Detroit welcomes baseball fans

(News Release)

 
Detroit, Mich. - Detroit and its hospitality community are roaring and ready to 
welcome visitors for the 2012 World Series. The Detroit Metro Convention & 
Visitors Bureau (DMCVB) and Detroit Sports Commission (DSC) are already making 
preparations for a warm welcome.

The DMCVB is printing pole banners to hang downtown along Jefferson and Woodward 
Avenues, printing welcome signs for the airport and storefronts, creating D 
buttons for fans and coordinating volunteers to serve as Detroit ambassadors on 
game days.

Tourism BC Christmas-themed Story Ideas, October 2012

Tourism BC Christmas-themed Story Ideas, October 2012
Here is a captivating collection of Christmas-themed Fresh Story Ideas from Tourism British Columbia.

Yuletide celebration, show-stopping sights and visits with St. Nick himself. Christmas is just around the corner, and that means plenty of offerings to charm young and old. Here follows a few of British Columbia's holiday favourites.

Halloween Fun in Bermuda at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute

Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine has earliest ski resort opening in Canada!

Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine is already on track for another record smashing season! Mt. Norquay is leading the way in the record books with the earliest opening in its history and as the first resort to open in Canada! Mt. Norquay opened for skiing yesterday, Thursday October 25th at 12 noon!

California Travel News Bulletin for October

DISCOVERING HALF MOON BAY AND PACIFICA
San Francisco is a city so chock full of riches and places to love, you want to linger as long as possible. When you're ready to leave the city, however, the nearby beachy towns of Half Moon Bay and Pacifica are ideal options. (Huffington Post)
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TIME TO UPDATE THAT MENTAL IMAGE OF OAKLAND – IT’S WAY MORE HIP NOW
At first the line forms slowly, a few solo diners slouching over their smartphones, just killing time until the noon opening of Bakesale Betty on Telegraph Avenue. Then, all at once, as if by a trick of time-lapse photography, several hundred lemminglike lunchgoers materialize and clog the sidewalk stretching a full block…All come to this increasingly trendy Temescal neighborhood of Oakland for that narrow window between noon and 1:30 when the funky ironing-board tables are unfolded, that magical time when Bakesale Betty actually opens for business. (The Sacramento Bee)
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"Annie Leibovitz" getaway packages to Ohio feature exhibition tickets and more

Columbus' Wexner Center for the Arts only stop to host major Annie Leibovitz exhibition

Columbus, OH -- The Wexner Center for the Arts will devote its entire gallery space to a major presentation of work by photographer Annie Leibovitz from  Sept. 20  through Dec. 30, 2012.

”Annie Leibovitz,” organized by the Wexner Center, will feature more than 200 photographs.  The bulk of the exhibition comes from “Master Set,” an authoritative edition of 156 of her images. 

Leibovitz personally selected and oversaw the printing of the limited edition, large archival pigment prints.  A special lobby display will feature portraits and related working prints by Leibovitz of artists who have appeared at The Wex over the years, some of whom are Wexner Prize recipients. 

What's new this fall à la Montréal

Tourisme Montréal | 1555 Peel Street, Suite 600, Montréal (Québec) Canada, H3A 3L8.

September 2012

Fall is a favourite time of year in Montréal and for good reason! The season’s vibrant colours are already beginning to emerge across the city, with a wide range cultural activities ranging from expos to festivals to concerts to gastronomic events filling the city’s autumnal calendar. Annual fall favourites such as the Magic of Lanterns that lights up the Botanical Gardens or the Montréal POP Festival with its habitual series of incredible concerts are back once again, while great new additions such as the TASTE MTL culinary festival comes to town with an irresistible invitation to sample the flavours of local restaurants at reduced prices. With such an agenda, Montréal remains, without question, one of the most exciting cities to visit this season!

What's hot and new at Big White Ski Resort For 2012/13

From wine and ski packages to a private ski day with a champion,  Big White tempts skiers this winter season 

KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA – It’s all about the skiing, savouring, and sipping this year at Big White Ski Resort. Maximizing it’s unique location in the heart of Canada’s wine country this award-winning family resort has put together some new events and packages that highlight its location, as well as its commitment to value and family fun both on and off the slopes.

Hailed for its champagne powder and most ski-in, ski-out accommodation in Canada, Big White has built its reputation on offering an easy and authentic winter vacation experience for all ages. “Coming into our 50th year as BC’s second most popular resort we are proud of what we’ve built over the years. After a busy summer of upgrades and renovations the team is looking forward to welcoming guests to another round of Okanagan champagne powder.” Says Michael Ballingall, Senior Vice President.

