KEEPING THE PAST IN CHINA'S FUTURE - travelcourier.ca - TravelPress
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
t
rav
elcour
ier
.ca
June25,2015
KEEPING THE PAST
IN CHINA’
S
FUTURE
WIN a beach getaway to FORT LAUDERDALE Travel Courier and Greater Fort Lauderdale, along with a host of partners are once again teaming up to give Canadian travel agents a chance to win a spectacular beach getaway for two for a week to “Sunny Fort Lauderdale.” To enter the contest, simply enter online or fax this entry to the number listed below. To qualify, entrants must be full-time accredited travel agents, one entry per agent. The winner will be chosen at random. GRAND PRIZE One lucky travel agent will win a seven-night trip for two to Greater Fort Lauderdale, including flights (from YYZ) courtesy of Sunwing; one week’s stay at the Marriott Resort Fort Lauderdale Pompano Beach; a one-week rental from Sixt Car; a US$250 gift certificate for use at The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale; and two Greater Fort Lauder- dale VIP Cards for free entrance and discounts at most of the local attractions. Some travel restrictions and blackout dates (including travel dates) may apply; taxes and surcharges are not included. TO ENTER Simply answer the following question online at http://promo.baxter.net/contest/ftlauderdale.asp or fax this ballot to 416-968-2377 QUESTION How many kilometres of Blue Wave beaches are there in Greater Fort Lauderdale? DEADLINE FOR ENTRY July 17, 2015 Answer: Name: Agency: Address: Phone: Fax: E-mail:
CONTENTS Noteworthy
REGULAR FEATURES
Canadians eyeing
10 cover story eco-friendly vacations
It’s not often one gets to Inner Mongolia.
Travel Courier Western Editor did just that
and reports on the enriching experience
this week… C anadians are increasingly likely to choose a holiday
destination based on its social or environmental
impact, according to a recent study by Booking.com.
16 events Nearly one in two now take such factors into account
travel industry calendar – double the actual trips taken last year, when 24% of
Canadian travellers reported taking a traditional sustainable
trip (defined as an eco-tour, a volunteering trip, a farm stay,
a camping trip, or a trip to learn about new cultures).
17 fams “We’ve completely embraced eco principles in all
upcoming educational trips for the trade aspects of our resort, and we’ve never been busier,” says
Vaughan Perret, managing director of Nova Scotia’s Trout
Point Lodge, rated by Booking.com as one of Canada’s
top eco-friendly accommodations. “Travellers look for
vacations that will remain meaningful to them long after
DESTINATIONS & FEATURES they’ve gone home, and becoming one with nature makes
that possible.”
This rise in interest in sustainable travel is a trend seen
12 U.S. around the globe, according to the survey of 32,000 trav-
ellers in 16 countries.
However, while expressing the desire to travel more
14 mexico/caribbean sustainably, Canadian survey respondents were not
prepared to forego luxury, while reducing their carbon
footprint, creating, says Booking.com, a unique opportu-
18 river cruising nity to woo travellers by offering high-end comfort paired
with an eco-sensibility. tc
20 western canada
DEPARTMENTS Experience the Difference™
TORONTO DEPARTURES
22 careers
CAYO COCO, CUBA
PESTANA CAYO COCO
ALL INCLUSIVE BEACH
professional services RESORT ++++
business opportunities AUG 06, 11 & 13
JUNIOR SUITE
ONE WEEK
$ 495
+ $350 Taxes
FOR FULL SELECTION OF HOTELS, VISIT WWW.SUNWING.CA
The Airline Ticket Centre SM
a company
june 25, 2015 | travelcourier.ca 3
CHINA EASTERN OPENS UP
SOUTHWEST CHINA TO CANADIANS
First flight flies on June 26
by ted davis
A new program of flights that will link Vancouver
with the balmy city of Kunming in southwest China Kunming
is set to start this week.
On June 26, China Eastern Airlines will launch a sched- as a gateway hub between Asia and the Americas,” said Craig
ule of three flights per week between Kunming Changshui Richmond, president of Vancouver Airport Authority. YVR
International Airport (KMG) and YVR. The service will receives more than 70 flights per week from China during the
connect via Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport and will summer, and is the only airport in North America with service
establish Vancouver as the first North American destination by four mainland China carriers.
with flights from Kunming – a top tourism region in China. Kunming is located in the province of Yunnan, bordering
The route will operate with an Airbus A330-200, with two Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam. It’s known as the City of Eternal
cabins – business and economy. The economy-class cabin gets Spring due to its warm climate and ideal growing conditions.
202 seats, and 30 are allotted for the J-class cabin. The city of Lijiang, in northern Yunnan, maintains a
“Having service to Kunming from YVR opens up exciting famously preserved Old Town, whose twisting streets
new tourism and business opportunities for Canadians and and classic architecture have been given UNESCO
further establishes Vancouver world heritage status. Nearby is the
towering Jade Dragon Snow
continued on page 6
TRAVEL Vol.50 No.26 www.travelcourier.ca
COURIER ®
FOUNDER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE V.P. OPERATIONS
W.H. Baxter, 1919-2004 Edith Baxter, ebaxter@baxter.net David McClung, dmcclung@baxter.net Wendy McClung, wmcclung@baxter.net
Bob Mowat, Executive Editor bobmowat@baxter.net SALES & MARKETING: Florida - North: Gillian Harper GHTourismSolutions@gmail.com
Michael Baginski, Editor/Publisher baginski@baxter.net Earl Lince, Director of International Marketing elince@baxter.net Hawaii: Laurie Doerschlen MdLinks@aol.com
Greg D. Coates, Assistant Editor gcoates@baxter.net Rodney Tugwell, Sales Manager rtugwell@baxter.net Central & South America: Lillian Martinez twtrm@earthlink.net
Mike Dunbar, Quebec Editor mdunbar@total.net Mitchell McClung, Account Executive mmcclung@baxter.net Mexico: Paloma Martinez pmartinez@towmar.net
Ted Davis, Western Editor teddavis@baxter.net
Ian Stalker, Staff Writer istalker@baxter.net REGIONAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES: PRODUCTION:
Western Canada: Terry Ohman ohman@baxter.net Johnny Koo, Art Director johnkoo@baxter.net
Emily McClung, Audience/Prd. Development Mgr. Alberta: Greg Ohman greg.ohman@baxter.net Wayne Labourn, Production Manager wlabourn@baxter.net
emcclung@baxter.net Quebec & Atlantic Canada: Rodney Tugwell rtugwell@baxter.net Sharron Taylor, Adv. Material Coordinator staylor@baxter.net
Dee Ristic, Circulation dristic@baxter.net USA: Earl Lince elince@baxter.net Dragana Lekovic-Lucic, Sr. Graphic Artist
Tabatha Fernandez-Bradley, Classifieds tfbradley@baxter.net Florida - South: Dino Torres t_dino@bellsouth.net Wayne McDonald, Michael Mouatt, Production Artists
TRAVEL COURIER is published weekly by Baxter Travel Media at 310 Dupont St., Toronto, Ont., Canada M5R 1V9 Tel.: 416-968-7252, We acknowledge the support of
Fax: 416-968-2377. Single price per copy $2.00 (plus applicable taxes). Subscription Rates: Canada - $60 per year(plus applicable the Government of Canada
taxes). HST #R120906425): Foreign - $110 US per year. ISSN 1182-9699. Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement
No. 40063078. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department, 310 Dupont Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 1V9
e-mail: circ@baxter.net. PRINTED IN CANADA Copyright 2015.
