Destinations
Aqua Hotels’ appointments
Aqua Hotels & Resorts has announced hotel management positions on Oahu, Kauai and Maui. Matthew Pickett has been appointed general manager for the boutique Aqua Lotus Honolulu. With over 16 years of experience in Hawaii's hospitality industry, including Five Diamond service and a great record of improving revenue maximization and operational efficiency, Pickett recently guided the 51-room Aqua Lotus Honolulu through a successful $2.5 million room renovation and upgrade. His knowledge and experience in food and beverage is also a great asset as the hotel will launch a new full-service...
It’s business as usual in Jamaica
Jamaica is reporting that its two major airports, Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston and Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, are now open and have resumed flight service. Additionally, roads are clear to airports and to hotels in Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril and the South Coast. The island is being restored to normalcy following rain and winds from Hurricane Sandy. Certain locations where power outages occurred are now being restored. All ports, including Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and the Historic Falmouth cruise port, are also operational....
Curaçao comes to Toronto
Vacationers departing from Toronto Pearson International Airport this month can get a sense of the Caribbean prior to taking off by catching the specially designed Sunquest coach featuring a colourful image of Curaçao. The coach will run from downtown Toronto to the airport to celebrate year-round, non-stop flights from Toronto to the island. Featuring Curaçao's scenic "Handelskade"in downtown Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage City, the express coach will give vacationers a visual of just one of the many stunning, iconic sites they can expect to see on a vacation to Curaçao....
Jamaica makes it a night to remember
Telling his audience that "I have the greatest job in the world. I represent Jamaica," Philip Rose, regional manager Canada for the Jamaica Tourist Board, welcomed a group of travel industry VIPs to a special evening to celebrate all things Jamaican. Originally, Jamaica's Prime Minister, the most honourable Portia Simpson Miller was to have presided over the event, however, Hurricane Sandy made it imperative that the island's head of government return home. However, Jamaica's minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade and senator, the honourable Arnold Nicholson stepped in to offer...
Sheraton Maui debuts room makeover
Following a $6.5 million renovation, the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa now features newly enhanced guest rooms. The 508-room resort has upgraded its in-room features with plush carpeting, traditional Hawaiian artwork, delicate drapery, freshly painted walls in warm hues, new tropical furnishings and newly installed wireless Internet....
Autumn polar bear tours by Bald Mountain Air
Bald Mountain Air of Homer, Alaska is now offering trips to the Arctic coast to observe polar bears in their natural habitat. The day trips depart Anchorage on a two-hour flight to the native village of Kaktovik. Here, groups of polar bears gather to wait for the sea ice to return. Travellers will view bears by boat and vehicle led by an Inupiat guide. Tours run on weekends or mid-week by special request, mid-September to late October. There is six to eight hours of on-ground guided bear viewing and dinner in Kaktovik....
Special rates at The Whaler on Maui celebrate renos
Recently completed are comprehensive renovations at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach, by Aston Hotels & Resorts. The Whaler $14 million project included enhanced lanais with new tiles and a contemporary earth tone colour palette. This work was preceded by major pool, garden courtyard and porte cochere improvement initiatives two years ago. The 12-storey luxury condo resort on Kaanapali Beach is located across from two championship golf courses and adjacent to Whalers Village shopping centre. Each studio, one- and two-bedroom suite has a full kitchen and spacious, private lanai with views of...
Calgary to host the 2015 World Handball Championship
The World Handball Council recently announced that Calgary has been awarded the rights to host the 2015 World Handball Championship. The event will host over 800 participants from more than 30 nations, which will generate 3,000 room nights and the accompanying economic benefits. The championship takes place every three years and was previously hosted in Edmonton in 2006, Portland, Oregon in 2009 and Dublin this year. This will be the first time Calgary has hosted the event. The 10-day tournament is tentatively scheduled to take place in August 2015....