Destinations
Brant geese focus of Vancouver Island Fest
This year's Brant Wildlife Festival in Parksville and Qualicum Beach, on Vancouver Island, will pack all kinds of nature tours and activities into its 13 days. The festival will run March 29 to April 10 and will kick off on opening night at the Parksville Community & Conference Centre with food prepared by local chefs, live music, art displays, etc. Festival highlights include the Brantastic Observations Nature Tour to visit Brant geese hot spots, a wildflower tour and the release of a rehabilitated eagle at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, to name a few....
Wine dinner features esteemed Australian winemaker
Executive Chef Sven Ullrich with Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa invites the public to join him in welcoming Kym Tolley, the esteemed Australian winemaker from Penley Estates. An exclusive wine tasting on May 15 will present the perfect pairing of one of the top wines of the world with Hyatt's cuisine. The dinner is $115 p.p. "I am honoured to be working with Kym to develop this menu. Having spent several years working for two different Hyatts in Australia, I spent a lot of time touring the wine region and even worked on a vineyard for a time. I love the Penley Estate wines and...
Newly renovated Princeville links open for play
Hawaii's top-ranked Princeville Prince golf course on Kauai's north shore has reopened, unveiling the spectacular course after a 13-month renovation. The Prince, ranked as one of the "Top 100"courses in the US, had been closed since January 2011 for extensive renovations. This included the reshaping and reconstruction of putting greens with SeaDwarf Seashore turf, the remodeling of bunkers and the clearing and widening of fairways. New tees were added to enhance shot values and improve playability for all skill levels. In addition, significant upgrades were completed on the practice facility...
Bonus for agents booking Keauhou Beach Resort
Travel agents reserving the oceanfront Keauhou Beach Resort in Kona, Big Island can now earn a US$25 bonus with each fourth consecutive night booked. Valid for new reservations made now through Dec. 21, the booking bonus is the hotel's way of saying mahalo for the great work agents do on behalf of their clients. Once a private retreat for Hawaiian royalty, the Keauhou Beach Resort today is a place of relaxation, reflection and renewal. All guests enjoy free amenities that include a daily buffet breakfast, cultural activities and Internet access....
Kelly Ripa coming to Banff
One of America's favourite morning talk show hosts has a date with Banff National Park. "Live! With Kelly"will broadcast from there in April. The show, hosted by celebrity actress Kelly Ripa, will broadcast four shows from The Banff Centre, April 2-5. While featuring celebrity guests and performers at The Banff Centre, Ripa and co-hosts will also head out to enjoy Banff winter sports and activities. The show is broadcast to about four million American viewers every day....
Emirates starts Seattle route with Alaska Air partnership
Emirates has launched the first direct air bridge between the Middle East and the Pacific Northwest region, with the start-up of flights between Dubai and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on March 1. Emirates and Alaska Airlines have launched a new frequent flier partnership, and to celebrate the two airlines are offering double miles on each other's flights March 1 to May 31. Travellers connecting between any point on Alaska Airlines' and Emirates' networks can also check in for their flights at either carrier's counter, receive their boarding passes and check their bags to their final...
Arrivals on track for strong start to 2012
The Hawaii visitor spending momentum of 2011 continued into January 2012 for a strong start to the New Year. Visitor spending for January 2012 reached US$1.35 billion, up 13.9% over January 2011. This makes it the highest January on record for expenditures. The gains in expenditures were seen across the main islands and in each of the major market areas. This is a result of arrivals growing by 7.7%. A pent-up demand for travel to the Hawaiian Islands, increases in airlift and a large delegation of convention attendees were all contributing factors to the increases of January. Kaua'i led the...
Aston Suite Steaks deal keeps BBQ fires burning
The new Suite Steaks package by Aston Hotels & Resorts makes a resort feel just like home while on vacation. It is available at a choice of 10 Aston condominium resorts that offer barbecue grills and family style picnic areas. The package for four includes a selection of barbecue favourites with a touch of Hawaii - four top sirloin steaks, four Russet potatoes, four ears of corn with butter and mixed greens with dressing. Also included is a Hawaiian pulehu steak rub and lilikoi (passion fruit) dessert bars - all delivered in a Hawaiian-themed tote bag. Aston's condo resorts include a variety...