Destinations
NEW LOOK ONLINE
Coast Hotels of Vancouver has just released a new brand identity, and has incorporated that in its revised website. The site, at http://www.coasthotels.com, highlights the new look and feel of the brand and provides enriched functionality such as a streamlined booking process. The site also offers an improved Coast Rewards loyalty member dashboard, and a revised availability calendar. Use of responsive design was employed to deliver a strong guest experience across platforms from desktop to tablet to smartphone. Another feature on the site is the local guides and events calendars for each...
AN EMPIRE OPENS
SeaWorld Orlando has opened its all-new attraction, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin. Antarctica is a new realm in SeaWorld where icebergs, snowcaps and howling winds greet guests. Visitors will also meet a very special penguin named Puck, and it's through his eyes that they'll learn about penguin life and the dangers and beauty of this frozen land. On board a first-of-its-kind trackless, all-family adventure ride, guests become one with the storyline as they follow Puck's adventures. Each mobile simulator ride car allows guests to choose one of two levels of exploration -- Wild Expedition...
LEE COUNTY PICKS VoX
The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB), representing The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida, has continued marketing efforts in Canada by extending its contract with VoX International. Under the direction of the VCB, the firm has been responsible for developing and implementing a marketing plan, along with providing strategic direction in sales, public relations and promotions for this important international market. "VoX was first awarded the contract for The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in January 2012," said Susan Webb, president of VoX International. "Our...
WESTJET TAKES TOP SPOT
WestJet is celebrating being named Canada's most attractive employer for the second year in a row, with the annual award given by Randstad Canada, a recruitment and human resources company. WestJet is seen as the company offering the most pleasant work atmosphere, the most interesting job content, the strongest management and best training opportunities in the country, says Randstad. WestJet garnered the number one spot based on polling conducted by ICMA International in February and March of 2013. For more, visit http://www.westjet.com...
PADDLES UP IN YVR
Dragon boat racing of the highest calibre is on its way back to Vancouver for the 25th year. The Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival will run June 21 to 23. More than 180 teams from around the globe paddle the quiet waters of downtown Vancouver's False Creek. The festival begins on Friday night with the colourful Eye Dotting Ceremony, and continues throughout the weekend with non-stop entertainment and lots of great food. Go to http://www.dragonboatbc.ca for complete...
ARTSY WEEKEND DEAL
More than 500 guests are expected to descend on Painter's Lodge and April Point Resort & Spa May 25 to 26 to speak and interact with BC's premiere artists at the annual Painters at Painter's event this year. Artists give demos, participate in panel discussions and create works in the resort's gardens, giving people a rare op to watch and learn from the masters. A Weekend Package is $299, including accommodations on Friday and Saturday night, a brunch, entry to two galleries, admission to panel discussions, all artist presentations and more. Day passes are also available. Go to...
BIG FUN IN DALLAS
There's some big fun in store for families headed to Dallas, Texas this summer as the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) rolls out its Dallas Summer Family Fun promotion that's targeted at families living outside of the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex and offering easy, affordable access to the city's new attractions. The summer-only promotion features a complimentary Dallas Summer Family Fun Big card that offers visiting families an opportunity to explore Dallas at a discount from Memorial Day to Labour Day. Official partners include Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Dallas Zoo, Perot...
ISRAEL POSTS GAINS
Israel continues to post increases in tourism arrivals. A total of 655,000 visitors arrived in Israel in March and April 2013, representing a 2% increase over the same period in 2012 and a 14% increase compared to 2011 -- the best year ever for tourism to Israel. And 551,000 of those 655,000 visitors were tourists, or one-day visitors, an 8% increase compared to the same period in...