Destinations
Santa on the slopes
If you are visiting Whistler this holiday season, don't forget your Santa suit. On Dec. 22, you'll be able to witness hundreds of Santa's hitting the slopes for the annual, "Dress like Santa Day & Ski for Free"event. The first 75 people dressed like Santa (or Mrs. Claus) receive a free lift pass and an early upload to catch fresh tracks before the public. Participants meet at 8 a.m. in front of Garibaldi Lift Company....
New entry requirements for minors travelling to Mexico
Transat Holidays and Nolitours are advising agents that effective Feb. 15, 2013, that minors (under 18 years of age) travelling to Mexico alone or accompanied by a third party of legal age (grandparent, aunt/uncle or other) must present, in addition to a valid passport, a document showing the consent of both parents or those with parental authority or guardianship over the minor. If the document is issued in Canada it must be notarized, legalized by the Mexican Consulate or Embassy, and translated into Spanish. The text of this document must contain the parents' authorization for the minor to...
Annual hula festival set for Jan. 19
The 23rd Annual Moanikeala Hula Festival will see Hawaiian tradition and artistry come to life at the Polynesian Cultural Center as dancers of all ages from hula schools across Hawaii and Japan captivate crowds in the exhibition. Live musicians, gorgeous garments and fragrant flowers accentuate the celebration of culture. The event will be held Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the centre, found in Laie. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for those ages five to 15. Admission is free for Kamaaina Annual Pass holders, those younger than five and is also included with the purchase of any of...
Historic rates celebrate 100-year birthday
The St. Regis Hotel in Vancouver is celebrating 100 years of service with room rates from the past. The hotel is offering a total of 1,000 room nights until April at the rate of $100 plus taxes. Prepaid vouchers are sold through www.stregishotel.com and can be redeemed for any night up to April 30, 2013 by making a reservation. Suites can be reserved using two vouchers, and vouchers can be used as $100 credits against future stays if not redeemed by April 30. The voucher rate includes a range of complimentary services, like free made-to-order breakfast for two, free WiFi, worldwide long...
Randonee travel images in Vancouver, Whistler shows
Robbin McKinney, photographer and founder/owner of Randonnee Tours/Great Explorations, will soon present a slide show of destination images and video from cycling trips around the world, in Vancouver and Whistler. The Vancouver show will take place Dec. 4 at Studio 16 in the city's South Granville area. Wine and cheese start at 6:30 p.m., followed by the show at 7 p.m. Countries showcased include Costa Rica, Spain, Italy, France, Czech Republic, Ireland, Morocco and more. The Whistler show will run Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. at the Whistler Public Library. ([email protected];...
VISIT FLORIDA picks Seccombe
VISIT FLORIDA has picked Will Seccombe as its new president and CEO. Seccombe, who has been VISIT FLORIDA's chief marketing officer since 2008, has been serving as the acting president and CEO since Chris Thompson's departure to take over the top spot at Brand USA. Seccombe has more than 23 years of professional experience including 19 years in the Colorado tourism industry. After holding executive positions in the ski industry, with the Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau and PRACO, LTD, he founded Revolution Communications, LLC, a travel marketing firm based in Denver, Colorado. His...
Korea hits 10-million tourist milestone
Korea has reached a milestone in tourism, with 10 million tourist arrivals in a single year. The feat was accomplished Nov. 21 when a 28-year-old Chinese tourist flew via Asiana Airlines from Shanghai to ICN to become the 10-millionth tourist arrival for 2012. Korea hit the one million tourist arrival mark in 1978 and the five million mark in 2000. Korea began keeping track of tourist arrivals in June 1955 with the first recorded tourist being a Canadian arriving in Busan. Canadian arrivals to Korea reached more than 120,000 last year, making Canada Korea's third largest long haul market....
Win a trip for two to the Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands Department of Tourism and Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa are teaming up to give Canadian travel agents a chance to win a trip for two to experience the Cayman Islands for themselves. The Cayman Islands offers a different kind of Caribbean getaway where vacationers are encouraged to explore all three of Caymans' distinct island cultures: Grand Cayman with its cosmopolitan feel; Cayman Brac, the adventurer's paradise with great diving; and Little Cayman, a charming escape for those seeking tropical tranquility. Don't miss your chance to win this amazing prize...