report

Transcription

report

CANADIAN TRAVELLER – Delivering Destination Information
September 2010
Australia
Mexico
Kenya
Belize
RETURN TO
Paradise
Page 6
extra this month
Arizona Experience
Keeper Sales Tool
Win A Trip For 2
To Arizona
CANADIAN TRAVELLER – Delivering Destination Information
Editor
Janice Strong
September 2010
Volume 26
Issue 9
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
Rex Armstead
Associate Publisher
Stephen Fountaine
Tel: (250) 861-9006
Staff Writer-Toronto
Merle Rosenstein
Tel: (416) 633-5522
Design and Editorial Production
Fusion FX Design &
Marketing Inc.
www.fusionfxdesign.com
Eastern Region Sales Manager
Toni DeFino
Tel: (416) 907-7524
Account Manager – Vancouver
Myles Armstead
Tel: (250) 861-9096
Regional Representative Mexico
Letticia Garcia
Tel: (55) 5683-5569
Sales Development
4 $elling With $teve
Making Money Off Your Own Travel
Experiences
Caribbean
6 Return To Paradise
The Caribbean’s Bounced Back Say
Canadian Tour Operators
62
14 Caribbean Report
Sales/Production Coordinator
Bryan Nikkel
Agent Appreciation, Wedding Bells,
Chocolate and Deals, Deals, Deals
Central America
64 Central America Report
Accountant
Elsie Edillor
All e-mail addresses: firstname+initialoflastname@
canadiantraveller.net
66 Learn & Love It
Circulation
Subscriptions: subscription@
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55 BC Report
16
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Contents © copyright 2010 by ACT Communications
Inc. All Rights Reserved. Editorial submissions
must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped
envelope. The publisher assumes no responsibility
for lost material.
ISSN 1207-1463
Food Festivals and Sparkling Hills
Mexico
62 Top Of The List
16 Planning Your Kenya
Vacation
Unites States
There Is Something To Suit
Everyone In Kenay
17 Africa Report
18 Europe Report
Walking Tours, Cruising Deals,
Fly In Style, Stay In Split
South Pacific
Out of the Ordinary Adventure In
Australia’s Outback
61 South Pacific Report
On Trend At TRENZ 2010
What’s Fun, What’s New On
The Riviera Maya
19 The Arizona Experience
Win A Trip For Two To Kenya
Europe
Canadian tour
operators are
excited about travel
to Mexico and the
Caribbean this
winter. Turn to page
6 to learn more.
Africa
56 The Road Less Travelled
ON THE COVER:
Family Adventures In Belzean Histories
& Mysteries
North America
Published by
Western Canada:
88 East Pender Street,
Suite 555
Vancouver, BC
Canada, V6A 3X3
Tel: (604) 699-9990
Fax: (604) 699-9993
Bicentennial, Become A Specialist
Our special guide to the Grand Canyon
State includes Steve Crowhurst’s sales
tips, plus a contest to win a trip for two
68 US Report
Utah Golf, ND Snow Run, Flying In NYC,
Hawaiian Huakai
70 Discover America
Biking Through Mountains,
Deserts & History
Contests
AZ 33 Win An Arizona
Experience For 2
Click to www.canadiantraveller.net/contests
Photo Credit:
KOKO PHOTO
SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGES
www.canadiantraveller.net
Canadian Traveller • September 2010 3
$elling with $teve
Making Money
Off Your
Own Travel
Experiences
What’s The Official
Country Count?
By Steve
Crowhurst, CTC
Yes, 822! Now that’s got to be impossible
when the world count ranges from 195 to
210 depending upon who’s counting. The
group of people who make up The Most
Travelled People website– have a count
of 872 countries, territories, autonomous
regions, enclaves, geographically separated
island groups, and major states and provinces.
They say that to visit all 872 would be to go
everywhere. Charles Veley has 50 more to go
and he’s gone everywhere!
You’ve Gotta Get Out More!
Steve Crowhurst, CTC,
of SMP Training Co., is
a management trainer/
consultant to retail travel
agents, wholesalers, airlines,
departments of tourism and
hospitality- and leisurebased companies in Canada
and the U.S. He specializes
in new business generation.
Steve loves to hear from
readers so please e-mail your
comments and questions to
him at: smptraining@shaw.
ca or see his website at www.
smptraining.com.
4 September 2010 • Canadian Traveller It’s time to be the travel agent you claim to
be. This may be a challenge if you work for
a chain agency – however if you work for an
independent agency or are self-employed and
run your own travel agency business then you
can do this. “This” means you get out and
you travel.
One of main reasons that clients are leaving
you and heading to the Internet is that you
have not been to the places they want to go.
You have no experience to impart for the fees
you charge. The travel trade has become a
stay-at-home bunch of wanna-be explorers.
Between a Rock
& The Next Place
It’s a tough call for owners and managers and
agency chain management. The business has
to run, someone has to be there to sell and
finding qualified staff is a tough thing to do
these days. The travel business is all about
travel. It’s about the travel agent travelling
and bringing home the knowledge that they
can then promote and sell. So how do you
make this happen?
It’s all about your travel business
philosophy and whether or not you see travel
as a perk, or as a fundamental requirement
to being in the trade. This IS the travel
business – get out of the agency, even for a
four-day weekend and head for Paris if you
haven’t been there. Have coffee, check out
the Tower and get home. This is the oldest
routine in the do-it-yourself-fam-trip book.
Leave Thursday night and come back Monday
morning. This timing allows you to get to
short and medium haul destinations. Anyone
can do this. Costs? Work with your preferred
“You thought this was all
about tripping around
the world didn’t you?
No, this is all about the
BUSINESS of travel.”
suppliers. They will help IF you are serious
and prove your worth by actually selling their
product when you get home – and that would
be you delivering an online webinar to your
clients come the Tuesday morning.
You thought this was all about just
tripping round the world didn’t you? No,
this is all about the BUSINESS of travel.
This means you turn your vacation time into
education time. You get out there for those
two weeks and you invest in yourself. You
invest in the knowledge you need to build
the experience that will bring you fame and
fortune! You’ll be marketing yourself as the
traveller you are; the agent to see and your
salary, commissions, bonus or combo of all
will take your earnings into the five figures,
to the six-figure income level.
People. Travel. Money.
Why are you in the trade anyway? I bet you’re
in the travel industry because you like people
and you want to travel. Don’t laugh it’s the
standard reply – and you know what, this IS
the right reply. The opposite would be you
don’t like meeting people and you don’t
want to travel. So let’s focus on meeting as
many people as possible, travelling to as many
countries and destinations as possible and
making as much money as possible for you,
your agency owner and your suppliers.
✈
Where In
The World
Have You
Been?
Whenever I lead off a workshop I always like
to challenge my audience with a “where have
you been?” question. Prior to that question I
usually make a statement that goes something
like this: “I’ve been to 40 plus countries, who
can beat that!” I say it as if I’m the winner
already, knowing full well that someone in
the audience will smoke me. The reason I
ask this question is that it’s important when
I’m training, to know the providence of my
audience. I need to know that my fellow
travellers are in fact travelling.
I do know a few people like Steve Gillick,
COO of CITC who has been to 64 countries;
Hektor Kaczuga BDM for Globus who has
been to 70; and Anthony Dalton, adventurer,
author and keynote speaker who has racked
up 150 plus. There is a guy however who
is classed as the most travelled man in the
world. Charles A. Veley, an American software
executive who along with building his
business from 100 people to 1,000 has visited
822 countries!
Caribbean
[
sun destinations
]
Return To Paradise
The Caribbean’s Bounced Back Say Canadian Tour Operators
By Christine Potter
A strong Canadian dollar, new products, and exciting destinations from tour operators are
key factors in what promises to be a winning winter. It’s a positive turn-around from last
year’s uncertainty when, according to the Canadian Association of Tour Operators, winter
sales dropped 20 per cent over 2008. Today’s optimism is a timely boost to the industry.
