Resorts
HAC Picks Grynol As New President
The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) has named Susie Grynol as its new president. Grynol was previously with the Retail Council of Canada, where she served as its vice-president, federal government relations since 2013. Fully bilingual, Grynol has more than 10 years of experience managing political affairs and public relations and has a proven track record in overseeing complex industry issues and delivering successful outcomes. She takes over the post from Tony Pollard who served as HAC's president for the past 25 years and retired this past September. Philippe Gadbois, chair...
AlSol Hotels Introduces New Travel Agent Program
AlSol Hotels & Resorts has rolled out a new travel agent program – AlWays AlSol! – offering agents who book directly on the Travel Agent Portal a 15% commission. In addition, agents will earn one free night for every five paid nights at the AlSol resort of choice. As a bonus, AlSol Hotels & Resorts – which has three properties in the exclusive community of Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic – will give agents one free night to start as a thank you for joining the AlWays AlSol program. To register, agents go to http://www.AlSol.com/travel-agents and click “register...
Vail-Whistler Deal One Step Closer
Whistler Blackcomb Holdings Inc. shareholders have approved a proposal that will see Vail Resorts Inc. purchase the iconic BC ski resort. At a special meeting this week, the deal was approved by approximately 99.99% of the votes cast by all of the Whistler Blackcomb shareholders eligible to vote. Dave Brownlie, Whistler Blackcomb's chief executive officer commented, “This strategic combination provides compelling benefits for our shareholders, our resort and our community and we are pleased that our shareholders have voted in favour of this exciting step for Whistler...
Fairmont Ready To Take On The World
These are exciting times for Fairmont Hotels International. Its recent acquisition by Accor Hotels – a deal that includes the Fairmont, Raffles and Swissotels brands – takes Fairmont into new territory and, according to Kevin Frid, chief operating officer North & Central America for Accor, allows it to compete on the world stage. Frid was in Toronto last night (Oct. 5, 2016) to welcome a group of travel trade types along with representatives from a number of Fairmont's properties across Canada for an update on the hotel group. He pointed out that Accor is the largest...
Best Western Introduces New ‘White Label’ Franchise
Best Western Hotels & Resorts has introduced SureStay Hotels – “a revolutionary new 'white label' franchise model in the hotel industry.” SureStay will operate as a separate subsidiary while plugging hotel owners into the company’s infrastructure and distribution channels. With three distinctive brands – SureStay Hotel (Premium Economy), SureStay Plus Hotel (Lower Midscale) and SureStay Signature Collection (Midscale Soft Brand) – Best Western aims to provide options in the marketplace for franchisees who are disillusioned by one-sided contracts that do not...
Meliá Hits The Road
It was all about Meliá Hotels International last night (Sept. 27) as a group of the Spanish hotel chain's international team continued a five-city cross-Canada road show with a stop in Toronto, hosting travel agents with a cocktail reception, trade show and dinner at the Park Hyatt Hotel. Ten hotels from Mexico and the Caribbean were represented at the show, which makes a stop in Calgary tonight. The ever-growing Meliá name, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, has a portfolio of 400 hotels in 40 countries. Brands include Gran Meliá, Me by Meliá, Paradisus...
ACV Expands Exclusive Sun Options
Air Canada Vacations (ACV) has added three new exclusive properties to its Sun product in Huatulco, Mexico and Liberia, Costa Rica. The first, Isla Natura Beach in Huatulco is a 4.5 star beachfront resort set on two private beaches. The hotel includes 120 rooms – all with partial ocean views – as well as a dedicated kids club, waterpark and kids’ pool making it an ideal resort for families and groups. The resort also offers free weddings which can be held on-site or at a private beach club located 15 minutes away. Yoga, spinning and a Temazcal steam room are also included, as...
Starwood Debuts in Buffalo
Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., has opened The Westin Buffalo in partnership with the hotel’s owner and operator, Delaware North. Located in the heart of downtown Buffalo, the newly built Westin hotel is the brand’s first in the city and is poised to introduce a new level of wellness to travellers in the destination. “With the revival of downtown Buffalo and new energy in the city, we are thrilled to introduce a unique wellness proposition for business and leisure travellers, as only Westin can,” said Bob Jacobs,...