Story Ideas from Tourism British Columbia, Sept. 2012

Here is a captivating collection of Fresh Story Ideas from Tourism British Columbia. Gibsons: Seaside TV Town Takes It Beyond the Small Screen Vancouver Island: Rest & Relaxation at Vancouver Island Coast Visitor Centre Thompson Okanagan: Wine, Women and 3 Mile Estate Kootenay Rockies: Do It All, or Nothing at All, at Wing Creek Resort Northern BC: You Know the von Trapps. Time to Meet the Hobsons Gibsons: Seaside TV Town Takes It Beyond the Small Screen: In the hearts of most British Columbians, the town of Gibsons will forever remain the setting for The Beachcombers, one of Canadian television's biggest success stories (the weekly "dramedy" aired from 1972 until 1990). But given the quaint community's proximity to the ocean, perched on the hillside overlooking the harbour and islands of Howe Sound, there's little wonder these days why Gibsons is best defined by its scenery, artists and fishing boats. Want to see the small-screen wonder yourself? A quick hop, skip and a ferry ride from West Vancouver will deliver you to this sunny community that has long been a haven for creative souls.

Four Points by Sheraton to debut in New Brunswick

Four Points by Sheraton Edmundston Opens Next Summer

Stamford, CT – September 18, 2012 – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced its Four Points by Sheraton brand will open its first hotel in Edmundston, New Brunswick.  Four Points by Sheraton Edmundston will open in July 2013 in an ideal location at the centre of downtown Edmundston.

The former Clarion hotel will undergo an extensive $2.5 million renovation prior to flying the Four Points flag. With 160 hotels open worldwide and the second largest pipeline among all Starwood brands, Four Points offers a “best for business” proposition for travellers seeking great hotels at great rates.

New Alberta fall road trips

Drumheller, Alberta- No wonder Tom Cochrane filmed his hit tune, Life is a Highway, in the Canadian Badlands of South-Eastern Alberta.

 

Less-traveled roads crisscross a 90,000 square kilometre prairie intersected by river valleys with incredible badland formations.

 

Stretching east from Calgary to the Saskatchewan border and south to the US border state of Montana, the Canadian Badlands is the perfect fall road trip.

 

Guided day trips and overnight packages include ghost town tours, theatre, a wine and food festival, and fall hiking.

Travel news from Quebec City and Area, September 2012

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is undertaking a massive $66-million upgrade, which includes renovations to the hotel’s 618 rooms and suites; the expansion of the Fairmont Gold floors; a major transformation of the main lobby; the expansion of the fitness centre by adding a luxury spa; the implementation of an entirely new restaurant concept; and the enhancement of heritage elements by carefully integrating artefacts and pieces by Quebec artists. The Fairmont will continue its regular operations open until the end of the work in 2014. You can follow the work’s progress online at the following microsite: nouveauchateau.com/en/ www.fairmont.com/frontenac-quebec/

Canadian tour celebrating the 100th Grey Cup: VIA Rail Canada welcomes the Grey Cup on board its train from Vancouver to Halifax

Vancouver, September 10, 2012 - VIA Rail Canada is pleased to welcome the Grey Cup on board its train as part of its cross-Canada tour.

Celebrating its 100th edition in 2012, yesterday, the Cup began a coast to coast journey to visit one hundred Canadian communities. VIA Rail's Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Paul G. Smith, joined Mr. Mark Cohon, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League (CFL), Ms. Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, Ms. Adriane Carr, Deputy Mayor for the City of Vancouver, Mr. Karim Salabi, Executive Vice-President, Marketing at RONA, and Mr. Dennis Skulsky, President and CEO of the British Columbia Lions, to highlight the official opening of the VIA Rail train carrying the Grey Cup as it passed through Pacific Central Station in Vancouver on its way to Halifax.

The train will end its great journey in Toronto on November 17th 2012, while the 100th Grey Cup Festival is taking place.

Food and wine stories from British Columbia

(News Release)

Here is a captivating collection of Food and Wine Fresh Story Ideas from British Columbia.

Want to learn more about wineries in BC? Visit www.HelloBC.com/wine or order your 2012 British Columbia Winery Touring Guide at www.HelloBC.com/brochures.

