CANADIAN TRAVELLER – Delivering Destination Information Costa Rica Carnival Tucson Africa
February 2011
Selling Europe Learn More Pa ge 17
Money-Maker$ Exploring Europe Weddings & Honeymoons Majestic Getaways
Majestic colonial
Majestic elegance Majestic elegance club Majestic elegance Punta cana HHH1/2 Astronomy Majestic colonial Punta cana caMeleon gold HHHH1/2 lessons included. Brides and grooms can opt for a free wedding at either of these superior resorts, and the Majestic elegance Punta cana offers a luxurious upgrade option to the adults-only elegance club. with one green fee included for clients of both hotels and two green fees for elegance club guests, either of these resorts is the perfect choice for lovers of the Great Game. two great hotels – always!
For more details, see the Nolitours sun 2010-2011 brochure or visit nolitours.com CANADIAN TRAVELLER – Delivering Destination Information
Ed i t o r Janice Strong
Ed i t o r -i n -Ch i e f /Pu b l i s h e r February 2011 Rex Armstead Volume 26 St a f f Wr i t e r -To r o n t o Issue 2 Merle Rosenstein Tel: (416) 633-5522
Stephen Fountaine De s t i n a t i o n Gu i d e s Tel: (250) 861-9006
De s i g n a n d Ed i t o r i a l Pr o d u c t i o n Fusion FX Design & Sales Development Marketing Inc. 6 $elling With $teve www.fusionfxdesign.com Random Thoughts On The Ea s t e r n Reg i o n Sa l e s Ma n a ge r Business Of Selling Travel Toni DeFino Tel: (416) 907-7524 14 Money Maker$ Acc o u n t Ma n a ge r – Va n c o u ve r Southern Mexico State To Host 2011 Myles Armstead Tel: (250) 861-9096 Adventure Travel World Summit
Reg i o n a l Rep r e s e n t a t i ve Me x i c o Leticia Garcia 48 Money Maker$ Tel: (55) 5683-5569 Marry Into A World Of Commissions
Sa l e s /Pr o d u c t i o n Co o r d i n a t o r Selling Weddings & Honeymoons Bryan Nikkel 41 Acc o u n t a n t Elsie Edillor All e-mail addresses: firstname+initialoflastname@ Central America canadiantraveller.net 41 It’s Easy Being Green Ci r c u l a t i o n Costa Rica Is A Country With An Subscriptions: subscription@ Ecological Conscience canadiantraveller.net
Pu b l i s h e d b y Caribbean 44 Let’s Party! Caribbean Carnivals Are Hot Fun
We s t e r n Ca n a d a : Ea s t e r n Ca n a d a : 8 46 Caribbean Report 201-2080 Hartley Avenue 2810 Matheson Blvd. E, Coquitlam, BC Suite 200 Jamaica Jamboree, Canada V3K 6W5 Mississauga, ON Canada, L4W 4X7 Cuba Numbers Up, Tel: (604) 699-9990 Tel: (416) 907-7524 Fax: (604) 699-9993 Fax: (866) 250-6839 North America Save In St Thomas Subscription Rates: Canada: $36 Per Year United States USA: $54 Per Year • International: $72 Per Year CT Destination Guide Printed in Canada 8 Cultural Crossroads Tucson Celebrates It Intriguing 17 Exploring Europe Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No. 40623544. Mix Of Immigrant Influences Postage paid at Vancouver, BC. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation Dept., 201-2080 Hartley Avenue,Coquitlam, BC V3K 6W5. Contents © copyright 2011 by ACT Communications 13 Discover America Inc. All Rights Reserved. Editorial submissions Finding The Perfect Beach must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The publisher assumes no responsibility Vacations For Your Client for lost material. ISSN 1207-1463 Africa 16 Africa Report The Egyptian Museum Development Project
ON THE COVER: CAnADiAn TrAV eller – Delivering Destination Information Costa Rica Carnival Europe’s many attractions, T u c s o n like the Brandenburg Gate Africa in Berlin, draw Canadians to the continent every year. Find out more in our
Exploring Europe destination Selling europe guide on page 17. learn More pa g e 1 7
M o n e y - M Ak e R$ Photo Credit: exploring europe Weddings & Shutterstock/Ventura Honeymoons
www.canadiantraveller.net Canadian Traveller • February 2011 3 Learn & Earn February After 25 Years Webinar We’ve Got It Just Right! Sponsored by hank You! The response to CT’s new look and content from both readers and advertisers has been most rewarding. We knew from our Tresearch what you wanted – but actually delivering it can sometimes be a challenge. After 25 years (Yes – CT is now into its second quarter century!) it seems we got it just right. Our mission has always been to help you make more money, by delivering useful information on key destinations – and then giving you tips on How to Sell them. Now, with a new design and new distribution methods we’ve made it even easier for you to turn your free subscription to CT into higher commissions. CT’s Destinations of the Month/Week are proving particularly popular. With more and better information easily available in digital format, they help you focus on real, current revenue opportunities. Check out Europe in this issue, and look for the Dominican Republic and Asia coming this spring. The new “WOW” design has drawn universal praise and gives you even greater opportunities to generate excitement within your client base. Contests have always been popular – but recently we have had some really PRESENTED BY great prizes – an all-inclusive two-week luxury trip to India and a seven-day safari STEVE CROWHURST in Kenya to name just two. And there are many more to come! In today’s world of little time and must-have education desk-to-desk education prospect for Vow is key. Our highly effective Learn & Earn webinars for travel agents, presented by Renewals, Inbound Moons, Steve Crowhurst, will make maximum use of your time and again, help you sell. Baby Moons and the Anniversary niche We’re scheduling one a month for the rest of the year – and they, too, are free. plan extreme weddings It all comes together on our new website, www.canadiantraveller.net, a great from bungee to glacier to… sales resource. Rediscover destinations around the world, refresh your sales well, even naked! techniques, enter contests, sign up for webinars, register for CT’s World Of tap into this "you had me Travel Shows – it’s all here. at hello" renewable Even with all the new technology there is still no substitute for face-to-face resource interaction. In May and June CT’s World of Travel Shows (formerly Addison) and you'll also learn about how to become a Certified will visit 15 cities across Canada bringing more great information and educational Wedding Planner seminars than ever before. See you there! So, heading into our 26th year the future is looking very bright for CT and its
REGISTER TODAY AT tens of thousands of readers. Thank You! . ✈ www.CanadianTraveller.net
4 February 2011 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net
CITC’s 2011 Winter/Spring Educational Programs for Travel Industry Professionals Webinars & Seminars Series Programs in English and French
English Programs Details and Registration at www.citc.ca/webinars
March 1, 2011 Nolan Burris returns with his most popular session on “Facebook Strategies for Success”. This is a business-oriented session to bring you and your agency up to speed with Social Marketing. Offered twice during the day. CITC members: $40.00 ACTA $60.00 Non Members $75.00 tax is additional
March 22, 2011 Continuing our Social Marketing series, Nolan Burris repeats his sold out session “From Twitter-phobic to Twitter-ific”. Very different from Facebook, many business have more than one twitter account. Find out how you can de-mystify this marketing took and bring in more business. Offered twice during the day. CITC members: $40.00 ACTA $60.00 Non Members $75.00 tax is additional
April 21, 2011 The CITC Professional Series is for Owners and Managers. Sessions are 75 minutes. For those looking to enhance their business mix with corporate accounts, Steve Crowhurst offers “Growing your Corporate Accounts”which will look at the needs to corporate travellers and include prospecting tips. 11:00 am Pacific time. CITC members: $40.00 ACTA $60.00 Non Members $75.00 tax is additional
April 30, 2011 “Is the Home Based Business for You?” This is an in-person seminar at HBA the Radisson Hotel East. 9:00-1:00 Industry 2:00-5:00 pm Consumers Steve Crowhurst leads this workshop to explore how to get involved in the world of home- based, how to choose a host agency, the 5W’s, and more. $35.00 plus tax.
Self Study is the way to go! SMP Training has put together an excellent resource tool for HBA your Home Based Agency: Creating, Setting and Charging Service Fees. The 45 page Workbook includes a telephone session with the author, Steve Crowhurst. Details available at www.citc.ca/hba CITC Members: $99.00 Non Members $129.00 tax is additional
Wébinaires en francais Détails et inscription à www.citc.ca/fr/webinar Nolan Burris s'est associé à Sophie Bujold pour présenter une formation en français portant sur les médias sociaux.
