Friday, June 28, 2013

Wya Point Resort brings eco luxury to Ucluelet, BC


Yuu-tluth-aht First Nation Introduces New World-Class Resort
 
Ucluelet, BC (June 20, 2013) – Yuu-tluth-aht First Nation proudly announces the WyaPoint Resort, currently offering luxurious lodge accommodation, rustic eco yurts and a family-friendly campground in the lush coastal rainforest of Vancouver Island's west coast.
 
The resort is the culmination of a long-time dream of the community, providing employment and a way to share their pride in their culture with the world.
 
Wya Point Resort is an impressive and beautiful addition to Ucluelet, the ancestral home of the Yuu-tluth-aht people and a world-class destination on the edge of an island rich with ancient history and vibrant energy.
 
The internationally renowned region attracts visitors year-round with its storm watching, surfing, kayaking, hiking and fishing, as well as the captivating wildlife (whales, eagles, bears and rainforest creatures) that call the area home. Just steps from Ucluelet's resorts and B&Bs are spectacular beaches and clifftop trails, which meander through the rainforest and feature panoramic views of Barkley Sound and the Broken Group Islands.
 
With its broad range of accommodation and amenities—including the Wya Welcome Centre, Surf Shop, Wya Point Campground, Yurts and the Lodges at Wya Point—Wya Point Resort draws every type of traveler.
 
Nestled in the coastal forest, a few kilometres outside Ucluelet and within minutes of world-famous Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Wya Point Campground is an ideal retreat for families and individuals who want a relaxing break by the sea. With direct access to the private beaches within the Ucluth Eco Resort, the Wya Point Yurts have full amenities including summer kitchens, barbecues, fireplaces, wrap-around cedar decks, oceanfront beach access and cedar lounge chairs. For those looking for a more luxurious experience, the Lodges at Wya Point offer deluxe accommodation in self contained, architect-designed lodges complete with fireplaces, modern kitchens, spectacular ocean views and walk-on beach access at Ucluth Beach.
 
With secluded sandy coves, clear water and hidden rock pools, the beaches at Wya Point provide endless recreational fun. Ideal for a romantic retreat or family getaway, Wya Point Resort offers a peaceful sanctuary for all travelers. Developed by the Yuu-tluth-aht First Nation, Wya Point Resort is located on an old village site, tucked into the trees on an exclusive beach. Future plans for the resort include a 70-room boutique hotel, a restaurant, spa and 800-seat convention centre within the 600 acre property.
 
“Being the first to sign the Maa-nulth Treaty has helped the Ucluth First Nations invest in new business enterprises and partnerships which will not only ensure independence, economic stability and growth for generations to come, but will also help us reach out and share our cultural heritage to the many visitors arriving here from around the world,” says Tyson Touchie, Ucluelet First Nation’s Manager of Economic Development. “We are thrilled to showcase what has been our summer home for thousands of years as the new Wya Point Resort, and to celebrate our new emerging history.”
 
The Yuu-tluth-aht cultural connection to the land means that sustainability is the guiding principle for all aspects of the Wya Point development. Architect Scott Kemp has designed all the buildings to LEED Platinum standards, incorporating local materials and resources, including locally harvested FSC certified wood. Rainwater collection and domestic water are provided from the nearby lake and the resort will use the marsh's natural cleansing properties to treat grey water.
 
Along with quiet, simple luxurious beach front accommodation, Wya Point Resort offers the following services available by request: in-room massage, catered meals, gift baskets, romance and elopement packages, extensive natural trail network into the National Park, stand up paddle board rentals and lessons, individual and or group surf lessons and rentals. For more information on Wya Point Resort, please visit www.wyapoint.com or call 250.726.3435.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Experience Canada’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site: Red Bay, Labrador

(News Release)

Combine visit to tiny fishing village of Red Bay with province’s two other UNESCO Sites

           It was smiles all round in Red Bay, Labrador, last week when residents found out that their home town was one of just seventeen locations around the world added to UNESCO’s newest World Heritage Sites list.

           Now ranked with treasures such as Egypt’s pyramids and England’s Tower of London, the hamlet (population: 200) has been recognized for its rare and fascinating history. 

Red Bay was once the base of the world’s first large-scale whale oil production, from the mid-1500s to the early 1600s, when hundreds of Basque whalers ventured across the North Atlantic from Southern France and Northern Spain in search of whales and their precious oil.