4 travelcourier.ca | june 25, 2015 Online subscribers: click for digital extras
Experience the Difference™
Experience the Difference™
The Evolution of All-Inclusive™
ONE WEEK • ALL INCLUSIVE
PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA CANCUN, MEXICO
HYATT ZIVA PUERTO HYATT ZIVA ROSE HALL HYATT ZILARA CANCUN
VALLARTA ++++PLUS +++++ +++++
VANCOUVER DEPARTURES TORONTO DEPARTURES EDMONTON DEPARTURES
ZIVA OCEANVIEW
KING ROOM
AUG 07, 14 & 21
$ 1065 + 375 Taxes
$
ZIVA RESORTVIEW
KING ROOM
SEP 09, 16 & 23
$ 1335 PREMIUM OCEANVIEW
JUNIOR SUITE DOUBLE
+$435 Taxes SEP 06 & 13
$ 1455 +$385 Taxes
ALL FLIGHTS OFFER For all guests at no extra cost: UPGRADE to Elite Plus Service bookable online for only $50 each way!:
AWARDWINNING 20Kg FREE checked baggage • Bon Voyage glass of sparkling wine • Choice of All features of Champagne Service PLUS: Extra legroom seats • Advance
SUNWING AIRLINES' Hot & Fresh Bistro Meals™ with wine • Soft drinks • Hot towel service • Leather seat selection • 10kg extra checked baggage • Free headset • Priority
CHAMPAGNE SERVICE seating • First run movies • Kids backpacks with games & toys check-in and boarding • Priority baggage handling
All prices are gross per person based on double occupancy for 7 nights on all inclusive vacations (unless otherwise specified) and were available at the time of printing. Seats at the
above prices are limited and subject to change without prior notice. Applicable to new bookings only. Not combinable with any other offers. Transportation taxes & related fees shown
must be pre-paid. Flights are with Sunwing Airlines or Travel Service. For full terms and conditions, please refer to the Sunwing Vacations 2015/16 brochure. 27 Fasken Drive Toronto
Ontario M9W 1K6 Ont Reg #2476582 | 06252015
NEWS
TRANSAT LIFTS OFF FOR BUDAPEST
Air Transat launched Budapest service
from Toronto (via Montreal) June 17,
restoring direct connections to the
Hungarian city for the first time since
2008. The flight was welcomed by
Hungary’s consul general to Canada
Stefania Szabo, who reported a 5%
increase in visitations by Canadians
to her homeland last year to a total of
Kunming 34,000. “Canadians are discovering
continued from page 4 the not-so-secret that Budapest is hot
Mountain, which reaches 5,600 metres, and trendy,” she said. She noted that
and is wonderfully scenic. It is the south- Hungary is “charming” beyond Budapest
ernmost point of the Himalaya range. and that the city is also a gateway to
The new direct service to YVR other European destinations.
is timed well to make use of a new Ian Woods, director of aviation
visa transit program that is being business development for the Greater
implemented at approved Canadian Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA),
airports like YVR for Chinese travellers. expressed optimism for the route, point-
Chinese nationals arriving from select ing out that there are 50,000 people of
cities in China and a few other cities in Hungarian descent in the Toronto area.
Asia can transit through these Canadian Transat sales manager Dan Prior
airports, en route to the US, without told Travel Courier that the company
needing a Canadian visa. The China launched the route based on client
Transit Program is currently available demand and following the successful
to Chinese nationals departing from launch of Prague last year. In addition to
Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Hong being a unique destination in its own right, the city adds flexibility for river cruisers
Kong, Manila, Taipei, Tokyo, and Seoul. who can start their trip elsewhere and fly home directly from Budapest, he said.
→ www.flychinaeastern.com tc →www.transat.com
TRAVEL MARKETPLACE in T.O.
DRAWS A CROWD
Travel industry personnel were out in
full force last week at the second annual
Travel MarketPlace at the International
Plaza Hotel in Toronto.
Conference participants were treated
to a full program of events featuring
industry leaders and guest speakers talk-
ing about hot topics, sales techniques,
new marketing outlets, technology, and
more, as well as a large travel trade show.
Among the topics discussed were today’s
greatest challenges: overcoming the mis-
conception that people don’t need a travel
agent and technological innovation; and
today’s greatest opportunities: niche and
specialization markets and luxury.
→www.travelmarketplace.com
6 travelcourier.ca | june 25, 2015
I T’S W H AT’S
NEW
I T’S W H AT’S
NOW
I T’S W H AT’S
NEXT
IN AL L- I NCL USIVE
R ES O R T S
THE AND
PLACE BE
TO BE SEEN
Introducing the new Sandals Ochi Beach Resort.This brand-new five-star Luxury Included resort is trendy
® ®
INTRODUCING THE NEW
when you want it to be, private when you don’t. It has a hot new beach club, 11 bars—including the Caribbean’s
first speakeasy—and 16 totally on-trend restaurants. It’s exciting and it’s happening. But for those who
prefer a more serene escape, the other side of Sandals Ochi offers unsurpassed luxury.True romance spans
over a hundred acres of lush tropical gardens at the elite All-Butler Village, the epitome of privacy. Best of
all, it’s all included. All unlimited. All the time. Sandals Ochi—the most happening place is happening now.
C A L L 1 - 8 0 0 - 5 4 5 - 8 2 8 3 O R V I S I T W W W. S A N D A L S . C O M
Sandals ® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts.
NEWS
DUBAI’S POPULARITY CONTINUES TO CLIMB
Dubai’s ongoing efforts to position itself
NEXUS AND CNTO TEAM UP as a premier leisure and business hub
TO PROMOTE CHINA have resulted in growing visitor numbers
to the city, as well as higher rankings
Nexus Holidays and the China National on various global traveller and meeting
Tourist Office have concluded a road indexes. MasterCard has announced
show showcasing China and other parts that Dubai has risen to fourth position
of Asia. Nathan Xu, director of the out of 132 top destinations for inter-
CNTO’s Toronto office, told gatherings national travellers in the MasterCard
that China’s tourism future is bright. Global Destination Cities Index, behind
“China has been one of the fastest-grow- London, Paris and Bangkok. A one-
ing tourism markets in the world. China place rise since 2014 figures, Dubai has risen from the eighth position in 2012, and
and Canada have a very bright future MasterCard predicts that the emirate will welcome almost 14.3 million international
together. Not to mention China also visitors in 2015, a ratio of 5.7 international overnight visitors per city resident.
offers 47 historical and cultural sites rec- →www.dubaitourism.ae
ognized by UNESCO.” Nexus Holidays
used the presentations to promote its
offerings, which include private/cus- BRAND USA COOKS UP CULINARY STRATEGY
tomized tour packages; marketing and
personalized flyer designs; intra-Asia air Brand USA is hoping to entice inter- notable American chefs showcasing
tickets; hotels throughout the world; and national travellers to visit the US through favourite regional cuisines.
visa service. Among Nexus tours is the a culinary tourism strategy that includes a
Already launched is the culinary
10-day China Delights, with a two-for- newly launched online content hub, guide-
content hub, “Flavours of the USA,”
one deal starting at $1,899, plus tax. The book, broadcast sponsorships and various
at DiscoverAmerica.com, featuring
tour has departures from Vancouver and partnerships.. Based on research across
various gastronomic features, as well
Toronto and starts in Beijing. 12 key international markets, including
as culinary-inspired American travel
→www.nexusholidays.com Canada, culinary has risen to one of the
itineraries, listings of food festivals and
top five motivations that travellers use to
events, descriptions of wine and beer
select an international destination, says
trails, and regional recipes by top chefs.
