Destinations
Hotwire picks its Family Day Top 10
Hotwire.com has announced the 10 most popular destinations for Canadian travellers over Family Day 2012, based on hotel bookings. With many Canadians using the third Monday in February as a time to celebrate with their loved ones, the long weekend is the perfect opportunity to take the whole family on a short getaway or use the h holiday to begin a longer international vacation. Clem Bason, president of the Hotwire Group, said: "Family Day is a time to reflect on the importance of family life and what better way to celebrate that than by creating new memories with a family trip? It's no...
Full investigation underway
Following the beating of a 37-year-old Canadian woman on vacation in Mazatlan, the government of Sinaloa has indicated in an "official" statement that a "full investigation [is] taking place under the direction of the State Attorney General's Office." The statement also said that the State of Sinaloa government is collaborating with Canadian authorities in keeping them informed of all advances in the investigation; and it is also working to provide support to the victim's family. "The Government of Sinaloa, and indeed Mexico, values the safety and security of tourists and citizens alike as...
Shopping with Chinapac
Chinapac International has launched two new tours -- with prices starting at $299 -- that combine shopping and sightseeing in China. Just as China is known for such famous landmarks as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terra Cotta Warriors, it is also well known for its exquisite goods and handicrafts. Many of these goods are traditional items dating back to the ancient era popularly used by the emperors and possessed by members of the affluent society. Silk, for one, was a staple trade merchandise and now a favourite souvenir. Chinapac president Jenny Soares observed: "Many of our clients...
CHA taking care of business in the Bahamas
Caribbean Marketplace 2012 was officially opened this week with much pomp and circumstance at Atlantis in The Bahamas with attendees including Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham. The annual travel show has attracted a total of 1,190 delegates from 18 countries, including Canada, the most in three years. Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Josef Forstmayr noted that 2010 was a record year for "stop-over" arrivals in the Caribbean with 23.1 million visitors and said the forecast for 2011 is a 4% increase on this. "There is no question that our buyers who are attending Caribbean Travel...
Bermuda sale puts travellers in the pink
Some of Bermuda's top properties are putting travellers 'in the pink,' offering rate reductions of up to 50% as part of the "Bermuda Pink Sale." The limited-time promotion, which provides 50% off hotel rates when booking a minimum of four-nights at participating properties, is available for purchase from now through Feb. 3, 2012, with travel dates through April 30, 2012. Participating properties include Coco Reef Resort, Coral Beach Club, Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Fairmont Southampton Hotel, Grotto Bay Beach Hotel and Newstead Belmont Hills. It's also a great time to go as the period from...
Apes in the spotlight at San Diego Zoo
From Feb. 17-20, the San Diego Zoo pays tribute to its ape residents at the "Absolutely Apes"celebration. During that time, visitors can get to know the lowland gorillas, bonobos, orangutans, chimps and siamangs, which will be celebrated through a variety of special events and offers. As part of the event, guests get the opportunity to chat with animal care staff, create their own DNA bracelet, see special shows and presentations throughout the zoo and watch the primates cavort. A special feature for each of the four days is the celebration of Janey orangutan for her 50th birthday. Guests can...
New CEO joins RBCM
The Royal BC Museum board of directors has named British cultural leader and scholar Jack Lohman as the museum's new CEO. He will assume his new position on March 26. Lohman, director of the Museum of London since 2002, will succeed retiring CEO Pauline Rafferty, who has led the Royal BC Museum for the past 10 years. At the Museum of London, Lohman directed a five-year,...
Insight Vacations appointment
Insight Vacations has appointed a new sales manager for Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Lisa Bray has joined the Insight Canadian sales team and will be covering the Prairie Provinces. Bray comes to Insight with more than 27 years of industry experience, including retail, tour operator sales and travel educator. She has been the chair of CITC Saskatchewan for nine years and industry educator for 10 years with CITC and local educational institutions. Most recently, Bray served as the Saskatchewan business development manager for Thomas Cook...