“
The Big Three –
Cuba, Mexico, and the
Dominican Republic
– are likely to retain
their top winter
destination status
– Pierre LePage
”
Caribbean
[
sun destinations
]
“The Big Three – Cuba, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic – are likely to
retain their top winter destination status,” CATO’s Executive Director Pierre
LePage told Canadian Traveller. Customers looking for something beyond
the standard fare will find plenty of options in Brazil, Costa Rica, Hawaii, and
the South Pacific, he added.
Let’s take a look at what the tour operators have in store.
“We’re giving our customers and travel
partners something to be passionate
about – more products, choices, and
increased flexibility.”
Jorge Felix Salazar, President
Hola Sun
Zeina Gedeon, President & CEO
Air Canada Vacations
Hola Sun
Air Canada Vacations
ACV injects a dose of ardour into its
2010/2011 Sun Collection, Passion.
“It’s more than a catalogue – it’s a
travel magazine with extensive product
listings and more than 60 pages of
editorial,” says President and CEO
Zeina Gedeon.
Passion features more than 360 resorts and 33 sun
destinations, plus special offers, short stays, and
adventure travel with GAP Adventures, a partnership
entering its second year. New routes and added
capacity are introduced from Montreal, Ottawa,
Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver. An Early Booking
Bonus on sun packages is $400 per couple when
booked by November 1.
More from www.aircanadavacations.com
Club Med
The big news from the pioneer of all-inclusives is a
$25 million enhancement to the 87-hectare Club
Med Sandpiper Bay. It will become Club Med’s
flagship with a grand opening December 18.
Features at the Florida resort include
championship tennis facilities and an 18-hole,
on-site golf course with access to more than 16
courses nearby. The children’s programs will
include personalized experiences at The Kidz
Village with a range of activities from tennis, golf,
and sailing, to circus school and La Petit Chef
cooking lessons.
For more details on this and other properties,
visit clubmed.ca
8 September 2010 • Canadian Traveller “I love Cuba’s diversity there’s truly
something for everyone.”
Known as the Cuba
specialists, Hola Sun
and sibling Caribe Sol
(out of Montreal) sell
nothing but Cuba.
The company offers several new
value-added features including (in
the Club Hola Sun Program) superior, connecting
rooms for families and groups at Playa Pesquero
in Holguin, ocean view junior suites with a free
excursion at Santa Lucia’s Club Caracol, and
bonuses at Allegro Varadero.
Expansion to Cancun, Margarita Island, Punta
Cana, Puerto Plata, and Montego Bay is the BIG
news, along with additional Canadian gateways:
Halifax, St. John’s, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton,
Calgary and Vancouver.
To access the agents’ web pages, go to
holacaribeagent.ca
“There’s never a question that we’ll go,
even with one booking!”
Steven Larkin, President
Intrepid Travel Canada
Intrepid Travel
Contrary to its name,
Intrepid Travel does not
require clients to be extreme
adventurers, although this
market can certainly be
accommodated.
Intrepid specializes in small
groups (maximum 12, average 10) who enjoy
discovering a destination’s people, food, and culture,
says Steven Larkin, President of Intrepid Travel
Caribbean
[
sun destinations
]
Canada.
“Flexibility is our keyword. It’s not unusual for
the group to be invited to a local wedding or a
birthday celebration.”
Intrepid’s tours encompass the world, but winter
escapes from Canada invariably head south, with
hotspots being Mexico, Cuba, Costa Rica, and
South America. Next year the company adds Belize.
Go to www.intrepidtravel.com and click on “agents”.
“This year we’ve partnered with Riu
Resorts to offer an exclusive RIU-topia
experience with valuable inclusions.”
Doug Donovan, Senior Director of Product
Signature Vacations
Signature Vacations
Signature Vacations celebrates 35 years-plus with a
snazzy new-look winter sun brochure showcasing
new destinations and 14 new gateways, among other
features.
Signature’s extra values and inclusions make the
products an easy sell, says Doug Donavon, Senior
Director of Product.
“This year we’ve partnered with Riu Resorts to
offer an exclusive RIU-topia experience with valuable
inclusions like unlimited premium brand drinks and
a la carte dining, in-room mini-bar, discounts on
excursions and spa treatments, and free Wi-Fi.”
Clients wanting the ultra-luxurious should
check out the elite new Crown Collection from
Palace Resorts of Mexico and the Dominican
Republic, he adds.
More information: www.agents.
signaturevacations.com
“Customer feedback
showed that seat pitch and
punctuality are important
factors and the company
responded.”
Steve Butchart, Vice President
Sunquest
Sunquest
Among the stand-outs for Sunquest’s 2010/11
program is the introduction of three new club concepts:
Sunquest Plus with features like a la carte dining
and free internet; Family First providing guaranteed
adjoining rooms and teen specials; and Sunquest Elite,
aimed at the upscale market.
New routes include direct flights from Toronto
to La Romana (instead of Punta Cana as in previous
years), flights to Costa Rica (Liberia) from Montreal
and Ottawa, and a Nassau flight from Calgary.
Beginning in November most winter Sunquest
flights from Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Halifax
will use Thomas Cook aircraft operated by Jazz Air.
10 September 2010 • Canadian Traveller More information on Sunquest products is available
at www.sunquestagent.ca
“With industry leading ‘Elite’ in-flight
services, unique products such
as the ‘Worry Free’
cancellation waiver,
Elite Plus upgrade,
and Premium Plan
Packages, we’re
making it easier
than ever to book a
Sunwing vacation.”
Stephen Hunter, CEO
Sunwing Vacations
Sunwing Vacations
Sunwing’s new destinations include Mazatlan,
Puerto Escondido, Huatulco and Margarita Island,
Venezuela. And old favourites remain. They can
be viewed in the winter brochure’s four editions
(Western, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic versions)
and online at www.sunwing.ca along with some 200
hotels and a record 132 routes from 29 gateways to
32 destinations. Daily service to Varadero, Cancun,
and Punta Cana is offered from Toronto and
Montreal, and flexible vacation options range from
three days to six weeks.
Offers range from budget-friendly
to deluxe with Elite inflight
services, and unique products
such as the Worry Free
cancellation waiver, Elite Plus
upgrade, and Premium Plan
packages.
More information: www.
sunwing.ca
“I need heat, beach,
high-end hotels,
and hiking. There has to
amazing hiking.”
be
Craig Kijek, Senior
Vice President of
Independent Travel
Thomas Cook Group
Thomas Cook Group
Fun Sun and Holiday House have produced a
dedicated Disney brochure that features selling points
on all things Disney.
The two companies offer a Winter Sale from the
2010/11 SunEscapes brochure, with savings up to 40
per cent per room per night at more than 170 hotels in
Mexico, the Caribbean, and Florida, on bookings made
The
Palladium
Experience
Ibiza - Riviera Maya - Riviera Nayarit - Punta Cana - Montego Bay - Salvador de Bahía
Palladium Hotels & Resorts
Luxurious resorts in the most desired destinations. Get to
know what everyone is talking about. With facilities and
services for all ages as well as the ideal scenery and expert
team of coordinators for weddings and other types of
events,
Palladium is the perfect option.
The Royal Suites by Palladium
Our masterpiece. A new concept in adults only all-inclusive
resorts featuring all the luxuries and amenities you could
wish for: butler service, exclusive restaurant and bar, private
beach, private lobby and concierge service, pillow menu,
Balinese beach beds, and much, much more.
Your Private Oasis.
Call Center: +1866 685 8524
[email protected]
www.fiestahotelgroup.com
Caribbean
sun destinations
]
by November 30. This year sees 80 new SunEscapes
hotels with 33 exclusive properties.
