Resorts
Occidental Pulls Out of Cuba
Occidental Hotels & Resorts has ended its Cuba presence. The company reports that as of Nov. 1 it would no longer manage the Hotel Occidental Miramar, Hotel Occidental Montehabana, both of which are found in Havana, and the Hotel Allegro Varadero after what it described as a “close and excellent collaboration” with Cuba's Grupo de Turismo Gaviota. Occidental added in a brief statement to the travel industry that “contracts and co-marketing agreements” in place as of Nov. 1 “will be fully respected.” There was no immediate word on who will manage the three...
Sandals Hosting Agents in Halifax, Ottawa
Travel agents in Atlantic Canada and Eastern Ontario are invited to register for the Sandals Unveiling Events in Halifax and, for the first time, in Ottawa at the end of November. In advance of the winter season, the complimentary events offer comprehensive product updates – including the successful launch of Sandals LaSource Grenada, which has set the new group standard for the resort chain, and details on the highly anticipated Sandals Barbados which opens in January – as well as effective selling tips and techniques. Agents will have a chance to meet Sandals chairman Gordon...
Riu Palace Maspalomas Marks 25 Years
Riu Hotels is marking 25 years of the inauguration of the Riu Palace Maspalomas, the first hotel in the Riu Palace luxury line that set new standards of service for the chain. The hotel continues to be a benchmark, as shown by the awards it receives year after year from both guests and tour operators. Its “U” shape has been used at RIU hotels all over the world, and its elegance and style have been an “education for the hundreds of professionals who have helped create the Riu Palace hotels in 11 different countries.” “The opening day was very exciting. It had only been...
Melia Unveils New Agent Incentives
Melia Hotels has a new portal for travel agents that the hotel company says will fatten their bank accounts. MELIA PRO is an exclusive resource centre designed to increase business for the hotel company's travel partners and features “highly competitive rates” and up to 16% commission on all bookings. The portal will house a new loyalty program, MELIA PRO Rewards, offering exclusive rates and benefits for agents at any of the company's portfolio of over 350 hotels worldwide. Melia says MELIA PRO “provides agents with the company's best available rates guaranteed.”...
Experience Michelin Star Dining at the Iberostar Grand
Sunquest is offering travellers a unique culinary event that will be available at the Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro in Punta Cana. Kicking off on Oct. 31 and running for a full year, the Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro is launching a special “Chef Tour,” inviting 16 prestigious Michelin star chefs from Spain to participate. For Sunquest guests who visit the resort during November, they will enjoy the culinary innovations of Chef Danny Garcia, recipient of two Michelin stars. Blending tradition with the latest culinary techniques, Garcia will delight guests with a unique and...
Thompson Opening Special
The Thompson Miami Beach hotel, which will have a starting rate of US$299 when it opens Nov. 21, has an “Opening Package” offer that will be available to guests when they book a minimum two-night stay starting Nov. 21. The package rate starts at $399 a night and includes daily breakfast for two, signature welcome cocktails, beach swag bag with Coola sunscreen products and admission for two to the Perez Art Museum Miami. There is a minimum two-night...
On Ice at the Fairmont Empress
The annual winter wonderland at The Fairmont Empress in Victoria, BC is expanding this year with the addition of a skating rink on the hotel's iconic front lawn overlooking the festively lit Victoria Harbour. Operating from Nov. 20 until mid-January, the covered rink will offer public skating 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. Skate rentals, Skate 'n Date nights and Family Skate afternoon are some of the ways to enjoy the tradition of winter skating. For groups, there are Office Skates, Holiday Parties on Ice, and Break + Skate meeting options. Special...
Win With Delta and Experience Toronto Differently
A stunning new landmark is rising up in downtown Toronto. Opening Nov. 27, the new 46 storey, 567 guest room Delta Toronto will be the first purpose-built four-star property constructed in the city in two decades. Located in Toronto's coolest new neighbourhood, the exciting South Core or SoCo district, Delta Toronto is close to attractions like CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, Rogers Centre and Air Canada Centre. It also has quick access to transportation hubs like Toronto City Centre Airport, Union Station, and direct access to the PATH system. Boasting panoramic views, the...