Four Points by Sheraton survey reveals the social habits of business travellers

STAMFORD, Conn. – Today’s business travellers are surprisingly social on the road, according to a recent survey by Four Points by Sheraton, the “best for business” brand of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT).

Aside from sleeping, for instance, survey respondents indicated that enjoying the hotel bar or restaurant with colleagues or business partners was their number one activity during free time, outpacing time spent in the gym, spa, shopping or catching up with local acquaintances.

In addition, business travellers are good networkers, with nearly two-thirds of those surveyed reporting that that they have kept in contact with someone they met on the plane or at the hotel while traveling on the road.   About that flight, though:  business travellers draw the line with their own colleagues, as more than 60% indicate that they would prefer to fly alone rather than with a business associate.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts BC 'reels' in top notch service for summer


BIKE BUTLER - TEA SOMMELIER- FISH VALET

Vancouver, British Columbia, June 27, 2013 -This summer, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in British Columbia go the extra mile, offering one-of-a-kind experiences. 
 
From a Bike Butler, Tea Sommelier to a Fish Valet, Fairmont Hotels in British Columbia makes its mark this summer season. Featuring unforgettable BC summer experiences these specially selected employees will be sure to write home about.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Cartoon Network’s summer programs bring adventure and animation to life for kids at Atlantis, Paradise Island


CARTOON NETWORK TRANSFORMS ATLANTIS, PARADISE ISLAND INTO THE LAND OF Ooo THIS SUMMER

PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas – Thought Cartoon Network’s poolside dive-in theater at Atlantis, Paradise Island was fun last year? Just wait until you see what’s in store for kids this summer!

From now through August 11, 2013, Atlantis vacations will be filled with excitement as Cartoon Network brings an epic obstacle course, an awesome star-studded concert, nighttime beach screenings, gaming opportunities, crafts, red carpet premieres, and so much more!

The waters of Atlantis were transformed into Adventure Time's Land of Ooo when Cartoon Network took over the Paradise Lagoon renaming it the CARTOON NETWORK LAGOON earlier this month.

In response to rising demand, Starwood picks up the pace of Aloft conversions with the opening of Aloft Tucson University

STARWOOD HOTELS’ SIZZLING ALOFT BRAND LAUNCHES IN TUCSON, ARIZONA

STAMFORD, CT – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) has announced that its ‘Style-at-a-Steal’ Aloft brand celebrates the debut of Aloft Tucson University.

The opening also marks the completion of yet another Aloft conversion project, helping to accelerate the brand’s phenomenal global growth.

Owned by Starwood Hotels, the former Four Points by Sheraton property underwent a significant renovation to reposition it as an Aloft hotel. Catering to next generation travellers, Aloft Tucson University offers 154 spacious, loft-like rooms, leading-edge technology and a buzzing, social atmosphere.

The Gritti Palace unveils a refined version of its iconic self, joining newly restored Luxury Collection Hotels in Europe

THE LUXURY COLLECTION HOTELS & RESORTS CELEBRATES
THE GRAND OPENING OF THE LEGENDARY GRITTI PALACE
AFTER A $55 MILLION RESTORATION
Venice, Italy – The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), celebrates the grand opening of The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice.

The renowned hotel recently re-opened its legendary doors following a meticulous $55 million restoration, bringing the hotel back to its original grandeur.

The 15-month restoration of The Gritti Palace is part of a larger strategy to invest over $200 million in the restoration of Starwood’s most celebrated Luxury Collection hotels in Europe, including Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville and Hotel Maria Cristina, San Sebastian which re-opened last year, as well as the newly reopened Prince de Galles in Paris.

Travel suggestions from Destination British Columbia, June 2013

(News Release)

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

Destination BC is on Twitter. Follow us at @TourismBC.

Mexico Boutique Hotels adds six new properties to Its curated collection

From Art Centric to Eco Escapes

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco (June 25, 2013) - Mexico Boutique Hotels, a full-service online hotel collection has added six new hotels to its already extraordinary and eclectic mix of properties.
 
MBH now boasts 35 properties in its curated collection, with plans for additional members in the coming months.