ENSEMBLE MEMBERS the tourism marketing organization.
HEADED FOR PARTS
The “Flavours of the USA” culinary
UNKNOWN
In July Brand USA in partnership with guidebook will be distributed at
the Food Network (International) and upcoming Independence Day celebra-
Ensemble Travel Group members will Travel Channel (International) will tions at US embassies around the globe
have more than 40 professional develop- broadcast a series of vignettes featuring →www.TheBrandUSA.com
ment and networking opportunities to
choose from at the 2015 Ensemble Travel
Group International Conference set for TPI TOP PERFORMERS XIAMEN JOINS
Oct. 25-29 at the Omni Orlando Resort BOUND FOR MEXICO VISA-FREE ZONES
at ChampionsGate in Orlando. Topics
range from selling to the affluent and Travel Professionals International (TPI) The latest Chinese city to allow 72-hour
determining the value of your agency to has announced that its 2015 TPI Velocity visa-free visitation is Xiamen on south-
cruise hosting and time management. In trip for top performing travel advisors east China’s Fujian province. Joining
addition, an executive supplier panel will will take place Sept. 20-24 in Riviera Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin, Chongqing,
tackle tough industry issues and trends Maya, Mexico. Nearly 100 travel advis- Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi’an, Hangzhou,
on Oct. 27. The keynote speaker will by ors, guests, and TPI head office staff will Shenyang, Dalian, Wuhan, and
chef Anthony Bourdain, who is known convene at the El Dorado Royale and Kunming, Xiamen will be the 13th city
for his CNN show, Parts Unknown. Generations Riviera Maya by Karisma for to welcome transit travellers from the
Ensemble Travel Group members can the annual event which celebrates the Canada and 49 other countries to visit
register for conference via the Ensemble top three tier levels of TPI’s travel advisor for up to 72 hours without a visa via the
Extranet recognition program, Velocity. Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport.
→www.joinensemble.ca →www.tpi.ca →www.CNTO.org
8 travelcourier.ca | june 25, 2015 Online subscribers: click for digital extras
AIR
UNION PEARSON
EXPRESS
The long-awaited link
between downtown
WESTJET Toronto and Pearson
International is finally up
Fresh from launching new service to and running, speeding
Glasgow, WestJet reports that it will travellers from Union
add service to London Gatwick start- Station in the city centre
ing 2016. It will be the first trans- to the airport in less than
atlantic destination from Canada for 30 minutes and departing
its wide-body Boeing 767-300 aircraft. every 15 minutes. There are two stops along the way. Fares average $27 one way.
Meanwhile, WestJet has also →www.upexpress.com
announced an increase in frequency
on three existing international routes
and a move from seasonal to year- weekly to twice-weekly service. Flights Puerto Plata doubles from twice-
round service between Calgary and between Toronto and Puerto Vallarta weekly service to four scheduled
Yellowknife. Service between Calgary increase from weekly to three times flights per week.
and Loreto, Mexico, increases from weekly and service between Toronto and →www.westjet.com
Online subscribers: click for digital extras june 25, 2015 | travelcourier.ca 9
COVER STORY | MONGOLIA
China overland
reveals lesser-
known treasures Story/photos by TED DAVIS
1 2
There’s bounty and beauty beyond Beijing
It can take a bit of overland travelling work in China is a feeling familiar to Canadians That is fulfilled by a stay at an
to reach some of the lesser-known tourism who have crossed their own country by authentic “ger” camp that offers views
centres in China, but it’s usually worth road or rail. forever over the grasslands of Inner
Cover photo by TED DAVIS
the effort when you get there. Travel by Emerging from the train in Baotou in Mongolia – which is not part of the
train to places like Baotou, Datong and the early morning light after departing country of Mongolia, but rather a
Pingyao also helps demonstrate just how Beijing the night before on a trip with province within China’s borders. The
vast China really is. For instance, the G Adventures, brings on a big shift in ride to the camp is arduous, on roads
overland portion by rail between Beijing perspective. The rolling grasslands of sometimes paved, sometimes not.
and Baotou, in Inner Mongolia, requires Inner Mongolia aren’t even in sight from Accommodations at the Hari Daga camp
about 10 hours in an overnight sleeper the central train station, but the air is are basic, with four people assigned to
train, with whistle stops en route. But that much fresher and cooler than hot, smoggy each large canvas ger, provided with
distance of 650 km barely make a scratch Beijing, and it hints at a wilder reality some bedding, a raised platform and
on the map of China. Travelling overland outside the city. sleeping bags. But a night of eating and
10 travelcourier.ca | june 25, 20156
drinking with the Chinese Mongolian Accommodations at the Yi Guang
hosts around a giant bonfire makes it all hotel in Pingyao Ancient City are also
better, and the sunrise on that setting downsized, but offer perfectly good
is magic. tourist amenities in pint-sized rooms.
A similar shift in perspective – These are located within the walls
even more gratifying – is presented of a heritage hotel that has preserved
by arrival in the city of Pingyao. This its original architectural elements,
also requires an overnight rail trip while adding modern services. Many
in a sleeper car, but it is well worth of the 23 rooms open onto stone-tiled
the effort – especially if your hotel is courtyards, and even though the busy
located with the walls of this ancient, street is just steps away, the bustle is
3
1. Busy street commerce amidst five centuries, during the Ming and Qing
the historical buildings in the dynasties (14th to 20th century).
walled city of Pingyao. “Particularly, from the 19th century to
the early 20th century, the Ancient City
2. Horses can be ridden at the of Pingyao was a financial centre for the
Hari Daga “ger” camp in Inner whole of China,” states UNESCO, which
Mongolia. has designated it as a World Heritage site.
That commercial intensity continues, as
the storefronts of the preserved buildings
3. Traditional Mongolia gers –
large, circular tents – on the
4 house numerous craft and antique shops,
grasslands. clothing boutiques, bars and restaurants.
