Destinations
Hawaii visitor spending continues to grow
Double-digit increases in visitor expenditures across the four major islands and Moloka'i for September contributed to an increase of US$1.7 billion in year-to-date spending over 2011, says a recent report by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA). Total spending year to date is now US$10.7 billion. While arrivals increased at a slower rate than in recent months, the pace of expenditure growth has not weakened, said the HTA. "As we head into the fourth quarter, we anticipate the momentum to continue with increases in airlift,"said Mike McCartney, president & CEO of the HTA. Amongst the new routes...
Two Waikiki excursions in one night with Roberts Hawaii
New show times for Roberts Hawaii's acclaimed Magic of Polynesia show have paved the way for guests to enjoy two popular Waikiki activities in one evening of music, magic, dancing, dining and sights. Guests get it all by booking Roberts Hawaii's "Moonlight & Magic"package. It combines a dinner sailing along Waikiki's shoreline with a world-class magic show. They can now enjoy both activities on the same evening, with 25% savings over the price of separate tickets for each activity. Previously, guests who purchased the combo package were booked for the dinner sail and magic show on separate...
Two new hotel spas open in Victoria
Two new spa experiences are awaiting visitors to Victoria. Those looking for a spa with an Asian influence should visit SORA at the Hotel Grand Pacific. It re-opened this October after a complete renovation, and specializes in traditional Thai massages. Also, the Boathouse Spa & Baths at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel opens today (Nov. 15) after a complete rebuild. It features a series of cascading seaside hot therapeutic mineral pools overlooking the oceanfront, and a signature Swedish massage. (http://www.hotelgrandpacific.com ;...
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...