Headquartered in Toronto, Craig Kijek, Senior Vice
President of Independent Travel for the Thomas Cook
Group doesn’t have a favourite destination, he says,
but favourite things to do when he goes on vacation.
“I need heat, beach, high-end hotels,
and hiking. There has to be amazing
hiking.” Craig finds no shortage
of choices among Thomas Cook
Canada offerings.
More information: www.funsunagent.
com and for Holiday House, www.
networkagent.ca
“Our winter bookings are well
ahead of last year and I can say that
we’re cautiously optimistic!”
Nancy Jackson, Commercial Director
Transat Holidays and Nolitours
Transat Holidays and Nolitours
Nancy Jackson, Commercial Director for Transat
Holidays and Nolitours, is excited about the
company’s recently introduced agent incentive,
BONBON.
“It’s well received – we pay cash for every Transat
and Nolitours booking.”
New products include (from Quebec) Cartagena,
Havana and a return to Managua, while Western
Canada brings back Panama to its roster, and
Ontario adds Nassau.
New this year is Transat’s Luxury Collection
featuring eight deluxe hotels with private transfers
and complimentary upgrade to OptionPlus or
Canjet Select.
Transat’s No Deposit Wedding promotion
is a bonus for brides and grooms planning
destinations weddings.
“Our capacity to the Caribbean and
Mexico has grown by more than 40
percent from last year.”
Chris Avery,
Vice President
WestJet Vacations
WestJet
Vacations
For short stays,
Yehudi Altman,
WestJet Vacations’
Director of
Product, says Las
Vegas has much to offer,
and WestJet Vacations has a “terrific product lineup for all tastes. WV’s 2010/2011 winter brochure
features three new sun destinations, 10 new routes,
and expanded service on more than 30 others.
As for trends in hot spots, WestJet Vacations’
Vice President Chris Avery believes they’re
anywhere the sun is.
“Our capacity to the Caribbean and Mexico has
grown by more than 40 percent from last year,”
he says. And, he adds, WV’s 10-night vacation is
designed for those who find seven nights too short,
and 14 too long.
For more information visit
agent.westjetvacations.com
✈
[
For more information visit www.vacancestransatagent.
com and www.nolitoursagent.com
12 September 2010 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net
TranquiliTy
For all
Gorgeous turquoise water, friendly, accommodating
staff, spacious rooms, delicious, varied food… your
clients will love bringing their families to the Meliá
Cayo Guillermo HHHH 1/2 or the Meliá Cayo
Santa Maria HHHH.
These superior resorts are situated in two of the
Caribbean’s most magical locations, where everything,
from the beachside setting to the plethora of activities
and the convenient kids’ clubs, conspires to induce a
sense of relaxation and wellbeing – the perfect way for
families to rest, reconnect and recharge their batteries.
The Meliá Cayo Santa Maria HHHH opens to
families with children as of november 1, 2010.
For details, consult the Transat Holidays
Sun 2010-2011 brochure or visit transatholidays.com.
273
“No Fluff –
No Theory”
Marketing
IDEAS
Caribbean
[
report
“The
]
Chocolate Route”
In the mountainous eastern region of the
Dominican Republic, organic cocoa
growers have started an innovative
attraction for tourists visiting
the country. Visitors who want to
learn everything about the origins
of chocolate can now do so. The tour
offers a visit to the organic plantation in
the area, detailed explanations on the process,
developing and harvest of the fruit and lunch
at a local restaurant. www.prieto-tours.com,
www.amstardmc.com, www.connectravelservices.com,
www.nexustours.com, www.turissimo.com,
www.viptravelservices.com
for Travel Agents
412 pages, 273 Ideas,
700 live links &
100’s of additional
suggestions & variations.
44
$
.95
Taxes and Shipping Extra.
‘Tis’ the Season
Curacao is celebrating the start
of “Travel Agent Appreciation
Season.” Unbeatable airfare and
hotel deals are available from
September 5 to October 31. Curacao is partnering with American Airlines, Inse Air and top hotels to offer deeply
discounted rates for travel agents to experience the island. Travel agents can book roundtrip flights from US $179
and hotel rooms starting at US $50. www.curacao.com
Sizzlin’ Savings
The USVI Department of Tourism’s “Sizzlin’ Sampler” promotion offers savings
with a US $500 total value on any trip booked to St. Thomas, St. John or St. Croix
through October 31 via any participating tour operators. www.visitusvi.com
The USVI Group Rewards Program has been reinstated,
offering US $100 credit per person for
groupbookings made through an
Author Steve Crowhurst, CTC
Order today from:
WWW.BIGBARKGRAPHICS.COM
authorized USVI Destination
Management Company.
www.usvigroups.com
ASK YOUR CONSORTIA
TO BULK BUY!!
I Do, Matey
“Take the Helm” is an eight-day journey that
proposes a wedding ceremony aboard a 41foot sailing yacht or couples can opt for a beach
ceremony on Bequia. The journey starts at
Cobblestone Inn for a
one-night stay, then
after the ceremony
of choice, continuing
south to the island of
Mustique to catch a
breathtaking sunset.
Rates start at US $3,550
for bride and groom
and up to four guests.
www.acaribbeanwedding.com
Sail
Away
Unwind With The Girls
Sugar Ridge Antigua is promoting its
“Stay and Sail” package. By day sail the
crystal blue Caribbean through yacht and
powerboats cruises and by night relax
at the luxurious Sugar Ridge Antigua
Hotel. Ondeck offers hands on courses
packed with information, instruction and
lunch. Rates start at US $379 per person, per night for a fournight stay. Valid through November 30. www.sugarridgeantigua.com
Cambridge Beaches Resort
and Spa wants you to get your
closest girlfriends together for
a weekend of pure relaxation,
rejuvenation and pampering.
Packages are available for travel
September 1 to December 31
and priced at US $2,840 based
on double occupancy.
www.cambridgebeaches.com
WestJet Vacations.
The best choice for travel agents.
As a travel agent, there are a lot of great reasons to book
with WestJet Vacations. For starters, our great commission,
excellent sales team support and strong supplier partnerships
(which means outstanding hotel deals for your clients).
Plus, when you consider our amazing vacation packages with
ﬂexible stay dates, extensive WestJet schedule on top of the
superior value you get from WestJet Vacations, you know one
thing is for certain; when you book with WestJet, your clients
get the vacation they want from a company they can trust.
Do some good for yourself and your clients. Book today at
agent.westjetvacations.com, or call us at 1 877 737 7002.
WJV111007AB_10_Sep.CNT.indd 1
8/17/10 4:29:26 PM
AFRICA
[
kenya
]
Planning Your Kenya
Vacation
A
There Is Something To Suit Everyone In Kenya
By Fawn Brown
Let’s face it, everyday life often presents us with more than we can handle.
To escape the ordinary, try something entirely new, and get away…on a holiday to Kenya.
Not just a regular sandals vacation. Rather a real holiday that rejuvenates the body, mind and
soul; one that allows you to experience a different culture, a different way of living.
Come to one of the world’s favourite travel destinations – a place of unparalleled
diversity and beauty. Come to Kenya.
Erico Hiller/Sita World Travel
Kenya has plenty to offer, from an authentic safari to the
underwater beauties of the coast.
There are many travel agents, tour operators, safari companies,
hotels, lodges, camps and home stays and conference facilities in
Kenya that you can find something that suits you.
Family Holiday: Taking a break with the family is a great
chance to spend quality time together. Plenty of hotels and
lodges have special entertainment, menus and activity programs
just for kids. The kids will not only have fun on the beach or
exploring the wilderness, they’ll probably learn a lot, too. The
only challenge is convincing them to come home at the end.
Adventure: If you like to stay active there’s
plenty to do in Kenya. You can start with a walk
on a beach, a round of golf, a swim, a local
sporting event, then move on to something
entirely new like water-skiing, diving, or
ballooning. The really adventurous go
bungee jumping or skydiving.
