Destinations
Check out Ireland HQ
Tourism Ireland has launched Ireland HQ, a new travel agent education program that's been designed specifically for Canada. Focusing exclusively on Canadian travellers, Ireland HQ provides agents improved better planning tools that will help them create and sell the best Ireland vacation to their clients. Along with updated information on helping clients prepare before they go and while they're there, agents will also learn about the island of Ireland in a fun and interactive way that includes integrated video featuring Ireland's cities, regions, and sites and attractions. Additional reading...
Canada still tops with Cuba
Cuba's tourist trade continues to ride out any storm clouds foreign economies have to contend with. Press Today's Ian Stalker reports that Cuban Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero (pictured) told the country's annual tourism show this week that Cuba enjoyed a banner tourism year in 2011, a year in which many of its main source markets struggled with economic problems. Cuba hosted 2,716,317 foreign visitors in 2011, a 7.3% increase from the previous year. This past winter was the best winter ever for Cuban tourism, with 1,731,738 foreign tourists visiting. Marrero told his audience of travel...
Royal Lahaina Resort opens Jazz Club Maui
The Royal Lahaina Resort on Maui is opening its new Jazz Club Maui at the property, starting May 26 with host band SLAM featuring David Choy and Kelly Covington. Guests will enjoy world-class entertainment, featuring Hawaii's most talented musicians playing smooth jazz, rhythm and blues, and dance music late into the evening each Saturday night. In making the announcement, Elizabeth Bell, director of marketing and business development, said, "The Jazz Club Maui at the Royal Lahaina Resort will combine great food and drinks, top-shelf music, and a sophisticated, yet, inviting, lounge...
airberlin flights for YVR to Abu Dhabi
The recent partnership between Etihad Airways and airberlin has led to the launch of new connecting flights from Vancouver to Abu Dhabi, via Dusseldorf, Germany. Starting May 13, airberlin and Etihad will start Sunday flights from Vancouver to Abu Dhabi, and beyond to more than 70 destinations worldwide. The frequency will increase to twice a week from June 13 every Wednesday and Sunday until Oct. 21. The partnership allows Etihad Guest members to collect and redeem miles on all flights with Etihad and airberlin. (http://www.airberlin.com ,...
Lava Lava Beach Club set to open in June
When it opens this summer directly on the beach at Anaeho'omalu Bay, Lava Lava Beach Club will offer travellers a new "choice for laidback barefoot luxury."Presenting a uniquely Hawaiian beachfront experience, Lava Lava Beach Club features four contemporary freestanding cottages, a 120-seat open air restaurant and bar, and an outdoor event lawn that can accommodate up to 1,000 people. Set on 10 acres of beachfront property, Lava Lava's mission is "to create a fun, beachfront destination where guests can dine, drink, celebrate or simply relax in laidback Hawaiian luxury."Each of the Hawaiian...
A bridge too low in Vancouver
The port of Vancouver is facing a new challenge, and it's all about the historic and scenic Lions Gate Bridge. That is, the bridge is just a bit too low for the recent generation of giant cruise ships, which might otherwise be chosen to operate on the Alaska route from YVR. For instance, the new Celebrity Solstice is too tall by 1.5 metres to get under the bridge, and it will instead sail from Seattle to Alaska. Despite this quandary, the number of Alaska passengers sailing from Vancouver is set to increase by nearly 20% in 2013 over 2012. Cruise ship companies have recently confirmed their...
Sheraton Maui renos feature Hawaiian art
After undergoing a US$6.5 million renovation to its guestrooms, the 508-room Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa now features traditional Hawaiian artwork, brand new tropical furnishings, plush carpeting and wireless Internet service. The hotel is located on legendary Kaanapali Beach....
Visit Orlando CEO dies suddenly
Gary Sain, president and CEO of Visit Orlando passed away suddenly on Friday, May 4, 2012 in Orlando. In a message posted on the Visit Orlando web site, Paul Tang, chairman of Visit Orlando's board of directors, writes: "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I have sad news to share with you. Friday evening, Gary Sain, president & CEO of Visit Orlando, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. Gary was a loving son, husband and father. Our thoughts go out to the people he most cherished, Gary's mother Elizabeth Sain, wife Pam and daughters Vanessa Sain-Dieguez (Luis) and Olivia." Tang continues:...