CALIFORNIA OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Tourism officials in California are letting agents and their clients know that the state’s tourism industry remains largely unscathed from the wildfires that broke out over the past two weeks.
Fires are nearing containment, and weather forecasts are favourable.
The affected regions of Sonoma County and west Los Angeles are returning to business as usual and reassuring visitors and meeting planners that the regions are open and ready to welcome visitors. While fires of any size in populated areas are destructive, officials say California’s visitor experience remains intact. Airports, roads, hotels, wineries, and other attractions are open for business.
Visit California president Caroline Beteta issued the following statement, “California’s travel industry extends its deepest appreciation for the state’s fire service and first responders, whose heroic efforts have saved countless lives and businesses across the state. The quick progress firefighters have made is immensely encouraging – both for the thousands of travellers with plans to visit and the communities that rely on visitors to fuel their economies. Both Sonoma County and Los Angeles are quintessential California experiences for residents and visitors alike, and now is the time to visit. California is safe to visit, and travellers can access information about all Golden State destinations at http://VisitCalifornia.com”
Conditions in California’s wildfire-affected communities continue to change rapidly. Visit California is connecting travellers with the latest fire information through http://VisitCalifornia.com travel alerts and http://WestCoastTravelFacts.org.
ANTIGUA, BARBUDA LAUNCH NEW TOURING APP
Antigua and Barbuda has partnered with Geotourist to create navigational application content for Antigua and Barbuda that gives visitors the chance to explore the destination independently, while being guided by Antiguan storytellers, all from their mobile phone.
CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin C. James says, “As the needs of travellers evolve, Antigua and Barbuda will continue to enhance our product, and we are proud to be the first country within the Caribbean to launch this free mobile, GPS triggered audio tour. In addition to already offering visitors the opportunity to be guided throughout the country by accredited tourist guides, this new mobile app now meets the needs of those cultural explorers who have the desire to immerse themselves in the local culture and seek out their own experiences, while still benefiting from a personal tour guide.”
The GeoTourist app, is available on iPhone, iPads, Android phones and tablets. It is free to download and when opened on Antigua and Barbuda highlights a variety of historical sites in Antigua’s historic Capital city, St. John’s, as well as within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nelson’s Dockyard.
Visitors on one-day visits and those on longer stays can easily follow the clearly laid out map and find themselves back in time, as the narrators – well-known Antigua and Barbuda media personalities Jamilla Kirwan and Peter Gordon – enthusiastically relay historical facts on fascinating structures, monuments and cultural icons.
CUBAN CAVE VISITS END WITH THE SIGHT OF LIGHT
Count Toronto resident Steve Gillick among those who have done the temporary cave-man routine, while in Cuba.
Gillick was among a group who travelled to Havana in May for Cuba’s FITCuba tourism show, with the group taking a day trip to the nearby province of Pinar del Rio, home to the Cave of the Indian, long ago a shelter for Cuba’s first inhabitants and now a tourist attraction.
Tourists first work their way through the cave by foot on guided tours and then complete their journey by boat, thanks to water being found in much of the subterranean retreat.
“We ducked, squeezed and ambled through the fairly well-lit cave,” Gillick recalls. “The walkway ended at a subterranean dock where we boarded a motorboat to ply the very calm waters of the San Juan River.
“After noting the history of the cave, our tour guide was quick to point out the impressive stalagmites and stalactites, and he drew our attention to a number of rock formations that only the power of suggestion could reveal as a rock that resembled a seahorse or another that looked like a human skull. At the end of the relatively short cruise, we approached a crack of light and sailed through the craggy cave exit.”
“Although some might find the cave somewhat cramped in spots, tourism authorities note the journey will always end with them seeing the light of day.”
https://geotourist.com/users/5534
END WITH THE SIGHT OF LIGHT
Count Toronto resident Steve Gillick among those who have done the temporary cave-man routine, while in Cuba.
Gillick was among a group who travelled to Havana in May for Cuba’s FITCuba tourism show, with the group taking a day trip to the nearby province of Pinar del Rio, home to the Cave of the Indian, long ago a shelter for Cuba’s first inhabitants and now a tourist attraction.
Tourists first work their way through the cave by foot on guided tours and then complete their journey by boat, thanks to water being found in much of the subterranean retreat.
“We ducked, squeezed and ambled through the fairly well-lit cave,” Gillick recalls. “The walkway ended at a subterranean dock where we boarded a motorboat to ply the very calm waters of the San Juan River.
