The early bird catches the $200 travel credit.
Book a package early and receive a $ 200 WestJet travel credit (air only).
‘Book to Win’
Publications Mail Agreement 40623544 Publications Mail with WestJet’s easyLIFE contest.
Book your clients a WestJet Vacations package before October 31, 2008 and they will receive a $200 credit for WestJet Visit westjeteasylife.com to sign up. fl ights. Simply book them a minimum fi ve night sun vacation for travel between November 1, 2008 and May 15, 2009. Plus, receive extra savings on select hotels and resorts. Check out our new 2008-2009 USA, Mexico and Caribbean brochure for full details.
Book today at westjetvacations.com. Or call us at 1 877 737 7002.
CREDIT IS BASED ON ONE CREDIT PER ADULT AGE MAXIMUM TWO CREDITS PER ROOM BOOKED FOR EACH 7EST*ET 6ACATIONS AIR AND HOTEL BOOKINGS MADE BY /CTOBER FOR TRAVEL BETWEEN .OVEMBER AND -AY BLACKOUT DATES APPLY !PPLICABLE FOR MINIMUM NIGHT BOOKINGS MADE TO 53 AND )NTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS #REDIT IS VALID FOR 7EST*ET AIR ONLY BOOKINGS EXPIRES ONE YEAR FROM ISSUE DATE AND IS NOT APPLICABLE TOWARDS GROUP ONLINE OR 7EST*ET 6ACATIONS BOOKINGS .ON TRANSFERABLE 3UBJECT TO AVAILABILITY .EW BOOKINGS ONLY 3EE WESTJETVACATIONSCOM FOR FULL OFFER DETAILS BECAUSE OWNERS CARE Gcih\5aYf]WU" WIN A TRIP FOR 5`gc?bckb5g9Ufh\ÀgAUghYfd]YWY" 2 to ARIZONA
From romantic Rio de Janeiro to the intriguing Amazon Jungle, and enigmatic Machu Picchu to the fascinating Galápagos Islands, travellers are sure to have a South & Central American vacation like no other with Globus.
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* Book a 2009 Globus South America air-inclusive vacation to receive the $200 per person discount. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 13 and October 31, 2008 for travel commencing through December 31, 2009. Offers not valid with any other offer and applies to new 2009 South America bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
-POUPVST$BOBEB-JNJUFEECB(MPCVT$PTNPT &HMJOUPO"WFOVF8FTU 5PSPOUP 0/ .$$t0OUBSJP3FHJTUSBUJPOt5*$0 Industry News When You Really Need It...Daily – TRAVELHotNews.com
October 2008 WIN A TRIP FOR 2 to ARIZONA
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Publications Mail Agreement 40623544 • www.canadiantraveller.net • The Offi cial Sponsor Publication of the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies It starts with a warm smile. Blossoms into friendship. And becomes a memory to treasure forever. The Jamaica Meet the People programme pairs visitors from around the world with Jamaicans who share their interests and occupations. Showing them a side of Jamaica they’ll never forget. Go to visitjamaica.com to enroll your clients and see other travellers’ memorable experiences.
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Ed i t o r Janice Strong
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As s o c i at e Pu b l i s h e r October 2008 Volume 23 Issue 10 Stephen Fountaine Tel: (250) 861-9006
Ex ec u t i v e Vi ce Pr e s i d e n t Uguette Chiasson Tel: (416) 907-7524 ext. 201
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20 72 cc o u n t a n a g e r a s t e r n a n a d a A M – E C Alexandra Larose Features Pull-Out Tel: (416) 907-7524 ext.202 Re g i o n a l Rep r e s e n t a t i v e So u t h Pac i f i c & Ha w a i i 20 Maya Madness Supplement James McCann Mexico’s Biggest Destination Tel: (604) 938-8650 Is Still Growing 37 New Mexico Re g i o n a l Rep r e s e n t a t i v e Me x i c o Letticia Garcia 26 Go & Know Featured Tel: (55) 5683-5569 Jamaica Is Bustling With Sa l e s /Pr o d u c t i o n Co o r d i n a t o r New Development Destinations Bryan Nikkel Head To The Hills Alberta Ma r k e t i n g & Sa l e s As s i s t a n t Co o r d i n a t o r 30 58 Ashley Kerr Sell Clients On Exploring Cuba, Tel: (416) 907-7524 ext. 200 Beyond The Beach 74 Texas Acc o u n t a n t 34 All Around Contest Elsie Edillor All e-mail addresses: The World [email protected] 10 Ships Circle The Globe Win A Trip For 2 To Arizona See page 35 Ci r c u l a t i o n 36 Land of Enchantment Subscriptions: [email protected] Selling Ancients, Aliens, Travelines Pu b l i s h e d b y Artists & Adventures 218 $elling With $teve 70 Sun, Surf & Chips Atlantic City Combines Seaside 211 World Report Fun With Casino Action 276 Web Index 72 Lights, Food, 278 Internet Traveller We s t e r n Ca n a d a : Ea s t e r n Ca n a d a : Festival 88 East Pender Street, 25 Isabella Street, Suite 555 Toronto, ON Celebrating Deepavali & Hari 290 Discover America Vancouver, BC Canada, M4Y 1M7 Canada, V6A 3X3 Tel: (416) 907-7524 Raya Aidilfitri In Malaysia Tel: (604) 699-9990 Fax: (416) 907-7525 Fax: (604) 699-9993 Industry News When You Really Need It...Daily – TRAVELHotNews.com
October 2008 WIN On the cover: Subscription Rates: Canada: $36 Per Year Safari! A TRIP FOR 82 2 to ARIZONA Jamaica is always USA: $54 Per Year • International: $72 Per Year Bag Big Commissions jumping, and with new Cuba hotels and attractions Printed in Canada Selling Africa Jamaica Adventures Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No. 40623544. Always Jumpin’ Beyond there is always something The Beach Postage paid at Vancouver, BC. Return undeliverable Canadian Riviera Maya to discover. Turn to page Top 10 Tips End T o End addresses to Circulation Dept., #555 - 88 East Pender St., Vancouver, 84 26 to find out more. BC V6A 3X3. Sell Insurance Consistently Contents © copyright 2008 by ACT Communications Inc. All Rights Photo Credit: Jamaica Reserved. Editorial submissions must be accompanied by a self- & Effectively Keeper Sales Tool New Mexico Tourist Board addressed, stamped envelope. The publisher assumes no responsibility Pull-Out Consumer Supplement for lost material. Plus: Alberta, T e xas, Insurance, Safaris ISSN 1207-1463
The Official Sponsor Publication of the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies www.TRAVELHotNews.com Canadian Traveller • October 2008 5 Indiatourism,Toronto • 60 Bloor Street West, Suite 1003, Toronto, ON M4W 3B8 • Tel: 416-962-3787,Fax: 416-962-6279 • email: [email protected] TRM-112 Canadian Traveller Ad 9/11/08 10:57 AM Page 1
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SABRE LW 41566 • GALILEO LW 51157 • WORLDSPAN LW 2737 • AMADEUS LW MIA737 $elling With $teve One Of Those Days The Art of Job Satisfaction
By Steve Crowhurst, CTC
ver had one of those days? You know, the kind of day 5. Learn the paperwork: Yes, we still have to do the paperwork. when everything goes, well, you know – fantastic! When This is one of the biggest challenges to a professional travel Eeverything you do and say is correct, on the money, the agent as they tend to be more sales and service minded than right words just roll off your tongue, the customer buys and they admin focused. Unless you have an admin person – start study- even ask for the most expensive insurance coverage that you ing those forms. Ask. Get the correct methodology once and for so eloquently explained. After one of those days, you leave the all. Remove the frustration and do it right. office and you feel great! You feel satisfied that you did the job you were hired to do. You feel like a true professional. Now isn’t that a feeling you’d want every day? 6. Time management: Being late doesn’t cut it. It puts pressure on Of course there are those “other days”, too. You know those the team who are in on time or earlier and doing what they are days don’t you. You have a colleague that is always having them. paid to do. If you have a habit of being late and in catch-up mode Don’t worry, everyone has a colleague like this. Of course, that’s all day – make the change. It’s the way of the professional agent. not your fault, but it is your problem. Let’s get you focused on hav- If you can’t make the change, you know the answer: leave! ing more of those best-of-best days. 7. Share your knowledge: When you get it, share it. With your 10 Steps to Job Satisfaction excellent time management skills you’ll be able to block off a 1. Know your product: There is nothing worse than not knowing few minutes here and there to help a colleague and with your and there is no excuse for it. Yes, in the travel industry there clarity of speech, they will “get it” first time around. Helping is lots to learn and to know. You do not have to know the ins others raise their game is pure satisfaction. and outs of all 210 countries, or every hotel or every departure from this side of the world to the other. BUT, you do have to know everything about the products you do sell. Who are your 8. Staying healthy: You don’t have to run a marathon – you just preferred suppliers? Read their brochures from cover to cover. have to be fit enough to do the job you were hired to do. Sell- Research online. Study the facts and stats and history of the ing travel is not a physical thing – it’s mental. It’s resourceful- destinations you sell. ness. It’s keeping that old noggin sharp through taking good care versus dulling the blade through bingeing one day to the 2. Travel: If you aren’t in this industry to travel and explore the next. Mind, body, spirit – very simple. Feeling good leaves you world, why are you in it? Better leave now! Ya wanna stay and happy, motivated, interested and interesting. be a pro? Join those FAM trips and invest your own money if you have to. Plan your vacation like a true professional and 9. Saying thanks: When was the last time you said “thanks” to get out there to a place you sell but haven’t visited yet. If you the agency owner who has put their financial and personal life head back to that same island for the 10th time you’re missing the message. on the line so that you can work, get paid and enjoy your career without risk? Why not do it now? 3. Dress the part: Take a look in the mirror – go on. Would you do business with that person? You would? Wonderful. 10 It’s your turn: Get your agency team together. Discuss the That means you look marvellous. You are dressed as a busi- previous nine points. Come up with your own ideas that will ness person. Being well-dressed, well-groomed may not be give job satisfaction to everyone and we’ll leave the 10th required, but it is professional. If you work in a call/contact for the owner/manager – what could YOU do that would in- centre or your business is mostly done over the phone, you crease everyone’s job satisfaction? ✈ still owe it to your self-esteem to look good. You owe it to the rest of the team who have to look at you too! Steve Crowhurst, CTC, of SMP Training Co., is a management trainer/consultant to retail travel agents, wholesalers, airlines, de- 4. Speak well: Simply a must-do. When you speak and the cus- tomer understands, we call it communication – the transferring partments of tourism and hospitality- and leisure-based companies of information and knowledge. Your sales, your level of service in Canada and the U.S. He specializes in new business generation. and your performance will all increase when you learn the art Steve loves to hear from readers so please e-mail your comments of speaking well; delivering information clearly and in an en- and questions to him at [email protected] or see his website at gaging manner. www.smptraining.com.
8 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net
World Report CRUISE The Fly Free offer applies to the 15-day Jewels of Europe cruise, which takes passengers at a leisurely pace along the Main Scenic Sapphire on the Main River. and Danube Rivers from Amsterdam to Budapest. Enroute, stops include Cologne, Vienna and Bratislava. The Fly Free offer ap- plies to sailings March 9, March 23 and November 2 and 9 next year, and comprises free air tickets from clients’ nearest major gateway to Europe – a value of up to $1,600 per couple. With the Free Upgrade bonus on selected departures of the 11-day Moselle and Rhine Escapade itinerary you can book a “D” category cabin and your clients will cruise in style in a “B” category cabin which features a furnished balcony – a bonus
SCenIC TourS SCenIC worth $1,120 per couple. The offer applies to June and September departures on this delightful itinerary that includes a seven-night Scenic Tours Extends EBB cruise taking in some of the most scenic spots in Germany, plus a Scenic Tours has extended the deadline to December 15 this three-night stay in Paris at the legendary Hotel Scribe, including year on its Early Booking Bonuses applicable to 2009 Euro- a daylong sightseeing tour. pean River Cruises. For further information, visit www.scenictours.com.
HONG KONG TANzANIA Cathay Arrives Tanzanite Opens In Arusha Cathay Pacifi c Airways announced the The fi rst-ever museum dedicated to Tanzanite, one of the opening of “The Arrival” – Hong Kong country’s most precious “Natural Wonders” has opened in International Airport’s fi rst airline-brand- Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. The Tanzanite Experi- ed arrival lounge. The new lounge opened ence, uses interactive media to present the fascinating story
October 1 to provide passengers arriving PaCIFIC CaThay of the rare violet-blue gemstone found only in Tanzania, from in Hong Kong with a convenient place to Entrance to The Arrival. extraction in high-tech mines to sophisticated processing, freshen up before heading into town. cutting and polishing. Cathay Pacifi c Director Service Delivery Ivan Chu says “We are Tanzanite is one of the rarest always looking for new ways to meet the needs of our customers, gems in the world, found only at the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro. and the opening of The Arrival will add further value to the Cathay There is said to be a fi nite supply Pacifi c experience. The introduction of an arrival lounge service at of the gorgeous stone, which may Hong Kong International Airport helps to further strengthen Cathay face depletion within a few years. Pacifi c’s competitiveness in our home hub and reinforce our position Arusha is well known as Tan- as a premium carrier.” zania’s safari capital, but it is also The facilities and services offered at The Arrival include a buf- The Tanzanite Experience. Tanzania’s main gemstone trad- fet dining area; desktop computers with Internet access and Wi-Fi ing centre. Now a visit to Arusha connections; a full range of local and international newspapers; and can include this fascinating “close-up” view of one of the eight fully equipped shower suites. world’s most interesting and precious gems in the world. The Arrival is open to First Class passengers, Gold or above mem- Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase Tanzanite bers of the Marco Polo Club and oneworld Emerald passengers arriv- with certifi cates authenticating colour, clarity and cut. For ing on fl ights operated by Cathay Pacifi c or Dragonair and whose more information, e-mail [email protected]. fi nal destination is Hong Kong.
How to keep calm in the eye of a storm.
1605_00_2A_Cdn TravellerREV.indd 1 8/25/08 2:23:37 PM www.TRAVELHotNews.com Canadian Traveller • October 2008 11 World Report - Hotels Openings
Give Peace a Chance Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita. Forty years after JOHN and YOKO campaigned to “Give Peace a Chance” in the Amsterdam Hilton 1969, YOTEL announced “Bed Peace” in Schiphol Airport where the third YOTEL opened airside in September. YOTEL is a joint creation by YO! Founder Simon Wood- roffe and YOTEL CEO Gerard Greene. Inspired by an air- line upgrade into first class, Simon saw the potential to fuse t the language of luxury airline travel with Japanese capsule hotels to create a small but luxurious cabin. Located inside Schiphol’s terminal, and bookable from a four-hour minimum with either standard, premium or family cabin options, YOTEL Schiphol’s 57 cabins fea- ture free WiFi and flat screen TV’s. Each cabin comes with a hand-made bed and an en-suite bathroom complete Thuy sb aer Four Sea s on /Paul with a monsoon rain shower. The finishing touch is the relaxing purple mood lighting. Prices start from €35. Four Seasons For more information, visit www.yotel.com. In Mauritius The Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita is the company’s first property in Mauritius and the eighty-first property in our portfolio in its worldwide portfolio. Part of the Anahita World Class Sanctuary, the resort features 123 pool villas and residence villas in lush lagoon, garden and mangrove settings, all with a contemporary Mauritian style that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces. Other amenities include an 18-hole Four Seasons Cham- pionship Golf Course is designed by Ernie Els with six oceanfront holes, a private club house and a Golf Acad- emy; four dining options serving Southern French, Ital- ian, Pan-Asian, and international cuisine with a modern twist and a lounge bar; a secluded over-water spa with 12 treatment rooms on stilts; kids village with its own splash pool, bakery and theatre, Young Adults Center, disco- theque, movie and computer lounge. For more information, visit www.fourseasons.com.
YO! Founder Simon Woodroffe, left, and YOTEL CEO Gerard Greene.
How to keep freezing rain from dampening their spirits.
