New Year's celebrations are bringing some big changes to many of Victoria's favourite hotels. At the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel, the Willow Stream Spa will be expanding to include a new nail bar, and the newly renovated Ivy Ballroom, with a capacity for up to 250 guests, debuted. At the Magnolia Hotel & Spa, a full renovation of all rooms has taken in changes to the décor, all furniture, bedding, carpeting, walls and art. The job will be completed this spring. And the Chateau Victoria is undergoing a three-year renovation of its 176 rooms, which started with standard rooms this past...
Sunwing has announced the addition of winter flights from Edmonton to Cancun, Mexico. The new flights will depart on Tuesdays, commencing Feb. 12 until April 9. "We've seen a great demand for Cancun and the Mayan Riviera from Edmonton this winter,"said Andrew Dawson, president of Tour Operations. "So much so, that space was very limited on our three existing weekly flights and we were unable to satisfy the continued demand. We're delighted to continue to serve the central Alberta region with this new flight."Sunwing offers a selection of Cancun hotels at competitive prices and travellers...
The Kingdom of Bhutan, a tiny country nestled high in the Eastern Himalayas, has been selected as one of three finalists in the "Destination Stewardship"category for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards hosted by the World Travel & Tourism Council. The award goes to a destination that successfully demonstrates a program of sustainable tourism, while incorporating social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits. This year's awards panel received 133 applications from more than 46 countries on six continents, with Bhutan being short-listed to the top three of this pool. Since opening its...
As the only hotel in the Waimea area of Kauai, the Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages offers convenient access to Kauai's famous Waimea Canyon, Koke`e State Park, the Napali Coast and other attractions on Kauai's south coast. Set amidst a coconut grove, Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages is a tranquil property, blending both nostalgic and modern cultures of Hawaii. The unique oceanfront resort was created from restored historic sugar plantation homes that have been updated with modern conveniences and hand-selected furnishings. The hotel features an on-site restaurant, oceanfront wedding and...
The landing of the first flight by United Airlines from Los Angeles directly to Kelowna was cause for recent celebration at the Kelowna International Airport. The first touch own was heralded by a party in the airport's main lounge attended by United reps and Kelowna mayor Walter Gray, B.C. Minister of Transportation Mary Polak and others. The new daily nonstop flights represent a huge economic impact to the region. Each flight is estimated to generate $1 million in economic benefits for the...
At the end of 2012, The Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island completed its most comprehensive room renovation project since the resort opened in 1990. The new room décor illustrates a modern, luxurious feel that incorporates uniquely Hawaiian elements throughout, and is highlighted by artwork by esteemed island artists. The guestrooms were updated to international standards while maintaining the ambience of a tropical, island location....
Rocky Mountaineer is offering a chance for travellers to extend their rail journey through Western Canada with a new Stay and Play offer. Until March 28, bookings of seven or more nights will receive up to $800 per couple in travel enhancements with options such as extra hotel nights, activities and meal plans. The added value can also be used towards an Alaskan cruise when booking one of several Rocky Mountaineer Rail and Cruise packages. For instance, guests can begin or end their eight days/seven night journey with a helicopter tour of the Rockies and enjoy overnight stays Jasper, Lake...
The 2013 Destination France road show is on track to visit four Canadian cities from Feb. 26 to March 1 -- Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary. During these events, Destination France will recognize tour operators that help make Canadians discover a new side of France by their innovative programming. In total, four trophies will be awarded. The Product of the Year Award will honour the most original tour or stay in France. The jury, composed from members of the French Tourism International Advisory, will select five products from Quebec and five from the rest of Canada. Following this...
The Saint Lucia Tourist Board has unveiled a new brand campaign themed, "Lift Your Senses,"that "captures vacation moments in a fresh, journalistic style."Designed to evoke an emotional response, the campaign portrays the essence of Saint Lucia as an island that literally lifts visitors' five senses -- sight, taste, hearing, feel and smell. "From strategy development through to execution, the 'Lift Your Senses' campaign truly captures what sets Saint Lucia apart from other Caribbean destinations in a way that we believe will differentiate our island in an extremely crowded competitive...
A love of Virginia's natural beauty shines through on the pages of the new 2013 Virginia is for Lovers travel guide. Available for free on Virginia.org and at Virginia State Welcome Centers, the 2013 guide is a love letter to Virginia vacations and includes insider tips on the state's tourism destinations, from beaches to mountains, state parks to theme parks, music and Main Streets and more. The 2013 Virginia Travel Guide highlights include the following: Beaches - Virginia is a beach destination with beaches big and small - from the Virginia Beach oceanfront to the warm, welcoming sands of...