Mardi, 22 Février 2011, Stratégies Facebook gagnantes, avec Sophie Bujold Nous vous montrerons comment maximiser l’efficacité de votre profile et de votre page afin que Facebook soit efficace pour vous et ce, absolument sans jargon technique! Offert deux fois durant la journée. Membres du CITC – 40 $, membres de l’ACTA – 60 $, non-membres – 75 $, plus taxes
Mardi, 15 Mars 2011, De zéro en héro de Twitter!, , avec Sophie Bujold Twitter est un animal un peu bizarre dans le monde des médias sociaux, mais nous allons vous montrer comment le domestiquer. Afin de réussir sur Twitter, il faut avoir un stratégie différente de votre strategie Facebook, une connaissance du publique qui l’utilise et une idée de comme nt ils s’y prennent présentement. Offert deux fois durant la journée. Membres du CITC – 40 $, membres de l’ACTA – 60 $, non-membres – 75 $, plus taxes $elling with $teve
Travel Agent or 40,000 sets. Delivered 8,000 lectures he Travel Service? termed travelogues – he invented the word. A You know I’ve been thinking hard on this He presented his last travelogue at age 81. one. I think it’s a case of the old becoming Well, I’m impressed! So much so I bought a new again. There was a time when travel copy of a book called Travelogues published February agents were indeed agents – agents for by Taschen (Chapters has it, Amazon, too) steamship lines, airlines when they came into and in a word it is beautiful. Weighs a ton, so being and so on. They were still agents when you can work out as you read it. No kidding. Ramble a commission was available for the work Hard to imagine that the destinations you completed on behalf of the supplier. With the read about here in CT and the imagery you Random way it is today in our industry I’m thinking see on CT’s pages this man had shot 100 it’s time the words Travel and Service were years ago and his images are crisp. It’s an Thoughts On put back on the letterhead. Not only that, but education to go back in time to see many of it fits the model of charging fees for service - the places you know and love in an earlier The Business Of which is what most travel agencies claim to be state. If you consider yourself a purist – doing these days. How would it work for you knowing of this man will be a pleasure. Selling Travel – advertising yourself as a travel service? Travel Writing Webinar I delivered a webinar in January on how to turn your travels into words that could sell “With the way it is today more travel for your agency and possibly, at the same time open up a dual career. Selling in our industry I’m travel, travelling and writing about your travels for fame and fortune. Something along thinking it’s time the the lines of what Mr. Holmes achieved. The webinar was very well attended and I’d say By Steve words Travel and Service we have some budding travel writers in the Crowhurst, CTC mix. If you also Love to Travel and Long to were put back on the Write stay tuned as I am sure this webinar will run again. A excellent book to purchase letterhead.” on the subject is Lonely Planet’s Guide to Travel Writing. Check it out and see if you can’t marry your travel passion with well, your Fees For Knowledge other passion. I know a few well travelled people in our trade…they’ve notched up 65 countries, Blogging Along over 150 in another case. I know people There are millions of travel blogs and room who have taken over 60 cruises. It wouldn’t for one more. Have you found your blog make sense for all that knowledge not to be self yet? You may not wish to start a daily worth charging for – would it? But perhaps version but how about when you travel on it’s the word agent versus service that’s a fam or go on vacation. MyTripJournal Steve Crowhurst, CTC, blocking the view. If you are not yet up to www.mytripjournal.com/ I’ve mentioned author, keynote speaker and speed re charging service fees, why not charge before and figure they are worth another trainer specializes in NBG – knowledge fees? Click to the CITC website mention. This is a fantastic way to sell your New Business Generation for www.citc.ca /content/en/train-home-based- clients as you travel. The sell is a soft sell and the travel and tourism industry. training-e.asp and check out the Service Fee quite literally, like Twitter, your clients can He offers four free newsletters, self study guide. follow you as they receive the link that allows The O&M for agency owners them to access your MyTripJournal journal and managers, The Frontline The Most Traveled and check your itinerary, see in the map of for counsellors, The Edge for Man in The World where you’ve been, where you are and then home-based agents and I’ve just found a new hero! No I’m not read your commentary and look at your The BDM for suppliers. putting my pal Thomas Cook on the shelf. photographs. This is the ultimate, wish you Visit his websites: Okay perhaps I’ve found a set of heroes. Meet were here, ongoing digital postcard. Not only www.smptraining.com, Burton Holmes. Born 1870 – died aged 88 can you inspire your clients with your travel www.stevecrowhurst.com in 1958. So what did he do you ask that’s so writing to want to follow in your tracks, you www.homebasedtravelagenttrainer.com different. Well he travelled the world when can also set up a consumer night to deliver and www.bdmtraining.com there were no commercial aircraft in the sky. your version of a Burton Holmes travelogue. He travelled around the world six times. Before your last entry as you leave for home, Visited every continent. He took 30,000 you invite your clients to that consumer night, photographs and miles of movie footage. one week from now and close out with a ‘see
Wrote a 10 volume set of books and sold you there’ sign off. ✈
6 February 2011 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net
UNITED[ arizona ] STATES
8 February 2011 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net Cultural Crossroads Tucson Celebrates Its Intiguing Mix Of Immigrant Influences
By Josephine Matyas In Tucson, the romance of the rough and tumble Wild West intersects with rich Native American culture and the bright lights of a world-class cosmopolitan city. Its rich, cultural roots run deep – first as a Tohono O’odham Indian settlement, then as an outpost for Spanish colonial explorers, and finally as home to the ranchers and cowboys who turned to the American Southwest for a new life. Today, the intermingling of these cultures – Native American, Mexican and Spanish, independent-minded settlers – is felt and seen in all parts of Tucson life, from gastronomy to a deep appreciation for the outdoors to the preservation of history and culture. UNITED[ arizona ] STATES
Must-Do Tucson
Tohono Chul Park is a scenic desert preserve and centre of nature, arts and culture.
Pima Air and Space Museum houses hundreds of aircraft that display more than a century of aerospace history.
Add 350 days of sunshine each year to the mix of natural and historical sights, and you have a destination with activities and opportunities to fill any length stay. Tucson makes the Old Tucson Studios, a grade, whether for a short visit (think: golfing weekend or Western movie studio girlfriend getaway) or for a longer stay (snowbirds flock here, and theme park features and it makes the perfect family spring break vacation). live shows, dramatic gunfights, thrilling stunts and saloon musicals. History & Culture For many millennia, ancient civilizations have left their marks on this part of the country. An excellent way to trace their history is to visit the area’s museums, markets and attractions. The Tohono O’odham Nation Cultural Center Biosphere 2 is a sealed glass and Museum (in Topawa, west of Tucson) tells the history of biosphere developed as a the tribe, explains their traditional way of life, and provides a research facility to study chance to shop for traditional crafts like pottery and intricate Earth’s living systems. The ecosystems on display include baskets. Closer to downtown Tucson, on the lands of the an ocean coral reef, mangroves, Tohono O’odham reservation, is the Mission San Xavier del rainforest, savannah grassland Bac (White Dove of the Desert), a fine example of Spanish and fog desert. colonial architecture and the oldest intact European structure in Arizona. The small museum, filled with artifacts, imparts a sense of the way people lived at the Mission. Each year, on New Year’s weekend, the Indian America Designated as a National Historic Competition Pow Wow and Indian Craft Market attracts District, DeGrazia Gallery in the dancers, drummers and singers from dozens of tribes, and Sun’s permanent collections of vendors who sell traditional Indian foods and authentic paintings by the late Arizona artist handmade crafts. Ted DeGrazia trace the history In February, Tucson celebrates rodeo and the history of and culture of native people in the the cowboy at the annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros. The Sonoran Desert. nine-day festival includes the Tucson Rodeo, one of the top 25 professional rodeos in North America, where visitors can watch bull riding, bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping and women’s barrel Families love to visit Colossal racing events. Cave Mountain Park to There is no better way to hold onto the cowboy spirit than explore the underground with a stay at an authentic western ranch. Bordered by the geology of this “dry” cave scenic Saguaro National Park and the Coronado National and its crystal stalactites Forest, the Tanque Verde Ranch offers visitors the rough ’n’ and stalagmites. tumble side of a historic working ranch and the pampering
10 February 2011 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net www.visitTucson.org Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau [email protected] For group tours, contact Judy Wood at [email protected]