121605_00_2A_Cdn October 2008 TravellerREV.indd • Canadian Traveller 2 www.canadiantraveller.net8/25/08 2:23:38 PM AppOINTMENTS OFFERS Paul Pennicook To A Little Lagniappe SuperClubs Throughout the remainder of 2008, International House, in New Orleans, invites International Lifestyles, Inc. (ILI), guests to experience true southern hospitality, with plenty of drinks and rooms, com- the worldwide representatives pliments of the House. of SuperClubs Resorts, The boutique hotel, which recently celebrated its tenth anniversary, invites guests has announced that Paul International House. to add a little something extra to their stay. Guests staying one night receive a second Pennicook will join as President, drink free when they order at Loa, the hotel bar. Guests staying two nights receive a International Lifestyles. A well third night free, along with a complimentary drink in the bar each night. Rates begin at US $159 per night, based on double occupancy, subject to availability, taxes and gratuity not in- respected and seasoned pro in cluded. Reservations may be made www.ihhotel.com; use the promotional code CIH08. Rates are valid to Decem- hotel and airline management, ber 31, with the blackout dates October 17, 18, 24, 25, 31, November 1, 8 to 11, and December 5 to 7, 12, 13, 31. Pennicook was most recently senior vice president sales and marketing at Air Jamaica, where Double Points From Wyndham ® he also oversaw the worldwide Through January 8, 2009, members of Wyndham Hotel Group’s Wyndham Rewards loyalty program will sales and marketing for Air earn double points, airline miles or rail points for each qualifi ed hotel stay as part of the Double Points or Miles promotion. Jamaica Vacations, the tour arm The offer is good for up to four stays at participating Days Inn®, Ramada®, of the company. Super 8®, Howard Johnson®, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts®, Wingate® By “On Wyndham, Baymont Inn & Suites®, Travelodge® Hawthorn Suites®, Ameri- behalf of the Host Inn® and Knights Inn® hotels in North America, the U.K., Ireland, Ger- SuperClubs many, China, Latin America and the Caribbean. Resorts, I am Current Wyndham Rewards members must register for the promotion online very pleased at www.wyndhamrewards.com/double or by calling (866) WYN-RWDS – (866) that Paul 996-7937 toll-free. Nonmembers must join the Wyndham Rewards program, then register for the promotion. has joined Offi cial rules can be found at www.wyndhamrewards.com. International Lifestyles Indulge For Less In Grenada as they complete their The ultra-luxurious spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada is offering value rates during the traditional Caribbean restructuring efforts,” said off-season. Fully-inclusive rates start at US $635 per room, per night, based on double occupancy in an Olean- John Issa, executive chairman der Garden Suite, through December 15, approximately US $120 to $300 per night less than high season prices. of SuperClubs Resorts. “He is Off-season, fully-inclusive rates are also available in the following room categories: US $665 in an Oleander highly respected, intimately Oceanview Suite, US $815 in a Seagrape Suite, US $865 in an Anthurium Pool Suite, US $1,035 in a Luxury understands the Caribbean Almond Pool Suite, and US $1,210 in a Royal Collection Pool Suite, and Jamaican tourism Cinnamon Suite or Saffron Suite. Service charge and government industry and the competitive tax are additional. marketplace. He is ideally Rates include accommodations; breakfast, lunch and dinner daily; afternoon tea; beverages including house wine at dinner; non-motor- suited to lead International ized watersports; tennis; golf greens fees at the nine-hole Grenada Lifestyles as they continue their Golf Club; and concierge and room service. For more infor- growth strategy.” mation, visit www.spiceislandbeachresort.com.
On My Way ™ travel assistance service Don’t let the unforeseen put a kink in your clients’ travel plans. Purchase On My Way at aircanada.com/agents
On My Way assistance may be purchased only on aircanada.com and aircanada.com/agents for fl ights operated by Air Canada and Air Canada JazzTM within Canada and between Canada and the continental U.S.A., Hawaii and Alaska. On My Way assistance applies only in the event that Air Canada cancels or delays a fl ight within forty-eight (48) hours of customer’s scheduled fl ight, whatever the reason for the fl ight delay or cancellation by Air Canada. Additional terms and conditions apply. For complete details, visit aircanada.com/onmyway. TMOn My Way and Air Canada Jazz are trademarks of Air Canada.
1605_00_2A_Cdn TravellerREV.indd 3 8/25/08 2:23:39 PM www.TRAVELHotNews.com Canadian Traveller • October 2008 13 World Report Hawaii The Soul of Hawaii As Golden Princess begins a new season New shore excursions include a gourmet of sailings to the Hawaiian Islands, Prin- tour of Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii; cess Cruises passengers will find them- a dinner cruise on the world’s largest Poly- selves immersed in all things Hawaii, with nesian catamaran and the Mighty Mo and the culture, traditions, arts and tastes of Pacific Aviation Museum tour of Pearl Har- the island paradise highlighted throughout bour in Honolulu; Molokini Crater Snorkel their cruise. Adventure& SNUBA tour on Maui; and a “Our goal is to captivate our passengers Grove Farm and Kauai Plantation Railway with onboard experiences that capture the tour, Historic Haraguchi Rice Mill and Hana- heart and soul of Hawaii,” said Jan Swartz, lei Taro Fields tour and the Ultimate Island Princess’ senior vice president. “We want Adventure by Private Vehicle on Kauai. to make sure that our guests go home with Onboard activities include orchid lei- a deeper understanding of the islands and A eder making, hula dancing (both traditional the people who live there.” and contemporary), sarong tying, Hawai- This year, Princess’ Hawaiian pro- ian language and ukulele playing. Ukulele grams are engaging passengers with a BIVB/K i r k L ee aficionados can even show off their new variety of cultural presentations and skills at the end of the cruise with a pas- demonstrations, interpretive lectures, to demonstrate Hawaiian arts. Natural- senger talent show. folkloric performances, hands-on activ- ists and lecturers provide insight on the Golden Princess sails 14-day round- ities, Hawaiian cuisine, and a number of wonders of the islands, including marine trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles that new Adventures Ashore excursion op- biology, whale migration, volcanoes, the include calls at Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai tions throughout the islands. islands’ unusual endemic species, Hawai- and Maui through April 1, 2009. In select ports, a variety of local arti- ian culture and history, and local myths For more information, visit www. sans and performers will come aboard and legends. princess.com.
Auberge Le Baluchon.
14 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net Louisiana
A shrimp po-boy Louisiana’s Cookin’ is just one of the Louisiana’s colourful ancestry is the basis for its legendary cuisine, which has developed from French, many signature Spanish, Native American, African, Caribbean and Acadian influences. The Louisiana Office of Louisiana Tourism has developed a guidebook, maps, a website and seven culinary trails that clients can follow dishes clients to explore all the history and fine food around the state. can sample The Creole Fusion Trail starts and finishes in New Orleans and features typical dishes like beignets, along Louisina’s gumbo, blackened fish, oysters Rockefeller, shrimp remoulande and bread pudding. Culinary Trails. The Capital Cuisine Trail meanders alongside the Mississippi River, following levees past live oaks, sprawling pecan orchards and stately plantations. Baton Rouge is the centre of the route and seafood is the specialty. Cajun Country is where some of the states most famous food, like gumbo, boudin, étouffée, andouille, tasso, jambalaya and boiled crawfish, were developed and the Bayou Bountry Trail is the route anchored by Lafayette. Southwest Louisiana, sometimes known as the Louisiana Outback, boasts a cuisine that is described as rustic, spicy and stick-to-your-ribs. The Seafood Sensation Trail starts in St. Charles and zigzags across the region. Southern-style cooking and Cajun cuisine collide in central Louisiana and the Prairie Home Cooking Trail takes it all in based in the Alexandria-Pineville area. Centred on Monroe/West Monroe in the Great Southern Pine Forest, the Delta Delights Trail keeps southern cooking traditions – from frog legs to fricassée – alive. The Red River Riches Trail has Shreveport/Bossier City as its hub and a cuisine based on the bounty of the Red River – fresh fish, game and plenty of locally-grown fruits and vegetables. For more information, visit louisianatravel.com/culinary. New Orleans CVB It’s not just a brochure. It’s a wish list.
Book your clients today at westjetvacations.com or call us at 1 877 737 7002.
WJV91000AB_U_Oct.CNT.indd 1 9/5/08 6:50:52 PM www.TRAVELHotNews.com Canadian Traveller • October 2008 15
CLIENT WestJet Vacations APPROVALS WJV91000AB_U_Oct.CNT.indd CREATIVE TEAM CREATED 05/09/2008
TRIM 7.125" x 4.875" CREATIVE Pick-up ACCOUNT Sarah Corns
PROOFREADER TAXI CANADA INC LIVE N/A MAC ARTIST P/U Keeley O, Kris H PRODUCER Marsha W (ext. 33) 805–10th Avenue SW PRODUCER BLEED INSERTION DATE(S) AD NUMBER Suite 500, Calgary N/A 10/2008 WJV91000AB_U AB T2R 0B4 STUDIO COLOURS CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK T: 403 269 8294 I I I I F: 403 269 7776 CLIENT / ACCOUNT MANAGER PUBLICATION(S) Canadian Traveller – Alberta, Myrtle Beach, Sun Destinations All colours are printed as process match unless indicated otherwise. Please check before use. In spite of our careful checking, errors infrequently occur and we request that you check this proof for accuracy. TAXI’s liability is limited to replacing or correcting the disc from which this proof was generated. We cannot be responsible for your time, film, proofs, stock, or printing loss due to error. World Report Agent & Media Honoured At Caribbean Week In TO The Caribbean Tourism Development Company (CTDC) paid tribute to members of the Canadian media and travel agent community during a special Caribbean Awards Luncheon as part of Caribbean Week Toronto, September 24 to 26. Hazel Affonso, from Calgary-based Affordable Travel agency, was honoured with the first ever “Andrew R. Parris Award.” The award was named in memory of Andy Parris and his illustrious career promoting the Caribbean tourism industry in Canada with distinction. The award was presented in collaboration with Parris’ son, Allan, and Maybelle Raven, President of the RMR Group on Thursday September 25, 2008 at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. Raven is collaborating with the CTDC in perpetuating Andrew Parris’ legacy by ensuring that “the Andy” will become an annual award. “Hazel Affonso, like our beloved Andy Parris, is truly dedicated to bringing the essence of a Caribbean vacation experience to consumers and the travel industry Canadian Traveller writer Melanie across Canada,” said Hugh Riley, interim Reffes accepts an award for Best secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism Trade Feature at the Caribbean Organization (CTO) and co-chief operating Awards Luncheon from Hugh officer for the CTDC. “It is an honour to Riley of the CTO and CTDC, left recognize Hazel’s efforts and shared passion and Jaime Derbyshire of Lou for promoting the region.” Hammond and Associates, right. Affonso was chosen by a panel of industry judges from a pool of applicants nominated by National Tourist Offices across Canada and assessed based on the creativity and innovation of their travel program. In addition to her award, Affonso was presented with a Caribbean getaway to Santa Clara, Cuba, compliments of Air Canada Vacations and Occidental Hotels.
Agent Hazel Affonso receives the first ever Andrew R. Parris Award. From left: Hugh Riley, CTO and CTDC; Miss Turks and Caicos; Hazel Affonso; Allan Parris; Maybell Raven, RMR Group; and Manon LeBlanc Air Canada Vacations.
Canadian media were also honoured at the luncheon. Winners included: Mark Stevens for “Island of Beauty” in the Toronto Star – Best Newspaper Feature; Laura Osborne for “Temptation Island” in enRoute magazine – Best Magazine Feature; Melanie Reffes for “Small Island, Big Attractions” in Canadian Traveller – Best Trade Feature; Marianne Dimain for “Caribana” on CityNews – Best Broadcast Feature; and Michael DeFreitas for “Taking the Plunge” in Ensemble Magazine – Best Photograph. Mark Stevens’ Toronto Star piece was also awarded “Best in Show” for which he received a getaway to Grand Cayman courtesy of Air Canada Vacations.
16 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net The Oregon ESCAPE
I.E., A hiatus from the run-of-the-mill hiatus.
DISCOVER THE OREGON Experience There is a place in the northwest corner of North America where things are not business as usual. Though we don’t like to brag about it, we’ve invented our own cuisine to go with our world-class wines, and our own music to tap our feet to. Then there’s the coast. 363 miles of Pacific grandeur, completely free and open to the public. If you don’t believe it, come out and have a look for yourself. Start planning your own group getaways at Oregonpackagedtravel.com. And for industry-only information on extraordinary Oregon experiences e-mail [email protected] World Report Arizona Dreams For Teams hosts tournament play year-round, special- barbecues, carnival rides and obstacle cours- Mesa offers up two unique group facilities izes in corporate events and teambuilding es. All fields feature electronic scoreboards that let groups play as they grow together. activities and boasts a 1,840 square-metre that can be personalized, stadium lights and Big League Dreams Sports Park features indoor field house, eight baseball/softball authentic stadium seating for spectators. scale replicas of baseball’s most famous fields, batting cages, children’s playground, For more information, visit www.bigleague fields including Yankee Stadium, Fen- two full-service stadium club restaurants, dreams.com. way Park, Wrigley Field, Angel Stadium, and sports bar. With ample meeting space, Trapeze U is a self-proclaimed insti- Sportsman’s Park, the Polo Grounds, Chase on-site event planners can host a variety of tute of higher learning that offers a unique Field and Ebbet’s Field. The park, which events and activities on the fields including teambuilding experience in the air and in the classroom. The first program of its kind in Arizona, Trapeze U features changing rooms, a modern classroom featuring video playback and a full-size flying trapeze setup outdoors. Its most popular program, Trapeze Arts 101, is priced at US $65 for a two-hour intensive training course and includes air time in addition to instruction. Trapeze U specializes in corporate groups designing team-building exercises to meet a planner’s goals. Specially-tailored pro- grams and pricing are available upon re- quest for groups. For more information, visit www.trapezeu.com. Phoenix Just The Start The new Sheraton Phoenix Downtown is the largest hotel in Arizona and the first new hotel built in downtown Phoenix since 1976. It is also part of the most aggressive growth plan in the Sheraton brand’s history, with 50,000 new rooms and newly renovat- ed rooms to be completed by 2009 in North America alone. “The Sheraton Phoenix Downtown is a new flagship hotel for Sheraton and is illus- trative of the brand’s aggressive growth plan, which includes an investment of $2.3 billion in new hotel openings in North America,” said Starwood CEO Frits van Paasschen. “We have a long, successful history in Phoe- nix with an equally bright future that includes an additional six new hotels opening soon.” Starwood’s six new hotels in development include a Westin, an Element and four Aloft- SM hotels. Element and Aloft are Starwood’s newest brands that carry the company’s legacy of innovation into the select service category. The 1,000-room Sheraton Phoenix Down- town features the signature Sheraton Sweet SleeperSM Bed and high-quality, in-room programming through its Scene@Shera- ton entertainment, which includes sneak previews and premier sports programming viewed on wall-mounted flat screen HDTVs. For more information, visit www.sheraton
.com/phoenix downtown. ✈
18 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net
Mexico
Maya MarKeTIng oFFICe deSTInaTIon rIVIera Maya Madness Mexico’s Biggest Destination Is Still Growing
By Judy waytiuk
t’s often the fi rst Mexican holiday destination tried out Cancun boasts more than 28,000 hotel rooms in some by Canadian vacationers venturing further afi eld than 200 hotels, with three-quarters of them fi ve-star-rated. other parts of Canada or the U.S. The Riviera Maya, Mexico’s major tourism draw, keeps getting bigger Once here, some vacationers just kick back and savour andI bigger, now stretching from Cancun south to Puerto their opulent all-inclusive surroundings without ever ventur- Morelos and Playa del Carmen, down the Mexican Caribbean ing outside the resort gates. But many get the itch for area coast south of Tulum to the town of Felipe Carrillo. exploration as a break from swim-up bars and all-you-can- Hundreds of massive, major brand-name all-inclusive re- ever-imagine-eating buffets. sorts and boutique hotels pepper the region. It would likely So, where to start? take a two-month-long fam trip to inspect every property, and by the time you were done, a dozen more would likely have It’s A Beach been built. Beaches all along the coast are soft and sandy (and where Cancun alone, which turned 38 years old this year, boasts they weren’t that way naturally, sand has been trucked in to more than 28,000 hotel rooms in some 200 hotels, with three- pretty them up). quarters of them fi ve-star-rated and 20 per cent stamped with At Playa del Carmen, the beach is crammed with sunbath- the AAA’s Diamond rating. The JW Marriott Cancun Resort ers in mid-town, but crowds taper further north from the cen- & Spa was named the top resort worldwide in the 2008 Ex- tral ferry dock. South of PDC, the main beach at Puerto Aven- pedia Insiders’ Select list of the world’s best hotels. Cancun turas is a postcard-perfect version of quiet and crowdless, with also boasts more than 450 restaurants, a dozen shopping cen- restaurants and small shops just a sand dune or two away. ters, and 13 golf courses. The Riviera Maya as a whole has The gated community of Akumal offers access to great been named a Top Destination in Mexico for four consecu- snorkelling right off the sand, child-friendly beach areas, tive years by Travel Weekly (2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007). and, in the right season, sea turtles nesting. At Tulum, a The computer-selected tourism destination is Mexico’s lar- crescent cove beach below the famous ruins is crowded at gest, and many of the Riviera Maya’s three-to-fi ve-star all-in- peak season, and further south, Tulum’s main beach is slowly clusive resorts or smaller seaside hotels are packaged by every moving from its historic backpacker-heaven status (budget- major Canadian tour and charter operator. oriented travellers once staked out their tents here) to more Between February 2007 and February 2008, there was a family-style. 16.8 per cent increase in air arrivals here from Canada – that’s Daytrippers to the offshore island of Isla Mujeres will fi nd 52,254 more people. In 2007, Mexico saw 952,000 Canadian a funky, fun, child-safe beach (adults have to wade a half-kilo- tourists, the majority heading for the Riviera Maya. metre out to get wet to the waist) on the island’s north side a short
20 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net
Mexico
walk from the ferry dock. Cozumel’s isolated, empty beaches on the island’s east side are a bit too far for daytrippers, and west- side beaches are taken up by gated resorts these days. But the real action here is not beside the water – it’s in it. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (or Belize Barrier Reef), the world’s second-longest next to Australia’s, starts near Cancun and stretches down the entire Riviera Maya. Most ti on Mar k e ng Offic resorts offer snorkelling and dive trips, or can refer clients to local dive operations geared to vacationers’ water-skill levels. Isla Mujeres and slightly-bigger Cozumel Island are traditional watersport hotbeds, reachable by ferry from Cancun or Playa era Maya D e sti na Rivi era Maya del Carmen. In fact, Cozumel, made famous by Jacques Cous- One of the loveliest archaeological sites, Tulum is the teau, first drew tourists to this region, for the scuba diving. only Mayan port city every discovered. For those wary of the open ocean, oceanside waterpark attrac- tions Xcaret and Xel-ha offer snorkelling in protected lagoons, and, accessible through tour operators, more remote jungle Fore, Score & More cenotes – open “sinkholes” into the vast underground river sys- More than a dozen golf courses around Cancun, designed by tems beneath the Yucatan Peninsula – allow public swimming. the likes of Pete Dye, Nicklaus, Nick Price, and Greg Nor- man, offer easy access for golfers. The most popular include Shop, Eat, Shop Golf Club Cancun at Pok Ta Pok, Hilton Cancun Beach & A duty-free zone, Cancun is paradise for black-belt shoppers, Golf Resort, Melia Cancun Golf Club, Golf Club Moon Pal- with more than 2,000 stores, boutiques and shopping centres ace, and, just north of Cancun, Playa Mujeres Golf Club. loaded with leading international brands, jewelry, accessories, Golfers generally get themselves to and from the courses and fashion. There is even a Walmart. by taxi, though pick-up and return is offered by some courses, Most cities and towns have shops sprinkled everywhere, bundled with green fees. as well as crafts market areas where haggling over blankets, Outside Cancun, popular courses include the Pete Dye-de- serapes, pottery, carvings, inexpensive mass-produced silver signed Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club 30 minutes south of jewelry and the like is still the accepted – and often vastly- Cancun, the Robert Von Hagge-designed Golf Club Playacar, entertaining – way of doing business. In Playa del Carmen, Nicklaus Design’s Grupo Mayan Golf Riviera Maya midway Fifth Avenue is the shopping and dining hub. between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, and the Greg Nor- And while all-inclusive resorts make it perfectly possible man-designed Golf Club El Camaleon Mayakoba located in to dine in half-a-dozen resort-based restaurants and never the high-end luxury resort Mayakoba. get bored with the food or ambiance, it would be sad to miss On Cozumel, a 45-minute ferry ride from Playa del Car- out on the experience of dining in one of the scores of small, men, the Nicklaus Design Cozumel Country Club, a course locally-owned Mexican restaurants that have overrun Cancun promised for decades, finally opened a few years ago, built and PDC as well as Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. over what was once a vast mangrove swamp on the island’s north end.
