Destinations
US tourism gets presidential support
US president Barack Obama is pledging to do his part to promote tourism to the United States. Obama made the pledge in a videotaped address to some 6,000 International delegates attending Pow Wow 2012 in Los Angeles, California today. Obama said that he would promote travel to the US by "making it safer and simpler for people to visit," telling his audience, "I want America to be the top tourist destination in the world. That's why earlier this year we joined with business leaders to find better ways to market our tourist destinations and to make sure foreign visitors get the information they...
Anderson hosts Calgary, Edmonton training events
Anderson Vacations is hosting training events on Alaska and the Yukon in Calgary and Edmonton on May 2 and 3, respectively. Agents will have an opportunity to hear from partners the Yukon and Alaska. The Calgary event will be held at Buzzards Restaurant/Bottlescrew Bills; the Edmonton event at Ramada on Kingway. Both sessions begin at 5:30 p.m. Space is limited and agents are asked to RSVP to Leslie at [email protected]...
Kauai resort’s promotion gives guests mobility
Kauai's Kaua'I Beach Resort's "Free Car"promotion includes a compact car from Dollar Rent a Car, a free upgrade to an Ocean View room and daily self-parking for US$159 per night, plus taxes. Daily breakfast buffet for two is available at US$10 per day. The promotion is available until June 15. It is subject to availability and not combinable with any other special. The driver must be at least 25 years of age (drivers 21 to 24 are subject to an underage driver fee of US$27 plus tax per day, payable to Dollar) and car upgrades must be must be done directly with Dollar....
iPad concierge at Opus Vancouver
The luxury-intensive Opus Vancouver has added handheld technology to its amenities. It is the first hotel in Canada to include an iPad in every room, giving guests a personal concierge tailored to their needs and interests. The tablets are pre-loaded with apps and web links that reflect the hotel's concierge avatars, which guests can take suggestions from with respect to shopping, active pursuits and even drink choices. The iPads are also programmed with GPS features and mobile technology so guests can explore the city sans tour guide....
New airport shuttle by Roberts for Kona
Roberts Hawaii Express Shuttle is now offering round-trip transfers between select hotels and resorts in the Kona-Kohala area along the Kailua-Kona, Keauhou and Kohala coastline. A representative will meet passengers upon arrival, helped with baggage claim and escorted to the coach. Prices start from $US15 p.p. (one-way) and $US28 (round-trip). Group rates are also available and vary according to distance. Reservations are required and are fully commissionable....
Resort welcomes entrants in September marathon
Travellers looking to get a running start on securing lodging for the fourth annual Kauai Marathon on Sept. 2 will find special marathon rates from the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation. Rates start at US$145 per night for a one-bedroom condominium with a two-night minimum stay, and the property's proximity to the start and finish lines means participants and spectators can secure convenient accommodations for the race. "The Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation not only anchors the race starting line, we're also only steps from the finish line. No other location is more convenient for participants and...
Boutique luxury on Manhattan Beach, LA
The Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach of Los Angeles is a premier luxury boutique hotel, now offering new packages like the Getaway package. It includes a stay in a deluxe spa room, dinner at The Strand House and a couple's massage. At US$595 per night, it also includes a beach breakfast buffet, use of the hotel's beach cruiser bicycles, WiFi and access to the nearby Equinox Gym at no additional cost. The Shade is located just two blocks from the beach, and is surrounded by upscale dining and shopping in the heart of downtown Manhattan Beach. The hotel's interior features stainless steel and...
New conference centre for Fairmont Scottsdale
Determined to give guests a distinctive Southwest meeting destination, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has broken ground on a new conference centre. It will add 4,800 square metres of indoor meeting space to the new Palomino Ballroom. Set to debut in November, the US$20 million conference centre will give the resort a total of 14,000 square metres of event space. This makes it the largest meetings resort in the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts portfolio worldwide....