages of four nights or more will receive up to $600 per couple in added value as part of the Stay and Play offer. These can be used to customize Rocky vacations with, for instance, extra hotel nights, additional activities and Alaskan cruises. For instance, the maximum added value of $600 is applicable to new bookings of seven nights or more in GoldLeaf Service on the eight day/seven night Canadian Rockies Highlights & Coastal Passage holiday between Seattle and the...
Kick off Stand Up World Tour at Turtle Bay Resort
Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s fabled North Shore is located at the global epicenter of stand-up paddlesurfing and offering a special package for the upcoming Stand Up World Tour, the official world championship tour for the sport organized by The Waterman League, headquartered at Turtle Bay. Turtle Bay is offering a special five-night stay during the 2014 season kick-off event, the Sunset Beach Pro, from Feb. 8-16. Established in 2009, this global sports competition encompasses events in six countries with participants from 15 nations. The 2014 season will offer major increases in...
Miami heat
It may have been sub-zero temperatures in Toronto last night, but tourism officials from Miami did their best to heat things up during an industry function highlighted by authentic Miami culture and cuisine. Numerous travel partners made the trip from the Sunshine State, including Polina Panopoulos (l) of Eden Roc Miami Beach and Heidi Barfels (r) of Mandarin Oriental Miami, pictured with Bill Talbert, president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. Talbert told Press Today that tourism numbers to Miami remain strong, with Canada, Brazil and the cruise...
Family Day weekend deals at Silver Star
To celebrate Ontario’s and Saskatchewan’s Family Day weekend Feb. 14-17 this year, Silver Star Mountain Resort in south central BC is offering deep discounts on lift tickets and accommodations. Those who stay three nights and ski two days at Silver Star will receive 15% off slope side lodging and lift tickets. Also, those who present their valid Ontario/Saskatchewan driver’s license on Feb. 17 will receive 50% off the price of a lift ticket. Silver Star is amongst 24 BC resorts that are participating in the lift ticket promotion. To book, call Silver Star Holidays and quote...