1615 East Northern Avenue, • WiFi Phoenix, Arizona 85020 F • Daily Paper 602.997.6285 • Hot Breakfast Buffet www.bwsuite.com R • Pillowtop Cloud 9 Beds & Bedding E • Bath & Body Works amenities E • Evening Social Hour • Airport Transportation • Bottled Water & more! of four-star amenities like tennis, golf and spa. Horseback riders will feel at home at White Stallion Ranch, where they offer themed rides for all skill levels, • Hot Breakfast Buffet including “wine and cheese” rides, “beer F • WiFi and cheetos” rides, mountain rides and • Evening Social Hour desert rides through the pristine Sonoran R • Pillowtop Cloud 9 Beds & Bedding 1651 West Baseline Road, • Bath & Body Works amenities landscape. Tempe, Arizona 85283 E • Daily Paper A different kind of cultural vibe can be 480.897.7900 E • Bottled Water & more! found at the weekly ArtWalk in Tucson’s www.hoteltempephoenix.com prestigious Gallery Row district. Every Thursday evening, visitors stroll the fine art galleries and enjoy wine tastings and live music. One destination outshines the rest: One of the most intriguing – and delicious – parts of Tucson culture happens on the dinner plate. Native American, Old West and Mexican influences are served from mom ’n’ pop eateries to top-notch restaurants. About 90-minutes outside of town a collection of small Mexican restaurants, a family owned tortilla factory and a chili farmer have joined together to create the Salsa Trail. Another culinary road trip is to the wineries and vineyards of southern Arizona wine country (the area between Nogales and Tucson). The rolling desert grasslands provide soil and climate conditions that favour such popular varietals as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot. The city’s premiere food and Come out of the winter cold, and into the magical warmth of the spectacular Tucson wine event is the annual Tucson Culinary desert–at Loews Ventana Canyon. Voted one of North America’s top 20 golf resorts, Festival (held in October) featuring we have two Tom Fazio designed courses nestled in the magnificent Catalina foothills, signature dishes from dozens of Tucson’s two refreshing pools, a Lakeside Spa & tennis center, delightful dining options, hiking, best chefs, a reserve tasting event for biking and much more to make your day bright, and your nights sparkle. wine lovers and the World Margarita Championship. loewshotels.com/ventana 800.234.5117
www.canadiantraveller.net Canadian Traveller • February 2011 11 UNITED[ arizona ] STATES
Step Outside encompassing a virtual forest of the SkyCenter (at the summit of Mt. If there is one truth about Tucson, it magnificent saguaro cacti, the towering Lemmon) and the renowned Kitt Peak is surely this: nature has smiled on this multi-armed trademark of the Sonoran National Observatory, which houses the land of lush desert, rugged mountain Desert. The park has 100 kilometres world’s largest concentration of telescopes ranges and rolling ranchland. No other of trails for hikers, horseback riders, for stellar, solar, and planetary research. region on the continent offers as large and non-motorized mountain bikers. Blessed with a mild climate and a range a spectrum of plants and animals as Tucsonites love Sabino Canyon in the of scenic landscapes, Tucson is a favourite the Sonoran Desert, the landscape nearby foothills of the Santa Catalina destination for year-round golf. Resorts that covers all of southwest Arizona. Mountains. The desert oasis can be feature layouts designed by Arnold This life-filled world is explained at the explored by bicycle, on one of the many Palmer and Tom Fazio and offer special Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, the trails or on the educational, narrated packages including accommodation and world-renowned zoo, living natural tram tour. green fees. history museum and botanical garden The mix of desert and riparian In 2011, the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club on the outskirts of Tucson. Interpretive ecosystems make the land around Tucson at Dove Mountain will be hosting the trails through desert settings, wildlife a birder’s paradise, especially during the world’s top 64 golfers at the PGA TOUR exhibits, a walk-in aviary and bird of migration season when it’s possible to Accenture Match Play Championship prey flight demonstrations are some of see 150 different species in a single day. tournament for the second year in a row. the highlights. The Saguaro National Park, Sweetwater After a day in the great outdoors, Hikers, birders and nature lovers Wetland, Madera Canyon and Las Tucson’s popular spa resort vacations are steps away from miles of scenic Cienegas National Conservation Area are are all about rejuvenating the mind, trails. The Arizona National Scenic just a few of the excellent birding sites body and spirit. Because of its clear skies Trail passes through the cacti-studded close to the city. and dry mountain air, Tucson has held desert of Saguaro National Park. Tucson’s clear nighttime skies are a long reputation as a place for health, Catalina State Park’s Nature Trail is an world-famous for stargazing – with 350 recuperation and renewal. interpretive, signed route explaining the nights of viewing a year. Premiere facilities desert ecosystem and wildlife. Tucson attract professional astronomers and For more information, visit
Mountain Park is a natural desert preserve stargazing dabblers, to the Mt. Lemmon www.visittucson.org ✈ Mo”’Œ”ˆ išG™@not@nˆž™A @sˆ„˜†‹„…’ˆL@rˆ’ˆœ„”šL@i”œ„’›„…’ˆ@‡ˆ™šŒ”„šŒ•”@Œ”‰•˜“„šŒ•” •›@”ˆˆ‡@š•@‹ˆ’–@ •›@ˆ„˜”@“•˜ˆ@†•““Œ™™Œ•”™A
oœˆ˜@UPP@‡ˆ™šŒ”„šŒ•”@‰•†›™ˆ‡@„˜šŒ†’ˆ™N i”M‡ˆ–š‹@dˆ™šŒ”„šŒ•”@g›Œ‡ˆ™@‰•˜@c„”„‡Œ„”™@ dˆ™šŒ”„šŒ•”@•‰@š‹ˆ@wˆˆ‘@„”‡@•‰@š‹ˆ@m•”š‹@‰ˆ„š›˜ˆ™@ –˜•œŒ‡ˆ@š‹•™ˆ@™–ˆ†Œ„’@Œ”™ŒŠ‹š™@š•@‹ˆ’–@ •›@™ˆ’’A sˆ„˜†‹„…’ˆ@… @‡ˆ™šŒ”„šŒ•”@•˜@ˆŸ–ˆ˜Œˆ”†ˆN i”‰•˜“„šŒœˆ@Bh•ž@š•@sˆ’’B@šŒ–™@‰˜•“@sšˆœˆ@c˜•ž‹›˜™šN eŸ†’›™Œœˆ@Œ”šˆ˜œŒˆž™@žŒš‹L@„”‡@šŒ–™@‰˜•“L@c„”„‡„G™@š•–@ š•›˜@•–ˆ˜„š•˜™N wˆˆ‘’ @–˜•“•šŒ•”™@„”‡@•‰‰ˆ˜™@‰˜•“@Œ”‡›™š˜ @™›––’Œˆ˜™N s‹„˜ˆ@š•@™•†Œ„’L@•˜@–•™š@†•”™›“ˆ˜@„˜šŒ†’ˆ™@š•@‰„†ˆ…••‘N vŒ™Œš@žžžNc„”„‡Œ„”t˜„œˆ’’ˆ˜N”ˆš@š•‡„ „”‡@†•“ˆ@…„†‘@ˆœˆ˜ @m•”‡„ A ct@o”’Œ”ˆ@‰•˜@”ˆž@•‰‰ˆ˜™L@†•”šˆ™š™L@„˜šŒ†’ˆ™@„”‡@“•˜ˆN
12 February 2011 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net u ss T ouri s m/Bill R Sandy Solutions N C Finding The Perfect Beach Vacations
For Your Client Three North Carolina beaches, including Kill Devil Hills allow unleashed dogs on the sand.
Everyone loves the beach, but the pull of the A park on an island is sure to appeal to sand and surf means different things to different kids. Belle Isle Park in Detroit, Michigan by Josephine Matyas people. Have a client who wouldn’t even think is home to a zoo, aquarium, conservatory, of travelling without their pooch? Steer them Great Lakes museum and plenty of room towards dog-friendly beaches. How about to hike, barbecue, watch boats and bicycle. honeymooners looking for a romantic, secluded The park is easily accessible by footbridge spot to watch the sun set? Your recommendation from the mainland. The town will send hearts aflutter. And busy families or The classic beachfront at Virginia Beach has those that like to play in the waves are hoping a lot to keep kids engaged, from the award- you’ve got ideas that will keep everyone happy. winning summer boardwalk, to the clean, warm of Duck has Looking for suggestions? We’ve got your sand and water. Lined with boutiques, souvenir “ back covered. shops and restaurants, there is something for bragging rights every visitor. The boardwalk is perfect for For Romantics biking, rollerblading, running or strolling. In as a dog friendly The St. Petersburg and Clearwater area in Florida the summer months, four oceanfront stages is known for 60 kilometres of award-winning provide live musical acts. The area’s JT’s beach town coastline. The beach at Caladesi Island State Grommet Island Beach Park and Playground Park (an undeveloped barrier island ranked For EveryBODY (opened in 2010) is the first No.1 in 2008 by Dr. Beach) has clear blue-green oceanfront playground that is 100 per cent waters and palm-dotted trails…and plenty of handicap-accessible. serenity and seclusion. Nearby Honeymoon Island State Park is perfect for the nature-loving For The Sports Crowd couple. With six-kilometres of shoreline, beach The new Inlet Sports Lodge, geared to eco- lovers can find quiet areas for swimming, sunning tourists and sportsmen, has opened in the fishing and shelling. village of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. The For Dogs & Their People resort’s concierge service can help plan fishing trips and other outdoor outings, including visits The Paw Playground at Fort De Soto State to nearby Huntington Beach State Park and Park just a short drive from Tampa, Florida dolphin-viewing boat excursions. has been rated one of the top 10 best “Dog- Many of the outfitters on the Friendly” beaches in the country. The park allows Sandbridge south shore offer surf dogs on the beach in a designated area. There are area on Virginia Beach’s lessons and surf camps. Trained instructors teach also dog showers and fenced leash-free areas for water safety and the fundamentals of surfing. large and small dogs. Texas’ South Padre Island is developing Three North Carolina beaches allow a niche as a beach fitness destination. Group unleashed dogs on the sand. The town of Duck outdoor fitness training is available for all skill has bragging rights as a “dog friendly beach To find out more about the Discover levels – in the fresh air, with the sounds of the town”: dogs can romp on the Duck Town ocean and sand under your feet! America - Canada Committee, attend Beach. The towns of Kitty Hawk and Kill Also in Texas, a younger crowd of surfers, Devil Hills allow off-leash dogs (under control a meeting or receive the bi-monthly windsurfers, and kiteboarders seek out the wind by the owner) to run and play on the beachfront and waves at newsletter, contact them by fax at (anytime between Labor Day and the Memorial J.P. Luby Surf Park/ North , along the island beaches on Day weekend in May. Packery Channel 416) 352-5567, by e-mail at admin@ the Gulf of Mexico. seeamerica.ca or visit www.seeamerica.ca For Families Travellers heading to San Francisco, California In South Carolina, the new Myrtle Beach don’t have to head far from downtown to find Boardwalk & Promenade provides beautiful great surfing beaches.Ocean Beach, along the views of the beach, an oceanfront park and a fun west coast of the city is part of the Golden Gate carnival-style atmosphere with street performers, National Recreation Area. The water at Ocean CANADA shops and restaurants. Beach is famous with serious surfers for its strong The Corpus Christi Beach along the currents and fierce waves, making it one of the CANADA CANADA South Texas Gulf Coast is perfect for families Bay area’s top surfing spots. Just 35-minutes – with a waterfront protected from the waves, to the south the beach at Half Moon Bay equipment rentals on site, and walking distance is renowned for its enormous waves and the
