TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

MEXICANA TAKES OFF AT EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL

Celebration marks inaugural Edmonton-Mexico City flight

Passengers were greeted with Mariachi music at check-in
Photo: Michael Malone

The Departures level of Edmonton International Airport (EIA) featured the strains of traditional Mariachi music yesterday morning as passengers checked in for Mexicana Airlines' inaugural Edmonton - Mexico City flight. The entertainment was part of a larger celebration marking the launch of the carrier's six-times-weekly, non-stop service between the two cities. After a brief ceremony including refreshments and speeches by Reg Milley, EIA president and CEO; and Jane Batty, deputy mayor, City of Edmonton, who formally declared the week to be Edmonton-Mexico Friendship Week, Mexicana Airlines flight 875 received a ceremonial water arch send-off from EIA Emergency Response Services as it departed from the gate at approximately 8:20 a.m. [Full text and pictures]

ANDERSON APPOINTS NEW WESTERN CANADA SALES MANAGER

Jason Gignac

Jason Gignac joins Calgary office
There is a new face in Anderson Vacations' Calgary office -- and throughout the West. The company has announced the appointment of Jason Gignac as the company's Western Canada Sales Manager. “Jason brings a great enthusiasm to our sales force, and has a wealth of sales experience in the travel industry," says Corey Marshall, president/CEO of Anderson Vacations. "We feel he will be able to come on board and make an immediate impact.” Gignac digging into his new job, and is already on the road this week.

FIRST AIR WITHDRAWS B737 SERVICE FROM THOMPSON, MB

Airline says runway conditions “beyond operating limits for Boeing jet aircraft”

First Air has pulled its jet service from Thompson Regional Airport because it says current runway conditions fail to meet “acceptable minimum standards for Boeing jet aircraft.” The move, announced yesterday, is effective “until further notice”, the airline said in a news release. "The Thompson Airport historically has had issue with frost heave on the main runway, the most recent report on the runway surface condition indicated that it is now beyond operating limits for Boeing jet aircraft," the release said. The airline is offering customers holding confirmed tickets on the affected service full refunds, and is advising passengers to contact their original booking agent or to call First Air reservations at 1 800 267 1247. THNWest.com was not able to contact a representative from the Thompson Regional Airport Authority by publication time; we will provide any additional information as we receive it.

VICTORIA'S VEGAS IS SHOWING, TOO!

WestJet's Seasonal Non-Stop Service to launch September 9

Last week THNWest reported about the announcement of WestJet’s new direct service between Abbotsford and Las Vegas. Joining Abbotsford on the list of WestJet's new gateways to Vegas is Victoria. The airline's seasonal non-stop service between the two cities is set to launch September 9, with Victoria departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. “Vancouver Island has been very supportive of WestJet’s growth and we expect to fly over 600,000 guests into and out of Victoria International Airport this year. This is a significant number for both WestJet and Victoria,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet’s executive vice-president, guest experience and marketing. “With the addition of seven new aircraft in 2008 and many more to come in the next few years, there is potential for the people of Vancouver Island to enjoy additional WestJet service in the future. [Full text and pictures]

SILK'S "JAPAN MONTH" SPECIAL OFFER

Win one of two grand prizes by selling Japan in June

June is "Japan Month" at Silk Holidays, which is promoting its extensive Japan product this month by offering travel agents the opportunity to win a trip to Japan. Two grand prizes, each consisting of one return economy class air ticket from Vancouver to Tokyo on Japan Airlines and a seven-day Ordinary Japan Rail Pass, will be drawn. Agents will receive one entry for every Japan product -- including hotels, transfers, Japan Rail Passes, sightseeing tours or air tickets with stopover in Japan -- they book in pay deposit for in June 2008. The more you sell, the more chances you have to win. Silk is offering several other incentives to sell Japan in June; read on for full details. [Full text and pictures]

EDMONTON TOURISM LAUNCHES SUMMER CAMPAIGN

"Tourism Week in Edmonton" kicks off season filled with festivals & events

Edmonton

Edmonton Tourism, in partnership with the Destination Marketing Hotels of Edmonton, the Edmonton and Areas Tourism Destination Region, and more than 15 tourism industry partners, has launched its 2008 summer campaign to attract Greater Edmonton’s share of summer tourists from within Alberta as well as select markets in Saskatchewan, B.C., Yukon and the Northwest Territories. In concert with this year's Tourism Week in Canada -- an annual nation-wide celebration to profile Canada's $70 billion tourism industry -- Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel has formally proclaimed this week (June 2-8) Tourism Week in Edmonton. Tourism Week in Edmonton officially launches the busy summer festival season. Highlights include The Edmonton International Jazz Festival (June 20-29), The Edmonton International Street Performers Festival (July 4-13), Edmonton's Capital Ex (July 17-26), the Edmonton Heritage Festival (Aug. 2-4), the Edmonton Folk Music Festival (Aug. 7-10), the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival (Aug. 14-24) and the Symphony Under the Sky Festival (Aug. 29-Sept. 1). [Full text and pictures]

ATLIFIC HOTELS ADDS LLOYDMINSTER PROPERTY TO PORTFOLIO

Best Western Wayside Inn & Suites in Lloydminster, AB latest addition

Best Western Wayside Inn & Suites, Lloydminster

Atlific Hotels has announced the Best Western Wayside Inn & Suites in Lloydminster, Alberta as the newest addition to its portfolio. Recently acquired by Temple Real Estate Investment Trust (TREIT), this is the ninth TREIT property to come under management of Atlific Hotels. The 3.5-star Best Western Wayside Inn & Suites offers 128 guest rooms and suites, as well as a full range of facilities and services, including a heated indoor pool, cocktail and karaoke lounge with a video lottery terminal, exercise facility, high-speed Internet access, three restaurants and meeting space that accommodates up to 450 people. [Full text and pictures]