Go on a safari and attempt to see the “Big Five”—Lion, leopard, rhino,
elephant and buffalo.
Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibitions:
Want to bring your workforce closer together,
improve their team skills, problem solving skills
and broaden their outlook? An organized holiday
or conference to Kenya for your team may just
be what you are looking for. A joint challenge
– an organized hike, white water rafting or
rock climbing – can strengthen bonds and
teach teamwork. For more information visit
www.magicalkenya.com
Big Five Tours & Expiditions
Romance & Honeymoons: When you do make your journey down
the aisle, why not top off your wonderful wedding with an idyllic
honeymoon in Kenya. If you’ve already taken the plunge,
why not drop off the kids and rediscover a second
honeymoon, or third, or fourth…
Be adventurous and try something new, like
hot air ballooning across the African plains
AFRICA
[
report ]
Amazing
SITA World Travel
An
Kenya Adventure
Win An All-inclusive 7-Day Safari For Two
T
Hardeep Sidhu, Sales
Manager, SITA World
Travel (Canada) Inc.
he Kenya
Tourist
Board,
SITA World Travel and Canadian Traveller
are offering you the chance to win the
trip of a lifetime – a seven-day safari for
two to Kenya.
“For the first time visitor to Africa, Kenya
is the best destination. If someone
expects to see game in abundance, they
will definitely not be disappointed,” says
Hardeep Sidhu of SITA World Travel.
“My favourite experience was in Masai
Mara where I witnessed nature at its
best and yes, where only the strong
survive. In this case, it was two successful cheetahs having ensured their
share of nature’s food chain. An amazing experience to witness.”
Contest prize includes two round trip
tickets from Toronto to Kenya courtesy
of Kenya Airways and an all-inclusive
seven-day safari for two. You will get the
chance to try and spot the “Big Five” on
safari trips in specially outfitted safari
vehicles with guaranteed window seating; stay in first-class hotels and lodges;
and have local English speaking guides
throughout your trip. Highlights include
bustling Nairobi; morning and afternoon game drives in Masai Mara Game
and Ambos National Park Reserve; and
viewing thousands of flamingos on the
shores of Lake Nakuru.
Entries must be received by October 31
and blackout dates apply.
Visit www.canadiantraveller.net/
Contest/Kenya
www.wildafricasafari.com
www.travelstudio.com
Vancouver office:
604-990-1511 or
1800-565-6670
[email protected]
[email protected]
S
A
F
A
R
I
S
T
U
D
I
O
Europe
[
report
]
Cruising For Canadians
Join Blue Badge Tourist Guides on a walking tour of the
newly constructed 2012 Olympic Park. The tour showcases
the transformation of the 2012 area and describes plans for the
games, views of iconic buildings and a glimpse of what’s to come.
Tours last 90 minutes and start at Bromley By Bow tube station.
www.visitbritian.org
Split to Croatia
Board one of Gap Adventures’ 15-metre yachts for a Greek
Islands sailing adventure from Santorini to Santorini. This
10-day voyage explores ancient archaeological sites, tavernalined harbours and offers stops on Greek islands Naxos, Paros,
Ios, Mykonos and Santorini, with time for snorkelling, hiking
and relaxing. Voyages start at $1, 839 per adult, international
airfare is not included.
Radisson Blu Resort
Radisson Blue Resort has opened a new property
in Split, Croatia along the Adriatic Sea. Radisson
Blue Resort Split is just a 15-minute walk from the
historic city centre, making it a unique combination of city hotel and
sea resort. Opening room rates start at $112 per room per night.
www.radissonblu.com
Operating on the Montreal-Zurich route
beginning October 31, the new Swiss
International Airlines Airbus
A330-300 will set new
comfort benchmarks in
all three classes of travel.
Substantially more
legroom in SWISS
Economy, a twometre, lie-flat aircushioned bed in
SWISS Business,
and a ‘suite above
the clouds’ in SWISS
First are the prime
elements of the new
aircraft.
www.swiss.com
Sailing to Santorini
Mario Rosenkranz
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Swiss
Style
Swiss International Airlines
Visit Britain
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is releasing
their 2011 Europe and Russia brochures in
Canadian dollars and are launching a new website
specifically for Canadian travellers and travel agents.
Uniworld features boutique cruise ships with an
average capacity of 130 guests; expertly planned
itineraries, included shore excursions, world-class
cuisine and award winning hospitality from an allEnglish speaking staff. www.uniworldcruises.ca
Walk into London 2012
CANADA
[ bc report ]
Always On Target
Sparkling Hill Resort
The 152-room Sparkling Hill
Resort & Wellness Resort in
T he Sparkling
Hill Experience
Vernon offers some of the most unique
spa and hotel experiences in Canada.
Every aspect of the resort’s design
incorporates Swarovski crystals –
including waterfalls, fireplaces and
overhead lighting. In fact, the display of
so much Swarovski crystal in a facility
open to the public is a first in the world
according to Sparkling Hill CEO HansPeter Mayr. But it goes beyond that.
The Spa has 48 treatment rooms and
offers a complete menu of traditional
treatments, including reflexology,
aromatherapy, soothing moor mud
wraps and therapeutic massages, along
with a complete aesthetics program and
North America’s first “cold sauna”, with
temperatures of -110 Celsius.
Now Online
Steve Crowhurst, CTC
Find All Of Steve Crowhurst’s
Sound Sales Advice Online At
canadiantraveller.net/Steve_Crowhurst
www.sparklinghill.com
Fall Food Festivals
Celebrate British Columbia’s Bounty
now online at:
GIH-Travel50ad09
British Columbia is blessed with an abundance of locally grown and
produced fruit, vegetables, honey, meats, seafood, mushrooms, wine
and craft beer. Local chefs, farmers, artisans and diners all value the
importance of celebrating this local bounty. The following festivals
are just a sample of culinary events held during the harvest season.
11/13/09
11:09 AM
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Fort Langley Cranberry Festival –
October 9.
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British Columbia is the third largest producer of
cranberries in the world. The village of Fort Langley
hosts the annual Cranberry Festival featuring
cranberry vendors, live music, entertainment,
prizes, a pancake breakfast, food vendors, a
market, and a canoe regatta on the Bedford
Channel. The festival is a free community
event and is attended by approximately
15,000 to 20,000 visitors each year.
The UBC Apple Festival celebrates one
of British Columbia’s favourite fruits. Held at the
University of British Columbia’s Botanical Garden
each October, this is a family event for all ages. With
many heritage, new and “tried and true” varieties
available, one of the most popular activities at the
festival is apple tasting, where, for a tasting fee, you can
taste up to 60 varieties of apples, like “Grimes Golden”
and “Ambrosia”. There are also demonstrations of
grafting and cider-pressing, a children’s corner and the
chance to enjoy apple pie, cider and other apple treats.
UBC Apple Festival
www.cranberryfest.ca
www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/events/applefest
UBC Apple Festival – October 16 and 17.
��
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Pag
South Pacific
[
australia
]
The
Photos Tourism Australia
Road Less
Travelled
By Dominick A. Merle
Out Of The Ordinary
Adventure In
Australia’s
Outback
We had to slow to a stop while a python ambled across
the road. But that’s getting a little ahead of the story,
although I swear it was as big around as a fire hose. “We
give way to animals out here,” said my driver, Katie, a
Nicole Kidman look-a-like.
“Highway was a bit of a stretch because
it was a two-lane paved road at best,
often turning to dirt in the blink
of an eye.”
South Pacific
[
australia
T
]
he journey began a few days
earlier when we left the coast of
Queensland and headed into
the legendary Australian
Outback, or “The Bush” as the
locals call it. If that weren’t exotic enough,
our drive would be practically astride the
imaginary line of the Tropic of Capricorn.
