Destinations
PATA reports gains in 2012
PATA reports that international arrivals into Asia Pacific destinations grew by 7% year-on-year during the first two months of 2012. PATA's preliminary data reveals that Southeast Asia is the fastest growing destination, followed by South Asia, however, both sub-regions generated somewhat slower growth than last year while North America and Northeast Asia saw an encouraging recovery after relatively sluggish growth in 2011. North America gained positive momentum reporting 6% year-to-date growth -- an outstanding performance compared to the 2% year-on-year increase in the corresponding period...
Save with Insight
Insight Vacations has announced it will be extending a discount of up to 15% per person on its range of India & Nepal premium and luxury escorted journeys. Insight launched its inaugural India & Nepal program -- which consists of two luxury Gold tours and four Premium escorted tours across Rajasthan, Kerala and Nepal -- in December 2011 and all of them will receive price drops. The program also features six optional extensions including India's Wildlife, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka, which will remain at the same prices. Cris David, president of Insight Vacations Canada, said: "Our India &...
Goway adds new Peru departures
Goway Travel has added a new December departure to its Comfort Peru series due to overwhelming demand, and will be offering a savings of $500 per couple for bookings. The Comfort Peru package is built around the most popular independent travel itineraries to Peru, and it starts in Lima on December 18. The tour includes 12 nights accommodation, most meals, transfers, and all domestic airfare, with limited space. Goway offers the Comfort Peru as a 13 or 16 day package (depending if you add the Amazon) from CDN$3,288. Go to http://www.Goway.com for...
Adventure at the Westin Bayshore
The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver has unveiled its packages for the 2012 summer season, which runs from June 1 to Aug. 31. Partnering with Prince of Whales Adventure Tours, the Westin Bayshore offers two packages that include overnight accommodations. One package has guests cruising on the high-speed, 74 passenger vessel, Ocean Magic. The other has guests experiencing an adrenaline rush as they take off in a sea plane, bound for Victoria. Both packages allow guests to witness a variety of whales, sea lions, eagles, sea birds and more in their natural habitat. The Ultimate Day Tour package is...
Two stays pays at Comfort Suites Kelowna
Two stays at the Comfort Suites Kelowna during the spring/summer will earn guests a gift card valued at $50. The "Two Stays Pays" promotion by Choice Hotels is available to guests who make two stays between now and Aug. 15, 2012. When guests stay two separate times at the Comfort Suites Kelowna or any Comfort Inn, Quality, Econo Lodge or other Choice hotel in Canada or the U.S., they earn enough Choice Privileges points to redeem for a $50 gift card for gas, dining or shopping at participating retailers. For more, go to http://www.choicehotels.ca...
Escape to Whistler
There is still time to book the Escape To Whistler rail and hotel deals now being offered by Rocky Mountaineer. This special for BC residents is available for booking until May 31. Prices start at $129 for a rail-only round trip fare, up to Whistler and back down to Vancouver. Packages that include an overnight stay in Whistler start at $198. The rail trip includes a breakfast and afternoon snack, free beverages and access to the open air Heritage Observation car. Add-ons are available to sweeten the stay, including tickets to ride the Peak 2 Peak gondola for $43 per person, and the option to...
Agents are STARs with Aston
Aston Hotels & Resorts is rewarding travel agents with a free night at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach on Maui for each five-night (consecutive nights) stay they book for clients at the resort. Book 10 nights, earn two free nights; book 15 nights, earn three free nights, etc. There is no limit on the number of free nights agents can earn. As STARs online members, agents also generate a $50 cash back bonus for every five consecutive nights booked, as well as STARs points that are redeemable for gift cards or more free stays with Aston Hotels & Resorts. The offer is valid for materialized...
Israel on a roll in Canada
Canadian visitors to Israel hit an "all-time high" in April of this year, rising to 6,820 for the month and representing an increase of 40% from the previous month in 2011. But it doesn't stop there. During the first quarter of 2012, Canadian arrivals grew to 20,580 -- another record -- which reflects a 12% increase over the first quarter of 2011. Considering that 2011 ranked as the "best year ever" for travel to Israel, the 2012 numbers are certainly providing reasons for celebration at the offices of the Israel Government Tourist Office here in Canada. Oded Grofman, consul for tourism,...