TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

AIR CANADA VACATIONS INTRODUCES MONTEGO BAY PACKAGES

Weekly non-stop from Vancouver to launch in December

Sandals Montego Bay

This winter, Western Canada has a whole new holiday option to the Sun. Air Canada Vacations is introducing Air & Hotel packages featuring an all-new weekly flight to Montego Bay non-stop from Vancouver. The inaugural flight is scheduled for take-off this December aboard a Boeing 767. �This has been much-anticipated and we�re excited to introduce this great new holiday option for Vancouver,� says Zeina Gedeon, president and CEO, Air Canada Vacations. �It�s another step toward our goal of growing our program in Western Canada and offering more flexibility and convenience than ever before.� [Full text and pictures]

"HONK IF YOU'RE HAPPY!"

Jamaica's warm welcome keeps visitors coming back again and again
Contributed by Edna Ray, regional sales manager BC/Yukon, Air Canada Vacations

Edna Ray and AMA agent Julie Taylor

While escorting a group of top producers from AMA Travel on their �reward trip� to Jamaica, a comment from on of the agents was that �A-ha moment�. This was Julie Taylor�s (from AMA in Red Deer) first visit to Jamaica. While driving up the majestic Blue Mountains� winding, narrow and at times terrifying country roads, Julie exclaimed: �They honk when they�re happy!� I guess it�s one of the many things we take for granted. We are so used to honking out of frustration, but in Jamaica, the HONK translates into �Yeh mon�. Jamaica is not just about the beautiful beaches, the delicious food, the abundant fruits, the plentiful, colourful flowers, the amazing blue waters, the infectious music, it�s about the people � Jamaicans are that final touch that makes Jamaica so incredibly addictive. This is evidenced by the consistent repeat visitors rate. It is not uncommon to find people who have been going back there for over 10 years, 15 years or more. [Full text and pictures]

ASIA NOW ROADSHOW'S EDMONTON WINNERS

Darleigh Horton & Lily Tan win grand prize draw in "Asia Now Challenge"

Simone Wang, Singapore Tourism Board; Kayla Shubert, Tourism Authority of Thailand; Darleign Horton, Harold Smith Travel; Lily Tan, Jolly Time Travel; Sandra Ngoh-Fonseka, Tourism Malaysia

The Asia Now Roadshow was recently held in Edmonton, Ottawa and Montreal and was rated as an overwhelming success by agents, operators, airlines and destinations. Two of the most satisfied participants, no doubt, are Edmonton agents Darleigh Horton of Harold Smith Travel and Lily Tan of Jolly Time Travel Service, who, as winners of the "Asia Now Challenge" grand prize draw, have the opportunity to travel to the Asia Now destination of their choice. Sponsored by the China National Tourist Office, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Korea Tourism Organization, Tourism Malaysia, the Singapore Tourism Board and the Tourism Authority of Thailand and supported by CIT, the Asia Now Roadshow featured more than 25 tour operator and airline partners, who introduced the latest 2008 tour products and services for each of the featured destinations. [Full text and pictures]

COMOX CELEBRATES MILLIONTH PASSENGER

Community support recognized with party, prizes

Janice Haslem receives the party's grand prize

The Comox Valley Airport was the site of a community party on April 26, as the Comox Valley Airport Commission celebrated an important milestone: one million passengers have used the airport since it opened its doors in April 2004. "Party-goers enjoyed a variety of entertainment -- including live music, airplane balloons, face painting and clowns -- and a celebratory cake. Lucky attendees received a variety of door prizes contributed by airport and community businesses. Janice Haslem was the lucky winner of the grand prize, co-sponsored by Edmonton Tourism and WestJet, including airfare, accommodation and passes to several attractions. [Full text and pictures]

SUNWING'S DO-IT-IYOURSELF PUERTO VALLARTA FAMS

One-week all-inclusive packages from $198

Sunwing Vacations is offering agents and their companions one-week all-inclusive packages to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico from just $198 for Vancouver departures. Agents can choose from five accommodation options: Buenaventura, Canto Del Sol, Embarcadero, Hacienda Hotel & Spa and Villas Vallartas. Monday departures are available May 26; June 2, 9, 16, 23; September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; and October 6, 13, 20, 27. Departure taxes extra.

FIRST RESORT IN "ADVENTURE CAPITAL OF CANADA" DEBUTS

Executive Suites Garibaldi Springs Golf Resort open in Squamish, B.C.

A view of the Garibaldi Springs Golf Course

Atlific Hotels has announced the opening of Executive Suites Garibaldi Springs Golf Resort in Squamish, B.C. Located along the breathtaking "Sea-to-Sky" corridor halfway between Vancouver and Whistler, the 111-room resort features studios and one- and two-bedroom suites with spectacular views of the Garibaldi Springs Golf Course. Known as "the outdoor adventure capital of Canada", Squamish champions many outdoor recreation opportunities, including downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, golf, mountain biking, hummer tours, kayaking and kiteboarding. Read on for more information about the resort. [Full text and pictures]

SPECIAL BUSINESS-CLASS FARE FROM HAINAN AIRLINES

Introductory rate for seats reserved by July 16 for travel until July 31 on only nonstop Seattle-Beijing service

Hainan Airlines, China�s largest non-government-owned carrier, yesterday announced a special introductory business-class fare for travel on its new nonstop route from Seattle to Beijing. The non-refundable, non- transferable round-trip fare is US $2,260, including fuel and security surcharges but not including up to $250 for government taxes and fees and the September 11th security fee. Special business-class fares are also offered to travellers who wish to extend their trips from Seattle to other select Chinese cities the airline serves from Beijing, including Shanghai and Guangzhou. When it begins its North American operations this summer, Hainan Airlines will be the only carrier to offer nonstop service between Seattle and Beijing. [Full text and pictures]