Destinations
Fairmont Kea Lani looking good
It has been three years, but it has been worth it. The Fairmont Kea Lani began renovations in 2009 and now, three years later, over $28 million has been invested in the property. Improvements have included every suite, villa, pool deck, ballroom, corridor and elevator throughout the entire resort. The property's signature restaurant has been transformed at a cost of $5.1 million and it will reopen in April. The property's 37 two-story villas offer the comfort and convenience of renting a private home with all the amenities of a world class resort. Located steps from the Pacific Ocean, these...
Lots of value at the Napili Kai
The Napili Kai Beach Resort, located on the bay of the same name in Maui, has unveiled a variety of specials for its "Value Season" in 2012, including free nights and luggage fee reimbursement. The family-friendly 163-room resort is known for its "value-oriented philosophy of 'No nickel-and-diming' our guests." The resort's 2012 Value Season dates run from now through Jan. 27; from April 14 through June 15; adn from Aug. 18 through Dec. 13. During those periods, room rates are lower and the resort offers programs that include a fifth night free; a 7th Heaven special offering the sixth and...
Fairmont YVR Airport appoints Kuhn
Lesliann Kuhn has been named director of sales and marketing for the Fairmont Vancouver Airport hotel. Kuhn has more than 23 years experience having held a variety of post, most recently as director of business travel for the three downtown Vancouver hotels -- The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, The Fairmont Pacific Rim and The Fairmont Waterfront. Kuhn is a member of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives; she was recognized by the association as Volunteer of the Year in 2010. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Destination Development from Royal Roads University. Go to...
RMR has new views, Sea to Sky
Passengers travelling with Rocky Mountaineer will have the chance to experience its bi-level dome on its Whistler Sea to Sky Climb route between Vancouver and Whistler, B.C. The bi-level Whistler Sea to Sky Dome Service will operate five days per week from June 14 to Aug. 24, 2012. Rocky Mountaineer's vice-president, global marketing, Hubert Wat said: "This new initiative is part of our ongoing effort to innovate our products and services while providing the exceptional guest experience we have become known for." The new Whistler Sea to Sky Climb Dome Service is priced at $399 roundtrip or...
Hotwire picks its Family Day Top 10
Hotwire.com has announced the 10 most popular destinations for Canadian travellers over Family Day 2012, based on hotel bookings. With many Canadians using the third Monday in February as a time to celebrate with their loved ones, the long weekend is the perfect opportunity to take the whole family on a short getaway or use the h holiday to begin a longer international vacation. Clem Bason, president of the Hotwire Group, said: "Family Day is a time to reflect on the importance of family life and what better way to celebrate that than by creating new memories with a family trip? It's no...
Full investigation underway
Following the beating of a 37-year-old Canadian woman on vacation in Mazatlan, the government of Sinaloa has indicated in an "official" statement that a "full investigation [is] taking place under the direction of the State Attorney General's Office." The statement also said that the State of Sinaloa government is collaborating with Canadian authorities in keeping them informed of all advances in the investigation; and it is also working to provide support to the victim's family. "The Government of Sinaloa, and indeed Mexico, values the safety and security of tourists and citizens alike as...
Shopping with Chinapac
Chinapac International has launched two new tours -- with prices starting at $299 -- that combine shopping and sightseeing in China. Just as China is known for such famous landmarks as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terra Cotta Warriors, it is also well known for its exquisite goods and handicrafts. Many of these goods are traditional items dating back to the ancient era popularly used by the emperors and possessed by members of the affluent society. Silk, for one, was a staple trade merchandise and now a favourite souvenir. Chinapac president Jenny Soares observed: "Many of our clients...
CHA taking care of business in the Bahamas
Caribbean Marketplace 2012 was officially opened this week with much pomp and circumstance at Atlantis in The Bahamas with attendees including Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham. The annual travel show has attracted a total of 1,190 delegates from 18 countries, including Canada, the most in three years. Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Josef Forstmayr noted that 2010 was a record year for "stop-over" arrivals in the Caribbean with 23.1 million visitors and said the forecast for 2011 is a 4% increase on this. "There is no question that our buyers who are attending Caribbean Travel...