Hotels & Resorts
Canadians continue to go south for cheap air tickets
It's a trend that's gaining increasing momentum as Canadians continue to head south of the border in search of cheap air tickets. In its newly released 2013 Canadian Travel Intentions survey, the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) found that 18% of those surveyed had travelled to the US to buy cheaper airline tickets in 2012-- an increase of 3% over the previous year -- and 32% of those questioned indicated they would do it in 2013. An alarming 61% of respondents said they knew people who travelled to the US in 2012 to purchase cheaper airline tickets. HAC reports that the highest number of...
Second Ritz-Carlton for Hawaii in planning
Luxury hotel operator, Ritz-Carlton has made plans for its first Oahu property, to be located in Waikiki. The property will be Ritz-Carlton's second presence in Hawaii, after The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua on Maui. Formerly 2121 Kuhio, the new Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach will begin construction this year, and the completion of the tower is scheduled for early 2016....
New’ Beaches Ocho Rios unveiled
After undergoing a US$30 million renovation, Beaches Ocho Rios Resort & Golf Club, formerly known as Beaches Boscobel, is set to debut its enhancements. The renovation not only unveils a new look for the resort with four distinct villages, but guests will also find additional restaurants such as a new BBQ Park and Dino's Pizzeria, an enhanced kids program, and a range of enticing amenities and activities to explore. The resort features improved facilities and over a dozen newly renovated room and suite categories. "With this face-lift, we will solidify Beaches Ocho Rios as Jamaica's premier...
Delta Air Lines, Starwood cross over
Delta Air Lines, Inc and Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc unveiled a comprehensive new partnership that offers exclusive new benefits to Delta SkyMiles Medallion members and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) elite members. The program, called Crossover Rewards, begins March 1 and provides elite members of both loyalty programs reciprocal benefits. Crossover Rewards allows Delta and Starwood elites to share program benefits and earn more miles and Starpoints. SkyMiles Diamond and Platinum Medallion members will have access to added benefits including priority check-in, 4 p.m. late...
Westin looks for 200 in 2013
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc reports that its Westin brand expects to open its 200th hotel in 2013, driven by robust international demand and the success of the brand's distinct well-being positioning. Westin will open 11 new hotels this year, the vast majority outside the United States in fast-growing markets that include China, India, Singapore and Panama. Brian Povinelli, global brand leader for Westin Hotels & Resorts, commented that: "Westin is now experiencing the bulk of its growth in the world's fastest growing economies, where it has emerged as a developer darling right...
Monster snowball rolls into Silver Star resort
The world's largest snowball recently rolled into Silver Star Mountains Resort near Vernon, BC, just in time for the Family Day holiday on Feb. 11 - the first for BC. At 3.6 metres tall and weighing 18,000 kilos, the snowball beats the previous record by 1.5 metres. BC scheduled its Family Day holiday one week before other provinces, and Presidents' Day in the US, to generate more visitor business. The move created a flurry of new bookings for Silver Star Mountain Resort, with occupancy up 30% over last year - a trend observed across the tourism industry....
Advocacy ensures 100 more for HAC
It was a festive time for the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) as it held its annual conference in Toronto this week. Along with a special 100th anniversary dinner to kick things off, HAC's chairman, Hank Stackhouse told hoteliers attending the opening session of the event that in the past year, HAC has ramped up its advocacy activities in response to the demands of its members, making that role a strategic part of the association's plans as it moves forward. Stackhouse observed that as the industry looks ahead to another "lacklustre" year of growth of around one per cent, and has become...
Starwood makes birthdays happier
Starwood Hotels & Resorts across Canada are proving that certain benefits come with age. Participating hotels and resorts across the country are offering a special Birth Year promotion that lets guests pay the rate that corresponds with the year they were born during their stay. Guests who book the Birth Year offer pay full rate for the first night of their stay and then on the second and third night rates equal to the year they were born. For example, guests born in 1948 will pay $48 for the second and third night of their stay at participating hotels. This offer is valid on a minimum two...