The main streets are crowded with visitors,
4. Some rooms at the Yi Guang but their numbers dwindle in the con-
hotel in Pingyao face out onto necting lanes, where local life continues.
small, stone courtyards. Pingyao may not be well-known to
Western travellers, but a new generation
5. The “hard” sleeper train cabin of domestic Chinese tourists are certainly
sleeps six – three bunks per side. aware of its charms. Large groups of
Chinese tourists take in cultural perform-
6. The Ting Yu Lou Tower is a 5 ances and historical re-enactments, or
prominent landmark of Pingyao tour twisting alleyways, courtyards and
Ancient City. tiny doorways. And they sometimes enlist
their unwitting children, dressing them
up in glitzy gold and red period costumes
for a barrage of photos.
But even though it is replete with a
full-on menu of retail services for tourists,
it retains authenticity and a sense of hist-
ory. Visitors will likely be won over by the
preserved city. muffled within the outer walls of the hotel. walled city of Pingyao, and left with the
The ride there might be challenging for A dining room/lobby at the front is an ideal impression that there are lots more hid-
some, if the assigned bunk is in a “hard” spot to socialize, do some computer work den overland treasures to be discovered in
sleeper versus a “soft” sleeper. The differ- or just read. China, outside the principal tourism cities
ence is in the capacity of the cabin, with The Yi Guang serves as a fitting start and attractions.
four bodies the maximum in a soft sleeper, point from which to explore the ancient G Adventures operates a program
versus six – three stacked per side – in the city of Pingyao. called “Hidden China” that features a stay
hard sleeper. “Hard” presumably refers to It was founded in the 14th century and on the Inner Mongolia grasslands, plus
the difficulty in achieving sleep if your five retains a complete urban complex that visits to the cities of Datong, Pingyao and
companions are restless or snoring bliss- has survived through the ages. Within its Xian and Beijing. It is a 12-day overland
fully. But the trip offers valuable insight to walls are 225 hectares of narrow streets, tour, with prices starting at $1,300,
the way that many Chinese nationals make twisting laneways, shops, dwellings and inclusive of three-star hotels, overnight/
their way around the country, and opens temples. Its layout reflects the develop- express train fares and some meals.
up a side of life in China that remains ments in architectural style and urban International airfares are not included.
unseen for many Western tourists. planning of Han cities over more than www.gadventures.com tc
june 25, 2015 | travelcourier.ca 11DESTINATION | U.S.
HOP-ON BUS TOURS ARRIVES IN CHICAGO
London-based Big Bus Tours has begun
an operation in Chicago, bringing its
hop-on, hop-off sightseeing to one of the
USA’s most popular cities. The tour takes
L.A.’S FINE, JUST ASK in key sights, including an exclusive
ITS 44 MILLION VISITORS stop at Goose Island Brewery, Chicago’s
most famous craft brewery. The tour-
Los Angeles is well on the way to ing loop will take just over two hours,
achieving its target of 50 million visitors and includes a section north of Chicago
by 2020, according to Ernest Wooden, named Old Town, Lincoln Park, the Zoo
CEO of the LA Tourism & Convention and the Chicago Museum of History.
Board. He told an IPW press conference The vehicle also travels to famous
that the city of angels boasted more Second City Theatre, where many actors
than 44 million arrivals last year – up 5% and comedians have hailed from, such as
from 2013 – and raked in more than $18 Mike Myers, Steve Carell and Tina Fey.
billion in direct visitor spend. Wooden Using local guides, customers can enjoy
said his destination is in the midst of an details on Chicago’s history, architec-
“unbelievable transformation,” with more ture, comedy scene, and more. Guests
than $8-billion in private investment, can use the guides’ knowledge to gain
part of which will go to the construction tips on where to eat and what to do in
of 39 new hotels with 8,000 additional the area once they’ve hopped off. Chicago brings the number of cities Big Bus Tours
rooms in the mid-term. is active in to 17 – Abu Dhabi, Budapest, Dubai, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Las Vegas,
Public infrastructure spending is London, Miami, Muscat, New York, Paris, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Shanghai,
also in the $8 billion range, revealed Vienna, and Washington.
Wooden, who pointed to a new metro →www.bigbustours.com
line that will link downtown LA with
Santa Monica this summer and ongoing
work that will connect all the way to
LAX by 2020. MARK IPW SKED FOR NEXT EIGHT YEARS
→ www.discoverlosangeles.com
The US Travel Association has announced four future host cities for its annual IPW
(International Pow Wow) trade show, locking in locations through 2024. Future host
ANCHORAGE HOTEL cities are:
EMBRACES LODGE SPIRIT
Chicago—2021 (fourth time as host since 1971, last hosted in 2014)
Millennium Alaskan Hotel Anchorage,
Orlando—2022 (a record eighth time as host, last hosted in 2015)
the only lakeside hotel in the city,
San Antonio, Texas—2023 (first time as host, and first IPW held in
will soon see the completion of an
Texas since 2000)
$8.3-million renovation encompass-
ing a total overhaul of its 248 guest
Los Angeles—2024 (sixth time as host, last hosted in 2012)
rooms along with the hotel exterior.
Rooms will undergo a top-to-bottom “The next four IPW host cities mix East and West Coast, and first-time hosts with
transformation that evokes a high- old favourites we’re excited to see again,” said US Travel Association President and
end Alaskan lodge feel featuring CEO Roger Dow.
natural earth tones and a warm colour IPW is the largest travel trade show in North America – a one-stop opportunity
scheme. These refurbishments follow for US destinations, attractions and businesses to showcase themselves to thousands
recent upgrades to the hotel’s public of influential travel professionals from international markets including Canada. The
spaces, including the outdoor Deck record-setting 2015 show was held in Orlando last week.
at Lake Hood, which overlooks Lake As previously announced, New Orleans, La., will be the host city for IPW in 2016,
Spenard, the world’s busiest float- followed by Washington, D.C. in 2017; Denver in 2018; Anaheim in 2019; and Las
plane lake. Vegas in 2020.
→ www.millenniumhotels.com/usa/ →www.ustravel.org
12 travelcourier.ca | june 25, 2015 Online subscribers: click for digital extrasTOURING
CONTIKI and two extremes, from the hustle
and bustle of big city Auckland to the
Contiki has a limited-time discount to quaint, outdoor feel of Queenstown.
Australia and New Zealand. Travellers Contiki’s top-ranked experiences in
who book and pay in full before July Australia and New Zealand include
TRAFALGAR 31 can save 7.5% off their Australia or learning to surf on one of Australia’s
New Zealand trip, up to $369, on all best beaches on the 12-day Sunsets &
Trafalgar has released its first-ever 22 itineraries and optional sailing in Surf and sleeping under the stars like
worldwide Autumn, Winter, Spring the Whitsundays. New for 2015 is the a real Aussie ‘bushie’ on the 11-day
program offering a selection of unique seven-day Fire n’ Ice Trip, where travel- Outback Adventurer.
and authentic seasonal experiences lers experience New Zealand’s beauty →www.contiki.com
across Europe, Asia, the US and
Canada for 2015/16. Fifty-two itin-
eraries across eight different trip BESTWAY TOURS and Cusco. Participants will visit local
styles include three new Christmas specialty markets with leading Peru-
Spectacular guided vacations and James Walt, renowned chef of Araxi vian chefs to purchase local ingredi-
a host of seasonal experiences from Restaurant in Whistler, BC, will lead ents, followed by hands-on cooking
November 2015 to March 2016. Clients an 11-day culinary tour of Peru this experiences. The tour departs on
can save up to 7.5% when paid Aug. 31. September designed to explore Peru’s Sept. 2, by Bestway Tours & Safaris.
