TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

Awards of merit 2007

Who will be the personality of the year 2007?
You have until January 20, 2008
to submit your candidates.

TRAVELHotNews WEST MERIT AWARDS 2007

TRAVELHotNews.com Western Edition launches inaugural Awards of Merit to honour travel industry professionals in BC, AB, SK & MB

It’s nearing the end of the year, and TRAVELHotNews.com West would like to recognize the hard work of travel industry professionals across BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The Awards of Merit 2007 will highlight the efforts of professionals who have gone above and beyond their call of duty in 2007. All travel industry professionals and companies are eligible to participate in the contest. Candidates may submit their own names or those of other professionals in the network or of companies by filling out the nomination form. Read on to learn more and to participate....or simply nominate someone today! Nominations will be accepted until January 20, 2008. [Full text and pictures]

ANDERSON VACATIONS BRINGS BACK AN OLD FRIEND

Lisa MacDonald, first Calgary employee, returns as company GM

Lisa MacDonald, General Manager, Anderson Vacations

Anderson Vacations has announced the appointment of Lisa MacDonald to the newly created position of general manager. MacDonald was the first employee of Anderson’s Southern Alberta office in Calgary, and returns to Anderson Vacations after two years with Pacesetter Travel in Calgary. MacDonald will be based in Calgary, and will manage overall operations of the Anderson Call Centre, staff and product lines. In addition to a new GM, Anderson has hired a new sales manager for Western Canada. Devon Ouellette is busy getting the word out about Anderson’s 2007/2008 winter holidays and preparing for the 2008 season. [Full text and pictures]

SANDMAN RECEIVES PINNACLE AWARD

Hotel Group named Company of the Year for “epitomizing the best characteristics of the foodservice and hospitality industry”

Sandman Hotel Group was presented with the prestigious Pinnacle Award for Company of the Year by Hotelier magazine at an event in Toronto on December 3. Selected by Hotelier’s editorial advisory board, Sandman was recognized for “epitomizing the best characteristics of the foodservice and hospitality industry, highlighting innovation, guest service, creativity and successful business strategies”. “We are truly honoured to be recognized by our friends and colleagues in the industry,” says Taj Kassam, president and COO of Sandman Hotel Group. “This award is a reflection of the tireless efforts of each and every member of the Sandman team together with the unwavering commitment to our company by our guests.” Introduced in 1988, the Pinnacle Awards is the only national recognition program for Canada’s foodservice and hospitality industry. [Full text and pictures]

AIR CANADA'S VANCOUVER-SYDNEY NON-STOP SERVICE DEBUTS

Only daily non-stop service between Canada & Australia takes flight

Sydney, Australia

Air Canada has marked the launch of the only daily non-stop flights between Canada and Sydney, Australia. The new non-stop routing from Vancouver, with an elapsed time of approximately 15 hours southbound and 14 hours northbound, shaves more than three hours off the previous one-stop routing via Honolulu. The service has been timed for a vast array of time-saving connections to and from points throughout North America and Australia. Air Canada flight AC033 departs Vancouver at 23:45, arriving in Sydney at 09:50 two days later due to time zone differences. On December 16th, Air Canada's inaugural flight departs Sydney at 11:35, arriving in Vancouver the same day at 06:40. [Full text and pictures]

HOTEL MARINA EL CID RIVIERA MAYA LAUNCHES EL COCAY SPA

Ancient Mayan traditions meet modern luxury at unique spa opening this weekend

Beachfront massages at the El Cocay Spa, opening this weekend at the Hotel Marina El Cid Riviera Maya

Clients have a great new reason to choose the Hotel Marina El Cid Riviera Maya for their next Mexican getaway. This weekend the hotel will celebrate the grand opening of the beachfront, 13,000 square-feet El Cocay Spa, which incorporates ancient Mayan traditions to rejuvenate guests through a balance of mind, body and spirit. Guests take in calming views of the Caribbean Sea, while indulging in traditional healing remedies and massage techniques based on Mayan legends. Amenities include a Temazcal, the pre-Hispanic steam cabana; hydrotherapy facilities; a Zen garden; meditation areas; massage cabins; a steam room and sauna; yoga and tai-chi instruction; a hair and nail salon; and a boutique featuring native Maya handcrafts. [Full text and pictures]

OASIS HK ENHANCES SERVICE

New product, service enhancements for Oasis passengers

Oasis Hong Kong Airlines will offer enhanced in-flight services and a luxurious new range of products in its businessOasis and economyOasis cabins, as well as the launch of additional flights between Hong Kong to London. Oasis will unveil the first phase of its new benefits on board from mid-December, with all the upgrades due to be completed by mid-February, 2008. In addition to Oasis’ in-flight service upgrade, three non-stop flights a week will be added to the London route, bringing the total to 10 flights per week. The additional flights will operate Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 16 December, 2007. Read on for all the details. [Full text and pictures]