to most hotels and the downtown area. renowned Mavericks Surfing Competition. ✈
www.canadiantraveller.net Canadian Traveller • February 2011 13 mo[ adventurene travely ] maker$
See You In Southern Mexico State To Host 2011 Adventure Travel Chiapas World Summit
Chiapas, the southern-most state in Mexico, has won the bid to serve as conference will address tourism trends, Destination Host to the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s (ATTA) digital marketing, entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, indigenous eighth annual Adventure Travel World Summit, an assembly of 600 tourism, values-driven business models, adventure tourism professionals, which will be held October 17 to 20 and demand creation. Presenters for the 2011 Adventure Travel in San Cristóbal de las Casas. World Summit, themed, “Prosper with Purpose”, and their respective talks include: Announced by the ATTA and Mexican won the 2011 ATWS bid primarily for its Maryann Fernandez – Founder & tourism officials October 7 during the partnership orientation and readiness and President – Philanthropy Indaba: closing ceremonies of the 2010 Adventure willingness to press forward on progressive Fernandez explores how deeper-impact Travel World Summit (ATWS) in adventure tourism development, as well as corporate social responsibility, traveller’s Aviemore, Scotland, ATTA reported its for the tremendous potential benefits to philanthropy and volunteer programs decision came after extensive review of the local tourism economy and the ATTA’s succeed in an environment rich in mutual several sites throughout North America. members worldwide. respect, shared values, and community In addition to meeting all prerequisites Partners for the 2011 ATWS include the empowerment. outlined in the bidding process, Chiapas Chiapas Convention and Visitors Bureau, Leilani Latimer – Director, Sustainability the State Government of Chiapas and the Initiatives – Sabre Holdings: Through Tourism Ministry of Mexico and the Mexico the lens of global strategy, marketing and SunBreeze Hotel Tourism Promotion Board business transformation, Latimer shares Ambergris Caye, Belize “Th e Su m m i t t i e s i n d i r e c t l y insights into how to create demand for sustainable product, while challenging w i t h Me x i c o ’s o v e r a l l problematic perceptions and stereotypes. t o u r i s m st r a t e g y b e c a u s e Bruce Poon Tip – Founder – GAP w e w a n t t o c o m p l e m e n t t h e Adventures: Poon Tip reveals his first-hand w o r l d ’s u n d e r st a n d i n g o f account of the artistic process of being an innovative and successful entrepreneur, of Me x i c o a s a s u n a n d b e a c h • Great Location in San Pedro Town • 43 Rooms creating a company that represents one’s own Variety of Category • Restaurant & Bar • Massage d e st i n a t i o n to show a side of Mexico personality, the people who work within the Studio • Dive Shop • Singles, Couples • Families that is even more exotic and diverse naturally • Weddings • Conference • Packages Available business, and the spirit of an industry. and culturally,” said Antonio del Rosal, Ben Sherman – President- Medicine Root, www.sunbreezehotel.com marketing coordinator for Mexico’s Tourism Inc.: Sherman shares ancient, universal [email protected] Board. “For years, we’ve witnessed the Toll Free: 1-800-688-0191 values of native peoples and describes bottom-line positive effects of the ATTA’s how to incorporate these values into impact on destinations which have previously practical, progressive and successful cultural SunBreeze Suites hosted Summits such as Brazil, Quebec and preservation, environmental stewardship and Norway, and we believe such global attention community development models. on Chiapas next year will help usher in a new Jens Thraenhart – Co-founder & era of responsible tourism for Mexico.” President – Dragon Trail: Previously with Entering its seventh year, the ATTA’s the Canadian Tourism Commission and Summit conferences engage, enlighten, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Thraenhart inspire and energize the leaders of offers the industry’s most comprehensive the adventure travel community with briefing on outbound Chinese tourism • 20 Oceanfront Suites with private balcony • Kitchen, Living & Dining Area • Tour Desk • Mojito networking, business and professional trends, followed by proven demand- Bar & Grill • Centrally Located in Town Romance development programs, educational generation strategies made possible through • Family • Couples • Packages Available seminars and emerging adventure multi-cultural relevancy, social media and destination product review opportunities. www.sunbreezesuites.com digital marketing solutions. [email protected] Representing varied business Tensie Whelan – President – Rainforest Toll Free: 1-800-820-1631 disciplines, headliners for the adventure Alliance: Whelan illustrates how using tourism industry’s principal annual the power of markets, and connecting,
14 February 2011 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net money maker$ nATIOnAL PARK A r e a CVB St G e or ge
educating St George and training the trade is the gateway to Zion National Park, and consumers, helps to conserve where family fun includes short scenic hikes and a Junior Ranger Program. forests and spur sustainable industries and economies worldwide. Last year a n e st i m a t e d 600 waterfalls and enormous stone monoliths d e l e g a t e s , p r i m a r i l y t o u r that rise 600 to 900 metres above the o p e r a t o r s , d e st i n a t i o n canyon floor. With a total of 2.5 million visitors per year, Zion is the most popular m a r k e t i n g o r g a n i z a t i o n s , park in the state. t o u r i s m b o a r d s , m e d i a , For families, Zion offers a number of Two hours north and a million miles a g e n ts a d v e n t u r e l o d g e s short, scenic hiking trails including Weeping , away from Las Vegas, this National a n d s e r v i c e o r g a n i z a t i o n s Rock, Emerald Pools and the Riverside Walk. Park favorite will amaze and inspire (e.g., transportation, technology, marketing, Zion is popular with hikers and rock climbers you! Take advantage of hiking and etc.), representing more than 50 countries, from around the world wanting the challenge biking trails, horseback riding, jeep attended ATWS events. of ascending awesome vertical climbs via tours, rappelling, atv excursions and challenging trails to reach lofty peaks. more. Don’t forget your camera! Early Bird Registration, ends April 15. Visit St. George, Utah and the Zion National www.adventuretravelworldsummit.com. Park area offer many exciting events. Upcoming major events include the St. More Adventure George Marathon, The Ironman and the EveryThing from A To Zion Adventure travel can be risky business – Huntsman World Senior Games. but that’s all part of the thrill. Whether More information on St. George Utah Play the and Zion National Park can be found at new it’s scaling slick rocks in the canyons of Kokopelli Zion National Park or plumbing the www.utah.com Course! depths in search of sharks and rays off the coast of Belize, the key is the adrenaline Waves, Caves & Atolls rush. Here are two sensational spots for The Sun Breeze Hotel, a u-shaped Spanish- adventure junkies that will challenge even style oceanfront property on Ambergis the toughest tourists. Caye in Belize, overlooks the Caribbean Sea and the second largest Barrier Reef Canyons, Cliffs & Monoliths in the Western Hemisphere. Adventure Named “Utah’s Dixie” for its temperate activities include diving the famous Blue climate, St. George is the business and Hole at Lighthouse Reef, Turneffe Atoll, cultural centre for southwest Utah, and is snorkeling “shark and sting ray alley”, cave a major gateway to nearby Zion National tubing, fishing or exploring the countless Park. A vibrant city just 145 kilometres Mayan ruins. Currently on offer is US $100 north of Las Vegas, St. George caters OFF PP/DBL on all 7 Nights Adventure to visitors with an active lifestyle with Packages for clients who mention the its great hotels, spas, unique shopping, write-up in Canadian Traveller. Find more outdoor pursuits and restaurants. information on the Sun Breeze Hotel at A year round golf destination that has www.sunbreeze.net ✈ Just 61 kilometres from St. George, Zion lots of options for every golfer’s skill National Park is known for its incredible level, schedule and pocketbook! Ten canyons, hanging gardens, Sun Breeze Hotel in Belize is offering your clients a $100 credit on its 7-night adventure package. conveniently located courses and lots of lodging options. Book six months out with no fees at RedRockGolf.com. Fly direct! Delta via Salt Lake City or United via Los Angeles Sun Br ee z e H ot l
www.canadiantraveller.net Canadian Traveller • February 2011 15 AF[ reportRICA ] The bookstore at the new visitor’s centre at the Egyptian Museum.
