Destinations
Sunwing launches ‘Viva Dominicana’ program
Sunwing Vacations has introduced a new concept to vacation portfolio, “Viva Dominicana,” designed to allow travellers to experience the local culture of the Dominican Republic through special activities. Customers booking a Sunwing vacation package to Riu Merengue in Puerto Plata or Grand Paradise Samana get to experience added incentives such as rum tasting and education, fairs, food and more. Set on the beach of Maimon Bay in Puerto Plata, the Riu Merengue features panoramic views of the mountains and the lush tropical gardens that envelop this all-inclusive resort. “Viva...
Win a luxury getaway to Punta Cana
Punta Cana’s newest resort will leave your clients breathless. The 4.5-star Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa in Dominican Republic focuses on luxury. It promises to deliver a fresh vacation experience with exceptional dining, entertainment, and activities all in a contemporary setting just for adults. The upscale resort also boasts eight bars and lounges and 11 gourmet restaurants featuring unique cuisine such as tapas, Latin, and Lebanese. Transat Holidays wants you and a guest to enjoy a one-week, all-inclusive trip to Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa on them. The prize...
Historic USS Missouri marks 70 years since launching
A day of festivities celebrating the 70th anniversary of the launch of America’s last and most famous battleship, the USS Missouri, will be the centrepiece of “Living History Day on Ford Island” on Feb. 1, 2014. Visitors to the battleship Missouri Memorial on this day will enjoy a variety of historical exhibits and activities. These include displays of military vehicles, memorabilia and weaponry; oral history presentations and even actors portraying famous figures of World War II, such as General Douglas MacArthur and Admiral Chester Nimitz. The Missouri was launched on Jan....
Insight goes ‘easy’ in Europe
Insight Vacations is offering travellers extra time to discover and savour Europe with their Easy Pace Journeys. These five itineraries are tailor-made for a leisurely vacation where travellers can discover the treasures of France, Italy, Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey and Greece, including a variety of Insight’s Signature Experiences. With a minimum of three-night stays, clients will have more time to linger in each destination and explore on their own. The 13-day Easy Pace journey through Turkey and Greece showcases land excursions and cruising. In Istanbul, clients enjoy the...
Ice carving kicks off Ice on Whyte Fest
The 11th annual Ice on Whyte Festival takes place Jan. 24 to Feb. 2, 2014. The International Ice Carving Competition kicks off the festival as 10 teams of artists from around the world create amazing ice carvings. These remain on exhibit for the duration of the festival. Visitors can enjoy outdoor play on the giant ice slide and in the interactive kids zone. The evenings are filled with live music presented by Alberta musicians, plus food, fashion, crafts and more....
Universal Orlando unveils historic CityWalk expansion plans
Universal Orlando’s CityWalk will undergo a historic expansion during 2014 -- all part of an epic year for Universal that will include the opening of the destination’s largest hotel, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley. Universal recently announced that it will open eight new venues across CityWalk throughout 2014 as part of a bold growth strategy designed to complement the entertainment complex’s already popular collection of national brands. The expansion comes after a nationwide search for culinary concepts that include...
ALBA showcases ‘Italy’s Jewels’
ALBATours’ 2014 touring program in Italy will again feature the popular “Italy’s Jewels” tour of Calabria and Sicily. A 10-day, eight-night fully escorted specialty coach tour, “Italy’s Jewels” explores the country’s southernmost regions, making stops in Vibo Valentia, Pizzo, Tropea, Crotone, Acireale, Reggio Calabria, Taormina, Noto, Isle of Ortigia, Siracusa, Agrigento, Erice and Cinisi (Palermo), among others. And, for a limited time, travellers can save $600 per couple when booking this tour in combination with air from ALBATours. Featuring three departures from...
Condominium Connection sees higher rates, less inventory
Hawaii wholesaler Condominium Connection sees condominium and hotel rates for 2014 in the Hawaiian Islands increasing 4% to 18%, including ballooning ancillary resort fees. According to officials, due to some property closings on Oahu and reduced inventory on Hawaii’s Big Island, access may also be limited and continue pressure on pricing. Joseph Fienberg, president of Condominium Connection, says, “In 2014, we expect to see less inventory in Hawaii as hotels are becoming more aggressive in raising rates, especially during peak and high demand travel periods. The Las Vegas-style...