Destinations
1,600-year-old Byzantine bathhouse discovered in Israel
The remains of a 1,600-year-old Byzantine bathhouse were exposed last month during an excavation project by the Israel Antiquities Authority near Moshav Tarum, outside of Jerusalem. The 19.5-by-19.5-metre bathhouse includes the frigidarium (cold room), tepidarium (warm room) and caldarium (hot room), as well as a courtyard attached to its northeast section. The bathhouse is believed to have been used as an inn situated on an ancient road running along Nahal Harel through the southeastern Ayalon Valley, or as part of a wealthy country estate. "Bathing in bathhouses during the Byzantine period...
Sheraton offering Big Island golfers a big opportunity to play
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, an oceanfront resort on the Big Island, has partnered with Kona Country Club, Makalei Golf Club and Big Island Country Club to offer golfers the opportunity to experience three of the island's most unique golf courses. The new Kona Golf Trail Package begins at US$259 per night for two golfers in a partial ocean view room. The package requires a minimum three-night stay so that each of the three courses can be experienced. Players might begin their Kona Golf Trail experience by teeing it up on one of Kona Country Club's two 18-hole courses within steps of...
Northern lights, winter nights by Churchill operator
Solar activity, which rises and falls in 11-year cycles, is now on an upswing, approaching the highest levels in a decade and creating a prime period for northern lights viewing. Among organizations offering Churchill-based aurora tours in Churchill, MB this month and next is Frontiers North Adventures. It's an eight-day, seven-night "Northern Lights & Winter Nights"program operates Feb. 21-28 and March 22-29, starting with orientation activities in Winnipeg followed by a flight to Churchill on the western shore of frozen Hudson Bay. The package costs $3,999 p.p., double occupancy. This...
Sun shines at Florida Huddle
The annual Florida Huddle travel trade show kicked off late last week in Fort Lauderdale with an evening gala on the beach on the site of what will soon be a Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville hotel and restaurant complex in Hollywood (opening 2014). Canada, as usual, was represented a strong delegation of media and tour operator buyers, including WestJet, Sunwing and Thomas Cook. The show moved onto the floor of the Fort Lauderdale Convention Centre over the weekend, with meetings taking place that will help shape the look of next winter's Florida tour programs. Fort Lauderdale CVB vice president...
Gastown craft beer culinary tour
BC is one of North America's leading craft beer destinations, with local brewers offering their distinctive draughts at bars throughout Vancouver. Now, visitors can explore Gastown's explosive craft beer scene on a beer-centric culinary tour, hosted by Vancouver Food Tour. Led by a passionate beer educator, the tour allows beer aficionados to enjoy tastings at four destinations - each offering a unique aspect of beer - along with tasty, hand-picked food pairings. From learning about the history of beer and the brewing process to sipping beer cocktails and international selections, this tasty...
Emirates appoints new western sales manager
Emirates Airlines has announced the appointment of Savio Pires to the position of sales manager for Western Canada. In his new role, Pires will be responsible for Emirates' sales operations in Western Canada and for facilitating local partnerships and initiatives. Pires is the airline's first sales manager in Western Canada and has a background of experience in the airline, cruise, tour and online consumer travel industries. His appointment comes shortly after the airline announced an interline agreement with WestJet, and before the launch of a new daily service from Seattle, starting March...
Lufthansa, Austrian resume Tripoli flights
Both Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines have resumed their flights to Tripoli. Lufthansa began its service on Feb. 2 and Austrian will recommence its operations to Tripoli on March 25, 2012. The Libyan capital will be served by Lufthansa three times a week from Frankfurt. When it resumes its service, Austrian will operate to Tripoli five times a week from Vienna. Go to http://www.lufthansa.com or visit http://www.austrian.com for additional...
A Dragon of a deal
Chinapac International is celebrating the Year of the Dragon with new 2-for-1 China tours promotion. "In our 27 years of business, never before has such a super value tour been offered, " said Chinapac president Jenny Soares, "it is definitely something to take advantage of especially if you have long been wanting to visit China." The itineraries include must-visit cities Beijing, Xian and Shanghai; the Yangtze River and the towns of Suzhou and Hangzhou; and the full package with air, land, meals and accommodation is priced from $2,999 for two. The 12 Day Super China is a great introduction...