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SC phase of the Egyptian Museum Development Project sees the development of a new visitor’s route, extended hours of operation (open until 10 p.m.) and Another phase includes an open-air permanent exhibition on the eastern a brand new visitor’s centre that side of the museum to showcase a includes a beautiful bookstore, number of sarcophagi, statuary and beautiful space for the display of cafeteria, restaurant and a architectural elements from ancient ancient Egyptian art. The project will be children’s museum. The centre is Egyptian tombs and temples. complete after transferring some of the existing Egyptian Museum collection to on the west side of the Egyptian The visitor’s centre and open air exhbit the planned Grand Egyptian Museum Museum and will be accessible are just one part of a multi-phase plan overlooking Giza plateau. through the new tour route. to transform the museum into a www.sca-egypt.org/eng/MR_PR.htm
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16 February 2011 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net Central Ame[ costar icarica ] It’s Easy
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By Dannielle Hayes Costa Rica is synonymous with conservation and leads the world in sustainable tourism practices. At the EXPOTUR Travel Market held in San Jose in May, Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism, Carlos Ricardo Benavides stated very simply “sustainability is an obligation of all of us on this planet.” For travel agents and tour operators selling Costa Rica, it is especially important that they know the sustainability level of the lodgings and in-bound tour operators they are booking for their clients. More than a decade ago, the Costa Rican Tourism Institute or ICT set up the Certificate of Sustainable Tourism or CST. It is a voluntary certification program open to lodgings, tour operators, airlines and car rental agencies within Costa Rica. Briefly, the CST i s a r a t i n g s y st e m b a s e d o n a s c a l e o f 0 t o 5 g r e e n l e a v e s , with level 5 green leaves considered a model of sustainable tourism.
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www.canadiantraveller.net Canadian Traveller • February 2011 41 “For travel agents and tour operators selling Costa Rica, it is especially important that they know the sustainability level of the lodgings and in- bound tour operators they are booking for their clients.”
have a private tour of the surrounding coffee plantation, a guided volcano tour, bird watching, nature walks, horseback tour or choose to relax in the spa, the chemical-free infinity swimming pool or Jacuzzi hot tub. The Inn’s bar and restaurant featuring local produce, has magnificent views of the Central Valley. Qu i t e n a t u r a l l y t h e Fi n c a Ro s a h a s Shutt e r s to c k/Eduardo R i ve ro a c h i e v e d t h e h i g h e st CST st a t u s o f 5 g r e e n l e a v e s . Within San Jose, an excellent green choice would be the Hotel Grano de Oro situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colon, the Hardly city’s main thoroughfare. The Grano de Oro was converted from anyone is more informed about a tropical Victorian mansion to a 40-room hotel and maintains the sustainable tourism than Glenn Jampol, President of warmth of a private home. A member of the Small Distinctive Hotels the National Ecotourism Society or Camara Nacional de Ecoturismo of Costa Rica, t h i s c h a r m i n g p r o p e r t y a l s o h a s a n (CANAECO) “The CST guidelines are very strict,” said Jampol in a private interview. “Every set of questions, and there are about 1,000 e x t e n s i v e s u st a i n a b i l i t y p r o g r a m a n d i s i n t h e of them, have to be backed up by evidence. Our guests are also part p r o c e ss o f g e tt i n g t h e i r CST st a t u s . of the process in that we ask them to evaluate their experience during If you are in San Jose for just a few days, the Gold Museum their stay and now 12 to 15 per cent choose sustainability as the most tops the “must-see” list. Beneath the plaza next to the elegant important element of their trip. Sustainability is about saving money National Theatre, the museum exhibits the Indigenous people’s pre- too and that’s good business. Our goal at the National Ecotourism Columbian culture in fine cast gold pieces and ancient ceramics. A Society is that we won’t need the society anymore, because everything half-day wandering the Central Market sheds light on contemporary will be sustainable.” Costa Rican or “Tico” culture in a veritable feast for the senses. Just 15 to 20 minutes from the airport is one of the country’s Listen to the vendors chanting. Drink in the dazzling colours of fresh top eco-lodges, the Finca Rosa Coffee Plantation and Country Inn. produce and taste some delicious local fare like gallo pinto (painted The first boutique hotel, Finca Rosa Blanca offers 13 unique suites rooster) or casado (husband). focused on coffee culture, comfort, art and design. Inn guests may To experience Costa Rica’s beautiful Pacific coast, fly either NatureAir or SANSA, both domestic airlines qualifying for CST status. Na t u r e Ai r a l o n g w i t h t h e Ra i n f o r e st Cruceros Australis... Al l i a n c e p r o v i d e s i n f o r m a t i o n o n e c o - f r i e n d l y l o d g i n g s f o r c o n s e r v a t i o n -m i n d e d Cruise Southern Lands. t r a v e l l e r s , (www.eco-indextourism.org) and uses bio-diesel in their trucks. Central to this coast is the splendid new Ar e n a s d e l Ma r a n d Na t u r e Re s o r t , t h e f i r st h o t e l t o b e b u i l t a c c o r d i n g t o t h e st r i c t CST st a n d a r d s . The resort, tucked into 4.5 hectares of rainforest above two tree-
The 411 Costa Rican Tourism Institute or ICT, www.visitcostarica.com
Take your journey on our new Certificate of Sustainable Tourism or CST, www.sustainable-tourism.co.cr ship the MV Stella Australis. Finca Rosa Coffee Plantation and Country Inn, www.fincarosablanca.com Hotel Grano de Oro, [email protected] NatureAir, www.natureair.com xperience the grandeur of Patagonia cruises SANSA, www.flysansa.com E3 and 4 night journeys at the end of the earth Rainforest Alliance, www.rainforestalliance.org to Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn with Cruceros Australis Expeditions Ships. Arenas del Mar and Nature Resort, www.arenasdelmar.com Lapa Rios Ecolodge, www.laparios.com Rancho Margot, [email protected] Savegre Hotel, Natural Reserve and Spa, www.savegre.com Actuar Rural Adventures, www.actuarcostarica.com Horizontes Nature Tours, www.horizontes.com Call your travel agent or 1-877-678-3772 Simbiosis Tours, www.turismoruralcr.com
Cruceros42 1/4 pgFebruary ad.indd 20111 • Canadian Traveller 1/14/11 2:39 PM www.canadiantraveller.net Central Ame[ costar icarica ] shaded white-sand beaches, offers spectacular example of this is Rancho Margot started a 4 l e a v e s CST st a t u s . views of nearby Manuel Antonio National about six years ago by Juan Sostheim and his The Savegre offers 20 suites and 20 Park and the Pacific. Naturally, Arenas del family. “It was 400 acres with no trees, but I standard rooms surrounded by lush Mar achieves all 5 CST green leaves. saw it for what it could be,” said Sostheim, a gardens. The Bromelias Restaurant Further south on the Osa Peninsula (soon former chemist. “My goal was to create a self- specializes in trout caught from the to be named a UNESCO World Heritage sufficient ranch integral to the community. Savegre River, and at Les Robles Site), Lapa Rios Ecolodge is another Wi t h e d u c a t i o n , t o u r i s m a n d Bar and Café, guests may share the excellent green choice. Lapa Rios is an p r o d u c t i o n w e w o r k w i t h day’s adventures or stay in touch upscale 16-bungalow eco-lodge protecting with friends via Wi-Fi internet. The over 400 hectares of preserved rainforest st u d e n ts a n d t o u r i sts t o Savegre’s 400-hectare Private Reserve prized for its biodiversity. The 60-plus staff e x p e r i e n c e a g r o -t o u r i s m i n a property is neighbour to Los Quetzales members are from the local isolated area, s u st a i n a b l e w a y . We produce our National Park, the best place to sight and environmental education is fundamental own energy using bio-digesters and we use the Resplendent Quetzale. Matilde to the employees and international guests’ kitchen waste oil to make soaps and bio- Chacon, the founder’s granddaughter experiences. The development of the local diesel fuel. We also have an extensive Spanish runs the Rio Spa. primary school is mostly funded by the language program and yoga teacher training. There are a number of tour operators lodge’s Traveler’s Philanthropic outreach. We are totally sustainable.” that have gained top CST status as La p a Ri o s h a s t h e f u l l 5 Another successful family-run sustainable well. Actuar Rural Adventures helps l e a v e s CST st a t u s a n d i s property is the beautiful Savegre Hotel, travellers plan adventurous, enjoyable and Natural Reserve and Spa in the Talamanca educational trips with sustainable tourism c o n s i st e n t l y v o t e d o n e o f Mountains south of San Jose. Owner Efran businesses. Horizontes Nature Tours has La t i n Am e r i c a ’s t o p r e s o r ts by Chacon first saw the property in the early been designing travel programs to Costa Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure and 1960s when he and his brother were hunting Rica’s biodiversity-rich destinations since Andrew Harper. tapir in the primary tropical cloud forest. 1984, including tours to see the Bri- Costa Rica Tourism has also been Bri Indigenous people. Simbiosis Tours Fr o m a s i m p l e f a m i l y f a r m , encouraging the reclamation of rural areas specializes in sustainable rural tourism. that had been cleared for cattle and dairy t h e Sa v e g r e h a s g r o w n For more information on Costa Rica,
farms to become sustainable. A good t o a 5-st a r p r o p e r t y w i t h visit www.visitcostarica.com ✈
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www.canadiantraveller.net Canadian Traveller • February 2011 43 ca[ carnivalsri ]bbean Let’s T ouri s m Dev Co T o b a g
T rinidad & Party Caribbean Carnivals Are Hot Fun
“Expect to be lured into a music-infused costumed-covered M Reffes trance that is addictive and hard to resist.”