Izamal is built atop an early Mayan settlement, and is Go Deep punctuated by pyramids rising up in the middle of a The most well-trodden of the major Mayan ruins in the Yuca- town painted deep ochre yellow and trimmed in white. tan, Chichen Itza is a grand daytrip exploration – and it takes a solid day to fully explore the wide area of the ruins, from the iconic great pyramid itself to the astronomical observa- tory. It’s a must-do for those who haven’t done it, even though El Castillo, the pyramid, can no longer be climbed (too many contemporary feet were wearing out stones that have stood for thousands of years). But once Chichen Itza has been checked off the “things to do before you die” list, what’s next? Coba, of course. Some 50 kilometres northwest of Tulum, spanning more than 70 square kilometres, most of its estimat- ed 6,000 buildings shaded by the jungle canopy are still being carefully excavated. And Coba’s great pyramid, Nohoc Mul, the Yucatan’s tallest at more than 42 metres, can still be climbed. For those unwilling to venture far from the beach, seaside ti u k ay
W Tulum rivals Chichen Itza for heavy traffic at peak periods, when
Judy Judy the place is swarmed by tour groups and vanloads of daytrippers.
22 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net “Totally Relaxing!” For more information logon to www.visitmexico.com “Phenomenal!” Become a Mexico specialist www.magicofmexico.com
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But for those willing to try longer daytrips or overnight adventures (and the new superhighway into the Yucatan in- terior makes it an easy, safe jaunt even for timid travellers), there are lesser-known and even more spectacular ruins to discover. Resort concierges – and many resorts now have them – can arrange car and overnight hotel rooms, which, in the interior, are extremely reasonably-priced. Ek Balam, (“Black Jaguar” in Mayan), near Tizimin north of Valladolid 140 kilometres from the coast, is just being un-
earthed by fascinated archeologists who have defined it as ti on Mar k e ng Offic a “Late Classic” Mayan site. It’s the most recent site to be opened to the public, and a trip here can easily be combined with a stop or even an overnight in nearby Valladolid (the Meson del Marques is the top hotel in town), where the mid- era Maya D e sti na Rivi era Maya town “Zaci” cenote is a must-do swim stop. Past Ek Balam There are more than a dozen golf courses around Can- on the northern coast, Rio Lagartos is a flamingo sanctuary/ cun, designed by the likes of Pete Dye, Nicklaus, Nick ocean salt recovery “mine” where the local cenote swimming Price, and Greg Norman. hole is popular with locals. Less than an hour west of Valladolid and a few kilometres part-time residents are springing up almost as fast as all- north of the highway, the Spanish colonial “Yellow City” of inclusive resorts. And large areas of the massive mangrove Izamal, built atop an early major Mayan settlement, is punctu- swamps across the highway from the busy resort beaches are ated by pyramids rising up in the middle of a town painted deep scheduled for tourism development as well. ochre yellow and trimmed in white. No one knows why those colours predominate, but they make for great photography. More Riviera Maya Back on the coast, the Riviera Maya is not done growing For more information on the Riviera Maya visit www.riviera yet. Government development plans call for a number of cit- maya.com. ies of more than 200,000 inhabitants within the Riviera Maya In Canadian Traveller: over the next 20 years, including expansion of the existing Maya Mundo, October 2007 towns of Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal, Che- Beyond The Beach, January 2008
muyil, and Tulum. Snowbird condominium complexes for The Hot List, June 2008. ✈
Clients can dive and swim in jungle cenotes – open “sink- holes” into the vast underground river systems beneath the Yucatan Peninsula. ti on Mar k e ng Offic era Maya D e sti na Rivi era Maya
24 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net
Jamaica Go Know Jamaica& Is Bustling With New Development
By Melanie Reffes
ith Olympic medal mania in high gear and the hurricanes long gone, national pride is at an all-time high as Jamaica is poised to welcome winter-weary Canadians in record numbers. The Tourist Board reports between January and June 136,000 Canadians visited the sunny island representing the strongest numbers ever for Canadian visitors and an increase of 26.6 per cent compared with the same period last year.
“Collaborating with travel agents Canada. “In addition to the regularly The just-launched VisitJamaica. across the country, the Tourist Board scheduled flights, Jamaica will see com is a cutting-edge booking engine has worked hard to introduce Jamaica more non-stop flights from the trad- offering a distinctive experience with to as many Canadians as possible,” itional markets and new departures the click of a mouse. By ‘flipping’ over said Sandra Scott, regional director for from gateways such as Vancouver.” a multitude of images, travellers will a Tour ist Board Ja m a ic
Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism says the country hopes to increase the number of visitors by 70 per cent by 2012.
26 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net “know before they go” which according to Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tour- ism, is a clever spin on the brand-Ja- maica slogan “Once you go, you know.” This brings us into the 21st century and is the most significant addition to our marketing arsenal yet,” he said. Also new, the OneLove Loyalty Card will debut early next year with points earned redeemable for hotels and attractions. “By 2012, we hope to increase the number of visitors by 70 per cent to five million,” added Mr. Bartlett. “This demonstrates the resilience of brand Jamaica and our determination to remain the best in the field.”
The North Coast With a room total expected to reach Melan i e R ff s In Emancipation Park you can rock on to reggae piped through speakers 9,000 by the end of the year, it’s no hidden throughout the garden. wonder the government is taking the north coast seriously with the refur- in the Horizon restaurant and a $100 The renovated Couples Tower Isle in bishment of the highway reducing credit for food, a massage or a round of Ocho Rios will open in December with drive time from the Sangster Inter- golf at the White Witch golf course. a Preferred Agency program providing national Airport in Montego Bay to the The Rose Hall Resort, a LXR Lux- agent incentives to book all four proper- resort towns of Ocho Rios and Negril. ury property, has completed a US $40 ties. One free night is offered for every An unprecedented building bon- million renovation that included a top- seven confirmed by December 24. anza is led by the Spanish-owned all- to-bottom refurbishment of all 488 Also in Ocho Rios, Jamaica Inn inclusive resorts. Recently opened, the guestrooms. “Rose Hall appeals to sets the gold standard for luxury. 681-room Riu Montego Bay boasts five travellers looking for a relaxed beach With its sister property Round Hill in restaurants, lit tennis courts for night getaway, but also provides sophisti- Montego Bay, the Jamaica Classics is play and brings to four, the number of cated and modernized luxury,” said a six-night package split between both Riu resorts in Jamaica. Angella Ben- General Manager Dermot Connolly. properties for US $2,681 for travel nett, director of sales, said there has New in the SuperClubs portfolio, through December 19. been high interest from tour operators. Rooms in Negril opened in the sum- Opening in January, Palmyra Re- “In support of our inventory, we are an- mer at 100-per cent occupancy. The sort & Spa sits seaside in Rose Hall ticipating increased airlift from Canada 57-room Continental Plan hotel fronts with 299 rooms, suites and luxury vil- to beef up the winter tourist season.” the famed 11-kilometre beach and is las. Low season rates start at US $189. The AAA Five Diamond Ritz- within walking distance of the ma- Midway between the cruise ship Carlton has completed upgrades to all jor attractions. “Double Early Book- terminal and Dunn’s River Falls, Rain- 427 rooms and suites. Sitting pretty in ing” continues through October at forest Bobsled at Mystic Mountain in Montego Bay, the property boasts an all SuperClubs including Rooms Ne- Ocho Rios is the latest addition to the 18-hole golf course and five restaurants. gril with rates as low as US $100 per attraction sector and includes the Rain- Brand new on the spa menu, a rubdown couple, per night. forest Sky Explorer, Bobsled roller with clam shells filled with hot kelp The trio of all-inclusive Sunset re- coaster and Zip-line Canopy with tree- and algae will remind clients why they sorts welcomes travel agents with room to-tree platforms so riders can see the booked a vacation in the first place. rates starting at US $49 through De- coastal forest. Packages through December 22 include cember 22. Reservations must be identi- The largest adventure tour operator The Reconnect – US $309 per room, fied as a Travel Agent Rate and an IATA in the Caribbean, Chukka offers per night includes breakfast for two number presented upon check in. a bevy of family-friendly options www.TRAVELHotNews.com Canadian Traveller • October 2008 27 Jamaica
including horseback riding, mountain and all-you-can-eat buffets. Most US $65 with a commission bonus for biking, river tubing and Sea Trek, hotels are in the spiffy suburb of bookings in December. Jamaica’s only underwater tour. New Kingston, where high-rises and Tucked away behind the Hilton, the Sand, sea and surf aside, Montego embassies are thronged by day, and a 58-room Altamont is charming with Bay is a golfer’s nirvana with three cornucopia of restaurants and dance a pool bar, complimentary breakfast, courses within a 10-minute drive of clubs pulsate after dark. Unlike the free wi-fi and a staff that treats guests one another. The Robert Trent Jones resort towns, Kingston has no high like family. Half Moon Golf Club, White Witch or low season dictating hotel rates. The 17-storey Pegasus has been Course and Cinnamon Hill are worth The Cortleigh with 127 deluxe rooms a mainstay for 30 years with a lobby the splurge. and suites is favoured by business and bar that is the top pick of savvy tour- leisure guests for free wi-fi and compli- ists. Ask for Bartender Franklyn who Kingston mentary breakfast. “We do boiled dump- will entertain you with local lore as he Dramatically situated between the lings and mackerel rundown because the pours a chilled chardonnay. ocean and the mountains, Kingston locals know the difference.” smiles Chef Restaurant Week kicks off on Nov- is a sprawling cosmopolitan treasure Mark Vekrines. The best jerk burgers in ember 6 with discounts and special trove of arts, music and culture. town are at Mingles, where Happy Hour menus. The strudel stuffed with sau- Describing the city as the hear tbeat of is a lively tradition. téed callaloo, red peppers and cream Jamaica, Tourism Minister Edmund Celebrating its tenth anniversary, cheese never gets boring at Redbones Bartlett is Kingston’s proudest the 303-room Hilton will begin a ma- Blues and Jazz Café in a restored Span- champion. “Our record of safety is jor renovation next year. Dining at the ish Colonial house. The musical menu impeccable with tourists more of Palm Court is divine with Chef Gar- of blues and jazz keeps this hip spot a novelty than a target.” Surviving fi eld Richardson’s red snapper in gin- happening ’til the last person leaves. fl oods, earthquakes and hurricanes, ger and coconut rum the hands-down Norma’s on the Terrace serves a the largest English-speaking city winner. Room rates dip to US $95 be- delectable Caribbean Fusion menu, south of Miami is attracting travellers tween December 19 and 31 while the while the South Beach vibe at Car- for an experience beyond suntans travel agent room rate year-round is los’ Café attracts the pretty people
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BestAirlineJAMAICA 7x4.indd 1 9/9/08 10:10:40 AM 28 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net for Martini Mondays and Karaoke and Emancipation Park where speakers Fridays. Around the corner, Hot Pot hidden in the rocks play reggae tunes to is a traditional kitchen where two can the delight of those taking a stroll. feast on stewed chicken and frosty South of Kingston, Port Royal Red Stripe beer for under $20. was once the enclave of pirates and Take a taxi to the Parade area where swashbuckling scoundrels. Rather vendors dish up bowls of soup, markets than sailing the high seas for galleons bustle day and night and hole-in-the- to plunder, sailors these days fi sh for wall restaurants serve comfort food at snapper rather than pieces of eight. bargain prices. At the western tip is the Much of the old city is submerged fol- craft market with colourful silk batiks lowing the earthquake in 1692 with and straw baskets. Forget about bar- the underwater life now a nirvana for
tering, this isn’t Montego Bay. scuba divers. “Kingston’s only side- MelanIe reFFeS The National Gallery salutes the walk restaurant and only seaside ho- There’s plenty of adventure on giants of Caribbean art and at the tel are the star attractions here,” says Jamaica, from ziplines and roll- foothills of the Blue Mountains, Jam- Calisha Bryan, manager of the 60- ercoasters to golf and undersea agination Gallery showcases the work room ocean-view Morgan Harbour trekking. of painters and sculptors with unique hotel where locals believe ghosts of art tours to the countryside conducted soldiers killed by the earthquake are by Director Wayne Gallimore. visible on hot days. More Jamaica At the corner of the aptly named Tours of Fort Charles can be ar- For more information on Jamaica call Marley Road, the Bob Marley Museum ranged and lunch at Gloria’s means 1-800-465-2624 or visit www.visit is an interactive experience with a Ras- fi sh so fresh they’re still mad. Small jamaica.com ta-inspired gift shop and vegetarian res- boats take tourists to Lime Cay Beach, taurant. There are plenty of parks like a crowded party spot on the weekends In Canadian Traveller: SC_rooms_7.125X4.875.pdf 9/4/08 1:26:48 PM the tranquil Hope Botanical Gardens and deserted on weekdays. Tried & True, November 2007. ✈
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www.TRAVELHotNews.com Canadian Traveller • October 2008 29 Cuba
Head To The Sell Clients On Exploring Cuba, Beyond The Beach Hills
veryone knows that Cuba is a great place for a beach E vacation. There is plenty of sunshine, blue waters, sparkling white sand and a colourful culture Cuba is home six to explore. But Cuba is also a great UNESCO Biosphere place to discover a unique collec- Preserves inviting tion of natural wonders, from the exploration. world’s smallest frog to the won- ders of not one, but six UNESCO
Biosphere Preserves. TourIST Board PhoToS CuBa
On Land Cuba boasts an amazing array of terrain that creates a wide • Sierra del Rosario (biosphere reserve): houses Soroa-Las variety of ecosystems housing a huge number of plant and Terrazas and the Santo Tomás cave system. animal species. • Guanahacabibes Peninsula (biosphere reserve): protected In fact, four per cent of the world’s land species live on areas include La Guabina and Mil Cumbres. the Cuban archipelago. It is home to some 6,700 species • Zapata Peninsula Nature Park (biosphere reserve): fea- of higher plants (about half of which are native) as well as tures Caleta Buena, Playa Girón and Playa Larga; Laguna 14,000 species of invertebrates and 650 vertebrates – in- del Tesoro and the Amerindian village of Guamá; and La cluding 350 bird species. Among Cuba’s countless gems are Boca crocodile farm. the world’s smallest frog (Eleutherodactylus limbatus, only • Guamuhaya Mountain Range: home to Topes de Collantes 12 millimetres long) and tiniest bird (Mellisuga helenae – Tourism Complex, El Nicho and Tunas, Zaza and Lebrige the bee hummingbird, 63 millimetres long). wild animal preserves. Microclimates include lush tropical forests, where rare • Sierra de Cubitas: stretches from El Paso de los Paredones orchids grow; dry mountainous areas, where prehistoric to Hoyo de Bonet to Cayo Ballenatos – in Nuevitas Bay – cacti still live; everglades populated by mangrove, manatee and the protected area in the northern Camagüey keys. and fl amingoes; wetlands harbouring species important to • Northern Holguín: offers tours to scenic Guardalavaca- biotechnology; and hummocks that guard fossilized plants Estero Ciego and Pinares de Mayarí National Park. such as the cork palm. • Sierra Maestra: famous for its historical hideouts, this area The country also boasts more than 100 nature trails and spans Desembarco del Granma National Park, Pico Tur- hiking paths. Main hiking routes are well signed, and pro- quino National Park, Santo Domingo-La Sierrita, Marea fessional guides are available. Spelunking, bird-watching, del Portillo (including Las Yaguas and Cilantro Rivers). nature photography and horseback riding are only a few of • Baconao Park (biosphere reserve): site of La Gran Piedra, the activities awaiting nature lovers. ruins of the island’s fi rst French coffee plantations. • Baracoa: the place where Christopher Columbus fi rst set Highlights include: foot in Cuba remains relatively untouched by civilization. • Guaniguanico Mountain Range: noted for unusual rock The area is marked by Alejandro de Humboldt National formations surrounding the Viñales Valley, an agricul- Park; Yunque de Baracoa; Toa, Miel and Yumurí Rivers; tural region. Maguana beach.