Hundreds of applicants battle for the coveted role of the RunWESTIN Concierge through partnership with Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series

CALLING ALL RUNNERS:
WESTIN HOTELS CONTINUES NATIONWIDE SEARCH
FOR EXPERIENCED RUNNING CONCIERGE

STAMFORD, Conn. – It’s the job runners have been training for all their lives, and now there are just two weeks left to apply! Westin Hotels is nearing the finish line in its search for its first-ever resident running expert.

The global hotel brand is actively seeking experienced, passionate runners to join them on the road and serve as the on-site running expert for Westin VIPs participating in select Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series events.

More than 400 candidates have been vetted for the sought-after role and additional runners are encouraged to apply at www.runwestinconcierge.com through June 30, 2013.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Hotel offers appealing variety of packages for summer 2013

ENJOY $1 PARKING IN VANCOUVER WITH THE WESTIN BAYSHORE

VANCOUVER, June 20, 2013 –Tucked alongside picturesque Coal Harbour, The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver offers an unparalleled location in downtown Vancouver with panoramic views of the coastline, mountains and world renowned Stanley Park. The hotel offers a variety of appealing overnight packages for couples and families this summer.

With the special Enjoy $1 Parking package, valet parking leaves guests free to simply enjoy, unwind and relax.  Enjoy rates from $151 which includes the daily valet parking fee for just $1.00.  This is a $40 added value. Book online at westin.com/bayshore, or call 1-866-716-8101 and mention rate plan PARK1.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Fairmont Hotels celebrating milestone anniversaries this year

NEWS FROM FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS

Celebrating 2013 Fairmont Birthdays
With an enviable collection of landmark hotels that run from historic treasures to modern marvels, Fairmont hotels are celebrating a number of landmark birthdays and anniversaries this year.

One of the world’s most iconic hotels, The Fairmont Banff Springs, turns 125 years young and has a full roster of events and activities planned.

Close on its heels and with major renovations in store for 2013 is Quebec City’s Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, which celebrates 120 years as the world’s most photographed hotel with a new package for guests.

On the opposite side of Canada, The Fairmont Empress will be blowing out 105 candles in charming Victoria, British Columbia with special offers in store for guests.

Starwood Hotels invests more than $400 million refreshing its New York City portfolio

(News Release)

Global Hospitality Giant Unveils Several Newly Renovated Properties including Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, Westin New York at Times Square and W New York - Union Square
STAMFORD, Conn. – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) has announced that together with its owner and developer partners, it has invested more than $400 million to revitalize its New York City portfolio of hotels.

Newly renovated properties include the Sheraton brand’s flagship hotel – Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, W New York – Times Square, W New York - Union Square, W New York, The Westin New York at Times Square and The Westin New York Grand Central.

Ahh, summertime in Banff in the Canadian Rockies

Check out best summer deals and activities:
Lake Louise: 3rd Night FREE at the Chateau!
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Book 3 nights at the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and receive the 3rd night free!
Prices starting at $155 per person, per night.
Valid for travel until Sept 30, 2013.
More Details »

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Fairmont Pacific Rim offers summer packages to suit all tastes

 
Vancouver's luxury hotel offers new getaways tailored to
pamper and delight travellers

Vancouver, British Columbia - Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel in Vancouver offers exclusive summer packages perfect for that Canadian getaway and for those looking to soak up the 'Vancouver vibe'. Rated the best in the city on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List, the hotel's varied packages will entice the foodie, the art-lover, the cruise connoisseur or the spa-goer.

Food Truck Feast
Vancouver has become renowned for the abundance of 'meals on wheels' with a vastly growing Food Truck Vancouver food cart population featuring over 100 carts found around the city. Food cart cuisine ranges from BBQ, fish tacos, dim sum, to home style grilled cheese - there's a truck to tickle every taste-bud. Together with Vancouver Foodie Tours, the hotel has created a Food Truck Feast package that includes luxurious accommodation, welcome amenity, daily breakfast, a World's Best Street Eats Tour for two with local Vancouver Foodie Tours, and food cart city map to note all the favourites. This special Vancouver hotel package starts at $549.00 per night CAD, based on double occupancy.

More travel ideas from Destination British Columbia

Here is a captivating collection of fresh travel ideas from Destination British Columbia.
Destination BC is on Twitter. Follow us at @TourismBC.