Virtually every country in the Caribbean hosts a cultural kaleidoscope of high-octane dance, raucous street jams and fantastical pageantry. Melanie Reffes From steel pan and jump-ups to pageants and parades, carnivals in the Caribbean are the greatest parties under the tropical sun. With a storied past, the tradition started centuries ago when Italian Catholics hosted costumed balls before the first day of Lent. As meat eating was not allowed during the holiday, they called the festival ‘carnevale’, which translates to ‘put away the meat’.
Catching on with parishioners across other people’s, to move muscles one Curacao Celebrates Europe, the tradition made its way to wouldn’t normally use in daily life. Carnival are the liveliest two months of the Americas where wealthy plantation Expect to be lured into a music-infused the year in Curacao with the African- owners hosted grand carnivals in their costumed-covered trance that is addictive Caribbean musical mélange called Tumba homes while their slaves held smaller and hard to resist.” showcased from January 31 to February 4, ones in the backyard. After slavery was Horse Parade on February 20, Children’s abolished, carnival took to the streets Aruba Rocks Parade on February 27 and Teen Parade to honour the African tradition of Kicking off on New Years Day and on March 4. On March 6, non-stop parading through villages sporting bone, continuing through March 8, Carnival shimmying is the signature of the Grand bead and shell decorated costumes is the biggest blow-out of the year in Carnival or “Gran Marcha” and on March and masks fashioned from feathers Aruba. Homes are transformed into 8, the Farewell Parade delights with a and fabric. Aimed not only at bringing elaborate sewing factories as lovelies fireworks-stuffed King Momo that ignites good fortune to the revelers, these of all ages primp for Carnival Queen after dark. flashy fetes also appeased angry relatives Competitions. “Jump-ups” keep the “Carnival is about the whole island who had passed into the next world. mojo in high gear, road marchers shout coming together to celebrate the year The rest is carnival history and today, out catchy melodies and the Lighting with lots of jumping, dancing and virtually every country in the Caribbean Parade on February 26 is carnival magic singing,” smiles Andre Rojer, North hosts a cultural kaleidoscope of high- as the tiny lights that are sewn into American marketing manager, Curaçao octane dance, raucous street jams and costumes illuminate the night time sky. Tourist Board. “Since Carnival is such a fantastical pageantry. March 1 is Tourist Night at Paseo celebratory time in Curaçao, we like to “Whether they have a religious or Herencia with a roster of steel bands; Grand say that babies born in November are historical significance, whether they Parade in Oranjestad on March 6 is the Carnival babies.” Visit end at the onset of Lent or the middle longest and the largest with enthusiastic www.Curacaocarnival.info of summer, whether they are called islanders in sequined regalia following Junkanoo or Crop Over, carnivals have mega-decibel music machines on wheels. Jammin’ In Jamaica one thing in common; they’re fun,” says The Old Mask Parade on March 8 Starting on February 18 and continuing Hugh Riley, secretary-general, Caribbean celebrates the Dutch Caribbean tradition through May 1, Bacchanal heats up Tourism Organization (CTO). “Be of burning the effigy of King Momo to Jamaica with road marches through the warned that Caribbean music is highly signal the start of a new year. Visit www. streets of Kingston and on the Hip Strip infectious and can lead your body, and carnavalaruba.net in Montego Bay. Mostly a local affair, T ouri s t Bur e au e n St M aart
The sign says it all. From steel Non-stop shimmying is the pan and jump-ups to pageants signature of Curacao’s Grand and parades, carnivals in the Carnival or “Gran Marcha”, Caribbean are the greatest during the island’s two- parties under the tropical sun. month Carnival celebrations.
www.canadiantraveller.net Canadian Traveller • February 2011 45 ca[ reportr i ] bbean tourists are welcome for all events like Going For Broke Bacchanal Fridays, Beach J’ouvert on April 23, Soca at De Sandbar on April 27 Cuba broke its record for Canadian and Bacchanal J’ouvert on April 29. visitors in 2010 with a total of 918,064, Visit www.bacchanaljamaica.com surpassing the number achieved last year (914,884). This significant increase is Party Hearty In Trinidad the result of high consumer confidence, Heralded as the best party on earth, new direct flights from Sunwing Airlines Trinidad Carnival is the granddaddy of and Air Transat, advanced negotiations them all attracting hard core fans from with tour operators and Canadian hotel across the globe who book air tickets and chains, and new programs. Cuba’s tour- hotel rooms six months in advance. Mas, or T ouri s t Board masquerade steel pan concerts, flamboyantly ism sector will close this year with about Cu b a risqué costumes that can reach nine metres four per cent growth and over 2.5 million high and take months to create and revelers visitors. For more information, please slathered in everything from oil and grease visit: www.gocuba.ca to chocolate and mud are the sacred hallmarks of Carnival Monday and Tuesday Couples at St. Croix’s Buccaneer resort can (March 7 and 8). now enhance their ceremonies with a “Jump For diehard carnival-philes, joining a band the Broom” ritual, based on a centuries-old for the annual eruption of sun and rum is African tradition of jumping over a broom more fun than hanging on the sidelines. A fee – lowest is $500 – buys a costume, food and to symbolize two people entering a new libations for two full days of reckless abandon. life together with a clean sweep. “Jump the Selecting a band with a theme that suits your Broom” includes a traditional invocation and style is paramount with options that include
T h e Bu cc an ee r a one-of-a-kind wedding broom designed ‘Way of the Warrior’ for the Tribe band, which Tradition by an artist exclusively for the couple, and is is the largest with more than 4,000 people priced at $500 as an add-on to the wedding signing up each year (www.carnivaltribe.com) Save In St. Thomas package of choice. For additional information and the ‘Planet Rock’ theme for the Harts Guests can enjoy up to 45 per cent off all-inclusive visit The Buccaneer’s website at band (www.hartscarnival.com). Visit nightly rates for travel February 9 to December 22, www.thebuccaneer.com www.goTrinidadandTobago.com at The Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa, dur- ing the Sun Winter Sale. All rates Plan Ahead include meals and beverages, • April 25 to May 2: St. Maarten. Grand entertainment, half-day access to Parade and Festival Village are the big the supervised Kid’s Club, and a draws. Visit www.VacationStMaarten.com • April 29 to 30: St. Thomas, USVI. comprehensive activities program The largest of the USVI carnivals heat up featuring snorkeling, kayaking, Charlotte Amalie and the Lionel Roberts sailing, scuba instruction, minia- a Stadium. Visit www.usvitourism.vi ture golf and family movie nights. • End of April to early May: Cayman For additional information visit Islands. Inspired by the sea, Batabano www.sugarbaywyndham Carnival refers to the tracks left in the sand by the turtles as they drag themselves onto the beach to nest. Visit www.caymanislands.ky
Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Sp • May 24: Bermuda. A Heritage Day Jamin’ In Jamaica Parade celebrates the birthday of Queen The top 25 Jamaica-selling agents from each Canadian Region will Victoria with cycle races, traditional celebrate their success at the Jamaica Travel Jamboree, an all-expense pipe and drum bands and plenty of paid trip to Montego Bay June 9 to 14. The Jamaica Tourist Board and tour island food and cold beer. Visit operator partners will select the top Jamaica sellers, with the most www.bermudatourism.com • May 30 to July 30: St. Lucia. Carnival bookings between December 2010 and season is a month-long affair. Visit April 15, 2011 and winners will be notified in early http://luciancarnival.com May. For more information, visit: • Early June to July 4: St. John, USVI. www.visitjamaica.com/jamboree This month-long celebration called the St. John Festival comes to life at Cruz Bay where most of the events take place
T ouri s t Board from boat and bike races to pageants and variety shows. The party jumps into high Jamai c a
46 February 2011 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net caribb[ carnivalsean ] gear with beach parties, food fairs • St. Vincent & the Grenadines: and fireworks two weeks before the Vincy Mas is celebrated throughout parade held on July 4 in the National the island chain. Visit Park where glittery costumes and http://discoversvg.com pulsating music reign supreme. • Grenada: Spice Mas is the Spice 273 Visit www.vicarnival.com Island’s version of Carnival. Visit www.grenadagrenadines.com “No Fluff – Summer Festivals • Barbados: CropOver is the harvest • Antigua: July 24 to August 3 This festival in August. Visit No Theory” summer marks the 53rd anniversary of www.grenadagrenadines.com Carnival. Visit www.antiguacarnival.com • Anguilla: The Summer Festival is Marketing • Nevis: Culturama delights with chockablock with fireworks, boat parades and roadside barbecues. races and calypso concerts. Visit www.nevisculturama.net Visit www.axasummerfestival.com ✈ IDEAS for Travel Agents
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Carnival Survival Kit Author Steve Crowhurst, CTC v sneakers or comfortable walking shoes v small amount of cash ( keep valuables in the hotel safe) Order today from: v sunscreen v camera and batteries WWW.BIGBARKGRAPHICS.COM v ear plugs ( many stores close during carnival) v tickets for popular events v backpack to carry the above ASK YOUR CONSORTIA v water bottles v unlimited stamina and staying power TO BULK BUY!!
www.canadiantraveller.net Canadian Traveller • February 2011 47 mo[ weddingsne & honeymoonsy ma ] ker$
Marry Into A World Of Commissions Selling Tie The Knot Weddings & Honeymoons By Steve Crowhurst, CTC Would you like to sell a renewable product? Say “I do” and you can marry into a world of commissions that will flow into your bank account as the life of each just married client unfolds. A few recent statistics tell us that 80 per cent of women will marry at some point in their lives, mixed race marriages have increased 33 per cent and some of the effects of marriage were listed, too: married couples were healthier, had lower blood pressure, experienced less stress and were longer living than those who were not married.
