Destinations
New tourism video for Thompson Okanagan unveiled
In an effort to draw more visitors to the region, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has released a new high-definition, five-minute video. "Building the Tourism Experience"showcases stunning scenery and exciting activities in the region. "We need to find ways to tell our stories and show people the outstanding and unique experiences they can have in our region,"said Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of TOTA. Activities featured include skiing, golfing, winery and vineyard tours, culinary experiences, agri-tourism, heli-touring, whitewater rafting, skiing, snowmobiling, high-country...
BC ski resorts up the cowboy factor
Yee haw! Two BC ski resorts have lined up rodeo-themed festivities for this spring. At Panorama Mountain Village, "Stampede"runs from March 16-18 and features roping contests, wrangler ski races and cowboy cook-outs. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort's annual "Wrangle the Chute"takes freeskiing to another level as top riders compete on challenging terrain that includes a "bronco"ride at the end of the run. The event is held from March 17-18. (http://www.panoramaresort.com ;...
Still time to register for HAC, CTMS & ORC
There's still time to register for the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) conference, the Canadian Tourism Marketing Summit (CTMS) and Online Revealed Canada (ORC) event -- which take place next week -- March 5, 6 & 7 -- at the Sheraton Centre Toronto. On March 5 and March 6, the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) will hold its annual conference which, in 2012, features Dr. David Suzuki and Joie de Vivre's founder, Chip Conley as the headline speakers. HAC's incoming chairman, Hank Stackhouse will not only give delegates the inside scoop on what's coming in the next 12 months for the...
Canada fastest growing market for Anguilla
It seems Canada's love affair with Anguilla is continuing as Canadian visitation to the Caribbean island jumped 17% in 2011. According to Dale Pusching, Canadian director of the Anguilla Tourist Board, Canada had the largest percentage growth in visits of all countries. "A solid achievement during a year of continued economic challenges,"said Pusching, noting the island enjoyed an overall increase of 6% in visitors. Pusching cited agent fams, education and support, as well as increased lift from Canada to neighbouring St. Maartin (the main gateway to Anguilla), as the contributing reasons for...
Big jump in airline seats slated for Hawaii
The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) is forecasting significant growth in total scheduled non-stop air seats to Hawaii in 2012. The projection is based on flights appearing in OAG and Sabre ADI airline schedules as of February 2012. The total scheduled seat capacity is expected to climb 7.7% in 2012 over last year - an additional 700,000 seats into the state - buoyed by gains in all of Hawaii's major markets. This includes considerable increases in air seats from the Asia and Oceania markets, reaching a 10-year high. With the total scheduled seat count reaching nearly 10 million seats, the...
New Pearl Harbor site meshes info on four attractions
The Pearl Harbor Historic Sites has launched its new web site, PearlHarborHistoricSites.org, featuring descriptions containing historical information, tour operation and other facts on all four Pearl Harbor historic sites. It also includes a calendar of events, map and tips on how to plan a visit. The partnership between the USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park and the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor allows the web site to serve as a portal for package deals and exclusive specials, saving guests time and money. Before, guests had to...
KLM Calgary-Amsterdam flights go daily
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced it will expand its presence on the Calgary-Amsterdam route by offering a daily flight as of June 6, increasing its seat capacity by 24% over the previous summer. Flights will be operated by an Airbus A330-200 aircraft with a total of 243 seats -- 213 in economy class and 30 in business class. After a 13-year absence from the Alberta market, the airline reopened the route on May 3, 2009 amidst the economic crisis....
Travelodge GM gets SKAL Edmonton accolades
Skal International Edmonton has launched its annual tourism award to recognize a local person or company in the travel industry that has dedicated themselves to building tourism in Edmonton. The first annual Skal Edmonton Tourism Award was given to Beth Mossop, general manager of the Edmonton West Travelodge. Mossop was instrumental in forming the Destination West Edmonton Hotel group which actively promotes the west end through various marketing...