• Vancouver, Coast & Mountains: Whistler's Moveable Feast
• Kootenay Rockies: One Fairmont Hot Springs Kitchen Works From Scratch
• Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: Make a New World Order in Cowboy Country
• Thompson Okanagan: Toast BC Vintners During the Fall Okanagan Wine Festival
• Northern BC: Travel the Alaska Highway in Search of ... Cinnamon Rolls
• Vancouver Island: Say Cheese!

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Tried and True: Consistently Great Hotels in Mexico

News Release             Mexico Boutique Hotels has been scouting and promoting what we consider to be great boutique hotels in this country for over a decade. Twelve years to be exact! During that time, hotels have come and gone and with so many using the 'boutique' label nowadays, it's harder than ever to know what's what.   It's always fun to read about the newest properties. The 'in' places. The Travel + Leisure Hot list. It's also exciting to check them out and put them on our bucket list. We do it too. Having said that, we happen to think it's pretty amazing to be on another list. The we-set-the-standard list. The we've-been-consistently-great list. And don't just take it from us. The following hotels have had great reviews over and over again. For over 10 years. They've reinvented themselves when required, they've grown with the industry and they've listened to their guests. They make people happy. Often. We like that and we think you might like that too.

California Travel News Bulletin for September 2012

 
OVERSEAS VISITORS FLOCK TO SAN FRANCISCO
California is more popular and accessible than ever, say global online travel agency Jetabroad, as new figures reveal that San Francisco welcomed a record number of visitors in 2011. These numbers are expected to increase after three theme parks opened new attractions this summer, and airlines have announced new routes to the Golden State to accommodate eager travellers. (eTN Global Travel Industry News)
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AAA CAA hot deal for stays with Starwood in Western Canada and Pacific Northwest

(News Release)
Limited Time Offer Ends September 7^th for stays completed by December 2^nd

VANCOUVER, August 29, 2012—Starwood invites AAA and CAA members to get away and enjoy the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada this fall with fantastic savings of up to 30% off regular published rates.  Many participating hotels are offering additional value adds such as parking, daily breakfast and more, exclusively for AAA and CAA members.

This Hot ‘AUTODEAL’ special is valid at participating Starwood hotels and resorts in Seattle, Vancouver, Portland, Bellevue, Victoria, Anchorage, Richmond, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Kamloops and Red Deer.

Brands include Westin, Sheraton, Four Points, The Luxury Collection, Aloft and W. This exclusive limited time offer is valid for bookings made by September 7, 2012 and stays must be completed by December 2, 2012.

What's new at Silver Star Mountain Resort in Vernon, British Columbia

(News Release)

New all-inclusive pass, bowling alley and ladies-only heliski package are only a taste of what is on offer this year at Silver Star 

VERNON, BRITISH COLUMBIA, August 30, 2012 – This will be a winter to remember at Silver Star Mountain Resort with so many new offerings complimenting the 700 centimeters of champagne powder that falls annually on its slopes.

Highlighting the season is the introduction of Canada’s first all-inclusive season’s pass and day ticket and Western Canada’s largest groomed XC trail system. Whether it’s challenging the resort’s new bowling alley, combining skiing and golf with the Ski to Tee package or gathering the girls for a heliski program aimed just at the ladies, Silver Star is poised for yet another exciting season.

Elevated risk of rip currents expected along some Florida beaches this week

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) reminds residents and visitors to use caution when visiting the beach, as a high risk of rip currents is expected along some of Florida’s coasts this week.

Along the Atlantic Coast, from Nassau through Martin County, ocean swells from Tropical Storm Leslie are generating a high risk of rip currents. The risk of rip currents will also increase along the Southeast Florida coast, from Palm Beach County through Miami-Dade County later this week.

The #PopUpPatio at the Westin Grand, Vancouver

News Release

 

A Temporary Rooftop Urban Oasis every Thursday and Friday this Summer

August 2012 (Vancouver, BC) - Above the bustling intersection of Homer and Robson Street is the sun-drenched poolside terrace of The Westin Grand, Vancouver.

Every Thursday and Friday this summer the space is transformed into the #PopUpPatio, a bustling rooftop patio lounge. Guests unwind after a hard day of work in this relaxed atmosphere with soft seating, green gardens and live DJ music.

Executive Chef Matthew Richmond has designed a light menu served from a BBQ action station including items like scallop and prawn kebabs and watermelon feta skewers.  Bartenders from Hidden Tasting Bar & Social Lounge serve cool cocktails along with a refreshing beer and wine list.

