The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) reports that total visitor arrivals in 2012 reached 48,615,113, an increase of 16 over the yearly total in 2011. Of the total figure, 48.9%, or 23.77 million, were overnight visitors, 6.5% more than in the previous year. Arrivals from many short-haul markets posted positive growth figures, affected by the fact that many vacationers in the region cancelled their trips to Japan following that country's earthquake and related incidents in 2011. In the long-haul regions, the sluggish performance of both European and American economies caused a slight drop in the...
The wholesaler's product-of-the-year propositions have been received, and Atout France and jury have selected nine tours (five from Quebec and four from the rest of Canada) to submit to the travel agents' vote. Through Feb. 12, agents can vote for what they think the most original tour by visiting http://destinationfrance.ca/en/the-product-of-the-year . Participating agents can win a bag designed by Le Tanneur for Air France or a book on the 50 most beautiful itineraries of Europe published by Tours...
Newly elected Premier of Nevis, Vance Amory, has appointed Mark Brantley as Minister with portfolio responsibility for Tourism, Health, Social Development, Youth and Sports, Culture and Gender Affairs. In making the appointment, Amory said, "We are at a critical moment in the development of Nevis' tourism and we need renewed leadership to successfully implement our strategy to take advantage of the market opportunities ahead. Nevis is fortunate to have someone of Mark's caliber and experience to lead the industry in the capacity of Minister of Tourism. Mark is a strong communicator and has a...
The Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco will open the doors to its new permanent home on April 6. The new Dogpatch neighbourhood facility - abutting industrial waterfront buildings, Michelin recognized restaurants and the upcoming UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital - is prominently situated in the historic American Industrial Center on Third Street. With storefront access, the 8,500-square-foot space, designed by Gary Hutton Design and McCall Design Group, features 4,000 square feet of exhibition space and the museum's first dedicated public workshop and programming space, in addition...
Couples travelling to Waikiki this Valentine's Day have the chance to "hoi hou ke aloha,"or fall in love all over again, with a complimentary beachfront vow-renewal ceremony available exclusively to guests of the Outrigger Reef on the Beach and Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. Couples staying at either property can make their Valentine's Day extra special with a unique Hawaiian ceremony along the shore, surrounded by views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean. The free ceremony takes place on Feb. 14, with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m., a briefing at 7:45 a.m., and the celebration...
The top luge competitors in the world make their way to Whistler this week for the Luge World Championships at the Whistler Sliding Centre - home to the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton events for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The 2013 FIL (International Luge Federation) World Championships race days are Feb. 1 and 2, but the excitement begins long before that with the opening ceremony in Whistler Village. The Parade of Athletes begins in Whistler Olympic Plaza at 6:45 p.m. today (Jan. 30) with the opening ceremony taking place in Whistler Village at 7 p.m. featuring a free outdoor concert with...
The China National Tourist Office (CNTO) has launched a new web site designed specifically for travellers from North America. The site, http://www.cnto.org , has been completely redesigned and updated with the goal of enabling tourists and travel professionals to learn more about the destination, its attractions, accommodations and a multitude of information about travelling to and within China. The new site provides information about the country's top scenic spots, what to see and do, and trip-planning details, from obtaining a visa to a list of airlines that fly to China from North...
The Islands Of The Bahamas has extended the booking window on its $300 and $200 Instant Savings promotional offer. Travellers can now book an air-inclusive vacation package through March 11 and receive $300 instant savings on stays of six nights or longer. For visits of three, four or five nights, the instant savings is $200. Travel dates are valid until June 19. Blackout dates between March 7 and April 7 apply. For a list of participating properties or to book a package, visit http://www.nassauparadiseisland.com , http://www.Bahamas.comor or call...
The Israel Ministry of Tourism has launched a new "My Israel - My Way"Facebook contest, offering a chance to win free roundtrip airfare to Israel for two via El Al Israel Airlines. The new contest requires participants to visit the Israel Ministry of Tourism Facebook page and select the "My Israel - My Way"tab at top of the screen. Participants who then answer five questions about their top travel preferences will be automatically entered to win the prize. "The new Facebook contest is a fun and innovative way to promote tourism to Israel,"said Haim Gutin, Israel Commissioner for Tourism,...
Visitors to Victoria looking to try some of the city's finest eateries at a great price will want to catch the annual Dine Around & Stay in Town event. Celebrating its 13th year, Dine Around takes place Feb. 21 to March 10. Victoria boasts the second highest number of restaurants per capita in North America, and this year's event welcomes more than 60 of Victoria's top restaurants. They are offering three-course menus in three price categories -- $20, $30 and $40 p.p. Accommodation packages are also available, with prices for participating hotels, resorts and bed & breakfasts starting at $69....