Likewise, the Outback has no set boundaries, no beginnings and no end.
“There are no welcome signs,” said
Katie, “but you know when you’re here.”
There is also no agreement as to the size of
the Outback, but it occupies practically the
entire interior of the country, and Australia
is almost as big as the U.S. or Canada.
When is the last time you had to yield to a
python in Chicago or Montreal?
After arriving in Brisbane, the modern
capital of Queensland, we “prepped” for
our Outback adventure at
Lone Pine, the world’s first koala
There we were able to hold
the cuddly koalas in our arms and feed
kangaroos, emus and wild lorikeets.
The next day, we stepped up the pace
with a 75-minute boat ride to Tangalooma
Island Resort where our itinerary included
tobogganing down sand hills at speeds of
40 kph on thin masonite boards, and the
showstopper – hand feeding wild dolphins
at dusk. Each evening a group of dolphins
swim to the beach and are fed fresh fish
by the staff and guests. We waded hipdeep into the water, a fish in each hand,
and the dolphins arrived and
gently took the fish from
our hands underwater,
sometimes brushing their huge bodies
against us as they swam off.
At sunrise, we drove up the coast to
the Town of 1770 (Seventeen Seventy),
a resort area named after the year
explorer Captain Cook first landed in
Queensland. Seventeen Seventy and its
companion town, Agnes Water, are also
the southernmost gateways to Australia’s
Great Barrier Reef, and we took a one-day
cruise to the Reef the following morning.
The skies were cloudy and the waters choppy,
but once we began snorkeling the dazzling
nearby
sanctuary.
colours of the corals and sea creatures
burst into view. Glass bottom boat rides and
a walking tour of a nearby island rounded
out our day.
If You Go
A passport and short-term visa are necessary for entry into Australia. Short-term visas can be
obtained online at www.eta.immi.gov.au for about $20 or through your travel agent or airline.
We flew Qantas Airlines nonstop from Los Angeles to Brisbane. For more flight information
visit www.qantas.com
“Once we began snorkeling the dazzling colours of the
corals and sea creatures burst into view.”
58 September 2010 • Canadian Traveller Further up the Queensland coast we
would “ride” the Tropic of Capricorn into
the Central Highlands and Outback. Our
road was named the Capricorn Highway,
but it was a misnomer. The Capricorn part
was true because it traced that imaginary
line on the map. However, highway was a
bit of a stretch because it was a two-lane
paved road at best, often turning to dirt
in the blink of an eye. The longest trucks
in the world, aptly called “road trains”, use
the Capricorn Highway and when they
blazed by hauling their three tractor trailers
the wind rocked our four-wheel-drive
vehicle like a cradle.
Now, without any fanfare, we were in
the Outback. One can drive four or five
hours here and see absolutely nothing in all
directions. It’s part desert, part greenery, flat
as a griddle and about as hot in the summer,
and as remote as you’re likely to ever be.
You plan your fuel and food stops; pass
one and it’ll be four hours to the next.
We were headed for Rubyvale, known as
Australia’s gem capital. We stopped at the
only gas station/restaurant en route. The
specialties included a dingo
trap sandwich (meat, cheese,
egg, salad and bacon) and
spaghetti on toast (canned pasta
of any kind heated and poured over plain
toast), an Aussie breakfast favourite.
After our overnight stay in Rubyvale
we took another day’s drive to the
tiny town of Longreach. Arriving
was like stepping back into the old
Wild West with saloons, cowboys
and even a bona fide stagecoach,
which we boarded for a ride along a
historic stagecoach route. The sixhorse coach reached speeds of 55 kph
“There are no welcome signs, but you know when you’re here.”
GROUP CRUISE TOUR FROM VANCOUVER
(via Los Angeles) January 25th 2011
South Pacific Cruise and Tour
Cruise New Zealand and discover Australia including Flights
and the ‘‘must see’’ Red Centre.
Johanne Dion, your
Boomerang Tours
passionate Tour Leader.
9149
$
SUMMER DEAL
FREE UPGRADE TO OUTSIDE STATEROOM
(Value of $660 per couple)
If booked and deposited prior to August 31st 2010.
per person • + taxes, port charges and surcharges extra*
DAR
RWIN
WIN
Fully escorted by JOHANNE DION
departing from Los Angeles!
28 day tour including 14-night
Holland America Cruise from New Zealand
Jabiru
Piine
in Creek
Kattherine
e
Port Douglas
Kununurra
Kunu
a
Kuranda
CA RNS
CAI
Bung
gle Bungles
B
Geik
e kie Gorge
orge
Bro
roo
ome
Fitzroy Cros
Fitz
rossing
Tennan
nant Cree
reek
Tow
ownsvvill
i e
Devils Marbles
Airlie
e Be
each
a
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Portt Hed
Hedlla
and
nd
n
d
Alice Springs
Roc
ockham
mpton
t n
Exxmou
uth
Kings Canyon
AU
UCKLA
AND
D
QUEENSLAND
D
WESTE
E R N AUSTRALIA
Kata Tjuta
(The Olgas)
Ayers Rock (Uluru)
Frasser Island
F
ROTO
ROT
OTORUA
TO
OR
RU
RUA
UA
Sun
unshine
e Co
oast
Monkkeyy Mia
Waitomo
De
enha
am
Coober Pedy
BRISB
BAN
NE
Taupo
Kal
alb
ba
arrii
ar
SOUTH AUSTRA
RALIA
LIIA
Gera
G
aldo
don
d
on
The Program Includes:
Napier
NEW SOUTH W
WALES
A
Wil ena Poun
Wilp
Pound
Piinnac
acle
less
WELLIN
WELL
INGT
GTON
Kalgoorlie
Kalg
lie
ie
e
B ssa Vall
Baro
alley
ey
Espe
Es
E
Esp
spera
ranc
ance
AD
DELA
LAIDE
Nelson
Hunterr Valle
Hu
ley
Magarett Rivverr
UPGRADE: Outside Stateroom: $330pp • Balcony Stateroom: $2,945pp
Coffs Harbour
Wave Rocck
PER
ERTH
Fre
rema
antlle
All international and domestic airfare • 11 nights Superior
accommodation in Australia • 14 night Holland America
Cruise on the M.S. Volendam – Inside Stateroom • City tours
in Sydney & Melbourne • Full day Blue Mountains and Wildlife
tour • Outback discovery of Ayers Rock and Alice Springs
• Great Barrier Reef cruise in Cairns • Full day Kuranda tour
in Cairns • Full day Yarra winery tour in Melbourne •
Professional Tour Leader and local guides • 59 meals
(25 breakfasts, 17 lunches, 17 dinners).
Surfe
ers Paradise
Gold
d Co
oast
Alba
Al
ban
ny
ny
SYDNEY
Y
CANBER
RRA
A
Kang
ngaroo
o Isl
I and
an
Art
rthur’s
r’s Pas
Pass
Fran
anzz Josef
ef Glac
acie
ciie
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V C ORIA
VICT
Mt. Co
Mt.
Cook
Cook
Beec
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Mt.
Gamb
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CH
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TCHURCH
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MELBOURNE
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Milforrd Soun
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Warrrnabo
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QUEEN
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Cradle Mo
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Stra
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HOBART
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Te Anau
Dunedin
Port Arthur
Po
TASM
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ADD ONS:
Calgary/Edmonton:
Toronto:
Montreal:
$196 per person
$427 per person
$495 per person
Terms and Conditions: Prices are per person based on double occupancy.* Air taxes, fuel surcharges and port charges not included (estimated at $1,050)
• Boomerang Tours • QuebecReg no : BC3522-1 / ON50014991 / QC800483 • A2734
Reservations • 1 888 722-4212
South Pacific
[
australia
]
over bumpy terrain. A bit rattled, we
headed for a gentler candlelight dinner
cruise on the nearby Thompson River.