30 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net VTH-08-512 CTraveller_Sol_Melia.qxd:Layout 2 9/4/08 9:11 AM Page 1
9 hotels, 4 destinations, Infinite possibilities. Cuba
Under Water 100 kilometres long and three kilometres wide. About Clients can see eye to eye with the creatures of the deep in 20 kilometres east of the city there is a coastal belt of the waters off Cuba. Unusual wrecks and fabulous topog- white coral sand. raphy are just the beginning of underwater adventure here. • Santa Lucía: an extensive coral reef just off this beach resort World-class dive sites, equipment and instructors combine has 34 designated dive points and numerous shipwrecks. to make the Cuban underwater experience one to revisit • Varadero: has more than 25 diving sites. Especially popu- again and again. Jacques Cousteau thought so, too – when lar is the Cayo Piedras del Norte underwater park, where he fi lmed Cuba, Waters of Destiny. old yachts, frigates and planes have been deliberately sunk Cuba’s 30 dive centres provide packages for everyone – for recreational diving. from novices to pros. Some also provide certifi cation as well • Playa Girón: the top attraction here is the sheer drop off as courses in marine photography, night diving and other in- the island’s underwater platform. terests. Most centres are near hotels and resorts, and have • Northern coast of Holguín: more than 20 dive sites are equipment for rent. However, underwater photographers located just off Esmeralda and Guardalavaca beaches. should bring their own camera equipment, silicone and fi lm • Ancón Peninsula: this area’s two dive sites are Ancón and to ensure they get the shots they need. Cuba also has several Cayo Blanco de Casilda. recompression chambers. There are many treasures beneath the unpolluted wat- Cuba’s crystal waters boast ers of the Cuban archipelago, excellent visibility and which offers through-water thousands of species. visibility of 30 to 40 metres. Home to more than 500 var- ieties of fi sh, crustaceans, sponges, mollusks and coral, Cuba’s ecosystem is one of the most treasured in the Caribbean. And the wrecks of several 17th- and 18th- century Spanish galleons carrying valuable cargo pro- vide treasure-hunting of a different sort. CARISUB, a Cuban mar- ine archeological organiza- tion, charters salvage tours of such sites around Cuba. One well-preserved wreck that went down more than 100 years ago near Santiago de • Santiago de Cuba: scuba centres operate out of Baconao Cuba is the 6,800-ton El Cristobal Colon, once the pride Park (Sigua and Bucanero) and Guamá municipality. Site of the Spanish navy. The wreck is also home to colourful of the Caribbean’s best-preserved sunken ship, the Span- underwater life attached to the hull and swimming play- ish warship Cristóbal Colón. fully in and out of the wreck. • Cienfuegos: international jet-ski competitions are Spectacular canyons and caves harbour natural treas- held here every year, as are occasional speedboat ures galore. There are angelfi sh, blue chromis, squirrelfi sh, competitions. snook and groupers; turtles, sharks, blue marlin and sword- • Jardines del Rey: In Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo, coral fi sh. And, coral gardens that rival any on earth. reefs offer attractive underwater landscapes.
Main dive sites: More Cuba • Los Canarreos Archipelago: has 56 designated dive sites For more information about adventure travel in Cuba, visit at Puertosol Colony International Scuba Centre and Cayo www.gocuba.ca Largo del Sur. • Guanahacabibes Peninsula: offers access to more than In Canadian Traveller: 50 dive sites from María La Gorda International Scuba Cuba supplement, October 007. Centre. Regional Cuba, January 2007. • Havana: has 72 scuba sites available through four inter- Cuba supplement, May 2006.
national diving centres. Immersion area is more than Beyond The Beach, March 2005. ✈
32 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net www.gocuba.ca Cruising ND THE U CLE W O CIR THE R IPS G O A H LO S B R 0 E L 1 L
L D A
ore and more people want ports of call with overnights in Mto sail around the world, or Sydney, Australia; Hong Kong at least a sizable portion of it. “Even and Shanghai, China; Mumbai, during uncertain economic times, it India; Mombasa, Kenya; and Cape appears that growing numbers of trav- Town, South Africa. Segments of 22 to elers are eager to sail the globe or, at the 69 days are available as well. very least, take a nice long segment of a world cruise in a part of the world they probably have 5. Hurtigruten’s MS Fram sails an annual Longitud- never seen before,” said Terry Dale, Cruise Lines Inter- inal World Cruise from Reykjavik, Iceland. The only itinerary national Association’s president and CEO. of its kind, the 67-day voyage begins above the Arctic Circle and fea- World cruises are available for the entire voyage – some lines tures Antarctica. Along the way, the ship visits the U.K. and Ireland, report that almost half their guests stay onboard from start to fi n- crosses the Atlantic, and visits Canada, the East Coast of the U.S. and ish – or in segments ranging from less than two weeks to more Central America before transiting the Panama Canal and sailing down than two months. Typically, the voyage averages about 90 to 100 the west coast of South America. As the ship nears Antarctica, expert days. Here are 10 world cruises offered by members of CLIA. guides join the cruise to provide lectures about the destination.
1. Crystal Cruises’ world cruise, on board Crystal Serenity, 6. & 7. Princess offers two global itineraries in 2009. The 670-pas- departs Los Angeles January 21, 2009 and will visit 45 cities in senger Tahitian Princess and 710-passenger Royal Princess will Mexico, the South Pacifi c, New Zealand, eastern and western offer similar 107-day itineraries from Ft. Lauderdale, the former Australia, Indonesia and Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Russia, departing January 12, 2009 and fi nishing up in Dover, England Alaska, British Columbia as well as San Francisco and back to and the latter sailing January 20, 2009, concluding in Rome. The Los Angeles during the 106-day voyage. Segments are available itinerary features South America, the South Pacifi c, Australia, in lengths of 12 to 22 days. Asia, India and Egypt as well as a variety of European destina- tions. Other exotic destinations include Vietnam, Cambodia, 2. & 3. Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria makes a 99-day Explora- Papua New Guinea and the Great Barrier Reef. tion of Distant Horizons world cruise that departs New York January 10, 2009 and calls on the Caribbean, Panama Canal, 8. & 9. Regent Seven Seas offers two, simultaneous world cruises Mexico, the South Pacifi c, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, the in 2009. The 700-passenger Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Middle East and Europe. It is also available in four segments Mariner will visit a total of 110 ports of call in 50 countries on including the 17-day New York to Los Angeles segment and the six continents. Segments ranging in length from 12 to 24 nights 27-day Sydney to Singapore segment. Queen Mary 2’s 90-day highlight destinations in the Caribbean, South America, the South Epic Expedition departs Ft. Lauderdale January 13, 2009 and Pacifi c, New Zealand and Australia, Southeast Asia, Japan, India, circumnavigates South America before sailing “down under” the Middle East, North Africa and the Mediterranean. and then through Asia and Europe. 10. Silversea Cruises is offering the company’s fi rst-ever Grand 4. MS Rotterdam returns to world cruising with a 114/117-day Pacifi c Voyage in 2009, a 92-day extended odyssey that departs Grand World Voyage departing January 19, 2009 from Los Angeles. Los Angeles on March 7, 2009 on Silver Shadow. On this epic The westbound route sails the Pacifi c Ocean to Hawaii, the South journey, composed of six themed segments, guests will visit 45 Pacifi c, Australia and New Zealand and on through Asia and ports, 15 countries and two hemispheres, enjoying overnight stays Africa before visiting the Caribbean and home to Ft. Lauderdale. in Bora Bora, Sydney, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong SIlVerSea CruISeS SIlVerSea Additionally, guests will have plenty of time to explore several and Tokyo. ✈
34 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net WIN A TRIP FOR 2 D TH OUN E W “Seize The Day R O A R L L in Arizona” L D A (Why not Seize all 6?)
THE PRIZE: • One return trip for two from any scheduled WestJet gateway in THE ARIZONA CONTEST QUESTIONS: Canada to Phoenix. 1. ______is home to several professional sports franchises, with • 3 nights stay at the Arizona representatives of all four major professional sports leagues in the United States. Biltmore. 2. ______has some of the best stargazing • 3 nights stay at the Pointe Hilton available to the general public. Squaw Peak. 3. While in ______don’t miss the spiritual experience that can be found at ______.
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THE RULES: THE DESTINATION SALES RESOURCE FOR TRA3.VEL MailPROFESSIONALS or fax entries to “Arizona Contest” Canadian Traveller, 30, 2010. It must be accepted as awarded, is not redeemable 1. To enter the contest, the entrant must be a bona fi de travel 88 East Pender Street, Suite 555, Vancouver, BC V6A 3X3. for cash and is not transferable. agent actively working in the industry, a resident of Canada Fax: (604) 699-9993. Entries must be received by Dec. 29, 7. The winner will be advised by telephone during the week who has reached the age of majority in the province in which 2008. of January 12, 2009 and announced in the May issue of he/she resides, who is not an employee of, a member of the 4. The draw will be made January 12, 2009 from all correct Canadian Traveller. immediate family of, or domiciled with, an employee of ACT entries received. All questions must be answered. The solu- 8. All entries become property of Canadian Traveller which Communications Inc., its agents or distributors, or any of the tions can be found in the Arizona Sales Guide. assumes no responsibility for printing error or lost or misdi- prize donors. Note: Contest is not valid in any jurisdiction 5. One prize will be awarded consisting of a pair of “positive rected entries. No communication will be entered into except where prohibited by law. Odds of winning are contingent air” round trip tickets courtesy of WestJet plus six nights with the winning entrant. upon the number of entries received. accommodation. Some restrictions apply. The approximate 9. One entry per person. Duplicate entries will be disqualifi ed. 2. Entrants must complete all questions, and include their retail value of the prize is $4,000. 10. If more than one agent in your offi ce wishes to enter, name, telephone number and signature. 6. The prize must be used between February 1, 2009 and April please photocopy this page. How To Sell – New Mexico
Land of Enchantment Selling Ancients, Aliens, Artists & Adventures
By Steve Crowhurst
eeping ‘first things first’ as we Tourism team for an image you can use. like to do, your first thing to do is NMT also has CDs/DVDs featuring its Kto read the New Mexico – Land six regions. Make sure you bring this set of Enchantment supplement from cover of disks into your agency for counsellor to cover then come back here to read the training. ideas on how to sell what could be your niche destination. Green Not So Alien
To Canadians Tour ism D e pt / an Monaghan N ew Mex ic o A Picture Is Worth A According to a 2001 survey of Canadian New Mexico has long attracted art- Thousand Bookings beliefs, over 31 per cent of the population ists to its spectacular scenery and As you read through the supplement you’ll or 10 million Canadians believe in aliens. unique light. Places like Canyon be attracted to certain images that appeal Now that’s a quite a hit list to chase after Road in Santa Fe are a great start for to you. It’s the same with your clients. isn’t it? Do this right and your commis- artistic group tours. They too will be attracted to various im- sions could skyrocket! Read the survey ages and then prompted to make the call at: www.legermarketing.com/documents/ Artistic Cultures for more information. So, decide which SPCLM/ 011022ENG.pdf. Roswell is still As an artist myself with an interest in images you would like to push to your talked about, revisited in numerous TV Southwest art I often buy the magazine of customer via your website, newsletter documentaries and attracts high interest. the same name (www.southwestart.com) or e-mail and chat with the New Mexico In other words, it’s out there! – as I read it through, the ideas always flow in terms of art groups to Santa Fe, Albuquerque and other cities, too. In fact in the back of the magazine you will find workshops, galleries and exhibitions – just what you need to package a tour dedicated to the artists among your local customers or prospects further afield. The traditional workshops include Hopi pottery, Navajo weaving and basket-making. Great Sales Tool! Pull-Out Consumer Supplement Great Sales Tool! Designer Tours On page 4 of the supplement you have
ready-made tours to promote as is, or copy in your own way and style. The tour titles might work for you too. You have the Sun Country Tour, the Turquoise Trail, Indian Country and the renowned Route 66. These short run tour itineraries are excellent if you’re into FITs and customizing vacations. You have a choice in terms of how you set the transportation New Mexico offers more adventure travel component. Buses, coaches or self-drive, than you can sell, including hiking in the Pecos you have a number of options based on Wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. how your client wishes to travel or, if
o Tour ism D e pt /Ja m s O rr N ew Mex ic o you intend to create your own packaged
36 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net
------✈ Canadian Traveller • October 2008 57 Traveller Canadian
10-day photography tour. This idea is more geared to the semi-pro rapherthose– want who aroundtowait photog until they get that special shot. Create the program and market it to all camera groups, associations, via local photo graphic newsletters and on your web site. To sell this tour, you’ll need very attractive images to create the “ooh and an“up to leads then that ahh”response and departure. away” who you can link with to provide a Market To A quick trip to your local bookstore will usually present you with an array of cof Photography Tours Photography W hat better state it comes to photography and couldtours that you askare for strictly when “photographers only”?about team NMT the Ask So shoot. to much fee table books featuring the landscape New Mexico. Buy one ofand read it. Use it in window your and display to use help it you decide the scenic wonders you would like to include in your tour. You are al most done and ready to take your tour to market. Check with the NMT team once more and findout what they can provide withyou in terms CDsof for direct mail, t-shirts, giveaways and then arrangetravel night a for your currentspective clients. You andwant a room pro of 50 people to talk to. Fill that room eachfor four week weeks and you will surely find 20 to 30 people ready to be enchanted by the charms Mexico. New of Organize tours to the 12th-century Organize tours to the 12th-century for clients Canyon ruins in Chaco who want to touch the Ancient Ones. rr O s e m /Ja pt e D ism Tour o ic Mex ew N ------visited an old native general store and on the floor was apile of railroad spikes sell ing for a dollar each. So I picked one and went over to the store owner to pay for it. He looked at it and said, “Hey onethat’s of mine…wanna know where it came from?” So of course my friend was all ears and it came from a section of the Santa Fe rail road. The upshot was that my friend knew theexact spot! Proof that people are serious about their railway passions. Canada is a country built around the railroad. Chances a for base client ready-made a have you are railroading tour to Mexico. New Anyone Fore Golf? sell can you coursespush to golf 80 With allway thehotel basic intoclients youra up to a luxury resort. Promote a winter golf getaway and your clients could be skiing in the morning and putting in the ‘n’ Golf is! that combo afternoon.a What Ski that – now sell would to the younger inclients have your you database. Adventure They’ve got sand and water to go with it. Click to page 5 in the supplement and read about the outdoor adventures your clients can enjoy down south. Water activities in Navajo Nation You see glimpses of the Navajo everyday can tellin every city around You the world. they are there as people pass you by wear ing that world-renowned turquoise and sil ver jewellery. Now conjureup in your mind where you could market a jewelry buying tour. Most certainly to people with an in terest in this type of jewelry. Perhaps to a women-only group. But don’t forget might at guyseven they– wear it, too.You the tract a local to jeweller lead/escort the tour. clude fishing, canoeing, kayaking and raft ing. Imagine rafting the Rio Grande made this to Add movies. old many so in famous list hiking and biking, skiing boarding, and cross-country snow and backcountry skiing and you have a niche destination to service more adventures than you can sell. Slogans such as: “Raft the Rio Grande!” in your window will attract thoseof who like to on the live edge. the eyes and minds - - - GONE!”
www.TRAVELHotNews.com More than 31 per cent of Canadians per cent than 31 More not create in aliens. Why believe and the UFOa tour to Roswell Museum, a clearinghouse for UFO- information? related Recently I gave a railroad spike to of mine a visiting pal from the U.K. He is into worldwide rail – period. During his visit we Railroads The world has generally moved towards embracing a more spiritual individuals outlook, and as groups search for places significance special and interest special of to their lives. This also brings people to Ancient Cultures wards an interest in ancient cultures and New Mexico has truly everything clients your if for Now vultures. ancient culture want to touch the peoples known as Ancient the Ones then they’ll be happy to re ceive your e-mail or direct mail about the Anasazi Indians who set up ing the home 12th century dur near Chaco Canyon. This tour will also appeal to nation your alien believers and here’s They the disappeared! reason. 5,000 inhabitants, 40 underground than ceremonial more kivas, 600 rooms. Suddenly at a certain point in time…gone! Buildings remained. What a great theme to take to market. Here’s the slogan: “There They Were… tour then go with a coach suggested and itineraries use as the your core route. Now you can market this all-in tour your entire customer to base. an Monaghan an D / pt e D ism Tour o ic Mex ew N
Great Sales Tool! Pull-Out Consumer Supplement Alberta West Edmonton Mall is a kid’s idea of heaven with gravity-defying coasters and World Waterpark and its two hectares of wave pools.