“After noting the history of the cave, our tour guide was quick to point out the impressive stalagmites and stalactites, and he drew our attention to a number of rock formations that only the power of suggestion could reveal as a rock that resembled a seahorse or another that looked like a human skull. At the end of the relatively short cruise, we approached a crack of light and sailed through the craggy cave exit.”
“Although some might find the cave somewhat cramped in spots, tourism authorities note the journey will always end with them seeing the light of day.”
ACV UNVEILS ORLANDO PROMISE
Air Canada Vacations (ACV) has launched its new Orlando Promise, featuring three key features with any package purchased – a reduced deposit, flexible cancellation, and price drop guarantee.
Agents can now book their clients’ escape to the Sunshine State’s theme park paradise with only a $50 deposit. The program also offers travellers the peace of mind to cancel their booking with a full refund up to seven days before the departure date (including their deposit).
ACV’s new Orlando Promise features added flexibility with a price drop guarantee. If the price drops on any Orlando travel packages after an agent makes a booking, the tour operator will refund the difference up to seven days before the departure date.
Clients booking a Disney escape with Air Canada Vacations can take advantage of a variety of added values such as no resort fees, free WiFi, airport and theme park transfers, and getting their Fastpass online up to 60 days early.
“We’re very excited about announcing our new Orlando Promise to our travel agent partners,” said Dana Gain, senior director of Sales, Groups & Partnerships at Air Canada Vacations. “We believe it will help travel agents close the sale by addressing the customer’s concerns around booking now versus waiting.”
ANGUILLA: BEYOND EXTRAORDINARY
While renowned for its spectacular beaches and coral reefs, tourism officials from Anguilla are sending a message that the Caribbean island is much more that.
Donna Banks, chairperson for the Anguilla Tourist Board, was in Toronto recently and hosted a trade dinner at the Royal York to update agents on all that’s new in Anguilla.
“We’re focusing on the authenticity of the Anguilla experience, beyond the great beaches,” said Banks. “A focus on tours and activities [such as caving] and culinary. Also, the people are our greatest asset.”
She added that travellers “come as visitors, but leave as friends.”
And, while known for its high-end, luxury properties, Banks noted that accommodation on the island is very diverse and ranges from super deluxe to small, authentic properties.
The tourism official also noted that 2019 is set to be a record-breaking year for Anguilla in terms of arrival numbers. From Canada, the numbers are up 10% from the previous record-setting year of 2014.
“We’re looking forward to a fantastic winter season,” she said.
She credited the success to an increased presence in the market, a better social media presence and a new web site.
Banks noted that getting to Anguilla has never been easier with most Canadians flying into St. Maarten and then taking a 20-minute ferry. Airlines that serve the region include Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat and Sunwing.
SAINT LUCIA HAS RECORD SEPTEMBER
Saint Lucia is attracting a record number of visitors. Already boasting seven record-breaking months of increases for 2019, the month of September has
gone down as an unprecedented one for visitor arrivals to the island, specifically Stay-Over Arrivals.
Figures indicate that Saint Lucia received 21,608 stay-over visitors for the month of September – a 15% increase from last September and the largest percentage increase for the year.
This figure also surpasses the record set in 2017 (20,049) by more than 1,000 additional visitors or 7.8%, in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria that severely affected several other Caribbean islands that month.
Most of this growth was driven by the 15% increase in arrivals from the US market – an additional 1,156 visitors. The numbers from Canada increased by 43%.
“While we welcome the increases, we will not stop in exploring every possible avenue, program, policy or niche, that will keep us top of mind in the marketplace, so as to drive visitor arrivals to our destination,” noted Tourism Minister Dominic Fedee.
EGYPT’S RED SEA PROMOTED TO SUN-SEEKERS
GMTours offers several tours for escapes to sun destinations, including one country that’s synonymous with spectacular archeological sites.
The tour operator’s choices in Egypt include Sharm El Sheikh, found on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula.
“It’s known for its sheltered sandy beaches, clear waters and coral reefs,” says GMTours president Sally Mikhail. “A great way to end your visit to Egypt is by staying at least for one week in Sharm El Sheikh. This sun destination with warm water is great for swimming or diving.”
She says great scuba diving is available in Ras Mohamed National Park and Nama Bay. Naama Bay has a palm tree-lined promenade and is filled with bars and restaurants. Mikhail says those visiting Sharm El Sheikh should make a point of visiting the Nabq Protected Area.
“Our programs SplendoUrs of Egypt, Treasure of Egypt & Jewels of Egypt, all offer trips to the Red Sea resorts of Sharm El Sheikh or Hurgadha. Prices start from $2,200 per person,” Mikhail says.