I had heard that the skies
would be “chock a block”
full of stars, and it was no
exaggeration.
Now deep into the Outback, driving
over gravel and dirt roads with road trains
hurtling by, we headed for Winton, known
throughout Australia as the birthplace of
its unofficial national anthem, Waltzing
Matilda. There is an entire museum
devoted to the song, and it is worth a visit.
The python crossing occurred after we left
Winton for an overnight stay at a sheep
farm tucked away in the central Outback.
The farm, Carisbrooke Station, felt
like it was the last on earth, this could
be the boondocks of the Outback.
The original owner of the 202-square
kilometre sheep farm, Charles Phillot
Sr., drove us around the property. A
farm this size is about average in the
Outback, with some even ten times
larger. A t one time, Charles had more
than 10,000 sheep along with other
livestock. Dingos have been mating
with wild dogs and other animals and
the offspring have become bloodthirsty,
sheep and kangaroos are their favorite
targets, but they will attack anything,
from snakes to humans.
Many farmers, like Charles, have given
up sheep farming and turned to tourism,
setting up cabins in the bush to give
guests the feel of life in the Outback.
Which includes the “School of the Air”
where pupils phone their teachers each
morning for assignments and then mail
them in (delivery is twice a week), and
where the nearest hospital is often a sixhour drive away.
We backtracked to Longreach the next
day for our short flight back to Brisbane
and the long flight home, slowing for
kangaroos, emus, cows, wallabies and even
a few termite mounds in the middle of
the dirt roads. Katie asks “So what do you
think of the Outback now?”
For further information on the
Outback, visit www.outbackway.org.
au; for information on Queensland visit
www.tq.com.au
Qualify your clients on what type
of experience on the Great Barrier
Reef they would like to have. You
can become an Aussie
specialist and a
Queensland specialist
travel agent at
www.specialist.
australia.com
Shana Pereira, Regional Director
– Americas, Tourism Queensland
Travel agents should put aside their
worries and allow the
Boomerang team to put
together what should be
the dream vacation for
their clients. Our team
knows all of the best
places to stay and
activities to book.
David Boigne, Vice President
Specialty Product, Boomerang Tours
It’s a huge country so really visitors
need two weeks (longer preferably).
Make sure you know your clients and
what their expectations are; with all
of this choice, they need the advice
and recommendations of a travel
professional.
Meg Boyd, Product Manager, Goway Travel
“At one time, Charles had more than 10,000
sheep along with other livestock.”
1543989
AUSTRALIA
Splendid Sydney
4 Days $409*
Sydney, Mountains & Vineyards
Self Drive · 5 Days $760*
Includes: 3 nights hotel, transfers, half
day sightseeing tour, harbour cruise,
walking tour and Taronga Zoo entry.
Includes: 4 nights hotel, 4 days car rental,
Goway Co-Pilot Kit with maps, discounts,
directions.
1-888-469-2924
60 September 2010 • Canadian Traveller goway.com/aus
*Prices land only, per person, based on twin share. Single Supplements apply. Based on November 2010 travel.
S
South Pacific
[
report
]
Update from TRENZ: New Zealand Raises
The Stakes For Tourism
By B. Ang
Graeme Mitchell-Anyon
/photonewzealand.com
Industry professionals are
praising the New Zealand
government for adding
NZ $30 million toward the
marketing budget for tourism
this year – totalling about
NZ $100 million. At
the recent Tourism
Rendezvous
New Zealand
(TRENZ)
in
Auckland, Prime Minister
and Minister of Tourism
John Key and Associate
Minister of Tourism Jonathan
Coleman gave separate
press briefings to stress the
priority given to tourism.
At the conference,
Kiwis were buzzing with
excitement over next year’s
Rugby World Cup. To be held
in 13 venues around the
country from September 9 to
October 23, three cruise ships
with a total of 5,500 berths,
will be used as additional
accommodation and moved
to where the games will be
played. At the same time,
host nation, New Zealand will
also be offering a nationwide
Festival showcasing Kiwi
music, arts, culture, heritage,
people, food and wine.
The government is also
spearheading the Cycle
Trail project that will allow
cyclists of all levels to
traverse the length of the
country in their own time.
Using old aqueducts, the
target is to have 20 worldclass trails totalling 2,000
kilometres by 2012.
The country’s national
carrier Air New Zealand will
be rolling out the highly
anticipated Skycouch in
its B777-300 aircraft from
December 12. This features
three economy class
seats that can comfortably
accommodate two adults
lying down for a snooze.
Passengers will be charged
for approximately 2.5
seats. Starting with the
Auckland-Los Angeles route,
this configuration will be
available on the AucklandLos Angeles-London sector
from April 2, 2011.
NORTH America
mexico
]
Photos Riviera Maya Destination Marketing Office
[
Xcaret offers dolphin,
ray and shark
encounters for the
whole family.
Swimming with the animals:
What’s Fun, What’s New On The Riviera Maya
By Judy Waytiuk
Despite a slow 2009 season, the
Riviera Maya remains at the top of
winter vacationers’ hot hit lists. Travellers
are being drawn back to its beaches with
assortments of highly competitive pricing
packages, upgrades on existing properties, and new
deluxe offerings designed to attract the adult-only,
let’s-spoil-ourselves-rotten market.
Let’s Go Upscale
The Barcelo Maya Beach and Barcelo Maya Caribe resorts, part of the
region’s five-in-one all-inclusive Barcelo Maya Beach Resort complex
recently finished off $6.2 million worth of room upgrades including
flat-screen TVs, rain showers, high-end bedding, and iPod/MP3
docking stations in suites.
All-inclusive Valentin Imperial Maya Resort on Playa Secreto launched the Valentin
Privilege Package: private early check-in and late check-out, pre-arrival concierge services,
fruit basket, fresh flowers, wine and chocolate-covered strawberries on arrival, reserved
pool/beach seating with towels, exclusive access to the Privilege Lounge, and “ultra-premium” bar service – all for just an extra $50 per day when a hotel reservation’s made.
Then there’s El Dorado Royale, a Karisma Spa Resort, with food that’s caught Wine
Spectator’s attention for four years running. There are swim-up, garden and ocean view
suites, and, at the El Dorado Casitas Royale, beach butlers don’t just offer drinks, but sunblock, books and tasty nibbles.
Such frills – adding value instead of slashing prices – are one way to counter discounting,
which is also rampant in the region and which changes packaged price structures almost weekly
for larger, beach-and-buffet-style all-inclusive mega-resorts. “For special dates, especially for long
weekends, many large, all inclusive properties are offering kids stay free packages into the autumn,
which is fantastic, especially for families,” said Ana Mari Irabien, Public Relations
Director for the Riviera Maya Destination Marketing Office.
What’s New?
Try, just try, to keep track of continuing development along this busy coast.
Nature fun park Xplor puts visitors in amphibious vehicles and rafts to explore
caves and underground rivers, and in harness for 14 zip lines and two hanging
bridges. At the Aktun-Chen cave and cenote, there’s a new zipline and hanging
bridge. But if you want more than ziplines, there’s Hidden Worlds and its new Avatar
One, the world’s only roller coaster zip line. (Don’t eat lunch prior to this ride.)
It’s A Beach: And a romantic one at that with miles of
white sand and ideal weather.
Not Dead Yet: Mayan Ruins like Tulum keep the ancient
Mayan culture alive along the Riviera Maya.
NORTH
America
[
]
MEXICO
[
]
mexico
RIU Hotels and Resorts
report
Tried-and-true eco-archaeological park Xcaret now
offers swimming with dolphins and their young, and for
adrenalin-junkies, swimming with sharks – peaceable
nurse sharks that is. The park’s also opened a replica of a
traditional Yucatan hacienda – the Hacienda Henequenera
and Mexican Folk A rt Museum.
