Archives January 3, 2008 Travel News

Awards of merit 2007

Who will be the personality of the year 2007?
You have until January 20, 2008
to submit your candidates.

SUNWING'S COSTA RICA

More than just ecotourism, clients can enjoy a diverse set of holiday options

Many travellers know Costa Rica for its ecolodges and diverse flora and fauna; but with Sunwing Vacations your clients can enjoy more than a "green-themed" holiday. The tour operator's offerings this winter are almost as diverse as the country. All-inclusive value, golfing, budget holidays and classic ecotourism getaways are all available through Sunwing. For instance, Those looking for all-inclusive value with a hint of luxury can stay at the gold-rated Barcelo Playa Tambor - or the Premier Fiesta Resort and Spa which has an onsite casino, and where Sunwing passengers enjoy free extras as part of the Sunwing Club program. Read on for more vacation options. [Full text and pictures]

iTRAVEL2000's SNOW DAY IN QUEBEC

Thousands of Quebec travellers win free vacation contest to begin New Year
Canadian Press

Thousands of Quebec travellers have won a free vacation contest to ring in the New Year. The ``Let It Snow promotion'' by itravel2000.com, Canada's largest online travel retailer, offered holidayers who booked through the company a chance to win their vacation package, flight or hotel if five inches (12.7 centimetres) of snow fell at one of four airports nearest them - specifically Montreal, Toronto, Halifax and Calgary - on New Year's Day. Quebec travellers were the big winners when Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport was the only one that met the standard. [Full text and pictures]

SellOffVacations offers 12 Days of Gift Giving

The holidays may be over, but promotion is still on until Jan. 5; clients can win prizes

One of the prizes up for grabs

There will not be a partridge in a pear tree or any French hens, in the SellOffVacations 12 Days of Gift Giving. With a take on the classic Christmas carol, the travel company has partnered with several big-name retailers to bring its clients 12 days of fantastic prizing. All bookings made between December 25th, 2007 and January 5th, 2008 will automatically be entered to win of the 78 incredible prizes available. In order to qualify for the 12 Days of Gift Giving promotion, reservations must be made with SellOffVacations between December 25th, 2007 and January 5th, 2008 for travel between December 26th, 2007 and April 30th, 2008. Read on to learn about the 78 prizes your clients could win. [Full text and pictures]

TAJ TOURS ADDS NWA DESTINATIONS

Now agents can book Northwest Airlines to USA, Mexico and Caribbean through Taj Tours
Taj Tours recently announced that Northwest Airlines flights to the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. For fares, bookings, rules and availability, visit tajtours.net. For further information or assistance, call Taj Tours' toll-free phone number, 1-800-304-8714.

U.S. DOLLARS REFUSED AT INDIA TOURIST SITES

U.S. dollars no longer accepted at Indian tourist sites
Canadian Press

No U.S. dollars, just rupees please. In a sign of how the once mighty U.S. dollar has fallen, India's tourism minister said Thursday that U.S. dollars will no longer be accepted at the country's heritage tourist sites, including the Taj Mahal. For years the dollar was worth about 50 rupees and tourists visiting most sites in India were charged either $5 or 250 rupees. But with the dollar at a nine-year low against the rupee - falling 11 per cent in 2007 alone and now hovering at around 39 rupees - that deal has become a losing proposition for the tourism industry. The country's tourism minister said, though, that the decision was only in part a reaction to the currency's plunging value. [Full text and pictures]

SIP, SAVOUR AND SPA PACKAGE IN OTTAWA

Relax after the holidays in Canada's Capital with new 2-night spa package; prices start at $257 per person

Ottawa Tourism's brand new Sip, Savour & Spa package offers a great way for your clients to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. The package is a two-night getaway for two with accommodation at select hotels, a $150 gift card towards dinner for two at Le Cordon Bleu's 5-diamond Signatures Restaurant, a $50 gift card towards spa services at Holtz Spa (one card per person booking spa services), and admission for two to two of the following: the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian War Museum and the Canadian Museum of Civilization. Packages start at just $257 / person for two nights and are valid from January 8 to April 8, 2008. Packages can be booked online at ottawatourism.ca or by calling 888-OTTAWA-8.

KUMUKA WORLDWIDE OFFERS E-MAGAZINE

Your clients can experience the world of Kumuka in VENTURE magazine

Kumuka Worldwide, a specialist in adventure travel for over 24 years, has recently published their latest travel e-magazine, VENTURE. The magazine is a colourful 32-page magazine full of travel stories, features, competitions, tips, advice, reviews and testimonials. This edition features Thailand as the lead in country along with articles on the land of the dragons, Bhutan, and other adventures and commentary from travellers that have enjoyed their holidays with Kumuka Worldwide. VENTURE was created to give readers an idea of the kinds of experiences they can enjoy on a holiday organized by Kumuka. The magazine gives readers a real sense of the Kumuka travel experience. Read on for more information and how you or your clients can subscribe. [Full text and pictures]