TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

"BEST SHOW: MALAYSIA & SINGAPORE" LUCKY DRAW WINNER

Jen Kirkland of Abbotsford's Ambassador Travel wins grand prize trip to Malaysia and Singapore

Michael Wraight, sales manager Western Canada, Singapore Airlines; Haris Hadi, vice president, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board; Mavis Lau, sales and marketing executive, Silk Holidays; Patsy Sze, passenger account executive, Singapore Airlines; and Nicole Petersen, passenger account executive, Singapore Airlines.

Congratulations to Jen Kirkland of Ambassador Travel in Abbotsford, B.C., the lucky winner of a trip to Singapore and Malaysia in The Best Show: Malaysia and Singapore draw. Kirkland's prize includes economy class air ticket from Vancouver to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur with Singapore Airlines; three nights� five-star accommodation in Kuala Lumpur with daily breakfast; three nights� five-star accommodation in Singapore with daily breakfast; one city tour in each city; and airport transfers. Kirkland was one of more than 400 agents who attended The Best Show: Malaysia and Singapore series, held in eight Western Canadian cities April 7-17. [Full text and pictures]

VANCOUVER TOPS IN NORTH AMERICA FOR INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS

City once again leads North America for international convention market

The Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has once again ranked Vancouver as North America�s top destination for international meetings. In its annual International Association Meeting Market statistics report, Amsterdam-based ICCA ranks cities based on the number of international meetings hosted in the previous year. Vancouver hosted 49 meetings in 2007, placing it 26th internationally, one place ahead of Montreal and well ahead of Toronto (tied for 40th place), New York City (46th), San Diego (tied for 53rd place) and Boston (tied for 62nd place). In 2006, Vancouver was ranked slightly higher in 24th position. [Full text and pictures]

HORIZON CELEBRATES IN KELOWNA

Carrier commemorates a decade of service to Okanagan hub

Horizon Air staff Lily Oltmanns, Ben Willis and Tasha Davis were on hand to treat passengers to cupcakes and coffee

Horizon Air marked 10 years of service to Kelowna International Airport last weekend with a celebration in the ticket counter area for customers flying Horizon, complete with cupcakes and coffee. "We just enjoyed our best year ever in terms of boardings from Kelowna and so it's a great time to celebrate," said Dan Russo, director of marketing and communications, Horizon Air. "We're proud to have been part of the Okanagan Valley community for 10 years and look forward to many more." Horizon offers four daily flights between Kelowna and Seattle, a hub for both Horizon and sister company Alaska Airlines. The airline began flying into Kelowna from Seattle on May 10, 1998. [Full text and pictures]

SUNQUEST�S WESTERN PRODUCT LAUNCHES

Sign up now for barbecue & education seminars held June 3-18

Sunquest Vacations is inviting agents throughout Western Canada to kick off summer in the great outdoors with a tasty barbecue and educational seminar designed to help you sell Sunquest product. Among the topics covered: what�s new in Sunquest�s Riu, Winter Cruising, Groups and Weddings & Honeymoons brochures; how and to whom to sell certain products; highlights of special incentive offers and EBBs for both agents and clients. Events will be held in Edmonton on June 2, Calgary on June 3, Kelowna on June 5, Winnipeg on June 10, Saskatoon on June 11, Regina on June 12, Victoria on June 16 and Vancouver on June 18. Space is limited at each venue; advance registration required. For more information and details on how to reserve your spot, see the TRAVELHotNews calendar of events here.

AIR SERVICE TO CONTINUE THROUGHOUT YXE RUNWAY INTERSECTION RECONSTRUCTION

Air Canada to operate daily flights from Calgary, Edmonton July 22-24

The Saskatoon Airport Authority (SAA) has announced Air Canada will provide service to Saskatoon throughout the airport's runway reconstruction project this summer. The airline will operate five daily flights to Calgary and one daily flight to Edmonton during the 60-hour time period needed to complete the intersection work (July 22 at 8 a.m.-July 24 at 8 p.m.). Additional seat capacity has also been given to the Regina Airport during that time period to accommodate anticipated demand. Flight information is available at aircanada.com. [Full text and pictures]

WINNIPEG INTERNATIONAL LAUNCHES NEW BRAND

New, "freshened" look reflects "professionalism, dynamic thinking, innovation, and strength"

Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc. (WAA) has launched a new brand. "Manitoba is entering a new era of improvements in transportation infrastructure that represents a dynamic future. The Winnipeg Airports Authority freshened brand reinforces that vision of leadership in transportation innovation and growth," the WAA said in a press release. �Our new branding reflects the efforts of the entire WAA team to create a positive impression and a great future for our region,� said Barry Rempel, president & CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc. The new look comes at a time of significant change and growth for the airport, which is in the process of constructing a new terminal, scheduled for completion in 2010. [Full text and pictures]

CHIANG MAI LONG-STAY FROM SILK

28-night stay in serviced apartment from $1,399

Chiang Mai's Doi Suthep temple

Agents with Asia-bound clients with plenty of time and a desire to really get to know a destination might want to suggest Silk Holidays' Chiang Mai long-stay program. The 30-day/28-night package includes return economy class air from Vancouver to Chiang Mai via Taipei with China Airlines, return airport transfers in Chiang Mai and 28 nights' twin-share accommodation at Viangbua Mansion Chiang Mai. Prices start from $1,399 per person for a one-bedroom superior apartment without kitchen, to $1,699 per person for a one bedroom deluxe apartment with kitchen. Read on for full details. [Full text and pictures]