On the f lip side are the ancient Mayan ruins, most popularly Coba and Tulum. A brand-new way to see Coba is
the Coba Sunset Tour, offered by the Mayan Express tour
company, starting in the afternoon with a ruins tour, and a
ceramic workshop, followed by a traditional dinner served
lagoon-side, and live theatre beside a cenote.
A nother ruin now gaining attention is Muyil, in the Sian
Kaan Biosphere. “It is very easy to get to, because there
are directions from the highway,” noted Irabien. Not to be
forgotten, she added, are the ruins at Xel-Ha, the popular
nature park on the ocean side of the highway. “Xel-Ha used
to be one of the most important cities and there is a small
archeological site on the other side of the highway.”
Business or Pleasure
Hilton Hotels and Resorts
RIU Panama Plaza will open its doors September 13 and
will be the first city hotel from RIU Hotels and Resorts. The
product line RIU Plaza will offer special designed services for
guests on business or pleasure. The luxury hotel is located in
the heart of the finance district of Panama City and offers 24hour room service, a variety of dining options and excellent
facilities for the business sector. www.riu.com
Openings
On the ever-expanding accommodations front, the f irst
Fiesta A mericana property’s opened in Playa del Carmen
– the 108-room One Playa del Carmen. The new 96-room
Ocean Breeze R iviera Maya is tucked into a quiet corner
of the larger resort, perfect for couples and honeymooners.
A nd contemporary, edgy Reina Roja Boutique Hotel in
Playa del Carmen offers 63 rooms and a handful of themed
suites – one all mirrors, another billed as “designed for
erotic delight”.
On deck: the 260-suite A zul Fives Hotel, by K arisma,
set to open this fall with oversized suites as large as three
bedrooms; 450-room hotel J W Marriott Milla de Oro
Resort & Spa and 150-room Renaissance Milla de Oro
Resort set to open in 2011.
Celebrate Mexico’s Bicentennial
Hilton Hotels and Resorts in Mexico launch a
limited time offer to celebrate Mexico’s Bicentennial.
Travellers can take advantage of the Bicentennial Rate
and discover the historic past of Mexico when visiting
select Hilton properties in Cancun, Los Cabos and
Mexico City. The US $200 rate for two nights includes
breakfast for two and complimentary high-speed
Internet access. The special rates are available through
mid-December. www.hilton.com
Festivals & Events
The fourth annual R iviera Maya Underground Film
Festival, October 13 to 17, screens experimental animation,
f iction and documentary shorts at various venues, while the
ninth annual Sea Turtle Festival, October 16 to 19 is a free
event that educates attendees about the endangered species. The f ifth annual Life and Death Traditions Festival,
October 30 to November 2 at Xcaret, includes theatre and
dance performances, concerts, parades and special Day of
the Dead rituals.
The world-renowned R iviera Maya Jazz Festival runs
November 25 to 28 with jazz greats like The Manhattan
Transfer, George Duke and John MacLaughlin in free evening, beachside concerts at Mamita’s Beach Club.
To end the year, Winterbeach Festival, December 27 to
January 1, combines music, fashion and entertainment to
ring in the New Year while the bpm DJ Fest, December
30 in Playa del Carmen, celebrates music created by DJs
throughout Mexico.
For more information, visit www.rivieramaya.com
Cozumel Consultant Course
The Cozumel Promotion Board is inviting travel agents
to become a Cozumel expert with the new Cozumel
Consultant online training course. The program offers
a trio of education and support programs including
the Isla Cozumel Consultant Study Course, 2010
FAM Trip and the innovative “Heavenly Stars”
Reward Program. These courses allow
agents to expand their knowledge and
travel experience.
www.cozumel-consultant.com
64 September 2010 • Canadian Traveller ✈
Cozumel Promotion Board
maximize their client’s
The place
where time is endless.
A new era begins at rivieramaya.com
Relax
Central America
[
belize
]
By Fawn Brown
The English speaking country of Belize is emerging as an affordable and educational destination for family vacations. The country’s unspoiled landscapes, rich cultural history and colourful locals offer a variety of activities to
keep everyone in the family happy. Located between Mexico and Guatemala in Central America there are crystal
blue oceans, lush green rainforests, giant Maya ruins dripping in emerald green moss and caverns holding ancient
secrets. Direct flights from Canada make it an easy destination to reach and plan for.
Northern Belize
Lamanai Outpost Lodge’s Crocodile
Encounter offers an exciting twohour guided tour. Visitors cross the
New River in airboats and experience
crocodile catching and tagging with local
researchers. Caye Caulker is an affordable
beach destination and provides plenty of
activities for families to enjoy together.
Its boardwalks offer the perfect jumping
off point for snorkelling, swimming and
sunbathing.
Belize Tourism Board
Central Coastal Belize
Explore the biodiversity of Belize’s ocean
while snorkelling or scuba diving. Glide
through the crystal waters of the 213
square kilometres of Southwater Caye
Marine Park and discover a new world
below the surface. The park includes ten
major cayes, stalagmites, stalactites and
a vast amount of marine life. The Belize
Zoo and Tropical Educational Center
houses over 125 native animals in a tropical
landscape setting. Families can experience
the ecology of Belizean habitats while
ambling on the Savannah Nature Trail.
Join the nocturnal tour and discover what
goes on behind the scenes and brave the
chance to hold a boa constrictor.
Southern Belize
There are giant
Maya ruins dripping
in emerald green
moss and caverns
holding ancient
secrets.
Cayo District
The Blue Butterfly Farm offers visiting
families the chance to observe every stage
of a butterfly’s life cycle. Nearby the Green
Iguana Project generates awareness for the
threatened species. Families can interact
with iguanas before they are released back
into the wild. Venture through limestone
caves on a thrilling cave tubing expedition.
Float by pottery remains of ancient Maya
civilizations, and stalactite and stalagmite
formations. Ziplining and canopy tours
offer an adrenaline pumping experience
through the Belizean jungle. Traverse from
tree platform to tree platform on a steel
cable through the rainforest canopy and
enjoy a thrilling ride.
Maya Village Homestay allows families
to experience a cultural exchange program
where they can harvest corn, work in the
fields, make tortillas from scratch and
clean laundry in the creek. There are over
20 families participating in the program
among three villages in Belize’s southern
region. Get involved in the educational
process of turning cocoa into chocolate at
the Cotton Tree Lodge. Join a hands-on
workshop or turn it into a weeklong event
and learn techniques, meet members of
the Toledo Cocoa Growers Association
and attend lectures and workshops. Along
the Belize Barrier Reef ’s southernmost
tip is the Sapodilla Cayes Marine
Reserve. Acclaimed as one of the most
stunning spots in Belize with its clear blue
waters and sandy cayes, this uninhabited
island offers stunning scenery and ideal
conditions for kayaking, snorkelling or
scuba diving.
More Belize
For more information on Belize call
1-800-624-0686 or
visit www.travelbelize.org.
Learn &
Love It
Family Adventures In
Belizean Histories
& Mysteries
It is hard to travel around the Cayo District without seeing some evidence of this
ancient civilization. Like Caana Caracol these Maya ruins often feel as if they are
rising out of the jungle.
Belize Tourism Board
www.travelbelize.org
1-800-624-0686
SunBreeze
Hotel
Ambergris
Caye, Belize
www.sunbreezehotel.com
[email protected]
Toll Free: 1-800-688-0191
SunBreeze
Suites
• 20 Oceanfront
Suites with
private balcony
• Kitchen, Living
& Dining Area • Tour Desk • Mojito Bar & Grill
• Centrally Located in Town Romance • Family
• Couples • Packages Available
www.sunbreezesuites.com
[email protected]
Toll Free: 1-800-820-1631
i“„Šˆ@c•– ˜ŒŠ‹š@RPPY@M@t•” @r„š‹@•‰@t•” @r„š‹@p‹•š•Š˜„–‹ @žžžNš•” ˜„š‹N†•“
• Great Location
in San Pedro
Town • 43 Rooms Variety of Category • Restaurant
& Bar • Massage Studio • Dive Shop • Singles,
Couples • Families • Weddings • Conference
• Packages Available
Belize
Everything Caribbean
Scuba . Fly Fishing . Eco-Adventure . Sun and Fun
Permit Bonefish and Tarpon!