→www.trafalgar.com flavours and culture in Lima, Arequipa →www.bestway.com
H&
WITH MORE CAS
ON !
E PRIZES TO BE W
GO ONLIN
ORE
TO LEARN M
1 877 390 9050
gadventures.com/gnormous
Online subscribers: click for digital extras june 25, 2015 | travelcourier.ca 13DESTINATION | MEXICO / CARIBBEAN
Tequila authority Eugenio Alvarez
Gallardo and a non-mainstream looking
miner were on hand at Guanajuato’s
booth during Mexico’s tourism show of
Tianguis this year. The booth displayed
one of the mummies from the Museum of
the Mummies.
HOTEL STAFF SNUG
AS A BUG IN A RUG ‘MUMMIES’ THE WORD AT GUANAJUATO MUSEUM
The Brisas Santa Lucia Hotel in Camaguey Guanajuato, Mexico’s The Mummies Museum has some “relative-ly” eyebrow-rais-
doesn’t really need to hang up a “Do Not ing exhibits. The attraction hosts a number of naturally mummified bodies that
Disturb” sign by the check-out counter, were disinterred long ago after relatives were unable to pay a no-longer-existing tax
although that may seem to be the case required to keep them buried in a local cemetery. Those bodies were then stored in a
at first glance. The hotel’s energetic and local building – which eventually became the museum and now displays more than
friendly entertainment staff likes to amuse 100 corpses of varying sizes, and have become part of popular culture in Mexico –
departing guests by sprawling silently on and even attracted famed science fiction writer Ray Bradbury, who later wrote that
the outdoor floor in the morning, initially seeing them “terrified” him and wanted to make him “flee.”
seeming to be asleep to guests arriving to →www.guanajuato.mx
return their keys and begin the journey
home. Luis Daynor Cowan Hernandez of
the entertainment team says he and his
colleagues began doing it to amuse guests. Travel industry personnel gathered in
“It’s funny,” he says of the image of the New York earlier this week to preview
employees sprawled over the floor, seem- Golf Channel’s new series Altered Course
ingly catching a few ZZZs. Daynor Cowan Montego Bay, filmed on location at Hyatt
Hernandez says he and the rest of the Zilara and Hyatt Ziva in Montego Bay,
staff are always looking for new ways to Jamaica. One team taking part in the golf
amuse visitors and the “Sleeping Beauties” competition is the Canadian Ninjas’, Eileen
routine does just that. “It’s something Kelly (l) and Kyla Inaba (r), pictured here
different,” he states. with Kevin Froemming of Playa Resorts.
→ www.cubanacan.cu
SUMMER EQUALS SAVINGS IN CABO
Quiet beaches and lower prices in Los Cabos make for a peace- seasons, shoulder season prices are some of the best available.
ful early summer vacation for Canadian travellers that won’t Discount vacation packages and all-inclusive deals can be
break the bank. With temperatures rarely cresting 30 degrees found during shoulder season. A number of airlines offer last-
and tourist crowds at a minimum, this short window is one minute vacation packages, which include the cost of flights and
of the best times to enjoy Cabo. During this period, return accommodation at a 30% to 70% discount. Packages range from
flights are as low as $335 from Vancouver, $344 from Calgary, high-end seven-day luxury retreats starting at $1,475 p.p. to
$495 from Winnipeg and $398 from Toronto. With return casual, family, all-inclusive getaways at $675 p.p.
flights ranging from $600 to $1,200 across Canada during peak →www.visitloscabos.travel
:21'(562)3(58
GD\V
Air from Toronto with Avianca, 7 nights accommodation, private tours to
Lima, Cusco, Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu, transfers, most meals.
K^jn^lmhnkMkZo^eIeZgg^k
Call 888 469 2955 or visit www.goway.com
*Per person, twin. Subject to availability. Taxes included. Valid for bookings in July. Subject to availability. Other gateways available. TICO#1543989. 3284 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON.
14 travelcourier.ca | june 25, 2015T he Evolution of All-Inclusive ™
UNSTOPPABLE. AND NOW UNFORGETTABLE.
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos is now back and better than ever with a distinct Baja flavor. From the dramatic lobby
that will take your breath away, world class cuisine that takes you on a culinary world tour and now 21 new
premium two bedroom suites for an evening of bliss – Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos will truly be unforgettable.
NEW 12 unique restaurants, bars & lounges PLUS – BOOK 2 GET 3 FREE NIGHTS
NEW 34 swim-up suites Learn more at agents.playaresorts.com/3free
NEW Italian restaurant on the beach Guests Welcome August 15, 2015!
NEW Mexican plaza with an authentic Taqueria
NEW Kidz Club and Water Park
SAVE
UP TO
50%*
HYATT ZILARA (Adults Only)
CANCUN
MONTEGO BAY Call your Preferred Tour Operator or
HYATT ZIVA (All Ages) 8 00.7 2 0.00 51
MONTEGO BAY
PUERTO VALLARTA
LOS CABOS (August 15, 2015)
CANCUN (Fall 2015)
*Travel Agents may redeem 3 consecutive night maximum comp stay January 4 – June 30, 2016, subject to availability and eligibility. Limit of one comp stay per
HNLU[:H]PUNZVM\W[V VɈW\ISPZOLKYH[LZHYL]HSPKMVYUL^IVVRPUNZTHKL1\S`[OYV\NO1\S` MVY[YH]LS(\N\Z[ +LJLTILY
Z\IQLJ[[VH]HPSHIPSP[`:H]PUNZTH`]HY`I`KH[L)SHJRV\[^LLRLUKOVSPKH`HUKWLHRZLHZVUZ\YJOHYNLZTH`HWWS`7YVTV[PVUZHYLHJJ\YH[LH[[PTLVM
WYPU[PUNHUKHYLZ\IQLJ[[VJOHUNLZL_JLW[PVUZJHUJLSSH[PVUJOHYNLZHUKYLZ[YPJ[PVUZ5V[YLZWVUZPISLMVYLYYVYZVYVTPZZPVUZ6US`JVTIPUHISL^P[OZLSLJ[
WYVTV[PVUZ-\SSKL[HPSZH]HPSHISL\WVUYLX\LZ[;OL/`H[[APSHYHHUK/`H[[AP]H[YHKLTHYRZHUKYLSH[LKTHYRZHYL[YHKLTHYRZVM/`H[[0U[LYUH[PVUHS
*VYWVYH[PVU /`H[[0U[LYUH[PVUHS*VYWVYH[PVU(SSYPNO[ZYLZLY]LK 7SH`H9LZVY[Z4HUHNLTLU[L_JS\ZP]LVWLYH[VYVM/`H[[APSHYHHUK/`H[[
AP]H73( ALL INCLUSIVE RESORTSEVENTS
{Send Submissions to tc@baxter.net}
Victoria Inn; Aug. 4, Oshawa, Ont., AIR CANADA VACATIONS
Quality Hotel & Conference Centre; Winter product launches
Aug. 5, Toronto, Radisson Hotel September dates
Toronto East; Aug. 11, Quebec City, Dates are as follows: Sept. 9, Montreal;
Que., French workshop, (afternoon Sept. 10, Toronto; Sept. 15, Vancouver;
session, 1 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.), Hotel Sept. 16, Calgary; Sept. 17, Winnipeg;
SANDALS Alt Quebec; Aug. 12, Peterborough, Sept. 22, Ottawa; Sept. 23, Halifax.