Westin joins forces with Revolutionary Running Series to offer Premier VIP Marathon packages

WESTIN HOTELS HITS THE ROAD THIS SUMMER WITH ROCK ‘N’ ROLL MARATHON SERIES PARTNERSHIP

Seven Markets including Las Vegas and Los Angeles

Dream Job Alert - Westin is Calling All Marathoners to Apply for its First-Ever Resident Running Expert

STAMFORD, Conn. Reaffirming its commitment to guests’ health and wellness, Westin Hotels & Resorts has announced a preferred partnership with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series – the leading series of entertainment themed road-running events – to offer a collection of premier marathon packages designed to give running enthusiasts a leg up on the competition.

Through this partnership, race participants can book a personalized, VIP marathon experience in key markets across North America.  From pre-race pasta dinners and group warm-up runs to VIP race bib pick up and access to Westin’s on-site recovery tent the new offering was designed to provide runners with the ultimate race experience. 

Monday, June 17, 2013

Montréal is a festival city for summer tourists




Summer is almost here, and with the warm-weather season, Montréal is burgeoning with choices, like admiring giant garden sculptures, taking in a tribute to a Hollywood princess and seeing pop culture stars get a wax treatment.

For more information on Montréal visit our website, blog or image gallery. If you have any questions, don?t hesitate to contact us.
Newsletter

Canadians inspired by faith-based travel

VACATIONS TO BELIEVE IN

● Book 2014 holidays by September 17 this year and save 10%
●Travellers can earn up to $1,000 for their churches

            With over 22 million Canadians (67 per cent of our population) having a Christian identity, the potential market for international religious vacations is sizable.  The Globus family of brands has recognized this demand and is pleased to launch its 2014 collection of faith-based holidays in Europe and the Middle East.

            Devout Christians have made pilgrimages to sites of religious significance for centuries. Today, with escorted tour companies Globus and Cosmos, these faith-based journeys combine piety with historic and cultural curiosity, making the experience spiritual, yet convenient and simple to book.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Hailed as the first and only authentic links golf course in Canada, Cabot upgrades golf course and adds to its food and beverage program

CABOT LINKS GOLF COURSE DEBUTS NEW ADDITIONS
        
CAPE BRETON, NOVA SCOTIA – Lauded as “the Best New Course for 2012” by SCOREGolf and “one of the most important new courses in the world” by Golf Digest, Cabot Links has a series of new additions and upgrades.

On the golf course, the latest addition is the new 12th hole. The hole was built last spring by Canadian-designer Rod Whitman after Cabot Links acquired a beautiful piece of land, increasing the number of ocean-side holes to six.

A new online booking engine has been introduced, letting guests book their accommodation and golf rounds online, for the first time.

Tourism BC outdoor adventures await

(News Release)

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

Tourism BC is on Twitter. Find us @TourismBC.


Saturday, June 15, 2013

Cape Breton Island set to be the toast of the East Coast

 
Summer attractions include celebrations, festivals, music entertainment and more.

Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia – Culture buffs and fun-seekers planning a summer trip should visit Cape Breton Island, where a unique Canadian east coast experience awaits.

Cape Breton Island is home to the only living Celtic culture in North America, the world famous Cabot Trail and is the hottest island golf destination, according to Forbes Magazine.

The summer months will bring a famous fortress’s historical anniversary, traditional musical performances, world-class golfing and a foodie festival - among other attractions.

Recent W Hotel openings in Singapore and Bangkok Ignite Asia Pacific Growth

W HOTELS WORLDWIDE TO MORE THAN DOUBLE
ASIA PRESENCE OVER NEXT FIVE YEARS
 Nearly 20 W Hotels and Retreats in the Region by End of 2018

NEW YORK – On the heels of recent W Hotel openings in Singapore and Bangkok, W Hotels Worldwide announced plans to more than double its Asian presence by the end of 2018, offering global jetsetters nearly 20 W Hotels and Retreats in nine countries in the region.

More than half of the W brand’s global pipeline is slated for Asia Pacific, including the first W Hotel in mainland China opening in Guangzhou in the spring, followed by other China openings in Beijing, Shanghai, Changsha, and Suzhou over the next five years. Additional W Hotels have been announced in India, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Michael Bublé will be performing at Atlantis, Paradise Island in August


Paradise Island, Bahamas – World-class entertainer and multi-Grammy Award winning recording artist Michael Bublé will be performing at Atlantis, Paradise Island on Saturday, August 31, 2013.

