Hotel Industry News | Canada's Travel Industry

By Bob Mowat

September 9, 2016

Taking It To The Highest Level

A group of VIP travel trade types got the inside scoop on Jamaica's all-inclusive Melia Braco Village during an event at Toronto's Sassafraz Restaurant last night (Sept. 8). To the beat of reggae music, the resort's general manager, Dimitris Kosvogiannis provided his audience with an update on the property, emphasizing in his presentation, how it was different from other all-inclusives. Describing the Melia Braco Village as a “new concept,” Kosvogiannis told his audience that, as the name suggests, the boutique resort is built like a village, with a main square surrounded by...

By TravelPress Staff

September 8, 2016

Sirenis Hosting Sept. 20 Agent Webinar

Sirenis Hotels and Resorts is hosting a free Sept. 20 (2 p.m. EST) agent webinar. Agents will learn about the newest Sirenis updates and everything that their Mexican and Dominican resorts have to offer. The biggest news will be in regards to Sirenis' newest boutique-style resort in Riviera Nayarit, Grand Sirenis Matlali Hills Resort & Spa. Agents taking part in the webinar will be entered for a chance to win a three-night all-inclusive stay at the Grand Sirenis Matlali Hill Puerto Vallarta. To register, visit...

By TravelPress Staff

September 7, 2016

Karisma Heats Up The Riviera Maya

Taste buds will sizzle with the distinct flavours of Mexican chili peppers as Karisma Hotels & Resorts hosts its first annual Chili Pepper Festival Oct. 19-22. The festival will bring revered chefs from across North and South America to El Dorado Royale, A Spa Resort, by Karisma in the Riviera Maya for three days of activities designed to enliven the senses with the powerful taste profiles of Mexican chili peppers. This unique culinary event delivers a Gourmet Inclusive Experience featuring an interactive program, during which chili pepper enthusiasts can learn about the chili...

By TravelPress Staff

September 6, 2016

Europe is Epic With Vail Resorts

Vail Resorts has added iconic European ski resorts in France, Italy, Switzerland and Austria to its Epic Pass, which already includes some of the best skiing in the US and Australia. For the 2016-2017 ski season, Vail has added Les 3 Vallees, Paradiski and Tignes-Val d'Isere in France, Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy, 4 Vallees in Switzerland, and Arlberg in Austria. The 2016-2017 Epic Pass also offers unlimited access to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Park City in Utah; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood at Lake Tahoe; Wilmot...

By TravelPress Staff

August 31, 2016

HAC Calls for Hall of Fame Entries

The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) is now accepting entries for the 2016 Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence. The program continues the Association’s tradition of acknowledging the strong standards and values of those involved in and with the lodging industry. The awards program recognizes those individuals, companies or properties that have demonstrated significant accomplishments, exemplary leadership and tireless commitment to our industry in the following divisions: The Humanitarian Award: Given for individuals/programs that demonstrate to residents that the individual...

By TravelPress Staff

August 31, 2016

Velas Unveils New Travel Agent Website

Mexico’s Velas Resorts has a new website for travel agents as the company gets ready to open its fifth resort, Grand Velas Los Cabos (pictured). Available in English, Spanish and French (coming soon), the portal offers everything from virtual tours, sales materials, image library, current offers and the latest news to a photo and video of the week. Contact information for the sales department at each resort and the worldwide sales team are also available. In addition, agents have the ability to send clients a personalized welcome card directly from the site in several different...

By TravelPress Staff

August 29, 2016

Four Seasons Anguilla Now Accepting Reservations

Debuting in October, the new Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla is now accepting reservations and offering several special introductory packages. With a range of accommodations from Deluxe Rooms to luxurious Five-Bedroom Villas, the Four Seasons resort is ideal for extended families and groups of friends, as well as couples looking for a romantic retreat. Features include on-site restaurants, lounges, recreation and a 975-metre-long beach. Reservations are now being confirmed for the fall and winter season, with the following packages available in addition to standard room...

By TravelPress Staff

August 26, 2016

Hard Rock To Introduce Snow Skiing in Mexico

AIC Hotel Group and Camp Woodward, a leader in lifestyle and action sports, have partnered to launch a unique new concept in experiential travel with Woodward Riviera Maya and Woodward Punta Cana. Both facilities will debut next year at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, where guests will be able to participate in many of the disciplines offered at the original Camp Woodward, as well as one-of-a-kind chances to snowboard and snow ski indoors in the Caribbean and Mexico. Woodward Riviera Maya and Woodward Punta Cana will offer a variety of...

By TravelPress Staff

August 26, 2016

Hello? Aloft Unveils Voice-Activated Hotel Rooms

Imagine asking a hotel room to turn up the air conditioning when it gets too hot or to turn on the lights before getting out of bed. Well, the future is here at Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Aloft Hotels, which has unveiled the results of its top secret “Project: Jetson” and debuted the first-ever voice activated hotel room, giving guests entirely new ways to interact using “Hey Siri.” Each Aloft Voice-Activated Hotel Room is equipped with an iPad running a custom Aloft app used for controlling the in-room guest experience, with HomeKit-enabled accessories including room...

By TravelPress Staff

August 25, 2016

Conrad Xiamen Welcomes Guests

Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton's smart luxury hotel brand, has opened its first property in China's Fujian province, on the southwestern coast of Xiamen Island. Conrad Xiamen occupies the 37th to 54th floors of the iconic 300-metre-tall Shimao Straits Tower, in the heart of Siming's Central Business District. Designed to be a shopping, leisure and business hub, Shimao Straits Tower is a striking sea-facing landmark with a sail-shaped design boasting expansive views of Gulangyu Island. Guests of Conrad Xiamen enjoy direct access to a shopping mall and a cinema, as well as the...