edMonTon TourISM edMonTon • Head to the midway at Calaway Park near Calgary. There are rides galore and the appropriate fair snacks like mini donuts All In The Family and sno-cones, plus plenty of coffee stands for mom and dad. Alberta Boasts Attractions For Everyone • Take a trip up the Jasper tramway or Banff gondola. Book clients an overnight (or several-night) stay in the mountains, where the kids will love the rush of being lberta is a great place to take the Everyone can enjoy ATV tours offered in suspended over the trees and whisking kids. There is plenty of fresh air, dozens of places around the province. past towering rock. Aroom to roam and an amazing • Hit the Iron Horse Trail, 300 kilometres array of attractions to capture the shortest Ultimate Amusement of recreation through northeast Alberta. of attention spans. Check it out. Calgary’s Calaway park is Western Can- Clients can hike, bike, walk or ATV on ada’s largest outdoor amusement park, day trips or a week-long excursion. There Teen Pleasers home to more than 30 rides including the are plenty of B&Bs and hotels to choose After clocking speeds of 40km/h on the Storm – Mother Nature’s Family Thrill from along the way. skeleton or luge (for those 10 and older) at Ride, mini-golf and live shows. • Check in to West Edmonton Mall’s Canada Olympic park, kids can jump on Fantasyland Hotel. Book clients a theme a mountain bike with their gung-ho par- Budding Naturalists room (the hotel has family theme rooms ents and explore 25 kilometres of open and Will Bloom! with bunk beds for kids). From there they single-track trails. Other family favourites are voyageur canoe can hit the mall’s splash zone or amuse- At west Edmonton Mall kids can trips down the North Saskatchewan River, ment park. scream down the Zip Line and take a shoot-outs onboard an Alberta prairie white-knuckle ride on the Mindbender Railway Excursion, fossil hunting with For more information, visit www.travel
roller coaster, a ride that boasts the highest a guide from the Royal Tyrrell Museum Alberta.com. ✈ G-force on the planet. The latest addition is near Drumheller, the Gallery of Gross KidTropolis, a city built for kids age fi ve to in the Body Fantastic exhibit at TELUS 13. Each of the 31 pavilions is scaled to a world of Science – Edmonton and sleep- child’s size and presented like a movie set overs at the Calgary zoo. Top Family Finds where children use costumes and props to West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton experience more than 50 career options. Wed & Wild Wonders Grand Prix of Edmonton, Edmonton Waterbabies can take an underwater Deep Besides West Edmonton Mall’s mega- Sea Adventure in the world’s largest indoor waterpark and Sherwood Park’s Mil- Calaway Park, Calgary lake or stand face-to-face with more than lennium Place, there is the wild Rap- Calgary Zoo, Calgary 200 species of fi sh, sharks and penguins – ids waterslide in Sylvan Lake (home Sulphur Mountain Hot Pools, Banff or watch the antics of three California sea to 16 slides including the zero-gravity Royal Tyrrell Museum, Drumheller lions. The World Waterpark features two Sidewinder). Sylvan Lake boasts one of hectares of wave pools, waterslides and Alberta’s best beaches. Teepee Camping, Head-Smashed-In various other rides, hot pools and water Buffalo Jump playgrounds. Corn Maze, Lacombe Family-Friendly Getaways RCMP Dog Training Centre, Innisfail Free Wheeling Heaven • Enter the lost world of the dinosaurs. Skateboarders head to Calgary’s Shaw Mil- In Drumheller at the Royal Tyrrell Magnifi cent River Rats Festival, Athabasca lennium park and BMX riders hit the dirt Museum kids can go a one-on-one day Sandsculpture Championship, Slave Lake at Red Deer’s Great west Adventure park. trip with the dinos.
58 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net “I want a little adventure.”
rafting
Red Deer River, Alberta
spa fishing golfing
shopping TravelAlberta U c o m / Tr a d e Thanks to everything Alberta has to offer, you can always give your clients exactly what they want. Alberta
Edmonton hosts more than 30 festivals throughout the year including a variety of heritage-oriented festivals that celebrate more than 60 cultures.
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Festival City Edmonton hosts more than 30 festivals throughout the year that celebrate arts, cul- ture and sports. Throughout the summer festivals are held for blues, bluegrass, folk, jazz and symphonic music. Winter festivals
PhoToS edMonTon TourISM PhoToS edMonTon focus on ice sculptures, skiing and skating. In-between, there’s something for every- one, from the Canadian Finals Rodeo to All the River City Shakespeare Festival – and We Have It fi ve distinct arts festivals that focus on art, City Of Festivals & Culture & Champions design, storytelling and fi lm. A few select festival highlights: • Edmonton’s Capital EX: Edmonton’s oldest festival received a new name and makeover in 2006, and includes inter- ome cities are renowned for their events promoting eight member galleries, national entertainment, chuckwagon scenery. Some for their quality of all within a nine-block walking distance. races, and a midway full of carnival fun. Slife. And some for their urban pleas- The Art Gallery of Alberta is Alberta’s • Edmonton Folk Music Festival: One ures. But Edmonton is different. It has not longest running cultural institution, with of the world’s leading Folk festivals, the one, not two, but three claims to fame. a growing collection of more than 5,000 Edmonton Folk Music Festival is a four- Edmonton is the City of Festivals, The City works of art, including historical and con- day outdoor music extravaganza that of Champions and, in 2007, the Canada’s temporary paintings and sculptures by attracts more than 80,000 music lovers. Culture Capital. Canadian and international artists. Situated in Gallagher Park in Edmonton’s Performing arts include Alberta Ballet, scenic river valley, the festival offers an Culture Capital 2007 Canada’s third-largest dance company, the eclectic mix of music for all tastes. With a thriving downtown arts district and Brian Webb Dance Company, offers the • Edmonton International Fringe The- a lively art, music and theatre scene, it is largest dance season west of Toronto, the atre Festival: Second only in size to the no wonder that Edmonton was named as a Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, one of Can- Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edmonton’s Canadian Cultural Capital for 2007, win- ada’s foremost orchestral ensembles Edmon- Fringe attracts 500,000 visitors each ning $2 million in funding toward special ton Opera, a leader in the production and summer and some 1,000 performances. projects that included the Edmonton Poetry promotion of innovative, challenging and With 100 per cent of revenue generated Festival; Nightworks: Cultural Capital audience-driven opera and Citadel Theatre, from ticket sales returned directly to the Celebrates New Year’s Eve; a series of per- Canada’s largest regional theatre and the artists themselves the Edmonton Fringe formances and light displays, highlighted only classical theatre in Western Canada. attracts performers from across Canada, the city’s urban landscape; and Edmonton And all of this is conveniently located the United States, Africa, Austria, Aus- Explorations, visual and media arts pro- in the Downtown Arts District, which is tralia, Bulgaria, Great Britain, France, ductions and exhibits by local artists. But anchored by Sir Winston Churchill Square. Germany, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, really, the title was just the icing on the Redeveloped into a cultural centrepiece in Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Sweden, Tai- city’s very large cultural cake. 2004, the square has become an entertain- wan, and Central and South America. The Edmonton region is home to more ment destination for more than one million • Heritage Festivals: A variety of heritage- than 60 art galleries, and twice a year, puts visitors as it hosts a wide number of events oriented festivals that celebrate more than on the Gallery Walk, advertised, unguided and festivals throughout the year. TIX on the Continued on page 63
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Continued from page 60 Triathlon Championships, the 2001 IAAF 60 cultures include brilliant Ukrainian World Championships in Athletics, the 2002 dance troupes; the pounding beat of the FIFA U-19 Women’s World Soccer Cham- Cariwest parade; native fi lmmakers sharing pionship Canada Cup, the 2005 Tim Hor- their remarkable visions at Dreamspeakers tons Brier (Curling) and the 2005 World Film Festival, and the three-day world vil- Masters Games. The Ford World Men’s lage of the Edmonton Heritage Festival, a Curling Championships called Edmonton stunning multicultural showcase. home in 2007, when the city also hosted the FIFA Under 20 World Cup Canada. City Of Champions The Canadian Finals Rodeo also calls Edmonton has developed a well-deserved Edmonton home. The season-ending cham- reputation as the City of Champions as the pionship competition of Canadian profes- Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Foot- sional rodeo is Canada’s biggest money rodeo ball League and the Edmonton Oilers of and the largest annual indoor sporting event the National Hockey League have forged in Western Canada. several team dynasties that have topped Golfers also fi nd Edmonton of cham- their respective leagues over the years. pionship calibre. More than 70 courses Other Edmonton sport franchises include and up to 17 hours of daylight in summer, the Edmonton Cracker-Cats (baseball in the have attracted the game’s greats to design Northern League); Edmonton Rush (National courses (Northern Bear is a Jack Nicklaus Lacrosse League); and the Edmonton Oil Signature Course) and to play them (Royal Edmonton’s urban pleasures include Kings, a junior hockey team in the Western Mayfair Golf Club played host to the LPGA a stroll through Old Strathcona, with Hockey League. CN Canadian Women’s Open). unique heritage buildings, and more Edmonton has also successfully host- On the track, the Grand Prix of Edmon- than 100 coffeehouses, restaurants ing world-class events such as the World ton attracted over 167,000 spectators in 2007, and pubs.
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Edmonton offers plenty of outdoor recreation, from its massive river val- after setting the record for a Champ Car City museums include the Alberta Avi- ley and park system, to Jasper National event in Canada with attendance of 200,052 ation Museum; the Royal Alberta Museum; Park, west of the city. spectators in 2005 in its inaugural year. the Alberta Legislature Building; and TELUS World of Science – Edmonton. And There’s More Other urban pleasures include a stroll urban park, stretching along Edmonton’s Edmonton has other urban charms. Clients through Old Strathcona, the historic hub river valley, is 22 times larger than New with an eye on the past want to visit Fort of Edmonton that dates back to 1891. Enjoy York’s Central Park and eight times larger Edmonton Park to tour 70 period buildings the feel of a small town along Whyte Avenue than Vancouver’s Stanley Park. Within from four different eras; Reynolds Alberta with unique shops, heritage buildings, brick the River Valley are the Muttart Conserv- Museum to see vintage vehicles, aircraft and sidewalks, several theatres, and a thriving atory, housing habitats ranging from jun- agricultural equipment; and the Ukrainian social scene – there are more than 100 cof- gle to desert in four spectaular glass pyra- Cultural Historical Heritage Village to see feehouses, restaurants and pubs. mids; the John Janzen Nature Centre with immigrant life between 1892 and the 1930s. Much more than a mall, West Edmonton exhibits and interpretive nature trails; and Mall boasts world-class attractions and is the Valley Zoo, home to more than 100 With their many Grey Cup wins, the described as the greatest indoor show on exotic, endangered and native species. Edmonton Eskimos have helped cement earth. Spanning the equivalent of 48 city Close by are the Devonian Botanic Gar- Edmonton’s reputation as the City of blocks, there are more than 800 stores and den with both display and natural areas; Champions. services, over 100 eating establishments, and Kalyna Country, Canada’s largest and nine outstanding attractions. eco-museum. East of the city, Strathcona Wilderness Get Out Centre boasts 200 hectares of parkland on Edmonton is home to a massive river val- the shores of Bennett Lake; and Elk Island ley and park system, and the gateway to National Park is second only to Africa’s Jasper National Park and the majestic Can- famed Serengeti for wildlife viewing. adian Rockies. The city also offers access To the west, Jasper National Park is to stunning botanic gardens, Alberta’s the largest and most northerly Canadian northern lakes and a variety of wildlife in Rocky Mountain national park. High- their natural habitat. lights include Sunwapta Falls, Mount Edmonton’s River Valley offers nature Edith Cavell, and the Columbia Icefield
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Alberta Real West Around Calgary you can experience a Heart Of Western way of life where cowboys still tip their hats and the real Western culture fl ourishes at rodeos, powwows, farmers’ The New West markets and cowboy poetry festivals. Travel through this historic area on the Calgary Is Modern Arts, Cowboy Culture & Cowboy Trail, which winds through the foot- Outdoor Adventure hills around Calgary. The Diamond Valley is the “Heart of the Cowboy Trail” and stops include Turner Valley’s Gas Plant Historic Site, Millarville Farmers’ Market in Black Diamond and the Bar U Ranch in Longview. algary is a vibrant city of a million and museums. Festivals and events cele- Book clients on a guest ranch where people that offers the best of all brate fi lm, jazz, art, antiques, music, wine they can help with daily chores and meet worlds – whether it’s following in and food. The city’s iconic festivals include C ranching families. Or take a trail ride into the footsteps of the Old West, living a Cow- Afrikadey; Calgary C-Jazz Festival; Cal- the peaceful backcountry with an outfi tter boy’s dream in the Real West, experiencing gary Folk Music Festival; Gobal Fest; and, who knows these hills like an old friend. the outdoor adventure of the Wild West, or of course, the Calgary Stampede. capturing the heart of the New West. Downtown is a destination in and of Wild West itself. Complementing modern day archi- A short drive west of Calgary is Kananaskis tecture are historical sandstone buildings New West Country, where clients can indulge their Rich culture blossoms in Calgary provid- that existed almost a century ago. The Ste- need for outdoor adventures like horseback ing an exciting choice of live performances phen Avenue Walk was declared a National riding, hiking, canoeing, rafting, fi shing, all year long: from ballet, opera, phil- Historic District in 2002. bird watching and overnight pack trips and harmonic orchestra and musicals to cut- Sports fans enjoy Calgary’s three pro- settle into guest lodges and a world-class ting-edge theatre and dance. The EPCOR fessional teams including football’s Cal- hotel. An Olympic downhill ski hill, count- Centre for the Performing Arts and the gary Stampeders, the lacrosse champion less cross-country ski trails and a 36-hole restored Grand Theatre are performance Calgary Roughnecks and hockey’s Calgary golf course round out the recreation menu. hotspots that host theatrical and musical Flames. Also on the must-watch list – Cal- Just south of Calgary is the largest performances. Visual artists fi nd a home gary Hitmen Hockey, international compe- glacial erratic in the world weighing in at in Calgary’s many sophisticated galleries tition at Canada Olympic Park, the Speed about 18,000 tonnes. A Calgary brewery Skating Oval and Race City Speedway. and the town of Okotoks were named for this giant rock dragged and deposited by Old West glacial ice, called “okatak” by the Black- Calgary and area’s history spans a full
foot people. ✈ range, from dinosaurs through ancient aboriginal culture, to ranching, farming, agriculture and oil and gas. Calgary Calgary’s museums and historical sites Attractions preserve Western heritage with imagina- tion and fl air. Learn about the rich cul- Bow Habitat Station tural traditions of the Blackfoot people Butterfi eld Acres at the Glenbow Museum. Learn about Calaway Park turn-of-the-20th-century life and try on a Calgary Tower Mountie uniform at Fort Calgary Historic Calgary Zoo Park and stroll along pioneer streets at Canada Olympic Park Heritage Park Historical Village. Salute Chinese Cultural Centre the contributions of fi refi ghters, police, Eau Claire Market pilots, soldiers, sailors and the grain industry at museums and interpretive cen- Fort Calgary Historic Park tres throughout the city. Glenbow Museum Heritage Park Historical Village TourISM Calgary Just northwest of town, the Cochrane Calgary offers the best of all worlds – Ranche Historic Site examines Alberta’s Inglewood Bird Sanctuary pioneering history, big city attractions, ranching past. Started in 1881 by Senator Spruce Meadows cowboy culture and rugged outdoor Matthew Cochrane, it was the fi rst large TELUS World of Science – Calgary adventure. scale cattle operation in Western Canada.
68 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net What’s all that blue stuff? Fresh Rocky Mountain air.
For a city of more than one million people, Calgary is not what you expect from a major Canadian metropolitan destination. It’s a city of wide open spaces enhanced by a spirited western welcome, where the streets are clean and safe, and where fresh breezes from the nearby Rocky Mountains blow gently over the foothills. Located on the front range of the Canadian Rockies, it’s an energetic city that celebrates the good life in the great outdoors. And, as Canada’s youngest city, Calgary also knows how to kick up its heels, with the world-famous Calgary Stampede, exciting nightlife, pro sports, a huge variety of award-winning restaurants and hotels that roll out a legendary western welcome. Whether your clients are looking to “cowboy up”, to shop the many one-of-a-kind stores, to gear up for skiing, or explore Calgary’s cultural and historical attractions, there’s never a dull moment here.
