Hotels
Ritz-Carlton Makes A Splash
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. – part of Marriott International, Inc. – is setting sail in 2019 with luxury yachting and cruises. Created by The Ritz-Carlton and maritime experts Douglas Prothero and Lars Clasen, in collaboration with funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., The Ritz-Carlton will provide luxury hospitality service under a long-term operating agreement. Named The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, this venture represents a unique foray into the cruise industry for a luxury hotel operator. The first of three lavish cruising yachts in this series is...
Get Real With Sandals
Sandals Resorts is continuing its cross-Canada tour, conducting a series of educational workshops, August through September 2017. Space is limited and agents are encouraged to register early to avoid disappointment. Especially important in advance of the busy fall-winter season and the competitive (and often confusing) myriad of all-inclusive vacations, Sandals Resorts is challenging agents to get a real understanding of their difference – through real up-to-the minute product information, real sales and marketing tips, real commission strategies to boost productivity and profits,...
Exploring Our Own Backyard
According to new data from the Expedia Group, domestic travel is on the rise in Canada. In fact in 2016, travel demand by Canadians to domestic cities rose 15% compared to 2015. And that trend continued to increase in the first quarter of 2017, which saw over 10% more demand than in 2016. With domestic travellers accounting for over 60% of the country’s demand, Canadian hoteliers have every reason to shift their strategic focus to local tourism. David Debeule, Canada area manager for Expedia, observed: “As Canada celebrates 150 years of Confederation, the trend toward domestic...
A Leader In Innovation
Sandals Resorts International (SRI) is sharing its plans for its newest resort in Saint Lucia – the all-suite Sandals LaSource St. Lucia. The resort is located along Pigeon Island Beach and adjacent to Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals LaSource St. Lucia will be the fourth Sandals Resorts property in Saint Lucia, expanding Sandals’ exclusive exchange program to “Stay at One, Play at Four.” The resort, which breaks ground later this year, will introduce three new restaurant concepts to the brand, the American-inspired Tavern, Greek restaurant Éros and an authentic noodle...
Curio Collection by Hilton Debuts in Asia Pacific
The Sanya Yazhou Bay Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, is open, the first Curio Collection property in Greater China and Asia Pacific. Located on the West Coast of Hainan Island's southernmost city, Sanya Yazhou Bay Resort is only a short drive from renowned attractions to discover such as Dongtian Park, Nanshan Temple and the unique Tianya Haijiao. Sanya Yazhou Bay Resort's 267 rooms and suites include large soaking tubs and boast panoramic views of the sea, pool or tropical gardens. Other amenities include five food and beverage options – including a rooftop bar, a...
Return of the Queen
Victoria's Fairmont Empress, named in honour of Queen Victoria, will celebrate its official “Grand Opening” on June 28 following a two-year, $60 million restoration. The two-year project celebrates both the history and natural beauty of the west coast, and elevates the historical property into a new era of modern luxury. Recently unveiled to guests, the restoration's final phase showcases a renovated health club and pool; refreshed Willow Stream Spa with an expanded lounge, updated reception and revitalized retail area; and 229 luxurious guest rooms. Gracing the exterior of...
Wyndham Reef Unveils New Culinary Experience
Guests at the Wyndham Reef Resort Grand Cayman can now enjoy an enhanced culinary experience with the opening of the resort’s signature dining venue, Tides Restaurant & Bar. In addition to a refreshed décor, Tides has named Grand Cayman native Ryan Lloyd as the new executive chef, who has crafted a new menu featuring a mix of traditional favourites, along with custom-created specials from fresh ceviche and panko fried Brussel sprouts to braised lamb shanks and vegetarian gnocchi pomodoro. Open daily for breakfast and dinner, Tides offers both indoor and alfresco seating...
It’s New. It’s Different. It’s Agents’ Choice 2017
Today's the big day, Agents' Choice 2017 is on its way to your Inbox – so stay tuned. The ballots have been counted. The results have been tabulated. The stories have been written. The pages have been designed. And the 18th annual edition of the most comprehensive survey of Canadian travel agents is ready to go. It's hard to believe that it has been 18 years since we launched the Agents' Choice Awards Poll. The first edition of our annual survey appeared way back in 2000, not as a supplement, but as a special feature in both Canadian Travel Press and Travel Courier, with a...