January 2011 was also the 10th anniversary five wedding groups of 141. You know you Weddings – Zero to Extreme of the two pioneering same sex couples can make one call to a preferred supplier that There’s quite a gap in miles and moola who braved it all and went ahead with their books wedding groups and you are done and when it comes to weddings and where they weddings despite the shout outs from a dusted! Easy money or what? The survey are held. Some like me could only afford a variety of religious idiots that the world would also tells you that nine per cent of your “I justice of the peace to visit the apartment cave in. So let me quickly check…yup, we’re do” clients will want a wedding/honeymoon and that cost me 50 bucks! Number of still here. All good. No damage. Just another combo and 73 per cent will marry at home people in the wedding party – four. Yes I step forward for mankind and giant leap for and honeymoon outside of Canada. I’d say know, big spender! But hey, real life is what the weddings and honeymoon business and your plan is forming well. it is. Many of your clients may have limited here we go. Let’s generate a weddings and A keypoint to mention here is this: if funds – handle them well and they’ll be honeymoon sales strategy. you do intend to attract more wedding customers for life. and honeymoon clients you should make For those with the money, their wedding The W&H Sales Plan time to read the websites and blogs of experience will be limited only by your level To help plan the plan, consider recent stats wedding magazines. You do this to pick of creativity. The next question is: are you well from Wedding Bells. Their latest survey up on the latest trends and also to know versed in all the possible arrangements, do advises that the average honeymooner what destinations are being pitched. If the you have this information at your fingertips? expects to pay $3,448; nearly half of all magazines are pitching the US Virgin Islands, Do you know what your suppliers can do couples (47 per cent) foot the bill with their Barbados, Kauai and the Marival properties for you? Remember own savings, 32 per cent rely on family for instance – then that’s what you pitch, too. nine per cent contributions and 14 per cent take out When your client receives your promotion loans. Average wedding size is 141 guests, they’ll be saying to themselves, “Hey, nine per cent of couples plan on having a what a coincidence – I was just reading destination wedding and 73 per cent of about that place!” couples plan on spending their honeymoon outside of Canada. Study those numbers for a moment. The $3,500 figure has a nice ring to it – so if you billed yourself in 2011 as the MoonArranger and closed 100 honeymoons that would prove to be $350,000 in sales and $35,000 +/- in revenue. Imagine closing A uthority
Would you like to sell a renewable product? A world of commissions T ouri s m will flow into your bank account selling weddings and honeymoons. Bar b ado s
48 February 2011 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net money maker$
A uthority consider your batteries recharged. T ouri s m sail along a coastline of majestic cliffs. hike to a secluded waterfall. Bar b ado s or simply sit and watch the sunset from a pier. it’s all here on Kaua‘i. Kauai Discovery.com
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job#: KVBH-29351 client: KVB title: “consider your batteries...” bleed: .125 color: 4C pub: Canadian Traveler trim: 8.125 x 10.875 size: FP run date: Feb 2011 live:
If you have questions concerning this file, please contact Production Mgr at (808) 539-3487 | PDF (sent ftp: fusionfxdesign.com ) 1/13/11 PWee mo[ weddingsne & honeymoonsy ma ] ker$ destination and 73 per cent marry at home • Duration/how long away? Family Moon. Yup! Everyone gets to go on the honeymoon – and why not. and then scoot overseas. • How much? (budget and package) Location! Location! Location! • Where? (preferred destination type/ Second Honeymoons You’re not buying real estate but you are theme/ location) If it feels good do it! That’s what looking for a hot property to rent for a o Beach they say. This could be an anniversary few hours. For destination weddings your o River thing, or it could be a 50th event. Either favourite branded resorts have their beaches o Lake way, let your clients know you handle and gardens. Then somewhere close by there o Mountain second honeymoons. might be a very scenic hill top location. The o Desert view is what you are after here. Perhaps a o City MoonGayzing little more extreme would be to marry in a o Cruise ship With the 10th anniversary of gay weddings, cave, in a grove, in the middle of absolutely o Africa that would suggest you have a terrific nowhere! Are there any cultural events going o Asia opportunity to service the gay wedding on that could become the backdrop to the o Caribbean (US Virgin Islands, and honeymoon customer. I don’t enjoy wedding? Thinking music festivals where Barbados…) labelling people by lifestyle – to me everyone the mood is happy, upbeat and the entire o Europe just “is” – however, Gay & Lesbian as a audience might just want to be family! o Hawaii travel and tourism segment is alive and well Another type of location might be where o Mexico (Marival Resort & Suites…) and promoted to as such. Know that gay the couple can bungy jump, or onboard an o North America (Kauai…) owned travel agencies and tour companies extreme yacht with nothing but the big blue o South America market to their clients with wording such surrounding them…underwater, parasailing, o South Pacific as “out” - “get out and about…” It’s a play sky diving…how extreme would they like to • Accommodation? (Marival Resort & on words and not offensive. So I give you go? That’s one question you’ll want to ask. Suites…) MoonGayzing as your honeymoon program for your gay clients. o Activities? (range, type, during Money Honeymoons honeymoon) A lifetime event. A memory to be made. Back To Your W&H Plan o Quiet and secluded Where will this honeymoon take place? Well done! You’ve sent the happy couples off o Exclusive villas resort What’s the tab to be? Here’s where your on their wedding/honeymoon combos. Sold o Vibrant city, with nightclubs and them a destination wedding. Others want to Wedding & Honeymoon Plan needs an entertainment interview form. When you sit down to be dropped on to extreme powder as they o All-inclusive consult with your client you are going to intended to ski into their new life. Others ask them a series of profiling questions • Food? (selection and quality) fancied a high point to watch the sunrise, and when it comes to the honeymoon another couple fancied waking up late every forget money for the moment and talk Here’s a link to a similar checklist. Perhaps morning, to great coffee, breakfast and the memories. Ask them about their need for you can blend the two and create your own surroundings of a resort that will pamper excitement, the kind of memory they want format. http://honeymoons.about.com/od/ them into their new life together. So you’ve to have and so on. One way to hit this nail honeymoons101/a/compatibility.htm married them off, now what? on the head is to hand over your DHQ - Dream Honeymoon Questionnaire. Baby Moons Anniversary Revenues It is crucial for both honeymooners to A recent TV program on marriage took This is why the W&H business is a renewable have shared and understood what their us through the current mindset in Canada source of business. Each and every year there perfect dream honeymoon is. To avoid a about marriage. Most of us are ready to tie is an anniversary to celebrate. Every five years blue moon honeymoon try this checklist the knot. So that’s a good thing. Others it gets to be a bigger event and on every on for size. Hand a copy to each person don’t really care. Some are married with child 10th year even bigger than before. If you and compare their answers after they have and taking the baby in mum’s tum along for outlive your newlyweds, you’ll have about 30 completed the form. the ride. Baby moons! You’ll want to click anniversary getaways to book. Your plan has here: www.canadianparents.com/article/ all this recorded. It will “beep” you for when babymoons then in the fourth paragraph click you should send out that Happy Anniversary on: www.babymoonfinder.com where you will card along with a “where to?” flyer. find: The Ultimate Guide to Babymoons: 100 Tips and Tools to Plan One Last The Retaking Of Vows Getaway. This guide is more for This is close to the second honeymoon your client – and you will look with the added event of actually promising good when you hand it over yourself to your beloved once more. What a in printed format or advise lovely thought. them of the link. So that’s about five different moons you can offer plus an annual anniversary Family Moons getaway…holy matrimony you’re about to For the previously tie the knot around a bundle of bills! Don’t married, divorced and forget, the answer to, “Do you do weddings
with kids – there is the and honeymoons?” The answer is: “I do!” ✈
50 February 2011 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net spice things up. I will introduce my palate to another world. I will I will become well versed in cou cou and rotis and fish that fly. I will be decadent.
I will be indulgent. I will awaken to do it all over again. I will get my fill of l ife.
Life didn’t begin in Barbados, it was just perfected here. Learn how at VisitBarbados.org or contact your local travel professional. Holy is Matrimony Knockout Nuptials In The Sun
What could be more wonderful than saying “I do” on a quiet Carib- RUA bean beach - the sound of the sea in the background? Or taking the plunge with a sultry Mexican wedding, where couples can make mem- ories to last a lifetime? How about an oceanside ceremony kissed by soft Hawaiian breeze? Here are four dazzling wedding destinations that will stimulate that ‘look of love’.
