Destinations
Vail extends partnership with Switzerland’s Verbier
Vail Resorts, Inc. is now selling its popular Epic Pass for the 2013-2014 ski and ride season and has announced an extension on its partnership with Verbier, Switzerland. Last September, Vail Resorts launched the partnership with Verbier that enhanced the value of the "Epic Pass,"providing three days of free access to the Verbier ski resort, for new and renewing 2012-2013 Epic Pass holders. Now, Vail is further enhancing the value of the pass by extending the number of days of free access to Verbier from three to five. In addition to unlimited, unrestricted skiing and riding at eight...
Myrtle Beach golf special
Mystical Golf -- owner and operator of the acclaimed The Witch, Man-O-War and The Wizard golf courses in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina -- has introduced a "Midweek Special"stay-and-play package from April 4-30. The offer starts at US$127 (per player, per day) when booked to begin on Sunday or Monday. It includes three night's lodging in three-bedroom golf villas (four beds) and three rounds with cart. Saving US$36 per guest over weekend rates, the package has numerous extras, including complimentary iHOP breakfast daily, free steak dinner at Logan's Roadhouse (includes non-alcoholic beverages,...
More flights to Alaska from US for summer
Those agents who have American clients will want to know that Alaska is getting more flight services from the US this year. For instance, Virgin America is offering six, non-stop flights a week from San Francisco to Anchorage between June 6 and Sept. 9. Alaska Airlines has added a non-stop, daily summer service between Fairbanks and Portland June 9 to Sept. 2. And budget airline JetBlue has added a daily Seattle to Anchorage flight route for the summer season....
Four Seasons on Lanai get facelifts, lounges, Nobu
Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay and Four Seasons Resort Lanai, The Lodge at Koele -- the two Four Season properties on Lanai -- recently completed several property enhancements. These have refined the overall design aesthetic of the resorts to capture a sense of place synonymous with Hawaii. The most notable enhancements include new décor and furniture, the debut of a private fine art collection showcasing local Hawaiian artists, Hawaiian themed tropical gardens and landscaping, and new restaurants and lounges -- including the highly anticipated Nobu Lanai. The new Lounge at the...
Ziplines, ATVs on Big Island with Kona Eco Adventures
Kona Eco Adventures is bringing new excitement to South Kona on the Big Island, for visitors who have an adventurous streak. Those looking for an adrenaline rush can check out the Kona Zipline. This tree-to-tree zipline course consists of eight ziplines and two suspension bridges. Next is an ATV adventure ride through a Hawaiian forest and into open range pastures. Those who prefer a more peaceful tour can embark on a nature hike, with the touch, smell and sounds of the forest. At Misty Mountain Farm, visitors meet buffalo, llama, horses and more....
New tech for next century at St. Regis
A boutique heritage hotel in Vancouver is set to celebrate its 100th year, while the installation of new broadcast and Wi-Fi services adds a cutting edge appeal to the property. Last month, the St Regis Hotel finished installing a Shaw Direct TV system with over 40 digital HD channels, including free access to HBO and Movie Central. The new installation also includes a dedicated password-protected wireless network for each room. These complimentary private networks help guarantee guests' bandwidth and connectivity no matter how many devices they use....
New Orleans visitor numbers best in nearly 10 years
New Orleans' tourism industry welcomed 9.01 million visitors in 2012, numbers not seen by the city in nearly 10 years. Total visitor numbers increased by 3% or 255,027 from the number of visitors in 2011 (8.75 million.) The 9.01 million visitors spent US$6 billion, a 9% or US$512 million increase over 2011 and the highest spending in the city's history, according to a study released this week. The city's best year ever was 2004, a record-breaking year, with 10.1 million visitors. After Katrina, visitor numbers dropped to 3.7 million in 2006. Mayor Mitch Landrieu commented, "The continued...
Free stays for kids until April at Big White
Spring break specials are now on at Big White Ski Resort near Kelowna, BC, and families are the big winners. Until April 13, Big White is offering a special whereby kids 12 and under can ski and stay for free. Families get a complimentary child lift pass with every adult pass purchased. After a day on the slopes, kids can go to "Happy Valley"to join a game of hockey on the outdoor ice rink, try climbing an 18-metre ice tower or even go dog sledding. On sunny days to March 25, outdoor BBQs are on in the village plaza. Big White says it has the most slope-side accommodation in North America....