This will be the Canadian superstar’s first performance in North America since his 80-city sold out Crazy Love Tour, which ended in May 2012. The performance is part of the Atlantis LIVE concert series.
 
Bublé's new album is “To Be Loved,” and he sold out 15 shows in record time earlier this year at London’s famed 02 Area beginning June 30.

Accolades continue for Montreal luxury hotel, selected as one of the magazine’s Top 100 Hotels in the World

ESTEEMED LUXURY PUBLICATION ROBB REPORT NAMES RITZ-CARLTON MONTREAL ONE OF “THE TOP 100 HOTELS” IN THE WORLD
 
Montreal, Quebec – Robb Report deems the Ritz-Carlton Montreal one of the Top 100 Hotels in the World. The listing follows several other prestigious recognitions the hotel has recently received, since re-opening its doors in May 2012.
 
Among the recent accolades are the hotel’s inclusion in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2013 Hot List and the CAA/AAA Five Diamond Award win - a rare designation in Canada.

Dining 'In' just got tastier with the launch of Flavours of Tofino cookbook

Celebrating 40 Years Through the Senses

TOFINO, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Pacific Sands Beach Resort celebrates 40 years of memories to last a lifetime, dishing out the launch of its 'Flavours of Tofino' commemorative cookbook and the Forty and Fabulous Anniversary package.

Pacific Sands - bubbles 40 years ago, the Pettinger Family had a vision to build a resort that offered a true home-away-from- home experience. Their goal was to create a special place for families, friends and loved ones to escape, relax and enjoy that deep breath of Pacific West Coast air.

Today, families and loved ones gather and experience the scents and sounds of the pounding surf. "From vacations to weddings, to the ashes of loved ones," comments Dave Pettinger, "we have been a part of the lives of families that have been visiting for generations."  

The Westin Bayshore Vancouver and the Westin Ottawa award winners

READERS’ CHOICE OF THE YEAR FROM MEETINGS + INCENTIVE TRAVEL MAGAZINE
 
The Westin Ottawa

TORONTO --Each year, Meetings + Incentive Travel magazine asks readers to vote for hotels, venues and suppliers that went above and beyond to meet the demanding and detailed needs of meeting planners.

The magazine looks to identify suppliers and venues that consistently raise the bar and lead the pack, making things easier for meeting planners as they host groups large and small.

The properties and meeting-supply companies with the most votes get top honours.  These companies are placed in an elite class of “favourites,” as voted and designated by M+IT readers. Starwood Canada is delighted to announce that The Westin Ottawa and The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver have been named to this elite roster of Readers’ Choice favourites.

Starwood makes summer travel easier with great deals in 19 countries throughout The Americas

WHAT WILL YOU DO THIS SUMMER?
MAKE IT A SUMMER WORTH TALKING ABOUT WITH STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS

Share your story #mysummerstory
STAMFORD – This summer, Starwood Hotels & Resorts wants you to share your story, “what will you do this summer?”

Guests are invited to share their plans at #mysummerstory.  And to make the most of summer 2013, Starwood invites you to book now and get 35% off nightly rates plus breakfast for two.

Create a summer story worth sharing when you stay with Starwood in 19 countries throughout North and Latin America.  Guests will enjoy exclusive savings of 35 percent off including breakfast at more than 530 participating hotels and resorts in locations such as NYC, LA, SF, Miami and the Caribbean.

Golf Story Ideas from Destination British Columbia, June 2013

(News Release)

Here is a captivating collection of Golf Story Ideas from Destination British Columbia. Visit www.HelloBC.com/golf.

Destination British Columbia is on Twitter. Follow us at @TourismBC.



BC's Mountain Courses Are Calling: Challenge. Drama. Reward for skilled play. Welcome to BC's mountain golf playground.

Quebec City Tourism summer events



Sainte-Anne Canyon — Via ferrata and zip line
The new via ferrata near the waterfalls, run by the experienced Aventurex team, will be open to the public at the beginning of the season. The Extreme route along the cliff face is designed for those seeking an adrenaline rush—and then some! You can also zoom high over the giant’s cauldron with the Bear, the new zip line at the Sainte-Anne Canyon!
 
Sainte-Anne Canyon — Via ferrata and zip line.