Endless Love shore. But beaches aren’t the only choice The U.S. Virgin Islands is consistently for the perfect wedding. Couples can ranked one of the top five Caribbean tie the knot on the teak deck of a yacht, honeymoon and wedding destinations, at the site of an ancient sugar mill, or and with good reason. With three islands even underwater. Brides and grooms will and a wide variety of stunning properties find synagogues, a mosque, a Moravian and settings, the options for weddings church, a Catholic cathedral and other are endless. From the intimate inns and houses of worship. On St. Croix there’s historic windmills of St Croix to world- Fort Christiansvaern, Government class restaurants and pristine beaches on House, the Whim Plantation, or the St. John and historic places of worship beach at Chenay Bay. Popular St. on St. Thomas, the U.S. Virgin Thomas wedding spots include the Islands makes getting married beach at Magens Bay, Mahogany Run a breeze. Golf Course or a yacht or sailboat in the With more than 87 harbour. On St. John, nature is the best beaches to choose back drop in USVI National Park, on from, couples Annanberg Plantation or magnificent can settle on Trunk Bay. a secluded All of the details including wedding cove, a applications, a checklist and legal quiet sand information as well as listings of wedding and@weGll@be dune or planners, vendors and services can be celebrating a palm found at www.usvitourism.com or pick laden up the USVI Wedding and Honeymoon throughout@RPQQ Guide “Perfect Match” for all the details. For more information call Canlink check@out at (905) 927-0038 or e-mail to info@ žžžNc„”„‡Œ„”t˜„œˆ’’ˆ˜N”ˆš canlinktravel.com a”‡@ •›@†•›’‡@…ˆ †ˆ’ˆ…˜„šŒ”Š@š•• ¾@dˆ™šŒ”„šŒ•”™@¾ Boasting endless options, the U.S. Virgin Islands is consistently ranked one of ¾@h•žMt•Msˆ’’@¾ the top five Caribbean honeymoon and ¾@c•”šˆ™š™@¾ wedding destinations. make@yourself@a@ winner@in@RPQQA U SV I
52 February 2011 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net mo[ weddingsney & honeymoons mak ] er$ Signed, Sealed Delivered overwhelming. Not so in Barbados. No advance notice is needed here, so Whether it’s a romantic escape or a – I’m Yours wild island adventure, Barbados is A lush, tropical paradise wrapped in a couples can say “I do” on the day of the place for a unique and memorable ribbon of white sand, Barbados offers their arrival if they like. No hassles. honeymoon experience. everything a couple could desire in a No delays. And no waiting for that wedding destination – the hypnotic ideal wedding. Plus, with a number cadence of an unwavering surf, the of wedding specialists available on seductive caress of gentle tropical the Island, couples can work with a Knockout Nuptials In The Sun winds, the alluring scent of exotic professional to ensure that their day is flowers, the creature comforts of a nothing short of perfect. luxurious hideaway – all enhanced by Far more than just a vacation, a the endearing charm of the Barbadian honeymoon is equal parts mystery, culture and its people. romance and magic. Add in a backdrop In Barbados, a couple’s every dream of white sand, turquoise waters and lush can be realized. Whether it’s a beach greenery with a soundtrack of rousing wedding with warm tropical waters Caribbean rhythms and you create that kiss sand-buried toes, a genteel more than just a moment in time; you plantation home and field of sugar evoke a lifetime of cherished memories. cane as the setting for marriage vows, Whether it’s a romantic escape to an or perhaps a traditional ceremony intimate seaside villa, or a wild island in a church whose foundations were adventure, in Barbados there’s no end first laid more than 300 years ago – to all you can do to create a unique and whatever the vision, Barbados will memorable honeymoon experience.
surpass every hope and desire. Barbados can set the perfect scene for A uthority And, in Barbados, getting married a storybook wedding or honeymoon.
is simple. When getting married For more information on this storybook T ouri s m in an exotic locale, the paperwork wedding and honeymoon destination, required by the destination can seem go to www.VisitBarbados.org Bar b ado s
Lost: Girl Next Door Found: Goddess
Release your inner beauty. You Unscripted
Help your clients plan their dream wedding in the USVI.
800.372.USVI
©2011 United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.
USVI11002_7x4.875_CanTrav.indd 1 1/19/11 2:38 PM www.canadiantraveller.net Canadian Traveller • February 2011 53 AGENCY: JW T/Atlanta SPECS: Half-Page Horiz 4C PUB: Canadian Traveller CLIENT: USVI TRIM: 7.125” x 4.875” DATE: Februay 2011 AD#: USVI-11002 HEAD: “Lost: Girl Next Door” money[ weddings & honeymoons maker$ ] auai Vi s itor Bur e a K auai
Honeymooners love Marival Residences’ special penthouse residences with private rooftop plunge
a pools and sun decks. Lush gardens, white-sand beaches and those special Hawaiian sunsets make Kauai the place to create memories of a lifetime.
and World S p and al Res id e n ces But that’s just the beginning as this is With more than 80 kilometres of white- a “Seriously All Inclusive” experience. sand beaches, romantic spots are often M ari v There’s international gourmet dining beach-bound. Dine at one of Kaua‘i’s Freeway Of Love indoor and out, 24/7 room service for amazing restaurants, or simply enjoy a those who prefer breakfast in bed or dinner picnic by the sea. The refreshing sea air is Marival Residences and World Spa is the in the privacy of their own residence, also the perfect way to start the day with a first true luxury all inclusive resort to rooftop dining with brilliant seaside sunsets leisurely sunrise stroll. offer spacious, fully appointed modern and tapas under moonlit nights and a The Garden Isle also offers an abundance residences. This resort experience is “a private full service VIP beach club. world apart, in a class by itself” as anyone of lush flora to explore. Hike to a waterfall, And, when couples realize what else is who has been fortunate enough to stay there take a garden tour, or kayak down Kaua‘i’s included at no additional cost – unlimited will tell you. And at Marival Residences navigable rivers to see the various emerald golf at Nicklaus and Weiskopf courses, weddings are free with no minimum number shades of tropical foliage. Or for a relaxing dolphin and sea lion encounters, canopy of rooms to book required. The package view of the scenery, go mountain tubing zip lining, catamaran snorkeling excursions valued at US $2500 includes everything and float down Kaua‘i‘s flumes and and romantic sunset sails – then they through hand-dug tunnels in your own from judge fees and wedding certificates to begin to understand the “seriously all the bride’s bouquet, groom’s boutonniere, personal inner tube. inclusive” concept. Adventurous couples luxuriate in a three course specialty dinner for registered For romantic pampering there is the guests in the wedding, wedding cake, and a Kaua‘i’s many outdoors activities. ATV Melange World Spa that offers nine riding or taking the plunge with tandem 30-minute massage for the bride and groom. different treatment rooms from around Wedding extras/add-ons are available at ziplines are thrilling ways to explore the the globe, each specializing in a theme island together. A helicopter takes couples additional cost and all details from that specific country’s therapy – are available online at into the clouds for a bird’s-eye view of Italy’s stomping grapes and Chianti hot the island – giving intimate glimpses www.marivalresidences.com/weddings or by tub bath are just one example. e-mailing [email protected] of Kaua‘i’s beauty that are otherwise Guests who are celebrating honeymoons Romantic Kauai inaccessible by car or by foot. and anniversaries also receive free bonuses If you’re not in love when you come For those who are looking to get including chilled champagne in-room, to Kaua‘i, you will be when you leave. married, Kaua‘i has many experienced tropical flowers, special room décor and The Garden Isle’s allure as a romantic wedding coordinators who stand ready towel arrangements and a sunset couple’s destination is proven time and again. to assist in planning the details. There is photo to commemorate their stay. Couples Fantasy is real on this island – just look at also a group of wedding consultants and who stay in romantic penthouses are the movies. Elvis got married on a tropical vendors, available through an organization treated to a private candlelight dinner on lagoon in the movie Blue Hawai‘i, and of professionals on the island called the the beach. South Pacific’s Mitzi Gaynor couldn’t wash Kauai Wedding Professional Association The accommodations are unequalled her leading man out of her hair. Couples (www.kauaiwedpro.com). The wedding – unbelievably spacious, posh who visit often return year after year, often coordinator is the go-to person for bedrooms, fine linens, pillow menus, with children and grandchildren in tow. everything – from marriage licences marbled baths, full living room On this island, cathedrals take many to a pre-nuptial spa date. Resorts offer entertainment centres, full kitchen and forms. From blazing sunset boat cruises wedding and honeymoon packages that dining areas for in-room privacy and along the famous Napali Coast to the are lavish and wide-ranging. balconies for lounging – oversized, breathtaking depths of Waimea Canyon Whether planning a wedding and naturally. And, for the ultimate in (also known as “The Grand Canyon of honeymoon, anniversary or vow renewal, luxury and romance, special penthouse the Pacific”), venues for romance are as this is an island where couples create joyful residences include private rooftop numerous as the island’s beauty spots, memories for a lifetime.
plunge pools and sun decks. limited only by access and the imagination. www.kauaidiscovery.com ✈
54 February 2011 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net
The place for the perfect game.
A new era begins at rivieramaya.com