Find out more exclusively for the travel trade at www.tourismcalgary.com/traveltrade New Jersey
SUN, SURF & CHIPS Atlantic City Combines Seaside Fun With Casino Action
By B. Ang
s the city’s marketing tagline, “Always Turned Side Distractions On” suggests, Atlantic City is the place for non- Unlike the other famous entertainment city situated in the stop fun and action. Its 11 casinos offer 24-hour desert, Atlantic City has the added advantage of being a gaming and clubs feature events that range from beach town. Its waters are safe and manned by lifeguards, rockA concerts to circus shows, and big name acts like and water enthusiasts can indulge in day cruises, sailing, Madonna and Tom Jones. fi shing, canoeing or kayaking. Soft-adventure seekers head for parks like the Atlantic County Park at Lake Lenape, In The Beginning… Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge and Bass Originally designed as a posh seaside resort before the River State Forest for hikes on trails and bird-watching. turn of the 20th century, Atlantic City is now known for its Atlantic City has more than 30 golf courses, many of towering casinos, fl ashy lights and late-night fun. As the which are championship-calibre, and line the ocean and gaming capital of the northeast, it attracts visitors seeking bay with pine-bordered fairways and pristine greens. to strike it rich at the slot machines and craps tables. Situated on Abescon Island off the New Jersey shore- And It Keeps Growing line facing the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City is spread Then of course, there are casinos to while away the time. over 31 square kilometres with a population of 40,517. Investment billionaire Donald Trump owns three casino The city’s famous wooden Boardwalk was constructed in hotels within the city. His 1,250-room Trump Taj Mahal 1870. Stretching 1.6 kilometres, it was initially built “to Casino Hotel is one of the biggest casinos in the world keep the sand out of the tourist shoes”. Today, the Board- walk, lined with souvenir and curio shops, extends to 6.4 kilometres in length and up to 18.3 metres at its widest sections. Storefronts have recently undergone a US $100 million renovation and now boast decorative touches like brick and stucco facades, cupolas, and new rooftop signs. For more insight into the city’s unusual past, check out the Atlantic City Historical Museum in the vicinity. Then there’s the Absecon Lighthouse, one of the old- est lighthouses in the country. Climb the 228 steps up the structure and get breathtaking views of the Atlantic City skyline. Also, check out the original fi rst-order Fresnel Lens, fi rst lit in 1857. This white light shone 19.5 nautical miles out to sea. There is also a history museum within the replica Keeper’s House situated next to the lighthouse. Looking rather out of place in nearby Margate, is the statue of Lucy the Elephant. Standing six storeys high, it was built as a novelty in the 1880s in an attempt to lure real estate investors to its shores. Lucy has served as a restau- rant, tavern and even a house. Listed as a National Historic landmark by the U.S. government since 1976, visitors can climb the interior spiral staircase to get to the “howdah” on Lucy’s back for a panoramic view of the ocean and sur- The Royal Rolling Chairs can accommodate up to three rounding areas. adults, pushed by an operator along the Boardwalk.
70 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net More than six kilomentres long, Atlantic City’s famous boardwalk • It has been over 10 years since a non-casino hotel has opened in the is where the action is, with city. The 206-room Courtyard by Marriott, which took over the former shops and casinos. Quality Inn and Friends School, features meeting and board rooms,
new workout room, and a bar. • Modelled after the famous Qua Baths and Spa at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, some of the offerings at the Qua Baths and Spa at Caesars Atlantic City include signature baths in pools with different temperatures, the US $5,000 signature Deici Mani (10 hands) massage, a state-of-the-art fi tness centre and a tea room with an in- house tea sommelier. • The former Holiday Inn and Howard Johnson’s hotels have been rebranded as The Chelsea. This 331-room hotel, located on the Boardwalk, offers the only full beach service in Atlantic City by
What’s providing towels, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and food and beverage service to hotel guests.
with 4,000 slot machines, 210 game tables 2,600. Its 964-room hotel tower is now the Sprucing up its infrastructure, the At- and a smoke-free poker room that hosts tallest hotel casino in the city. The property lantic City International Airport is in the the United States Poker Championship. also features the largest indoor pool in At- midst of a long-term airport improvement The hotel has just opened its 786-room lantic City at 2,137 square metres. Located program that includes increasing gate cap- Chairman Tower. under a 27 metre-high glass dome, the pool acity from seven to 14, runway upgrades, As part of Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City’s bar doubles as a nightclub and special event new baggage screening facilities and the
expansion, total guestrooms have grown to space when the sun goes down. construction of an airport hotel. ✈
ATLANTIC CITY
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Visit our Information Centers located on the Atlantic City Expressway and Boardwalk Hall at Kennedy Plaza
www.TRAVELHotNews.com Canadian Traveller • October 2008 71 Malaysia
In Sarawak, longhouses welcome visitors with cultural performances or overnight stays.
Celebrating Deepavali & Hari Raya Aidilfi tri In Malaysia
By Helena zukowski
he most important thing you learn after being invited to course. And so it went all day, from house to house. I offended take part in Hari Raya festivals in Malaysia is to temper no one. That night, we could barely pedal home and then fran- Tyour enthusiasm with a little attention to good advice. tically searched for the Bromo-Seltzer and Pepto Bismal I had I had been in Sarawak teaching English in a boarding school brought from Canada. only a couple of months when some of my Islamic students When Chinese New Year rolled around, I was a wiser cele- informed me that Hari Raya Aidilfi tri was coming up and in brant and had learned to nibble very slowly or to unobtru- keeping with tradition they would be opening their homes to sively stow away sweets in my large bag for later consumption relatives and guests to celebrate. The invitation meant that my – a survival skill one learns if one intends to enjoy Malaysia’s husband and I could at last meet their families, see their homes countless festivals celebrating ancestors, leaders, heroes, sea- and sample some of their traditional foods. An Islamic teacher sons, saints, gods and even ghosts. on staff chuckled and said: “That’s great but here’s one piece One of the things you notice quickly while living in Malay- of advice. Pace yourself.” sia is how well the multitude of cultures and religions that On the day, we cycled to Musa’s home. Dressed in baju comprise Malaysian society all get along. Some say this is Melayu (traditional male Malay costume including a song- because of the languid, generous spirit of the country; some ket sarong dazzling with gold threads), Musa ushered us in, say this warm and fruitful land breeds a friendliness and hos- introduced his family and then insisted we eat and drink. pitality. Whatever it is, this is a nation where festivals and fun The kitchen table was groaning with pastries, cakes, cookies, are intertwined and everyone takes part. sweets of untold variety and huge jugs of orange squash. Not Some of the festivals have fi xed dates every year but many wanting to offend anyone, I tried everything and washed it all follow the lunar calendar so dates vary from year to year. Hari down with several glasses of orange squash. Raya Aidilfi tri is one of the most important and takes place at At the next house, Mohammed’s mother was insistent that I the end of Ramadan in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar try every single one of her creations and not wanting to offend, and the fi rst of Syawal, the 10th month of the Muslim calendar. I did. All washed down with great quantities of squash of Ramadan marks when the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet
72 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net Photos Tourism Malaysia Muhammad and Muslims celebrate by fasting from sunrise to sunset for a month. This is meant to teach people patience, sacrifice and humility through prayers for guidance so they can refrain from everyday evils and purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds such as mandatory alms giving. It’s also a time to meet family members, relatives and friends and ask for forgiveness for any past quarrels. On the evening before Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Muslims will recite the takbir (a prayer of faith) and the following morning families attend prayers before visiting the graves of loved ones to tidy up and recite the Yasin (a chapter from the Qur’an) plus prayers for the deceased. The rest of the day is spent visiting family or pressing food on visitors and eager-to-please for- eigners. Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a special favourite with kids who are given duit raya (small envelopes of money.) This year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri falls October 1 to 2.
And Then There Are The Lights Diwali the Festival of Lights, or Hari Deepavali as it is known in Malaysia, is a festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs Hari Raya Aidilfitri across the globe but ever-hospitable Malaysians add their own marks the end of special touch – open houses or rumah terbuka. On this federal Ramadan and is one public holiday during either October or November depending of the most important on the Hindu solar calendar, Hindu Malaysians welcome their festivals on the fellow Malaysians of different races and religions (as well as Malaysian calendar. foreign visitors) by serving an opulent meal. For non-vegetar- ians, this can include spicy chicken tandoori, prawn sambal and fish head curry (which is surprisingly good) and these are capped by the usual tables of sweets redolent with rosewater. of day-to-day Malay- Preparations usually start several weeks before the actual sian life at any time of festival and include lots of house cleaning, decorating and the year. In Sarawak, Malaysians add their own twist to Hari even renovating. Like the Hari Raya celebrations, families longhouses welcome Deepavali, or the Festival of Light – open go shopping for new clothes and decorations for the home – visitors with songs houses where friends and relatives are everything from flowers to new carpets. On the morning of and dancing all done welcomed. Deepavali, oil lamps are lit in the home in order to thank the in indigenous costume gods for the peace, happiness, knowledge and wealth they or you can stay over- have experienced during the year. night to taste a little of longhouse life. In peninsular Malay- During the day, the first order of business is to pay respects sia, there are homestay programs in Kuala Lumpur, Malay- to the elders of the family followed by a visit to the temple sia’s capital, that allow people to stay with a Malaysian family to pray for happiness and prosperity. Visiting the homes of and be part of their lives for a short while. No matter which friends and nibbling on their delicacies (“nibbling” being the of these programs a visitor chooses, he will be impressed by key word) fills the balance of the day with fireworks providing the gracious hospitality and sharing that is so much a part of a grand finale. the Malaysian character. As a celebration that marks the victory of good over evil Only one warning: pace yourself when it comes to the and an uplifting from spiritual darkness, Deepavali has its sweets and definitely pass on the orange squash. roots in several mythological events like the story of Rama- yana that marked the homecoming of goodwill and faith after More Malaysia an absence. Lord Rama was the King of Ayodhya who dur- For more information on Malaysia contact Tourism Malaysia ing an exile of 14 years killed the demon king Ravana. It’s Canada at 1-888-689-6872 or www.tourismmalaysia.ca believed that the people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps along the way to light their path in the darkness. In Canadian Traveller: Being in Malaysia during these festivals (and others) is The Best Of Malaysia, September, 2005.
an enriching experience but visitors can experience a little Malaysia – The Best Of Asia, November, 2007. ✈ www.TRAVELHotNews.com Canadian Traveller • October 2008 73 Texas Head South Shake the Winter Chill and Head on Down to Texas
inter Texans migrate south from Canada each Museum of South Texas and the Corpus Christi Botanical winter searching for relief from the winter chill Gardens as well as the Texas State Aquarium and sunny W and to enjoy fun-in-the-sun that ranges from beaches of Mustang Island. beaches, birding and scenic drives to outdoor adventures Nearby, the fi shing villages of Port Aransas and Rock- and golf. port-Fulton have long been destinations for Winter Texans Texas boasts more than 960 kilometres of sparkling looking for tranquil seaside relaxation. coastline fronting the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Moving on down Texas’ coast, the padre Island National Beaches and coastal habitats in Texas offer exceptional out- Seashore offers 130 kilometres of unblemished natural sea- door recreation along with more than 250 days of sunshine shores. And, visitors to the southern tip of the Texas coast each year and a variety of seaside destinations. are rewarded with the white sand dunes of the beach resort Galveston Island, just an hour’s drive from Houston, town of South padre Island where fi shing, nature tours and attracts history buffs who love to explore Galveston Island’s beachcombing abound. Historic Strand District and its many celebrated mansions With more than 650 species of birds to see and catalogue, when they are not enjoying its beaches. Don’t miss Moody Texas is arguably the birding capital of America. The Great Gardens, a collection of three glass pyramids that hold rain Texas Coastal Birding Trail was developed to keep the bird- forest and NASA-inspired exhibits and an IMAX theatre. er’s experience rich and diverse. The highway trail connects The Texas Seaport Museum and the Elissa tell the story established and new birding sites all along the 1,000 kilometres of Texas’ only 19th century tall ship and her history as an of Texas coast. It’s the fi rst such trail in the United States. immigrant ship. Of course, single birding sites can offer an experience On Texas’ central Gulf Coast Corpus Christi boasts without traversing the entire Gulf Coast. The Aransas museums like Corpus Christi Museum National wildlife Refuge, located just of Science & Natural History, north of Rockport, is the principle the International Kite Museum, wintering ground for the near- the Asian Cultures Museum & extinct whooping crane. This Educational Center, the Art sanctuary was established to
City slickers can enjoy a real cowboy experience at nearly 100 working ranches around the state that welcome guests with Western hospitality. TexaS TourISM TexaS
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protect more than 300 species, including Canada geese, pintail WEBSITE INDEX and baldpate ducks, as well as sandhill cranes. Other animals prosper at the refuge as well. White-tail deer, javelina and rac- coon also call Aransas their home. GENERAL River Cree Resort and Casino www.rivercreeresort.com The padre Island National Seashore, a 130-kilometre ADVERTISERS Riviera Maya stretch of undeveloped beach located off the Texas Coast, is www.rivieramaya.com home to more than 350 species of wintering birds. Further Air Canada SMP Training inland, the Santa Ana National wildlife Refuge south of www.aircanada.com/agents www.smptraining.com Air Jamaica Sunwing Vacations Alamo on the banks of the Rio Grande River features beautiful www.AirJamaica.com www.sunwing.ca hiking trails and an 11-kilometre wildlife drive. Antigua and Barbuda SuperClubs www.antigua-barbuda.ca www.SuperClubs.com Tee-Off in Texas Atlantic City CVA Temptation Resort Spa www.atlanticcitynj.com www.temptationresorts.com With a mild climate, a storied past and more than 900 golf Cuba Tourist Board TIC Travel Insurance courses strewn across rugged desert mountains, rolling green www.gocuba.ca www.travelinsurance.ca hills, piney woods, and seaside links, Texas is blazing a trail Cuero Chamber of Commerce Tourism Calgary in the world of golf. As lush public, private and resort courses www.cuero.org www.tourismcalgary.com/traveltrade Days Inn & Suites West Edmonton Transat Holidays spread across the Lone Star State, Texas has become a destina- www.daysinnwestedmonton.com www.transatholidays.com tion hotspot and golf-lover’s getaway. The Driskill Hotel Travel Alberta www.driskillhotel.com www.TravelAlberta.com/Trade Edmonton Area TDR Travel Oregon www.TravelAlbertaEdmonton.com www.traveloregon.com Executive Hotels & Resorts Alberta Trump International Beach Resort Miami www.executivehotels.net www.trumpmiami.com Fairmont Mayakoba Union Bank Inn www.fairmont.com/mayakoba www.unionbankinn.com Fort Worth CVB WestJet www.fortworth.com www.westjet.com/agentweblink Galveston Island WestJet www.galveston.com www.westjeteasylife.com Globus WestJet Vacations www.agentlingo.ca www.westjetvacations.com Greater Houston CVB Wild Africa Safaris www.VisitHoustonTexas.com www.wildafricasafari.com Grenada www.grenadagrenadines.com NEW MEXICO Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites West Edmonton ADVERTISERS www.hiewestedmonton.com India Tourism Albuquerque CVB www.incredibleindia.org www.itsatrip.org Jamaica Tourist Board Gathering of Nations www.VisitJamaica.com www.GatheringofNations.com Kingsville CVB Heritage Hotels & Resorts www.kingsvilletexas.com www.HHandR.com Manulife Global Travel Insurance Holiday Inn Express Silver City
1-877-666-2767 www.hiexpress.com TourISM TexaS Matrix Hotel Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa Texas has become a golfi ng hotspot boasting a mild climate www.matrixedmonton.com www.tamaya.hyatt.com and more than 900 courses to tempt players of all levels. Mesa CVB Inn and Spa at Loretto www.visitmesa.com www.traveltoloretto.com Metropolitan Tucson CVB Inn of The Mountain Gods Resort & Casino Some of the top names in golf course design have left www.visitTucson.org www.innofthemountaingods.com their mark on the Texas golf landscape, including Tom Fazio, Mexico Tourist Board New Mexico Tourism Department www.visitmexico.com www.newmexico.org Arnold Palmer and Robert Trent Jones. Golf Schools in Irving Philippine Tourism Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa and Austin boast such famous name-sakes as Byron Nelson www.experiencephilippines.ph www.ojospa.com and Harvey Penick. Radisson Resort South Padre Island Rio Rancho CVB And many of the courses are stops on the tour itself, www.radisson.com/southpadretx www.RioRanchoNM.org RBC Insurance Santa Fe CVB including The Shell Houston Open in Houston, The EDS www.rbcinsurance.com/cruisecoverage www.santafe.org Byron Nelson Championship in Irving, the Crown Plaza Invi- Rent-A-Wreck Edmonton Centre Taos tational at Colonial in Fort Worth, the Valero Texas Open in www.rent-a-wreck.ca www.taosguide2.com San Antonio, the FexEx Kinkos Classic in Austin, and the Tour Championship in Houston.
