TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

Awards of merit 2007

IT'S TIME TO VOTE NOW!
A total of 55 candidates

You have until February 10th, 2008
to submit your candidates.

GET YOUR VOTES IN FOR AWARDS OF MERIT 2007

Polls close on Sunday, Feb. 10; make your voice heard
The TRAVELHotNews Western Edition Awards of Merit have accepted all the nominees -- 55 in all. It’s now time to cast your vote for the top 3 finalists in Western Canada. Choose your favourite candidates in a series of individual and company categories. The voting ends on February 10, 2008, which will determine the finalists in each category. Remember that finalists should be chosen based on their achievements in the year 2007. Who should win the Travel Agent of the Year, the Personality of the Year, the Reservation Agent of the Year? It’s up to you, so cast your vote today! You may only vote once; multiple entries will be disregarded. Get your office together and vote for your favourite candidates now.

DOLPHINS AND TIGERS AND MONSTERS, OH MY!

A one-of-a-kind water park, a jungle experience and the gang from Sesame Street are coming to SeaWorld & Busch Gardens this Spring
Hilary Genders

Jungala opens at Busch Gardens Africa in April

Vancouver-area travel writers met with top representatives from the Busch Entertainment Corporation Wednesday: Roswell the armadillo, Pete and Penny the Penguins, Baby Remy the Crocodile and Twister the Porcupine. The event was Busch’s annual media luncheon, held at the where guests were treated to a hands-on meet-and-greet with the “animal ambassadors”. Also on hand were the ambassadors’ human counterparts, including Randy Anger, Busch Entertainment Corporation’s senior manager, Canada; and Kelly Terry, senior representative, public relations for SeaWorld San Diego, who filled guests in on all the latest attractions at SeaWorld San Orlando, Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa Bay and SeaWorld San Diego this spring. Read on for all the exciting news about Aquatica, Jungala and the Sesame Street Bay of Play. [Full text and pictures]

MEXICANA TO LAUNCH EDMONTON-MEXICO CITY SERVICE

Three flights weekly starting June 1, 2008

Mexicana Airlines has announced it will be operating three flights a week on the Mexico City-Edmonton route starting June 1. The route will feature the modern Airbus A319 aircraft that can accommodate up to 108 passengers in coach class and 12 in business class. Edmonton-area travellers can now fly directly to Mexico’s beautiful beaches and a wide selection of other destinations throughout the country from Mexicana’s hub at the Mexico City International Airport, from where connecting flights are also available to Central and South America. “This new flight confirms Mexicana’s commitment to the North American market, where Canada is an important bastion for our company,” said Mexicana chief sales and marketing officer Isaac Volin. [Full text and pictures]

FRISCO GETS A LITTLE CLOSER FOR VANCOUVER ISLANDERS

United Airlines to launch daily non-stop service between Victoria & San Francisco June 5

San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge

Vancouver Island residents will soon have a more convenient way to travel to one of North America’s top destinations, as United Airlines will introduce daily non-stop service between Victoria and San Francisco beginning June 5, 2008. “We are delighted to welcome United Airlines to Victoria,” said Richard Paquette, president and chief executive officer of the Victoria Airport Authority. “This new flight will certainly be a very convenient option to all Vancouver Island residents headed south to San Francisco, or beyond to a long list of US and International destinations served by United Airlines through SFO.” Read on for details. [Full text and pictures]

MALAYSIA & SINGAPORE: “THE BEST SHOW VOL. 2”

Sign up today for informative show from Silk Holidays; get chance to win a trip with Singapore Airlines

Singapore at night

This spring Silk Holidays is inviting travel agents from across Western Canada to learn more about two hot Asian destinations: Malaysia and Singapore. Eight fun and informative shows will be held in April: two on Vancouver Island – in Victoria and Parksville, both on April 8; Abbotsford on April 9; Kelowna on April 10, Edmonton on April 14; Calgary on April 15; Saskatoon on April 16; and Regina on April 17. Participating agents will have a chance to win a trip to Malaysia and Singapore with Singapore Airlines. Maximum of two agents per agency. For more information about the shows, click here.

SIGNATURE'S VANCOUVER SUN SALE

Great spring deals to Cancun, Puerto Plata & Varadero

Gran Caribe Real Resort & Spa, Cancun

Signature Vacations is offering Vancovuer-area travellers some great bargains on favourite hot spots this spring. Among the deals: 14 nights all-inclusive in Varadero from $1,498, departing February 16; and seven nights all-inclusive in Puerto Plata from $728, departing February 19. And a last-minute Signature Super Saver: a junior suite at the all-inclusive Gran Caribe Real Cancun, departing Saturdays/Sundays March 1, 2, 8 and 9, for $1,098 -- this must be booked by Sunday, February 10. For full details, visit signaturevacations.com.