Hotel Industry News | Canada's Travel Industry

By TravelPress Staff

August 9, 2016

Vail Resorts To Acquire Whistler Blackcomb

Vail Resorts, Inc. and Whistler Blackcomb Holdings, Inc. have reached a deal in which Vail will acquire 100% of the stock of Whistler Blackcomb. “Combining Whistler Blackcomb with Vail Resorts' portfolio of outstanding resorts provides Whistler Blackcomb with increased financial strength, marketing exposure, guest relationships and broadens the geographic diversity of our company with resorts across the United States, as well as in Australia and Canada,” said Dave Brownlie, Whistler Blackcomb's chief executive officer. “This relationship will bring greater resources to support...

By TravelPress Staff

August 8, 2016

Karisma Unveils Connoisseur Collection

Karisma Hotels & Resorts has unveiled its Connoisseur Collection, designed for discerning guests and featuring “customizable vacations comprised of extraordinary privileges and exceptional service.” Taking Karisma’s Gourmet Inclusive Experience to the next level, officials say the Connoisseur Collection makes for indulgent hospitality and unforgettable experiences at some of the world’s most spectacular villas and suites. “Karisma has always been committed to setting a new standard, redefining and elevating what luxury represents at all-inclusive properties,” said...

By TravelPress Staff

August 5, 2016

Royal by rex Now in ACV Portfolio

Air Canada Vacations (ACV) has added another exclusive property to its product line in Saint Lucia – Royal by rex resorts. The 4.5-star, all-inclusive hotel is located in Rodney Bay next door to sister resorts St. Lucian and Papillon by rex resorts – both of which are also exclusive to ACV – and offers access to nearby shopping, bars and restaurants. Along with unlimited breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner, and domestic alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, the all-inclusive plan at Royal offers unlimited a la cart dining at two restaurants and one reservation per week at the...

By Bob Mowat

August 3, 2016

Courtyard By Marriott Opens in Quebec City

Courtyard by Marriott Quebec City opened its doors on July 29. Featuring an “innovative lobby space as well as Courtyard’s latest contemporary room design, the new hotel provides flexibility and choices that allow guests to optimize and elevate their travel experience.” Located in the Lebourgneuf district, 10 minutes from Old Quebec and Jean-Lesage International Airport, the Courtyard Quebec City offers guests convenient access to the Videotron Centre, the ExpoCite’ Centre and Les Galeries de la Capitae Mall & Amusement Park. The hotel is also in close proximity to...

By TravelPress Staff

August 3, 2016

Sabre Expands Hotel Choices With EAN

Travel agents now have 63,000 more reasons to use the Sabre travel marketplace as their global distribution system (GDS) of choice, thanks to a participation agreement between Sabre Corporation and Expedia Affiliate Network (EAN). With the new integration with EAN, Sabre is adding more than 63,000 new hotel properties to its travel marketplace and travel agencies now have access to EAN rates and availability through the Sabre GDS. Agents can easily shop and book properties through the Sabre Red Workspace. The additional properties are a range of property types, including...

By Bob Mowat

July 29, 2016

Niagara Falls Stakes Its Claim

Niagara Falls is arguing that it deserves the official title of Eighth Wonder of the World. The unofficial title is often given to sites, buildings, projects and designs that are deemed comparable to the original Seven World Wonders. Niagara Falls is often listed as a top natural wonder or landmark, but the Falls are only one characteristic that make Canada’s Niagara region “a top contender for the title.” “When people think of Niagara, the first thing that comes to mind—and for good reason—is likely the Falls,” says Anthony Annunziata, VP of marketing at Marriott...

By Bob Mowat

July 26, 2016

Accor Picks Frid For Key Role

AccorHotels has picked Kevin Frid as its new chief operating officer for North & Central America. Frid’s position is one of the first senior management appointments since the recent acquisition of FRHI Hotels & Resorts (FRHI) and its three prestigious luxury hotel brands: Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel. Frid's appointment, with his experience and expertise in the United States, Canada and Mexico, underscores AccorHotels’ commitment to one of its key strategic objectives – building long-term growth and profitability in a region that includes the largest and most...

By TravelPress Staff

July 25, 2016

Adults-Only Warwick Coming to Paradise Island

Warwick Hotels and Resorts will open its newest four-star hotel to Paradise Island, Bahamas, in October. Set along the Nassau Harbour, the all-inclusive, adults-only resort will feature 250 guest rooms. The US$28 million hotel will also feature a 6,000-sq.-ft. Terrace overlooking the marinas across the harbour. The Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas will welcome guests 18 years of age and older with all-inclusive rates that include meals and snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, standard Wi-Fi, daily activities, nightly entertainment, use of fitness centre, and gratuities,...

By Bob Mowat

July 25, 2016

Cuba Shines With Hola Sun

Cuba specialist Hola Sun Holidays is happy to host cavemen. And cavewomen as well. Hola Sun sales representative Roberto Diaz Ganuzas told a July 22 Toronto gathering that among Varadero excursions his company offers are ones showcasing two caves – one home to stalactites and the other having an underground river. Diaz Ganuzas added that Varadero also offers golf and has many nightclubs found outside its resorts, all of which underscores Cuba's evolution beyond it simply being a beach resort destination. The company – which will hold a Sept. 16 product launch in Mississauga,...

By TravelPress Staff

July 20, 2016

ACV Adds Blue Diamond Properties to Sun Portfolio

Air Canada Vacations (ACV) has added 16 Blue Diamond properties, including Royalton Resorts, Hideaway at Royalton and CHIC, to its Sun portfolio. Now included in the collection: Royalton Saint Lucia Resort & Spa – opening early 2017. Set in the lush Saint Lucian landscape, this resort welcomes guests of all ages. The resort offers 349 rooms throughout the general resort and Diamond Club, as well as world-class dining and modern facilities. Hideaway at Royalton Saint Lucia – opening early 2017. This oasis within the Royalton Saint Lucia offers guests the chance to open...