76 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net N_pXi\^iflgkflij_`kk`e^ k_\kiX`ckf=fikNfik_6
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@ilnQilnb=ihp_hncih Pcmcnilm CandianTravelerAug0808.indd 1 8/8/08 11:44:53 AM Internet Traveller Texas By the Numbers, Come & Get It From Bad to Better Texas boasts a Barbeque Trail that winds through the Airlines Are Down, But Agents Are Up central part of the state. Begin the trek in Round Rock, just north of Austin, and eat your way to Luling with hearty portions of ribs, brisket, sausage, beans and By Judy Waytiuk potato salad. The International Barbecue Cook-off, held ll things airline are in sorry shape these days, from the sputtering- in Taylor in mid-August every year, brings in cooks out of Zoom to, (amazingly) Alitalia, that venerable European from all over the world. Aairline, filing for bankruptcy. People have enjoyed steaming bowls of chili since its According to the International Air Transport Association, 2008 will introduction as “San Antonio Chili” at the 1893 World’s ring up a collective industry loss of 5.2 billion U.S. dollars – and by the Fair. San Antonio’s succulent stew is now the official end of the third quarter of 2008, 26 carriers had gone big-belly up. state dish. For the best chili around, visitors and natives IATA’s Director General, Giovanni Bisignani said “more airlines alike make their way to Terlingua for the International have gone bust in 2008 than in the aftermath of 9/11” with 1.8 million Championship Chili Cook-Off (every November), a jobs lost worldwide. Texas tradition since 1967. Part of the problem: capacity growth exceeded demand growth. For As the nation’s leading cattle producer, there’s noth- example, in July 2008, capacity increased by 3.8 per cent, while demand ing Texans enjoy more than a hearty steak. Cowboys showed a mere 1.9 per cent rise. have been cooking mouth-watering steaks over an open Projecting ahead, IATA says passenger traffic in the foreseeable fu- fire since the mid-1800s. But Texans also love their ture is expected to grow by 3.2 per cent instead of 3.9 per cent. steak chicken-fried. This down-home comfort food is Part of that whopping overall loss can also be laid at the foot of the considered the “national dish of Texas” by many. Don’t almighty oil barrel, where prices through 2008 will have averaged $113 forget to leave room for cobbler. a barrel instead of the $73 per barrel average for 2007 – pushing the in- dustry’s total fuel bill up by $50 billion, to a total $186 billion. Fuel costs Fine Arts, Fine Places were expected to comprise 36 per cent of airline operating costs – com- Texas may be known for its cowboy image, but its pared to just 13 per cent in 2002. cultural districts are gaining renown. Dallas, Fort Find the full scary news release and a link to the PDF version of the full Worth, Houston and San Antonio all have special financial forecast at www.iata.org/pressroom/pr/2008-09-03-01.htm. areas in their downtown core that house galleries, But life, and travel, must go on, so much creative coping is being done museums and performance spaces along with a by travel marketers. Orbitz has partnered with Zonder, a new search tech- lively nightlife. nology and booking services provider that specializes in vacation rentals The Dallas Arts District is home to 160 arts institu- of some 30,000 condos, private homes, villas, and cabins in North and tions, galleries and museums including the Dallas Museum Central America and the Caribbean. of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, the Morton H. Meyer- TripAdvisor.com is also exploring the vacation rentals market by son Symphony Center and the Dallas Theater Center. grabbing a majority stake in Flipkey.com, which provides vacation Down the road in Fort Worth, the Kimbell Art rental information, user reviews, and contact information for vacation Museum is considered one of the best small museums rental operators. in the U.S. and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth But all clouds have silver linings – if you look at them in the right light. is second in size to the Museum of Modern Art in New And Emarketer.com says that, although online travel sales are growing, a York for gallery space. The Amon Carter Museum is shrinking percentage of travellers are booking online these days because known for its collection of American photography and of the frustrations involved in “the planning and booking capabilities of the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall online travel agencies,” said Jeff Grau, senior analyst at eMarketer and houses the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. author of a new report, U.S. Online Travel: Planning and Booking. That’s San Antonio’s cultural collection boasts the Witte sparked a renewal of interest in – you guessed it – “the expertise and per- Museum, the McNay Art Museum, the Museo Amer- sonalized services offered by traditional travel agents.” icano at the Alameda Theater and Museum complex, What’s happening is that online travel sites are steering customers and the San Antonio Museum of Art. back to offline travel agents – a total reversal of what’s gone on for the Houston’s Museum District includes 11 institutions last decade, says the study. along with restaurants and parks. See the Museum of And research by PhoCusWright projecting through 2011 predicts Fine Arts Houston, the Contemporary Arts Museum travel agent sales in hotels and tours will grow from $13.3 billion to and the renowned Menil Collection, while the city’s $17.2 billion US. ✈ Theater District contains eight performing arts organ- (Internet Traveller Judy Waytiuk lives in eager anticipation to see which izations include the Houston Ballet, the Houston Grand way the ball’s going to bounce next in the travel industry. But some things Opera and the Alley Theater troupe. never change: her website is firmly entrenched at www.wordsink.ca, and Then there is the music – Texas-style. Austin, the you can always reach her at [email protected].) state capital, is also known as the Live Music Capital 78 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net Fort Worth’s Modern Art Museum is second in size to the Museum of Modern Art in New York and is a highlight of the Tour ism Texa s city’s thriving arts district. of the World and has more than 100 music to public televisions Austin City Limits West is Best venues mostly in the Sixth Street and the series. It is also the site of the South by Almost 100 real working ranches in Warehouse districts. The city is home Southwest Music Festival. Texas cater to guests, and city slickers are www.TRAVELHotNews.com Canadian Traveller • October 2008 79 Winter Texans head south Texas to the beaches along Texas’ Gulf Coast and communities like South Padre Island. welcomed with plenty of Western hospital- ity. These ranches offer you a chance to test your cowboy skills and enjoy a taste of authentic tradition. Dude ranches are located all over the Lone Star State. Ride a wildflower-strewn path in the Texas hill country, opt for the stark desert beauty of West Texas, or plan a lakeside adventure. Scenic Bandera, just northwest of San Antonio, is home to a number of ranches. Nearby Bourne features Western adven- ture and relaxation on the banks of the pic- turesque Guadalupe River. The famed King Ranch along Texas’ Gulf Coast offers a true visit to the Old h Padre I s land CVB Sou t h Padre West. Considered the birthplace of Texas find the live, heart-stopping action some- ranching, the King Ranch sprawls across where in the state every single month. almost 3,365 square kilometres, making it larger than the entire state of Rhode Island. Looking Back The only two new breeds of cattle developed Hundreds of historical sites across the in the U.S. – the Santa Gertrudis and Santa state have been preserved to remember Cruz – were originally bred at the ranch. and honour the people and places that If the rugged beauty of West Texas is have shaped Texas. • Wildflower Capital of more to your liking, try a stay at ranches in Along with the Institute of Texan Cul- Texas-Designated by State Legislature Odessa, Alpine or Van Horn. Sunsets at tures, San Antonio boasts five Spanish • April-Wildflower Month these magnificent vistas are breathtaking. Missions, including the Alamo, which were • October-Turkeyfest Celebration 2nd weekend Ranching not quite for you? For a taste established by Franciscan friars. You can • December-CDC of Western culture visit Billy Bob’s Texas also tour Old Missions in El Paso. In Aus- Christmas in the Park in Fort Worth. It’s the largest honky tonk tin the Bob Bullock Texas State History Lighted Display Driving Tour in the world. Or visit the National Cowgirl Museum offers a variety of programs and Museum and Hall of Fame also in Fort exhibit experiences that include an inter- Worth. Experience life in the Old West at active theatre and an IMAX theatre. • Historic Homes & Churches Listed on National Registry the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum • Nestled in Scenic Guadalupe near Amarillo. Tour the Pioneers, Trail near Amarillo is a life-size reconstructed River Valley Drivers and Texas Rangers Memorial pioneer town that offers a glimpse of life Museum in San Antonio and learn about in a small Panhandle community. You can the great cattle drives and legendary law- also learn about the importance of wind- men. Or, drop by the National Ranching mills in developing the area and the South Heritage Center in Lubbock. Plains Indians who live here. How about intense, bone jarring rodeo Cuero is a classic Texas town, with action? What was once a competition to three historic districts and more than 50 (361) 275-2112 Fax: (361) 275-6351 Email: [email protected] test ranch skills is now one of the Lone buildings on the national Register of His- Website: www.cuero.org Star State’s most popular sporting contests. toric Places. Visit more than 40 churches, 124 E. Church Street, Cuero, Texas 77954 Rodeo is a year-round sport, and you can many established before 1900. The Dewitt 80 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net www.traveltex.com Texas Tourism/Rebecca Connors The Alamo is one of five Spanish Missions that have been preserved in San Antonio. County Historical Museum is housed in a Victorian home and chronicles local his- tory, while the Cuero Heritage Museum displays community memorabilia as well as the permanent exhibit Cuero Talks Tur- key, a look at the town’s early days as a tur- key producing boomtown. One State, Many Cultures Everywhere you look in Texas, you im- mediately see the rich beauty and history created by the many cultures that call Texas home. And Texans celebrate it the same way they celebrate everything else here: In a big way. In February Mardi Gras celebrations in Jefferson and Galveston celebrate the arrival of Cajun culture, and cuisine in AUTHENTICALLY AUSTIN Texas. Keep the Cajun feeling alive at DISTINCTIVELY DRISKILL the huge Gumbo Cook-Off in Orange in May. One of the biggest bashes in the Built in 1886, The Driskill Hotel is state is the colossal Fiesta San Antonio located in downtown Austin, in April. In May Cinco de Mayo parties four blocks from the State Capitol happen all over the state. Head to Ennis building and 11 miles from Austin for the National Polka Festival in May Bergstrom Airport. or to Bremond, near Waco, for Polish Day in June. Haul out your lederhosen for Angie Yeo, Business Travel Director Muensterfest in Muenster in April, for info Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg in October 189 Guest Rooms / 14 Suites and Wurstfest in New Braunfels in - Newly Renovated November. Take to wearing the green at St. 11 Meeting Rooms Patrick’s Day celebrations in Dallas, San Largest Meeting Room - 2,501 sq. ft. Antonio, Dublin in the Prairies and Lakes Total Meeting Space - 18,080 sq. ft. region, and Shamrock in the Panhandle. The Emancipation Proclamation reached amenities Texas on June 19, 1865 and Juneteenth The Driskill Grill, 1886 Cafe and Bakery, 604 Brazos / Austin, TX 78701 celebrations are held in dozens of towns. 24 hour room service. Free WIFI access. (512) 474-5911 / Fax (512) 391-7059 The biggest is probably the Juneteenth Toll free (800) 252-9367 / driskillhotel.com Fitness and Business Centers. Freedom Festival in Houston with its email / [email protected] huge concert featuring blues artists. ✈ www.TRAVELHotNews.com Canadian Traveller • October 2008 81 How To Sell – Safaris Bag Big Commissions Selling Africa By Steve Crowhurst o you have ‘been there done that’ customers? Here’s a partial list of safari types and themes: How about newbie adventurers who want to family safaris, honeymoon safaris, walking Dstart their travels with a thrill? Well, whoever safaris, canoe safaris, horseback safaris, elephant you have sitting in front of you, here’s a type of vacation safaris, rail/train safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs and that is sure to deliver. Let’s explore how you can enter gorilla tracking. the world of safari travel and attract those customers • pick An Animal: As opposed to the style of who are looking for something a little different. safari you might want to consider which animal What’s On The Menu? Why not start with the green safari, or the lodge Responsible safari, fl ying safari, balloon safari, camping safari, glamping safari, camera safari and even a golf safari? Travel Once you or your customer decide which type of safari they would like to experience, someone must Wild Africa Safaris’ Southern Africa 2008/09 think about where. Africa holds the power for sure brochure is rolling off the press with 336 and the Top 10 of safaris is within that country. pages of escorted tours, FIT itineraries, special interest and event travel options. New this year Creating Your Safari Niche is the Responsible Tourism rating that has been • Pick a Safari: Think about which style of safari assigned to South African hotels and lodges. In you would like to sell to your existing client response to the growing interest in Responsible base and who around your community might Tourism, the company developed a checklist be drawn to you based on your choice of safari. of six criteria that was used to score properties on their product that included a look at SouTh aFrICa TourISM/lanZ Von horSTen sustainability of natural resources; promotion of local heritage; social responsibility; local procurement policies; diversity of hiring practices; and promotion of uniquely South African experiences. For more information visit wildafricasafari.com. To create your safari commissions, you have to stalk your prey, just like our pals the lions. Send those direct mails and e-mails and follow up. 82 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net you would like to take to market. You’ll need an image fl at, easy to mail, full multi-media and can deliver the that jumps off the poster, leaps out of the direct mail, oomph you need to nudge your clients to make the call. growls off your website and chatters when the e-mail Don’t forget you must promote your agency fi rst, so be arrives. Lions do well. Elephants. Hyenas not high sure to include full colour business cards in with the on the list. Flamingos. Gorillas. You get the message, CD/DVD. Don’t forget the wee ‘lift note’ – you know, which is all about cute looking and dangerous. that small piece of paper that gently leaves the envelope • pick a park: Choose a destination for your safari pro- and fl oats to the fl oor. That small note that everyone gram. Here are the top ten: 1. Masai Mara National reads as they pick it up. Reserve (Kenya), 2. Chobe National Park (Botswana), 3. • preying For Success: Just like our pals the lions, you Kruger National Park (South Africa), 4. South Luangwa have to stalk your prey. Send those direct mails and fol- National Park (Zambia), 5. Serengeti National Park (Tan- low up. Send those e-mails and follow up. Duplicate all zania), 6. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda), 7. Eto- direct mail images on your webpage – particularly your sha National Park (Namibia), 8. Loango National Park landing page. Download wild animal sounds and have (Gabon), 9. Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania), them play off your website, when the e-mail is opened 10. Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe). and when the direct mail is opened, too. • pick a Supplier: Rifl e through your preferred supplier list and fi nd the brochures that work for you. You’d be • Slogans: If you want the lion’s share of the safari mar- looking for a product that matches what you have just ket in your community you can use slogans to set you decided to sell. If your preferred safari is not listed, work apart from the rest. For older couples try “Re-Gnu directly with your suppliers to create your own branded Your Vows during an African Safari!” How about the or co- branded product. wedding itself, held out there on the plains? There are movies you can play to, too. There was Gorillas in the Marketing Your Safari Mist that people went ape over. Come on you can get • Direct Mail: Ask your supplier or the tourism offi ce for more creative. Forget price. Remember excitement. marketing goodies. Look for CDs and DVDs. They’re Colour. Sounds. ✈ WILD AFRICA SAFARIS INC Proudly Presents DAVID SKILLAN’S Fully Escorted Tours! THE BEST OF KENYA & TANZANIA SOUTH AFRICA & ZAMBIA A 18 Thrilling Days 18 Wonderful Days Departs October 3, 2008 Departs February 18, 2009 $8,530 per person sharing $7,995 per person sharing The ultimate adventure...and a wonderful Described as ‘A World In One Country’, South Africa is breathtakingly beautiful combination of the two most famous safari and one of the most diverse and exciting countries on earth. Combined with the destinations in Africa. awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, this is a definate winner. EGYPT & JORDANN UGANDA WILDLIFE SAFARI F 16 Unforgettablergettableg Daysy T 17 Memorable Days Departs Novemberer 2,, 22008 Departs September 6, 2009 SOLD TYOUEAR’ST TOUR! $6,670 pere personT sharinsharing $7,975 per person sharing Often described, by those in the know, as ‘The Pearl of Africa’, Uganda is a lush, JoinoinASK us inABOUTABOU the llands NEXT of the YEAR’S Pharoahs, TOUR! Petra, mystery and enchantment. green tropical land with some of the warmest and friendliest people in Africa. "Save up to $250 per person by booking before November 30, 2008!" R Each tour includes: major places of interest, round-trip airfare from Vancouver, accommodation, most meals, all sightseeing and game-viewing and is personally escorted by Africa specialist, David Skillan. "Wild Africa Safaris offers one-stop booking for Southern, Eastern Africa and Egyptian tours and safaris plus net international, regional and domestic airfares, transfers, accommodation and activities. Africa offers excellent value and, with our knowledge, we help save you time and resources. Combined with good I commissions and fast, friendly and efficient service we make selling Africa simple". Call us now for brochures and further information C WILD AFRICA SAFARIS INC. 604-519-1610 TOLL-FREE 1-800-991-6111 E-MAIL: [email protected] www.wildafricasafari.com A www.TRAVELHotNews.com Canadian Traveller • October 2008 83 How To Sell – Insurance By Steve Crowhurst hy is it that the highest com- mission earner in the industry Top Tips W is usually sitting on the bottom rung of the agency’s sales budget? I never could understand it. Ask an agency owner Sell10 Insurance Consistently & Effectively about their business mix and you’ll usu- ally extract a response about air, hotel, car, tour, cruise…and eventually insurance and service fees. I’d say it’s time to raise the bar target. Now compare what you actually $30,000 worth of premiums.” If the candi- on the insurance sale and put it on the top earned to this best of best target number. date tells you they have sold $30,000 worth rung where you can see it. It should be top Chances are your agency has left a lot of of insurance then that fi gure becomes their of mind for management and for all staff. money on the sales table. minimum requirement in their fi rst year. Here are 10 tips and techniques to help Doing The Math you sell more travel insurance and not only 2. Monday Sales Meetings Your mission is to raise your insurance increase your revenue and take home com- Here’s the question: “So team…let’s review sales to three per cent or four per cent of missions but also to protect your customer your insurance sales.” Then proceed per- your gross sales. Translated, if your agency to a satisfactory level. son by person to fi nd out how much they sells $3.5 million, your insurance sales (at have sold and how much they feel they three per cent) should represent $105,000. 