Destinations
Egyptian Tourist Authority has new Canadian director
The Egyptian Tourist Authority has a new director for Canada, with Nagwa Korashy, who's been overseeing the office for the past four years, having returned to Cairo. She's replaced by Mostafa Abdel Khalek Sallam, who was previously the director of media relations at the head office in Cairo. Korashy noted that the past couple of years have seen upheaval in her homeland, but added the tourism trade in Egypt "has passed through tumultuous waters. I am glad to say that you and I, each in our respective role, navigated these waters commendably and weathered the storm. Ultimately, we have arrived...
Northern Ireland set to welcome visitors to Irish Open
Golf fans are snapping up the opportunity to see Ireland's top players in action at the Irish Open from June 28 to July 1, with the tournament set to be one of the best European Tour events this year. Current Open champion Darren Clarke, former US Open champion Rory McIlroy and former US Open champion Graeme McDowell - all from Northern Ireland - are lined up to play alongside Ireland's three-time major winner Padraig Harrington. This year's tournament, which is now sold out, is being played at Royal Portrush Golf Club located on County Antrim's world-famous Causeway Coast. World-renowned...
Indus has incentive for agents booking groups
IndusTravels of Richmond, BC has an attractive offer for agents who like to book groups. The company is offering $500 per group, for every group booked by Dec. 31 this year. The offer is good for groups of 10 people or more, with a deposit of just $250 per group required. Indus specializes in long haul destinations like India, Egypt, Kenya, Peru, South East Asia, the Middle East and others....
Special offer for new ‘green’ lux rooms at Napili Kai
Napili Kai Beach Resort, a resort situated on a large beach frontage on Maui's beautiful Napili Bay, has completed a comprehensive $5 million renovation of its oceanfront Puna Point building. A similar renovation to the adjacent oceanfront Puna 2 building was completed in December 2009 and received the Building Industry of Hawaii's Renaissance Award of Merit in 2010. The Puna Point and Puna 2 buildings are made up of oceanfront studios and one-bedroom suites with kitchens and private lanais, overlooking the sea with panoramic views and bordered by lawns and tropical gardens. The project...
Sunshine Village marks another early opening
Recent early season snowfalls in the Rockies has set the stage for another early ski resort opening, with Sunshine Village welcoming skiers and boarders as of Nov. 9. Mt. Norquay in Banff managed an unprecedented opening in late October. The current snow pack has settled to 65 cm, providing a solid base for good early season skiing/boarding. Sunshine is famous for its all-natural champagne powder snow. Following a record-breaking 34 feet of snow last year, and above average conditions for early winter, Sunshine Village is on track for another banner year. Sunshine has opened five lifts to...
Winter Escapes special at Aston Kaanapali Shores
For a limited time, the Aston Kaanapali Shores on Maui is offering Aston's Winter Escapes, with nightly rates from $209, based on a one-night stay for a standard hotel room. Bookings can be made through March 31, for stays Jan. 3 to March 31, 2013. The offer includes free in-room high-speed Internet access and WIFI service in public areas; free tennis and a free toy for kids at check-in. The family-friendly resort has home-away-from-home amenities like more living space and separate bedrooms for extra privacy. Suites have full kitchens and all the cookware needed to make breakfast, lunch or...
Pegasus’ numbers reveal Sandy’s impact
Pegasus Solution reports that data for the third quarter of 2012 was "generally positive for business and leisure travel hotel bookings and rates." but its data also provides a good look at the impact of Hurricane Sandy on New York City and Atlantic City. Globally, business bookings that rallied during July and August, coming within 3% of prior year, returned to pre-summer levels at 7.8% lower than 2011. Rates, however, were more stable, easing to just 1.5% lower than last year, and realizing 0.4% growth year-to-date. Leisure travel growth slowed at the end of the quarter, but still rose by...
New flights to Manzanillo from YYC
WestJet has launched non-stop seasonal services to Manzanillo, Mexico - the airline's 80th destination, and seventh in Mexico. WestJet will fly between Calgary and Manzanillo weekly on Fridays, with Calgary departures at 10:05 a.m., arriving at 3:03 p.m. It will return from Manzanillo at 3:50 p.m. "Manzanillo is truly the Pearl of the Pacific, featuring stunning beaches and magnificent blue lagoons,"said Peter Tong, WestJet director of schedule and network planning. WestJet Vacations is offering vacation packages to Manzanillo, with all hotels featuring beachfront views and many with...