Destinations
Prince Hotel Waikiki gets makeover
The 521-room Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club has recently completed a $5 million room renovation that includes guestrooms updated with flat-screen TVs; island inspired weaves, textures and motifs with a contemporary twist; specially designed bed décor; Hawaiian kappa patterned carpeting; new artwork featuring local artists; and contemporary lighting. In addition, the hotel redesigned its waterfall fronting Ala Moana Boulevard; new carpet and furnishings have been installed at Prince Court and Hakone restaurants; and Wi-Fi service is now available for guests in all rooms as well...
Sam Roberts Band booked for Banff
Banff National Park's popular outdoor summer concert, "Performance in the Park", now in its third year, will host Montreal's Sam Roberts Band in Banff's Cascade Gardens June 23. Performance in the Park - produced with Parks Canada, The Banff Centre and Banff Lake Louise Tourism - kicked off in 2010 to celebrate the destination's mountain heritage and the importance of sustainability in protected Canadian places. Each concert has proved successful with ticket sales reaching maximum capacity. The Sam Roberts Band will be accompanied by folk-rock singer/songwriter Dan Mangan of BC, who is a Juno...
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....
Aqua Hotel has package to mark new civil rights law
In celebration of the civil unions bill that took effect on Jan. 1, Aqua Hotels and Resorts created the "C U at Aqua"package, which is perfect for LGBT travellers. This package is available at 12 participating Aqua hotels in Waikiki and includes a guaranteed king or queen bed, one Kama Sutra Getaway Love Kit, a box of chocolate macadamia nuts, a bottle of champagne, a coupon for a Mai Tai cocktail, and more....
First aboriginal conference a success in Osoyoos
Canada's first national Aboriginal Tourism Conference recently wrapped up in Osoyoos, BC, with 180 participants from across the country having taken part. They shared details on their growing industry and considered ways to develop new Aboriginal tourism destinations. The three-day conference was hosted by the Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (AtBC), the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB). The principal message delivered was that the growth of Aboriginal cultural tourism will be driven by more partnerships, a more strategic...
Vancouver gets first RBCM exhibit outside Victoria
For the first time in its 125-year history, the Royal BC Museum - based in Victoria - will open a satellite museum gallery in Vancouver. The Royal BC Museum at Wing Sang, located in Vancouver's Chinatown, will run June 14 to Sept. 3 with four concurrent summer installations. One of these is "Intimate Glimpses,"based on the evolution of artist Emily Carr and her depictions of First Nations culture and the forests/landscapes of BC. The exhibit will highlight Carr's life before becoming an acclaimed artist, and will feature more than 30 paintings, early sketches and books....
Art Deco fashion comes to Museum of Vancouver
Whether you're a fashionista or history buff, the Museum of Vancouver's Art Deco Chic exhibit - running now through Sept. 23 - is a must-see. From dazzling evening dresses and fur-trimmed velvet jackets to cloche hats and leather clutches, the exhibit features more than 70 women's garments from the 1920s and '30s. The exhibit showcases original examples of art deco fashions, both from local designers and celebrated international labels. Items on display include pieces by significant designers like Gabrielle Coco Chanel and Madelaine Vonnet....
Bellstar Resorts promo makes spring stays sweeter
With warmer weather approaching, Bellstar Hotels & Resorts is offering exciting vacations at attractive rates for advanced bookings. Known for their unique locations and specialized all-suite experience, Bellstar manages a selection of destination resorts in the markets of Canmore, AB, Osoyoos, BC and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, also in BC. Rates start as low as $129 per night for a one-bedroom suite, for savings of up to 40%, with the Stay Preferred deal. The promotion is valid for bookings through to April 23, and available for stays from May 22 to Sept. 4. Black out dates may apply....