Destinations
Expect modest tourism growth in 2012
In its newly released Travel Markets Outlook - Spring 2012: National Focus, the Conference Board of Canada is forecasting that overnight stays in Canada will rise by a modest 1.8% in 2012, as a result of balanced growth in both domestic and international visits. The Conference Board of Canada publishes its report twice a year, providing a five-year forecast for the tourism industry. Greg Hermus, associate director, Canadian Tourism Research Institute, said: "While we expect continued growth in the number of overnight domestic trips, Canadians' limited gains in household discretionary income...
Post-tsunami research ship coming to Maui
A sobering slice of marine exploration will soon make its way Maui, when the 22-metre sailing research vessel, Sea Dragon, reaches Maui's Ma'alaea Harbour on June 30 or July 1. The vessel departed the Marshall Islands on the first leg of a research expedition to study the "Western Pacific Garbage Patch"and arrived in Tokyo on May 21. The vessel is now on its second leg of the journey through the North Pacific Gyre to track and investigate material swept out to sea by the 2011 tsunami. When it reaches Maui, it will be greeted by the Maui Ocean Center and various island organizations and...
Downhill bicycle package for beginners at Whistler
As the snow recedes at Whistler Blackcomb, the dirt takes over and so do the adventures on two wheels. Whistler's Bike Park prides itself on having trails and experiences for all level of riders. But for the enthusiastic beginner rider that likes a soft touch to their outdoor adventures, a new package by EnjoyWhistler.com will do the trick. The "Pedal & Pamper Package"starts at $347 p.p. and includes a beginner bike park lesson, bike rental and lift ticket, entrance to the Scandinave Spa and two-nights accommodation at the deluxe Pan Pacific Mountainside. Bike Park 101 is a two-hour...
Tie the knot with Outrigger
The Outrigger Reef on the Beach and the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach are offering customized wedding packages that are priced from $2,900 for 30 guests and which include event coordinators who will take care of everything from flowers, photographers and food to filing the legal paperwork. Patsy Narimatsu, Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach and Outrigger Reef on the Beach's director of sales and marketing, said: "With Outrigger's comprehensive wedding packages, couples can have the Hawaii wedding of their dreams without having to worry about the details on their special day. Lovebirds can rest...
Poipu golf club features promo for couples
For its "Tee For Two"package designed specifically for couples, the Poipu Bay Golf Course is offering golfers the chance to play an 18-hole round for a discounted US$125 (regular rate is US$240). The price also includes rental clubs from the course's new Callaway RAZR X range. Tee times are from 1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. daily based on availability. This promotion is valid to the end of the year. Poipu Bay Golf Course is situated on oceanfront property adjacent to the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa on Kauai's south shore. The course gained fame as the host course for the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from...
Beach & Botany’ voluntourism program on Kauai
Hanalei Colony Resort, a beachfront retreat on Kauai's north shore, is partnering with a nearby botanical garden on a package combining tropical vacation fun with volunteer opportunities. With 48 units, Hanalei Colony is a condominium resort on an uncrowded beach in Haena, Kauai's remote northernmost town. The resort prides itself on its secluded location. Nearby is the Limahuli Garden and Preserve, part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden network. The garden is in a north shore valley, featuring rain forest, ancient lava rock terraces, native plant species, and a plantation-era garden....
Visiting Vancouver? There’s a new app for that
Tourism Vancouver has released a new destination iPad app designed to be an inspirational trip planning tool and travel companion for visitors from around the world. The Visit Vancouver app -- available for free download from Apple's iTunes store -- is interactive, fun to use and developed to take full advantage of the iPad platform by showcasing bold video and imagery that inspires travel to Vancouver. The app includes information on dining, accommodations, activities, transportation, events and weather. It also allows users to take photo tours of the city, book hotels, peruse online videos,...
InnerSea Discoveries adds an expedition vessel to Hawaii
InnerSea Discoveries' 76-guest expedition vessel Wilderness Explorer begins active adventure cruising among the Hawaiian Islands in fall 2013. The boat joins the line's 36-guest upscale yacht Safari Explorer offering island explorations from the sea. From November 2013 through April 2014, the Wilderness Explorer will sail seven-night AdventureBound Hawaii cruises between Oahu and the Big Island and reverse. The itinerary visits Ka'ena Point State Park, Wai'anae Harbor, Maui, Lana'i, Honomalino Bay, Opihihali and Kailua-Kona. Guests will also enjoy scenic cruising and searching for whales and...