Agent workshops Ont., Holiday Inn Peterborough Water- →http://vacations.aircanada.com
July - September front; Aug. 12, Trois-Rivieres, Que,
Sandals Resorts continues its French workshop, Delta Trois-Rivieres;
cross-Canada tour of informative Aug. 18, Laval, Que., French workshop, SOUTH AFRICA AIRWAYS
travel agent workshops July through Le St Martin Hotel Laval; Aug. 25, Africa Showcase
September. “The Closer You Look, Boucherville, Que., French workshop, Oct. 7
The Better We Look” workshops will Hotel Mortagne; Aug. 26, Granby, Que., South African Airways has announced
teach agents what sets the Sandals French workshop, Hotel Castel & Spa the tour dates for this year’s Africa
Luxury Included Vacation experience Confort; Sept. 2, Calgary, Coast Plaza Showcase, which will for the first time
apart from all the rest by giving them Hotel & Conference Centre; Sept. 3, include a stop in Canada (Toronto
the tools to scope it out including Edmonton, Courtyard Marriott West; on Oct. 7). The Africa Showcase is
comprehensive product updates, Sept. 10, Ottawa, Ottawa Conference & the largest travel trade event in North
including the new Sandals Barbados, Event Centre; Sept. 14, Rouy-Noranda, America featuring exclusively African
info on the lucrative groups market Que., French workshop, Best Western suppliers that represent hotels, safari
with Sandals Resorts and Beaches Plus Hotel Albert; Sept. 16, Mississauga, lodges, destination tourism organiz-
Resorts and general sales and market- Ont., Four Points by Sheraton; Sept. 17, ations and other attractions that are
ing tips. The workshops are open to Kitchener, Ont., Holiday Inn; Sept. 22, popular with North American travel-
all agents seeking to become Certified Windsor, Ont., Caesars Windsor; lers. The show brings Africa travel
Sandals Specialists and current CSS Sept. 23, London, Ont., Best Western specialists the latest trends on the
agents who need to maintain their Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference region’s products and services, enabling
status. The morning sessions take Centre; Sept. 29, Toronto, Radisson those who participate to boost their
place 7:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and in- Hotel Toronto East; Sept. 30, Toronto sales to the increasingly popular des-
clude continental breakfast (with the (afternoon session, 1 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.). tinations throughout Africa.
exception of four afternoon sessions Radisson Hotel Toronto East. →www.flysaa.com
in Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Quebec Agents can register online at:
City and Toronto which feature con- →www.uvisandals.ca
tinental lunch). Space is limited and TIABC
agents are asked to register early. A Annual conference
non-refundable fee of $35 is required ACTA ONTARIO Oct. 20-21
at time of registration. All partici- 2015 Golf Tournament The Tourism Industry Association
pants receive a workbook and collat- July 8 of BC (TIABC) has locked down the
eral kit, a certificate upon completion The annual ACTA Ontario Golf Tourna- dates for the BC Tourism Industry
of the workshop and an exclusive ment will be held on July 8 at the Royal Conference, set for Vancouver on
booking incentive. Ontario Golf Club in Milton. This year, Oct. 20-21. The 2015 conference will
The workshop schedule is as the tournament is going back to its offer a variety of workshops, keynote
follows: July 15, Prince George, BC, original format with a 10 a.m. shotgun speakers and tourism professionals
Four Points by Sheraton; July 16, start. The title sponsor for this year’s from all regions of the province. Up-
Richmond, BC, Hilton Vancouver event – and the next four years – is the wards of 400 delegates are expected
Airport Hotel; July 22, Fort McMurray, Air Canada group of companies (Air to attend this year’s event, represent-
Alta., Radisson Hotel & Suites; July 22, Canada, Air Canada rouge, Air Canada ing all sectors of the industry from
Timmins, Ont., Holiday Inn Express Vacations and Air Canada Cargo). The city/community destination market-
& Suites; July 23, Sudbury, Ont. (after- cost is $170 for single golfers. Dinner- ing organizations, to independent
noon session, 1 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.), Steel- only guests are also welcome at a cost operators to provincial and municipal
workers’ Union Hall & Conference of $70 per person. For further details, government leaders.
Centre; July 29, Thunder Bay, Ont. contact Fiona Bowen at fbowen@acta.ca →www.bctourismconference.ca
(afternoon session, 1 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.), or by calling 905-282-9294, ext. 126.
16 travelcourier.ca | june 25, 2015 Online subscribers: click for digital extrasFAMS
{Send Submissions to tc@baxter.net}
ANDERSON VACATIONS
Canada Megafam
In partnership with strategic destina-
tion partners across Canada, Anderson
Vacations is offering up to 30 top travel
agent or tour operator partners the
opportunity to travel to one of several
unique Canadian destinations with
its annual CANADA MEGAFAM.
Agents will experience the breathtaking
landscapes and rich diversity of Canada
with small groups of like-minded top
Air France and Atout France recently hosted six Vancouver-area travel
travel professionals, as they travel
agents on a familiarization trip to France, combining Paris and Montpellier.
to either British Columbia, Alberta,
Participants had the opportunity to experience the convenience of
Newfoundland, Labrador, Ontario,
the new YVR CDG direct flight, tour the Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub
or Quebec. These small groups will
and discover Montpellier, the new KLM destination in France, and the
not only socially be able to share their
Languedoc-Roussillon region. Pictured in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert are
megafam experiences with clients
(l-r) Eliza Yuen, Malaspina Travel; Daniel Chicoine, Carlson Wagonlit;
and friends back home, but also post
Constance Capranèse, Atout France; Carole Giguère, Air France/KLM,
to the megafam-generated hash tag
Maggie Wilkins, Forbes Travel; Nao Nishihara, Ellison Travel; Dana
in a competition that will be awarded
McGregor, North South Travel; and Alyssa Jimenez, Travel Masters.
during the “Grand Finale” evening.