Mikhail adds that GMTours also has long-stays to Spain’s Costa Del Sol. Stays of three weeks that include flights, transfers, hotel and three excursions start at $1,900.
ROSALIE BAY ECO-HOTEL TO REOPEN IN FEBRUARY
After rebuilding from damage by Category 5 Hurricane Maria in 2017, Dominica’s Rosalie Bay Eco-Resort is poised to reopen in February.
Located on the southeastern side of Dominica, Rosalie Bay closed after suffering a direct hit from Hurricane Maria in September 2017.
Now under new management, officials say guests will soon be able to enjoy the locally owned and operated resort and its authentic “Nature Island” hospitality. Even the beloved sea turtles, including giant 1,000 pound-Leatherbacks, are back and once again nesting on Rosalie’s black-sand beach.
Renovations of the reception centre, restaurant, spa, fitness centre, onyx-lined pool, special events centre, and all 28 rooms and suites are near completion.
Celebrating its return, Rosalie Bay is offering 50% off rates on two or more nights booked by Nov. 30 for travel Feb. 1 through April 30. The special rates begin at US$153 per night (regularly US$306), based on double occupancy, and includes accommodation, (excluding Garden View Junior), continental breakfast, WiFi, all fees and taxes.
http://www.RosalieBayDominica.com
UNIVERSAL’S DOCKSIDE INN RESORT TO OPEN IN MARCH
Universal Orlando Resort’s eighth hotel, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, will open on March 17, 2020.
An “extra-affordable Value category hotel,” Dockside Inn and Suites will join its sister property at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, Surfside Inn and Suites, which opened in June.
Dockside Inn and Suites will add 2,050 guest rooms to the Universal Orlando hotel portfolio by the end of 2020, featuring both standard rooms and spacious two-bedroom suites – which can accommodate up to six people.
Rates start US$85 per night. Guests receive exclusive benefits, including early park admission and complimentary transportation to and from the theme parks.
By staying at Dockside Inn and Suites, guests can enjoy more time experiencing some of Universal’s theme park experiences, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Jurassic Park River Adventure, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D, and The Bourne Stuntacular – which makes its debut at Universal Studios Florida in spring 2020.
http://www.UniversalTravelAgents.com
VALLARTA BOTANICAL GARDEN WINS AWARD
Puerto Vallarta’s Vallarta Botanical Garden was named one of the “Top 10 North American Gardens Worth Travelling For” at the 2019 Canadian Garden Tourism Awards, presented at the North American Garden Tourism Conference held Nov. 3-5 in Victoria.
Puerto Vallarta’s renowned botanical garden is a haven of greenery located about 15 miles south of the city’s historic centre. Visitors can spend a day taking hikes around the property, picnicking on its grounds or swimming in the Hoscones River.
Flora enthusiasts will find the garden’s 3,000 plant species intriguing. Visitors can witness such features as the Carnivorous Plant Collection, the Rose Garden, the fragile Orchid House, the lush Palm Garden and Tree Fern Grotto, as well as the prized Mexican Agave Gardens.
The Vallarta Botanical Garden is also a parrot refuge and home to many other tropical birds, reptile and mammal species.
LIVE LIKE A EWING AT ICONIC SOUTHFORK RANCH
Travellers can now spend the night at the famed Southfork Ranch – made famous in the long-running “Dallas” TV series – and live like a Ewing with full access to the entire mansion and pool.
The legendary Parker, Texas, ranch – home to countless Ewing family showdowns – provides the perfect place to reminisce about the many memorable moments J.R., Sue Ellen, Bobby and Lucy Ewing delivered to captivated fans around the world during the show’s 1970s and 80s heyday. According to officials, an overnight stay makes an unforgettable romantic getaway, proposal, wedding night, anniversary or other special-occasion opportunity.
Accommodations are US$1,978 for two people. Amenities include: Access to the entire house and pool, optional trail ride, sleepover in the famous bedrooms of J.R. Ewing, Bobby Ewing and Lucy Ewing, private tour of the mansion and ranch, champagne and hors d’oeuvres followed by “J.R.’s Steak Dinner, ” screenings of “Dallas” in the Ewing living room with popcorn and snacks, a home-cooked Texas breakfast at the Ewing family poolside patio table and official Southfork wine glass souvenir.
Additional guests may be added for US$400 per person up to a total of six guests.
For more information, go to:
http://www.southforkranch.com/southfork-packages