A PADI resort at Belize’s best dive location...
including the Blue Hole.
World-class snorkeling, dolphin and
manatee adventures, birding and more.
[email protected]
(888) 512-8812
www.tflats.com
Warm Welcome. Warm Service. Warm Weather.
US
nATIOnAL PARK
NYC & Company
[
report
]
A Welcome
Addition
Porter Airlines will operate 11 daily roundtrip flights, up from
nine, between Newark Liberty International Airport and Billy Bishop
Toronto City Airport beginning September 20. NYC & Company, New
York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization,
welcomes the additional flights that also offer connecting service via
Toronto with many of Porter’s other Canadian destinations.
“Canada is a very important market for New York City as it’s our
number two source of international visitors,” said George Fertitta,
CEO of NYC & Company.
Two hours north and a million miles
away from Las Vegas, this National
Park favorite will amaze and inspire
you! Take advantage of hiking and
biking trails, horseback riding, jeep
tours, rappelling, atv excursions and
more. Don’t forget your camera!
EveryThing from A To Zion
“The additional Porter roundtrip flights combined with an exceptional
increase in hotel product means more value and more choice for
Canadians travelling to New York City,” said Charmaine Singh, the
Canadian Representative of NYC & Company. www.flyporter.com
Year Round Golf
All year round the St.
George area has moderate temperat u res generally reaching 13 to 18
deg rees Celsius on winter days. With blue
skies and very little wind it makes an ideal location
for a year round golf getaway. There are 12 scenic golf
courses and reasonable rates with challenging course
designs. Golf is not the only option when visiting the city
of St. George. The city is home to the scenic Snow Canyon
State Park, 40 minutes from the majestic Zion National
Park and only 90 minutes north of Las Vegas. www.AtoZion.com
Utah Division of Travel Development
A year round golf destination that has
lots of options for every golfer’s skill
level, schedule and pocketbook!
Nine courses within a 20 minute drive
and multiple lodging options - book
up to six months out with no fees.
Fly direct! Delta via Salt Lake City
Ride
For A Good Cause
The Pink Ribbon Riders have announced the
2011 Snow Run Tour in six states consisting of
snowmobile riders from all over the US. The Pink Ribbon
Riders is a volunteer based, non-profit organization that
combines the passion of riding and helping those in
need. This winter the tour celebrates its 7th anniversary.
On January 14 to 15 the 2nd annual North Dakota Snow
Run will take place at Twin Oaks Resort in Bottineau. The
Event consists of two days of entertainment including
a snowmobile ride open to men and women, dinner
banquet, auctions and tons of fun. NDTourism.com
Tourism
/Dawn
g
Chargin
Keauhou
Beach Resort brings
ancient Hawaii to guests with the Huaka’i
Tour. When you stay three nights or more you can
enjoy the Huaka’I Tour for free. The area’s history and
distinct traditions are part of the tour along with the
chance to play games, learn practices of ancient chiefs,
lei making and weaving. At the end of the tour guests
get to plant a native ti plant to contribute to replenishing the land. Room rates start at US $129 per night.
www.keauhoubeachresort.com
Keauhou Beach Resort
Dakota
North
Aloha To Ancient Times
Norsk Høstfest, Minot
Ranked “Most Affordable” by AAA.
I AM in step.
NDTourism.com or call 1-800-435-5663 for a FREE Group Travel Guide
Pedal Power
Gary Cocalle
Biking Through Mountains,
Deserts & History
by Josephine Matyas
There are very
few landscapes
in North America as
stunning and varied
as Arizona. It’s a
two-wheeler’s dream.
To find out more about the Discover
America - Canada Committee, attend
a meeting or receive the bi-monthly
newsletter, contact them by fax at
(416) 352-5567, by e-mail at admin@
seeamerica.ca or visit www.seeamerica.ca
C A N ADA
A N ADA
C A N ADA
70 September 2010 • Canadian Traveller It takes a very unique kind of traveller to hit
the road on two wheels...not four! This sort
of client is probably the independent type –
they may have their transportation lined up
(bicycle or motorcycle), but your informed
suggestions about routes and attractions can
really sell the different states.
Why Alabama? Alabama is a happening place.
The city of Birmingham has left its troubled
days of civil unrest behind, replaced by a place
of diversity, filled with galleries, museums,
gardens and well-preserved history.
How to sell it: Tell them about the Barber
Vintage Motorsports Museum, with the
largest collection of motorcycles in North
America. www.barbermuseum.org
What else is in the area? There are
museums galore in Birmingham – including
the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, the Alabama
Sports Hall of Fame and the worldrenowned Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
www.inbirmingham.org
Why Arizona? There are very few landscapes
in North America as stunning and varied
as Arizona. It’s a two-wheeler’s dream (but
watch out for torrential downpours and flash
floods in July and August) with long winding
roads, a choice of gentle or steep terrain and
regions of the state that are well serviced with
ranches, hotels and restaurants.
How to sell it: The Mother Road – historic
Route 66 – crosses through the central
parts of the state, and towns like Winslow,
Flagstaff and Williams have services that cater
to the road trip experience, www.historic66.
com Suggest to your clients that they enjoy
the Grand Canyon at a slower pace. Bright
Angel Bicycles has high quality bikes for
rent. www.bikegrandcanyon.com/What else
is in the area? The roadways of the Verde
Valley are perfect for motorcycle touring.
Canadian tour operators are DeNure Tours
in Ontario and Wells Gray Tours in British
Columbia. The Railroad offers a special 20
per cent international tour operator rate for
Canadian tour companies.
Why North Carolina? North Carolina is
known for great diversity – from seashores of
dunes watched over by historic lighthouses to
the highest peaks in the eastern United States.
How to sell it: For a no muss...no fuss
approach, Blue Strada Tours provides all
inclusive motorcycle touring experiences –
including the bikes, upscale lodging, meals
and guide. The Southeastern mountain routes
include some of the most challenging roads and
beautiful scenery in North Carolina, including
the famous Tail of the Dragon with 318 turns
in 20 kilometres, and visits to motorcycle
museums. www.bluestradatours.com
What else is in the area? The Lowe’s
Motor Speedway near Charlotte will appeal
to lovers of motorsports – the venue hosts
NASCAR races and visitors can experience the
excitement of racing rides and attractions. Just
a few miles off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway
is the Wheels Through Time Museum.
Why Idaho? The state capital of Boise is
perfect for a family-friendly biking tour.
How to sell it: Boise is flat, full of interesting
history and the city’s bike trails are well-marked
and maintained – especially in The Greenbelt,
40 kilometres miles of walking and biking paths
connecting five major city parks. The Greenbelt
was designed for seamless pedalling – the route
passes under roadways so there is no cross-traffic
to contend with. Idaho Mountain Touring on
Main Street rents city cruiser-style bikes.
www.idahomountaintouring.com
What else is in the area? How about a tour
behind the walls of an old penitentiary?
A 20-minute bike ride from downtown is
the Old Idaho Penitentiary State Historic
Site. The guided tour is packed with tidbits
about riots, escapes and the harsh life inside
a 19th-century prison. The Idaho Historical
Museum is a treasure trove of information
on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The
Idaho Black History Museum traces the
history of blacks who came to what was
a “free” state in search of jobs in mining,
logging and the railway.
✈
“
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Burmingham.

report

Transcription

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