TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

JAMAICA COURTS THE WEST

Western Canadians the fastest-growing segment of Canadian visitors
Hilary Genders

Sandra Scott, regional director-Canada, Jamaica Tourist Board, meeting with Rex Armstead, president, ACT Communications in Vancouver yesterday

"Exciting things are happening in Jamaica," Sandra Scott, regional director - Canada for the Jamaica Tourist Board told THNWest.com yesterday afternoon, in an interview at her hotel in downtown Vancouver. Scott is one part of a Jamaica delegation in Vancouver to meet with potential investors in Jamaica -- both in the country's tourism industry, as well as other sectors. Also in town are Her Excellency Evadne Coye, Jamaica's High Commissioner to Canada, and Consul General Anne-Marie Bonner, who flew in from Ottawa and Toronto, respectively. They join Jamaica's honorary Consul in B.C., Dr. Astley Smith. The delegation has a busy schedule of meetings planned in both Vancouver and Victoria. Scott made some time in her busy schedule to talk to THNWest.com about some of the exciting developments in store for 2008 and beyond. Read on for details. [Full text and pictures]

SIGNATURE VACATIONS BRINGS KELOWNA BACK

Cancun flights return plus new Varadero program for Winter 2008/2009

Gran Melia Cancun

Good news for Kelowna-area travellers: Signature Vacations announced yesterday it will re-introduce its Cancun flights, as well as launch a new Kelowna-Varadero program for Winter 2008/2009. Both services will be offered weekly, via Calgary. The Cancun service is set to launch on Sunday, December 21, 2008, and will run each Sunday until March 8, 2009. The Varadero service will launch on Monday, December 22, 2008, running each Monday until March 9, 2009. For full details on these services, and on hotels in these two destinations, visit SignatureVacations.com.

CARIBBEAN COVE OPENS WITH A SPLASH AT WEST EDMONTON MALL

World Waterpark welcomes Western Canada's largest indoor water play feature

Caribbean Cove

Caribbean Cove, the largest indoor interactive water play feature in Western Canada, is now open in World Waterpark. This bright, colourful interactive play area spans almost 6,000 square feet and features mini slides, water toys and a giant 1,200 litre tipping bucket that constantly fills, then tips to douse guests with water. World Waterpark, which has a tropical environment, is home to more than 20 different waterslides and attractions including the world's largest indoor wave pool and the world's tallest indoor permanent bungee tower. �Caribbean Cove provides people of all ages with a variety of ways to entertain themselves in one specific area of the park and we believe families, in particular, will find endless enjoyment with this attraction," said Stacey Claffey, West Edmonton Mall manager. [Full text and pictures]

DOWNTOWN EDMONTON'S DAYS INN COMPLETES MAJOR RENOVATIONS

Special rates to celebrate designation as Days Inns � Canada�s �Renovation of the Year�

The renovated lobby at the Days Inn - Edmonton Downtown

Days Inn - Edmonton Downtown has completed a more than $2 million facility and guestroom renovation. The one-year project included major exterior and interior modifications, as well as the move to be 100 per cent smoke-free. Guestroom upgrades include upgraded bathrooms, new windows, drapery, paint and tile along with duvets and sheets, modern furniture and carpeting. Extensive facility upgrades include a renovated lobby, fitness centre and meeting room as well as new furniture and carpeting throughout the hotel. In response to the hotel�s extensive renovations, Days Inns - Canada awarded the hotel with �Renovation of the Year� in January 2008. [Full text and pictures]

GRAY LINE WEST VICTORIA LAUNCHES HOP-ON, HOP-OFF TOUR

Single ticket for two consecutive days for convenient, flexible touring of city's top attractions

Gray Line West Victoria has launched a new Hop-On Hop-off Attractions Loop Tour for the 2008 spring and summer season. The continuous loop tour is designed to be a convenient and flexible way for visitors to see Victoria, with 12 stops at the city�s most popular attractions. Riding an authentic San Francisco-style Trolley or a British Double Decker bus, guests choose to hop on and off at various attractions or simply enjoy a quick and informative city tour. The tour runs from now until September 1, 2008 with departures every 30 minutes (45 minute frequency from April 1-May 31). Read on for more details. [Full text and pictures]

FIRST INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT ARRIVES AT PRINCE GEORGE

Horizon Air launches daily non-stop connection to Seattle

Horizon Air Flight 2400 arrived to a warm welcome at Prince George Airport yesterday, as the airline launched its new nonstop service to between the city and Seattle.The aircraft received a water canon salute from the Prince George Airport Emergency Response Services, and was marshalled to the gate by Prince George Mayor Colin Kinsley. A ribbon-cutting ceremony follwed. �We are pleased to launch this service, and are confident this will offer more connections and destination opportunities for the customers of the Prince George Airport," said Stieg Hoeg, general manager, Prince George Airport. [Full text and pictures]

NEW GM FOR THE OLD HOUSE VILLAGE SUITES & HOTEL

Larry Seburn to oversee major property expansion

The Old Village Suites and Hotel

Courtenay, B.C.'s The Old House Village Suites and Hotel has announced the appointment of Larry Seburn as its new general manager. Seburn takes on his new role at a busy time for the hotel, which is in the process of expanding. The property's Phase II complex, set to open this fall will more than double the number of available rooms, from 33 to 78, and will also include a meeting facility and 4,500 square foot spa. Located on the Courtenay River, in the heart of the Comox Valley, The Old House Village Suites and Hotel offers guests easy access to downtown shopping and dining, Mt. Washington Alpine Resort and the Comox International Airport. For more information, visit oldhousevillage.com.