Aloft Hotels to debut in South Korea with Aloft Suwon

News Release

 

Aloft Forges Ahead with Global Brand Expansion, Signing Deal to Launch First Hotel, Aloft Suwon, in South Korea in late 2014.

Suwon, South Korea – August 9, 2012 – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced today that it plans to debut the Aloft brand in South Korea in late 2014, signing an agreement with development partner Youngshin HRD. Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of OKHOW Co., Ltd.

The hotel, Aloft Suwon, will be the first Aloft hotel in South Korea, adding to the brand’s global expansion plan and growth momentum in Asia Pacific that has been building up in recent years.

What's new in California: Summer edition

August 16, 2012 To view this issue online, click here.

California Travel News Bulletin SAILING SAN FRANCISCO BAY LIKE A PRO With a whoosh of water against its sleek, black hull and a thundering crack of wind-whipped sails above, USA 76 came about on San Francisco Bay. Almost immediately, the 115-foot mast — about as tall as a 10-story building — dipped 30 degrees, and I found myself riding the high side of the heeled-over sailboat as we sped under the Golden Gate Bridge. Unnerved by the sudden shift but trusting in the former America’s Cup racing yacht and its crew, I gripped the rails as we entered the towering swells just outside the Gate. (The New York Times) Back To Top | Read More » MARILYN MONROE: FOLLOW IN HER FOOTSTEPS AROUND HER CALIFORNIA HAUNTS 50 YEARS AFTER HER DEATH

What's new and improved at Banff-Lake Louise ski resorts

The Countdown is On! It may be the middle of August, but it's never too early to start planning for the upcoming ski season! After last years' record-breaking season, we're all in anticipation of another big season with massive amounts of fresh, dry snow! New and Improved for 2012/2013 The 2012/2013 season will see a number of new additions to the Banff-Lake Louise ski resorts. For the upcoming season Mt. Norquay will introduce a loading conveyor on its already improved Spirit Chair, The Lake Louise Ski Area is adding a brand new Tube Park, and Sunshine Village will be launching a new online video series! More information is available on our website. For our non-skiing guests, we are also launching an exciting new product; the Sightseeing Lift Pass. For $39.95 per day, this pass provides:

Stories about summer travel in British Columbia

  Story Ideas from Tourism British Columbia
Here is a captivating collection of Fresh Story Ideas from Tourism British Columbia.


Vancouver Island: Dive Into Deep Bay Marine Field Station: If the mussels, clams, oysters and crabs of Baynes Sound could talk, they would tell a story that spans 400 million years. They would spin a yarn about Vancouver Island's original human population — the innovative First Nations people who relied on them for food. They would tell tales about what it takes to keep the ecosystem clean — a key task for shellfish, which are essentially the self-powered filters of sea.

Le Centre Sheraton Montreal offers great end of summer packages through Sept. 2

News Release

 MAB’s Half-Off Summer Experience, Great CAA rates, Festival rates and more

MONTREAL, August 14, 2012—Re-connect in the heart of Montreal at the newly renovated Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel and savour the ideal location new world-class attractions.

With great value hotel packages, couples and families are invited to make the most of the end of summer 2012 in Montreal!

Newly revitalized rooms are designed with your well-being in mind and feature the new signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed, comfortable seating and LCD flat panel televisions. The hotel is also celebrating the completion of an extensive $40 million refurbishment. 

Driving California's Highway 1 awakens the senses

      (c) By Jim Fox

The 15,000 resident elephant seals along the beaches at Ragged Point, Calif. attract crowds of onlookers. (Jim Fox photo)

   The stench can be nauseating. The moans, belches and groans deafening. But the drive is exhilarating.

   This is California's Highway 1 along the Pacific Ocean that's one of the most scenic drives in the world.

   But there's one beach avoided by sunbathers and surfers.

   Even though, crowds form daily at Piedras Blancas to gawk at the sunbathers - hundreds, often thousands, of elephant seals. They spend their days lazing in the sun, grunting and covering themselves in sand.

   "Don't stand downwind from the seals," was the advice Tom Wolfe, concierge at the Fairmont San Francisco, offers as we set off on the drive south from the hotel atop Nob Hill.

   At the beach there's an "elephant seal symphony," in particular what mimics non-stop human belching. It's just the call of the elephant seal.

   Add to that gargles, grunts, snorts, bleats, whimpers, squeaks, squeals and the male elephant seal trumpeting to produce this concerto.