Brand USA CEO, Jim Evans has stepped down from his post. Caroline Beteta, Brand USA chairman-elect, has been tapped to take over the CEO role on an interim basis and has immediately assumed her new responsibilities. The year-old organization's board of directors has already started the search for Evans' replacement. Agreement on the changes was reached in consultation with the board, and comes as the organization pivots from a start-up endeavour to securing its place as the nation's destination marketing organization (DMO). Beteta is the CEO of Visit California, and a longtime industry...
iTravelJerusalem.com, a new easy-to-use web site offering travel deals, events and information highlighting tourism to Jerusalem, launched this week. The site employs Google Street views and HD videos to provide travellers with a virtual tour of Jerusalem's collection of historical holy sites and modern attractions. The web site, available in English and Hebrew, also offers visitors discounts on reservations at restaurants and hotels in Jerusalem, and provides "smart phone"scanning capabilities of thousands of barcodes around the city accessing information about new events and attractions....
Fans of the children's story, Winnie the Pooh should check out The Pooh Gallery at Assiniboine Park's Pavilion Gallery Museum. Exhibits include the only known oil painting of "Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Pot"by Ernest H. Shepard, who illustrated A.A. Milne's original Winnie the Pooh books, a signed copy of the original book, pop-up books, toys and figurines. The new gallery also features Winnie's Reading Room, a cozy nook with artwork covered walls. The space will also be used for some special Winnie-themed programs....
The recently merged Honolulu Academy of Arts and The Contemporary Museum has just unveiled its new name: Honolulu Museum of Art. With the merger is the opening of the first two of 10 galleries to be reinstalled through the fall. The museum kicks off its year of changes with a new exhibition highlighting the work of island artists - "Biennial of Hawaii Artists X,"which runs until July 22....
The vibrant spirit of Tahiti will take the stage at the Polynesian Cultural Center's (PCC) 13th Annual Te Mahana Hiroa O Tahiti festival and dance competition from July 13-14. Attracting visitors and locals alike, the festival features tamarii (youth) and taurearea (adults) dancers from around the island who will compete in both the solo and group divisions. "It's always a thrill to see the talent each year, especially when showcased though the different skill levels ranging from the eager-to-learn tamarii to experienced taurearea,"said Alfred Grace, PCC's chief operating officer. "Sometimes...
It may have been a coincidence, but on the same night that The Beach Boys brought their famous California sound to Toronto this week, Visit California was bringing news of the Golden State's innumerable travel options, hosting an industry event at the Courthouse. Tourism industry representatives from across California were on hand to update travel industry personnel on the latest news and happenings. Partners included representatives from Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Sonoma and West Hollywood, as well as several attractions and resort officials. Check out...
For the third year running, Race Week Edmonton will be the city's celebration of eats, engines and entertainment centred around the Edmonton Indy auto race. Entertainers include Wide Mouth Mason, Clayton Bellamy and The Headpins. The Ford Full Speed Fun Zone features interactive displays, simulators and activities for all ages. Other activities lined up are: the Capital Power Go Kit Derby, St. Albert's annual Father's Day Soap Box Derby and the United Cycle Lap the Track. Festivities run July 14-22....
The Discover America Committee Canada has announced its incoming executive board which will spearhead the organization's activities promoting travel from Canada to the USA. Outgoing chairman, Adam Wilcox made the announcement, saying: "I wish to thank all of the new executive board members for agreeing to take up these very important positions. I am very conscious of the challenging times ahead for the incoming board and have every confidence that the board will play its part in continuing to bring this organization to fruition in due course." Wilcox also expressed his gratitude and paid...
NYC & Company, the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, reports that 16 hotels in The Signature Collection, a group of New York City's luxury hotels, will participate in The Signature Collection Third Night promotion this summer. The program gives visitors a Third Night free at participating hotels after they book and pay for two consecutive nights between June 25 and Sept. 3. In addition, for the first time, Third Night customers will receive both a special Key to Madison Avenue card, providing special offers at the luxury retail district on...
Hawaii's oldest food festival will once again host more than 40 events throughout the 2012 Kona Coffee Cultural Festival slated for Nov. 2-11. For easy planning, the Festival has separated its events into three signature blocks of fun -- Opening Weekend, Festival Weekday Events and Festival Finale Weekend, brewing a full menu of events for attendees during this iconic coffee festival. Throughout the 10 days, festival goers are immersed in a Kona coffee extravaganza that includes such favourites as the prestigious Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Cupping Competition, Kona coffee cooking and...