For every Canada and Alaska indi-
vidual passenger booking made this
year (up to Aug. 10), agents receive
one ballot into the draw for megafam INDIA EASTERN EUROPE
attendance. Additional chances to win September dates Oct. 14-23
include submitting a 60-second video Onkar Travels has India fam trips in Exotik Tours is hosting an October
(or less) that demonstrates why you September. The company says it strives fam to Eastern Europe from Van-
love Canada or by sending a photo of to make the tours “fun-filled and edu- couver featuring Budapest, Vienna,
your 2015 window display showcasing cational, while you visit a country of Salzburg and Prague. The cost is
that you are supporting the sale of wonders filled with palaces, drenched in $999 including land, air and taxes.
Canadian product. Anderson will select history and culture, tradition and rituals.” Agents are advised the trip will
four entries through its video/photo/ The North India Tour of six days will feature a lot of walking, and will
Facebook promotion to win their way cover Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Fatehpur include three to four mandatory
on to the fam program. Upload videos Sikri. The South India Tour of seven days hotel inspections in each city. The
and photos to Anderson’s Facebook will cover Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, fam is for travel agents only. For
page with the #AndersonMEGAFAM. Alleppey, and Kumarakom. Since the further details, contact:
Videos and photos must be received no tours follow one another, agents can →Nathalie.Demontigny@
later than Aug. 10. book themselves on both. The cost for TravelBrands.com
the land package is $630 for North India,
$790 for South India and $1,420 for both.
For bookings, contact Jasveet Singh, by
e-mailing jasveet@onkartravels.com or
phoning 905-897-0700, ext. 114 or 124.
→www.onkartravels.com
Online subscribers: click for digital extras june 25, 2015 | travelcourier.ca 17RIVER CRUISING
COLLETTE UNVEILS
2017 CRUISE LINEUP
Collette has announced its new lineup
of river cruises being offered through
2017 that feature small, intimate vessels,
creating a more personal experience as
travellers journey through a variety of
waterways. With the launch of the bro-
chure, clients will be able to save up to
$200 per cabin. Collette is now offering
seven tour itineraries in Europe, includ- EUROPEAN WATERWAYS SET TO EXPAND FLEET
ing a new tour, Timeless France, which
will feature the Saone and Rhone Rivers. European Waterways is investing more than $600,000 in upgrades to its hotel barges
An additional river cruise itinerary in and has added new routes for the 2015 season and will be expanding its fleet next
Africa and one in Asia is also detailed in year with the addition of the double-decker eight-passenger Finesse. The Finesse will
the brochure. cruise Southern Burgundy from St-Jean-de-Losne to Montchanin – an area not
→www.gocollette.com currently offered in the European Waterways program. It is scheduled to launch in
April 2016 and will be priced at $7,000 to $7,500 per person.
upgrades
AVALON BACK European Waterways is working with British designer Marion Falchi on interior
TO THE NILE renovations of several hotel barges in its fleet, including new floors, upholstery
and general décor for La Belle Époque’s cabin area. The Renaissance has also been
Stéphanie Bishop of the Globus family equipped with new cabins, bathrooms and bedding. To prevent disturbances during
of brands is delighted to let agents rest hours, hotel barges have been fitted with silent night generators for when plug-in
know that Avalon Waterways will be power is not available. As part of the upgrades and repairs, on-board WiFi has also
returning to the Nile in 2016. The nine- been enhanced. For more information, pricing, cruise schedules and brochures, visit:
day “Highlights of Egypt” itinerary will →www.gobarging.com
include two nights in Cairo at the begin-
ning and at the end of the vacation, plus
a four-night cruise on board the 245-foot CANADIAN GODMOTHER 85-cabin Scenic Opal features a heated
MS Mayfair. The Mayfair features just CHRISTENS SCENIC OPAL vitality pool on the panoramic Sun Deck
74 staterooms – each with panoramic plus the largest suites on the rivers with
windows, LCD satellite TV, in-room safe Canadian author, TV personality and the ultimate in private balcony accommo-
and minibar, and individually-controlled travel expert Claire Newell, godmother of dation – the 475-sq.-ft. Royal Panorama
air-conditioning. As well as shore excur- Scenic’s newest “Space-Ship,” the Scenic Suites and the opulent Royal Suite which
sions during the cruise, clients will also Opal, christened the vessel in an elab- boasts 360 sq. ft. of space.
receive tours of all of the “must-sees” – orate ceremony in Germany on June 18. butler service
The Pyramids, Luxor, Karnak, the Valley Newell is Canada’s first Scenic godparent. Amenities range from butler service
of the Kings, The Egyptian Museum in She is the owner and president of Travel for every guest to a gym and spa. In
Cairo, and more. Departures are offered Best Bets and is an expert on most travel 2016, Scenic is bringing its all-inclusive
year-round. topics – from family travel tips to current model to Portugal, Vietnam and Burma
→www.agentlingo.ca events affecting the industry. She was with the building of five more Space-
joined by Scenic chairman Glen Moroney Ships: the Scenic Azure will launch
at the special ship christening ceremony on Portugal’s Douro River; the Scenic
in Cochem. The 12th of the renowned Spirit and Scenic Zen will explore the
Scenic Space-Ship fleet and the newest to Mekong; the Scenic Explorer will cruise
be sailing the waterways of Europe, the on Burma’s Irrawaddy River; and the
18 travelcourier.ca | june 25, 2015RIVER CRUISING
Scenic Amber will be added to the fleet EMERALD UNVEILS NEWS OF FIFTH ‘STAR SHIP’
of Scenic Space-Ships sailing the Rhine,
Main and Danube rivers. Emerald Waterways has announced plans for construction of its fifth “Star Ship”
→www.scenic.ca – Emerald Belle. “The demand continues to strengthen and outpace supply,” noted
Emerald Waterways’ North American VP of brand management, Lisa Norton. “These
beautiful and innovative ships are proving to be exactly what the market has been
UNIWORLD BACK IN waiting for.” The Emerald Belle is being built in the Netherlands and is expected to
EGYPT IN OCTOBER be launched in early 2016, coming on the heels of the 2015 launch of the Emerald
Dawn and the Emerald Sun. Due to extremely positive guest and media feedback
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise regarding the current “Star Ships” design, the Belle will be built in the same con-
Collection will resume sailing on figuration as its four sisters, while also keeping an eye on possible innovations and
Egypt’s Nile River aboard the all-suite enhancements still to be decided. All of the vessels carry 182 guests in 72 suites and
River Tosca, commencing in October. 20 staterooms, including two built for solo occupancy.
Uniworld will kick off the season on Oct. heated pool
3 with “Splendors of Egypt & the Nile,” a Unique items include an onboard heated swimming pool with a retractable
12-day program starting and ending in glass roof, which transforms into a movie theatre in the evening; two restaurants:
Cairo. Clients will spend four nights at Reflections, the main dining room, and The Terrace for breakfast and lunch; and a
the Four Seasons Cairo at Nile Plaza and new type of cabin design that replaces the run-of-the-mill French balcony, common
seven nights onboard the 82-passenger to most ships, with an indoor balcony complete with decked area and an ingenious
all-suite River Tosca. While in Egypt, open-air system. The system allows guests to push a button and the upper half of the
Egyptologists lead small group excur- floor-to-ceiling panoramic window drops down to allow an open-air opportunity;
sions to such culturally significant sites top suites separate the balcony from the cabin with sliding doors.
as the Temples of Karnak and Luxor. →www.emeraldwaterways.ca
→www.uniworld.com
june 25, 2015 | travelcourier.ca 19WEST
AB
HOTEL CLIQUE BRINGS
EURO CHIC TO YYC
Stylish accommodations by Alberta’s
Clique Hotels & Resorts are now
available near Calgary Airport, with the
opening of a Hotel Clique there. The
large rooms are fitted with LED TVs, Representatives for the San Antonio CVB were recently in Calgary to
Keurig Coffee machines, TVs in the promote all that’s new in “Unforgettable San Antonio” to media and
bathroom, deep soaker tubs/shower trade partners, including the much-anticipated World Heritage desig-
panels, mini fridges, Blu-Ray players, nation for the Alamo Mission, which has been a crossroads for Texas
desk/speaker phones and Internet history for more than 300 years. Pictured in Calgary are (l-r) Patrice Bell,
access. Hotel amenities include two Pulse Travel Marketing (Canadian trade representative – San Antonio
rooftop hot tubs and Skydeck, a modern CVB); Krystal Jones, senior brand manager, Communications –
fitness centre, the Tonic kitchen and bar, San Antonio CVB; and Sana Keller, Pulse Travel Marketing.
and 420 square metres of meeting/event
space. A 3% hotel amenity fee buys servi-
ces like daily local newspapers, a 24-hour
business centre with computers/
printers, in-room bottled water etc. BC
→www.hotelclique.ca
CRUISE PASSENGERS GET WAIT BREAK WITH NEW KIOSKS
EDMONTON DOUBLETREE WINS Now easing lineup stress for passengers waiting to board their Alaska-bound cruise
MEETINGS VENUE OF THE YEAR ships from Vancouver are new automated passport control kiosks at Vancouver’s
Canada Place cruise ship terminal. Port Metro Vancouver has installed a set of
The DoubleTree by Hilton West 10 of the kiosks at the terminal, in collaboration with the Vancouver Airport
Edmonton has won the Venue Authority. The terminal, now in the midst of its busy Alaska cruise ship season, is
of the Year Award at this year’s the first cruise ship terminal in the world to use this technology. The kiosks give US
Meeting Professionals International Customs officers the ability to process up to four times more passengers.
(MPI) Greater Edmonton Event →www.portmetrovancouver.com
Management Awards. This annual
awards show recognizes outstanding
people and companies within the RENAISSANCE HARBOURFRONT REBRANDS AS PINNACLE HOTEL
industry. The fully renovated hotel
features a SilverBirch Conference The Pinnacle Hotel Vancouver Harbourfront has been officially relaunched,
Centre, with ergonomically advanced now operating under the Vancouver-based Pinnacle Hotels & Restaurants brand.
meeting spaces that are ideal for Previously known as the Renaissance Vancouver Harbourfront Hotel, Pinnacle
meetings, conferences and weddings. International purchased the 442-room property in 2007, but continued operating
Meeting planners enjoy all-inclusive it under the existing brand. It will now be jointly marketed with North Vancouver’s
meeting packages, which make meet- 105-room Pinnacle Hotel at The Pier, and the Pinnacle Hotel Whistler Village with
ing planning convenient and easy to 84 suites. Renovations to the property’s meeting and event spaces have started, with
budget. Guests get free WiFi access all completion expected this summer. Upgrades to the hotel’s p2b restaurant are slated
day long without additional charge. for summer and fall. The hotel offers free WiFi and bottled water in guest rooms.
→www.doubletree3.hilton.com →www.pinnacleharbourfronthotel.com
20 travelcourier.ca | june 25, 2015 Online subscribers: click for digital extrasINCENTIVES
Riu Palace Cabo
COLLETTE
Collette has launched a new agent
incentive in celebration of its 25th
anniversary in Canada. The promo-
tion allows agents to earn an addi-
tional $25 with no limit for each new
retail booking with Collette from
June 25 to Aug. 25. The incentive is
applicable for departures through SIGNATURE VACATIONS “Earn and Win” incentive that runs
2016. Incentives will be paid within through July 15 will earn agents a
30 days following the quarter that the Exclusive tour operator for RIU Hotels bonus 4% commission, plus four times
qualifying bookings have travelled. & Resorts, Signature Vacations has the usual number of RPC (Riu Partner
A booking is defined as a minimum launched a new incentive in partnership Club) Points. In addition, each booking
of two full-paying passengers in a with the hotel chain for summer book- an agent makes will also qualify for
double room or a single passenger ings for stays at either Riu Palace Cabo a chance to win an all-inclusive trip
in a single room. For further details, San Lucas or Riu Santa Fe in Los Cabos, for two to Riu Santa Fe in Los Cabos
agents are asked to contact their local Mexico, through Oct. 31. All new book- courtesy of Signature Vacations.
district sales manager or call: ings made to either property during the →www.signaturevacations.com
→1-800-468-5955.
GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE SKYLINK
HAWAII HOTELS
Travel Courier and Greater Fort For each ticket issued on Delta KLM,
Two of Hawaii’s most prominent hos- Lauderdale, along with a host of part- Air France and Alitalia, agents can
pitality entities have each launched ners, are giving agents a chance to win earn 2,000 TruCash Imagine Points
a sweepstakes that gives agents a a beach getaway for two to “Sunny Fort for Economy Class bookings and 5,000
chance to win a seven-day vacation Lauderdale.” To enter (the deadline is for Premium Economy/Business Class
to Hawaii. Each entry also unlocks a July 17), simply answer the following bookings. The promotion applies to
promo code for 15% off any vacation. question – How many kilometres of new tickets issued by SkyLink Canada
Until Aug.10, people can enter for the Blue Wave beaches are there in Greater (Toronto, Vancouver) from June 12-30
chance to unwind with a free trip to Fort Lauderdale – at: for travel anytime. For details, call:
Hawaii. Those who don’t win will →http://promo.baxter.net/contest/ →1-877-759-5465
still receive 15% off new reservations ftlauderdale.asp
just for entering. The winner receives
a seven-night stay voucher valid at
any eligible Aqua or Lite Hotel in ENCORE, ROYAL CARIBBEAN nights or more, in any category,
Hawaii. And from now until Aug. 10, that departs any time before Dec. 31.
people can enter for a chance to win a Encore Cruises is bringing agents and their name will automatically
free stay at an Aston Hawaii hotel or the summer heat with a special new be entered in a draw to win one of
resort. For entering, they’ll receive the incentive called “Summer Sizzle,” 15 $500 Visa gift cards. Draws will
special Ohana rate typically reserved which in partnership with Royal be held and winners announced
for local residents. Caribbean will award 15 agents $500 at the end of the booking window.
→www.astonhotels.com each. Running through June 30, agents Bookings can be made by phone or
simply need to book and apply payment online to qualify.
on any Royal Caribbean cruise of seven →www.encorecruises.com
Online subscribers: click for digital extras june 25, 2015 | travelcourier.ca 21You can also read