1. A Minimum Requirement will close this week. If responses are slow Your insurance commission at an average Selling insurance should be factored into in coming there may be a challenge that of 42 per cent would equate to $44,100. all job descriptions, discussed in interviews needs discussing. Open up the conversa- Put another way, a million dollar counsel- and role-played prior to the hiring of new tion and fi nd out who needs assistance and lor should generate a minimum $30,000 of staff into the agency. It’s a simple thing. coaching with their insurance sales. insurance sales, ear ning $12,600 in commis- The interviewer asks, “Do you understand sions. If they are earning a 10-per cent com- and can you sell insurance?” Candidate 3. Promote It! mission on their insurance sales that would responds, “Yes…” Next question is: “Excel- When was the last time you actually be an additional $1,260 in their jeans. lent, how much did you sell last year?” invested a few hundred bucks in an ad that For cruise only or specialty agencies, Candidate worth hiring, “Approximately promoted the fact that your agency or you i.e. agencies with a focused, high-end high-cost product your math would be slightly different with fi ve per cent of your gross sales as your target. The million- dollar cruise counsellor then would gen- erate $50,000 in insurance sales, bring in $21,000 in commissions and themselves earn $2,100 if they were on a 10-per cent- of-insurance-commissions plan. The Numbers Game The numbers you really want to calculate are these: take the number of active cli- ents in 2007, calculate a $100 premium per customer travelling: i.e. 1,000 customers x $100. That equates to $100,000 worth of insurance sales. At 42 per cent, your agency would have earned $42,000. So now we play. If you had 2,000 active cus- tomers you would have attracted $84,000 in commissions. So there’s the best of best 84 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net When it comes to travel insurance, you have a choice. Manulife Global Travel Insurance – a world of difference – We offer a fresh solution to providing your clients with products that meet their needs with a simple product line, competitive rates and a flexible compensation package. Let us increase your insurance sales! Call us today to get started: 1 877 666-2767 Manulife Global Travel Insurance is underwritten by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (Manulife Financial) and First North American Insurance Company (a wholly owned subsidiary of Manulife Financial). MF_Canadian_Traveler_Ad_Oct.8.125x10.875.indd 1 8/28/08 2:11:49 PM How To Sell – Insurance Arizona complex of concrete structures designed and built by Paolo Soleri, and browse the studios sell travel insurance? We all know that Yin & Yang principle. Good/bad, hard/ where the Soleri Wind Bells are made and sold. anyoneF whoor travel takes information, off across contactthat horizon the Scottsdale soft, insurance Convention yes/insurance & Visitors Bureau no. So you’ll • Tour the renowned Heard Museum with its at 800-782-1117 or www.scottsdalecvb.com. without protection is setting themselves market an image of a happy traveller with a vast collection of Native American treasures. up for a horrendous situation should their broken arm/arm in a cast – happy because • Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, health become a challenge. Although this all the bills are covered. Next to that image a workplace, home and U.S. National is common knowledge, many agencies is an image of the same traveller, arm in Historic Landmark. ‘forget’ to talk about the reasons for pur- a cast, unhappy this time. Didn’t buy • View modern and contemporary art, archi- chasing travel insurance. What about using insurance. Superimposed over the image tecture and design at the Scottsdale that glass in the front of your agency to $35,000 in costs! You get the picture? Museum of Contemporary Art. promote safe travels? Could you not plaster • Join the weekly Thursday night ArtWalk that billboard that you pay a lot of rent for 4. Product Knowledge where galleries have opened their doors and with a product that earns you 40-per cent As you well know your sales success is exhibitions between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. for commission versus eight-per cent. based on the knowledge that you have and more than 20 years. Promote insurance in your agency win- continue to develop about any and all prod- dow…not just a cardboard sign, but words, ucts that you sell. With reference to travel Shopping text and imagestranquilitY that tell a story. Your win- insurance, this means the core product and Waterfront and SouthBridge will raise dow is your TV screen to the world out- the competition’s products, all credit card Scottsdale’s shopping experience to power- side. Let yourtouched window be your agency’s by insurance luxury. plans, bank travel insurance house proportions, but existing favourites YouTube. If you are home-based and don’t plans and any other plans that you can track remain tops with regulars, like these: RATES FROM have a window, make your webpage your down. It is true this is not an easy study • Scottsdale Fashion Square with 225 shops This AAA Five Diamond Scottsdale resort boasts the sensational Golden Door ® spa, agency and hand that handout out! Create a “window”.$ Imagine* you are producing a plan, but it must be done if you’re going and eateries. 299 two championship golf courses, several dining options and luxury casitas. “Be Sure and Insure” fl yer, well not a fl yer TV show or commercial. What would you to excel in the sale of insurance products • Main Street Arts & Antiques District, FOR RESERVATIONS PLEASE CALL US AT 877.200.5946 OR VISIT theboulders.com/CT – I mean a well printed, card stock, promo want it to say or do? Well, fi rst off it has – and excel in customer service and cus- rivalling any collection of galleries in card with a message that will wake up the to capture someone’s attention – their eyes tomer protection, safety and security. the country. recipient to the power of travel insurance and mind. That means you should be pro- • Marshall Way Contemporary Arts and also help to promote your agency as a moting the upside of travel insurance and 5. Stand Out From District between Indian School and Fifth professionalAvenue with place fine artto buyand travel.craft galleries and to do that you’ll be showing*Valid through the downside5/25/08 for sgl./dbl. occ.The per room Crowd per night and is subject to availability. of not buying travel insurance.Rates are not This combinable is the with otherCreate offers or a group handout rates. Tax & and resort get fees are outside additional. your jewelry stores. It’s home to ArtWalk each 6.Thursday Pre-Empting evening. Pre-empt• The Fifth your Avenue salesarts interaction district combines with a reminderOld Scottsdale about insurance.with some ofThis the allowsstate’s bestyou SMP Services: “When it comes torestaurants, return to the Native discussion American on galleries,insurance and at anynightlife. time throughout Here, too, the transaction. is the much- All • Customized front-line sales and service to education, youphotographed need to do isBob make Parks’ a simple Horse statementFountain. workshops to suit your business model. the worst you like this: “…before we get started discuss- ingDining your trip, & don’tDancing forget to remind me to • Senior management soft skills – can ever do is tellWhether you aboutit’s fine travel dining, insurance.” fast food, or At wine this Leadership, Time Management, nothing!” pointtasting, your Scottsdale customer has will some respond exciting in one ne ofw Effective Meetings, Marketing Ideas twoeateries ways: to roundthey alreadyout its roster have of travel restaurants. insur- anceIn soSouthBridge, it doesn’t matter/don’t The Estate Houseneed it;is or a and Bootcamps. For more information contact theythree-le confivel European-style rm your request dinner and-onl y programrestau- • Creative off-site revenue boosting SMP mentallyrant. Digestif to remind(Cal-Ital you at and some soul point food), in idea sessions. TRAINING Co. theMe xican transaction Standoff thatwith you its ref haveined or v ersions have not of toldMexican them andabout Latin insurance. American This dishes, reminder and techniqueCanal round does out work SouthBridge and all itchoices. takes is that • Training needs analysis and course [email protected] youNe arewl abley opened to respond Fine’ stoCellar your customer’scombines development. www.smptraining.com reminderretail store as and a qualifi wine bared (1,000-plusprofessional wines),retailer 250-752-0106 ofwith travel a gourmet insurance bistro products. offering take out or • Conference & tradeshow keynotes. dine-in, an Italian coffee bar, and home- 7.made Website gelato. • Creative selling ideas for your internal UsingBurgers your go website gourmet to at promoteStax Burger insurance Bistro newsletters, blogs, intranet. iswith very an similar innovative to using menu your (try agencythose sweet win- dow.potato Iffries) you and study full bar the ser analyticsvice. of your • Sales workshops for supplier BDM’s. websiteJames you Beard should award-winner be able to determine Robert howMcGrath many brings people his clicked passion on foryour restoring website 8626 JanuaryOctober 20082008 • •Canadian Canadian Traveller Traveller www.canadiantraveller.netwww.canadiantraveller.net Prepare your travellers for adventure > We’ve enhanced our packages to At RBC Insurance®, we offer comprehensive travel protection along with some new coverage features include new cruise coverage for specific to cruise travellers: your clients > NEW Cruise ship delay or itinerary interruption* > NEW Reimbursement of shore excursion expenses* When clients come to you for help booking their cruises, > Cruise cancellation* recommend travel insurance to help protect themselves > Airline schedule change that results in a and their trip investment. missed connection* For more details about cruise coverage from RBC Insurance, please call 1-800-387-4357 or visit www.rbcinsurance.com/cruisecoverage. Underwritten by RBC Insurance Company of Canada. In Quebec, certain coverages underwritten by RBC General Insurance Company. ® Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. * Subject to policy terms and conditions. How To Sell – Insurance and how many people actually clicked on who want to share their travel experien- produced 45-centimetre buttons on their your insurance icon. If you have hundreds ces. You can use this idea to increase your shirt or blouse in the agency. Others have of people clicking on and around your web- insurance sales. Establish a blog on your produced the phrase in a one-metre diam- site but very few clicking the specifi c icon, website where your customers can rec- eter image/poster and featured this in the it is in the wrong position on your web- ord their travel dilemmas and how travel agency window. If you want to spread the page. Your web master should know about insurance helped them. The most com- message a little wider your phrase could be eye patterns related to when someone “vis- pelling information that you hope your ASK US. ually scans” your webpage and how their customers will record on this blog is the eyes move around that page. Moving the cost of their misfortune and that the insur- 10. Podcasts icon to a different position on the web- ance covered it. When you hear that if a If you are technically geared and/or enjoy page usually results in an increase in click- traveller had not carried travel insurance all the techno-gadgetry available to travel through rates. Typically, a person’s eyes that they would have been billed $10,000, agents today, you might want to think will remain in the centre of your webpage $50,000, or $100,000 plus – it is an atten- about creating your web casts, pod casts about 20 per cent of the time that they are tion getter! and if you’re up for it you might even viewing your website/webpage. This might wish to produce a YouTube commercial/ be the best place to start and if that doesn’t 9. Ask ME! video! As you probably know there are work keep moving the icon around until It’s old, but it works! The phrase, ask me, video business cards, products such as you fi nd the best location and an increase can go a long way as people react to this Impact Engine, e-newsletter applications in click through rates. word and actually ask you a question about such as Constant Contact, you can upload travel insurance. This phrase should be text and issue your own branded postage 8. Validations featured in upper case, bold, and LARGE stamp from Canada Post…in fact there Using third-party validations is a terrifi c in terms of font size. The question here is, are dozens and dozens of applications confi rmation selling technique. Recent where will you display this “ASK ME” that allow you to project your professional surveys show that travellers are listening phrase? Well, as it pinpoints you as the per- status as a sales outlet for travel insurance. to fellow travellers more and more. They son to ask, you might want to wear this on are doing this “listening” via travel blogs your sweatshirt or fl eece jacket and even Ensure your business continuity with insur- and personal websites established by those on your ball cap. Some travel agents have ance sales. It’s there for the taking. ✈ :PVUIPVHIU 4PNFUJNFTJUµTIBSEUPCFMJFWF QFPQMFBSFFWFSZUIJOHUIFZDMBJN TIFXBTUPP UPCF"U5*$5SBWFM*OTVSBODF XF HPPEUPCFUSVF NFBOXIBUXFTBZ VOUJMUIFEBZ (SFBUDVTUPNFSTFSWJDF We prove it with an 88% overall customer service score and 60 years ZPVNFU industry experience. *OIPVTFTFSWJDFT We handle all our own assistance and claims. We’re 100% Canadian, 100% travel insurance. $PNQFUJUJWFQSPEVDUTThe perfect coverage for every type of traveller and trip. $PNQFUJUJWFQSJDFTLow trip cancellation and interruption rates mean some customers see premiums reduced by up to 20%. LET’S PLAY BALL! Single female fan of hockey, football and baseball seeks At TIC travel insurance, what you see is who we are. average guy for long romantic evenings SPORTS LOVER in front of the sports channel. Gorgeous, young and blond with dazzling blue eyes. XXXUSBWFMJOTVSBODFDB$BMM SEEKS JOCK UBMLUPVT!USBWFMJOTVSBODFDB TVQQPSU X I F S F W F S Z P V H P 88 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net TIC Strengthens its Western Forces TIC TIC Travel Insurance stands out for its for emergency hospital and medical 94-per cent overall customer satisfaction care, fl ight accident, trip cancellation/ ratings and expert, personalized customer interruption, lost/stolen baggage, service. And, with TIC’s unique Advisor and even rental car damage. Or your Link system, travel agents enjoy boosted customers can choose any of these areas customer satisfaction and commission of coverage à-la-carte. Multi-trip plans, for returns with a minimal investment of time trips of 8, 15, 35, 60, or 105 days, are not and resources. only convenient for frequent and repeat travellers, but they encourage loyalty and To sell TIC Travel Insurance, you merely Karen Costain joins repeat sales for your agency. hand your customer an Advisor Link TIC Travel Insurance as Director of card with your agency’s information. The TIC also understands the language of Business Development for B.C. customer calls TIC’s toll free number and travel agents, offering coast-to-coast gives your agency name and code. TIC representation, personalized agent Agents accustomed to TIC’s trademark outstanding handles all the details of the sale, and you training and support, and consumer-ready service will be pleased to meet Karen Costain, the earn your commission. It’s that simple. marketing materials. newest face of the company in B.C. “I’m eager to bring my passion for the industry to work for TIC,” TIC has plans to suit nearly every type TIC Travel Insurance Coordinators Ltd. is said Karen, who brings her 19 years experience to of traveller, in almost any age group, to part of the Co-operators Group, Canada’s work exclusively on business development in B.C. almost any destination. Whether your largest Canadian-owned, multi-product “I love working with clients to really dig deep into customer is a once-a-year leisure traveller insurer and specializes exclusively in their operations to fi nd out exactly where we can or a frequent business traveller booking travel insurance, with a round-the- make the most impact towards profi table growth.” regular trans-border and international clock, multi-lingual call centre prepared itineraries, there’s a plan to fi t. Rates start to assist travellers with emergency “Whether training front line insurance brokers at Family Insurance or teaching auto agents to at just a couple of dollars per day. assistance at all times. grow their business through portfolio building For the most complete protection, TIC’s To fi nd out more, visit www.travel and cross-selling initiatives,” Karen s says, “I’ve all-inclusive plans include coverage insurance.ca or call 1-800-465-4279. always approached the business with a highly personal, hands-on approach.” Most recently, Karen served as Sales Manager for the Auto RBC Insurance Division of HUB International TOS. “Cruise vacations often represent a conditions, experienced mechanical failure “I fi nd that the key to success in the insurance business is striking a balance between sales signifi cant investment for your clients. or if it has been quarantined. and service with complete compassion for the That’s why at RBC Insurance®, we focus on If your clients cannot travel as planned, trip customer,” says Karen, “and I intend to bring providing travellers with comprehensive cancellation and interruption insurance this balance to my work for TIC across B.C. The travel insurance coverage to help protect can reimburse the non-refundable portion company’s innovative line of travel insurance their travel investments,” says Stan Seggie, of travel tickets, including any cancellation products offers a level of customization and president and CEO of the travel insurance penalties that are charged by a cruise line. service that are easily tailored to specifi c business division of RBC Insurance. needs, and I’m excited about helping clients fi nd If a delayed fl ight causes them to miss the level of customization best suited to their RBC Insurance offers coverage to clients if their cruise departure, they will also have particular challenges and opportunities.” their cruise ship is delayed or cruise itinerary coverage for the costs to get them to the is interrupted due to the emergency medical next port of call and continue the cruise. With over 200 employees and some 3,700 clients condition of another passenger on the ship, Clients also have coverage for the cost of (of which nearly 1,000 are in B.C. alone), TIC causing clients to miss a connection or Travel Insurance stands out with its 88% overall meals, accommodation and phone calls resulting in the interruption of their travel customer satisfaction rating, as well as expert, when a trip is delayed for specifi ed reasons. arrangements. Clients also have protection personalized customer service and 60 years roots if they are unable to use their cruise shore If your clients require medical treatment in the industry. Providing customized, hands-on excursion tour tickets or special events during their trip, Assured Assistance Inc., support that includes product development, underwriting and accounting services, TIC tickets purchased during their cruise trip can provide them with access to specially- Travel Insurance Coordinators Ltd. is part of the due to their or their travelling companion’s trained multilingual assistance coordinators, Co-operators Group, Canada’s largest Canadian- available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. emergency medical condition. owned, multi-product insurer. TIC specializes The RBC Insurance Deluxe or Travel Care® Assured Assistance Inc. also handles exclusively in travel insurance, with all services Package plans include cruise cancellation payment coordination of the covered provided in-house. benefi ts, which provide up to $1,500 per medical services for clients, whenever person towards expenses incurred prior to possible, to reduce out of pocket expenses. the departure of the cruise ship when it has To fi nd out more visit rbcinsurance.com or been redirected or grounded due to weather call 1-800-387-4357. www.TRAVELHotNews.com Canadian Traveller • October 2008 89 CANADA for 25 per cent off multi-day Children’s Let It Snow Adventure Program (lift included). For an Cool Ski Packages Make Hot Commissions adult, the choice is a multi-day adult group lesson or a multi-day ski or snowboard South Lake Tahoe Snowy Owl Inn (includes continental break- rental. www.Stowe.com. Trapp Family Lodge offers great Historic Camp Richardson Resort is an fast). www.waterville.com. prices on cross-country skiing season outdoor enthusiast’s Mecca, with snow- The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel passes with adult passes costing approxi- shoeing access to some of the most popu- is offering the Ski Free Package for $89 mately $200, Seniors $100, Juniors (age lar trails and beaches in South Shore. per night, Sundays to Thursdays Janu- 12-18) $100, and children only $30. Addi- The resort’s lakeside cabins sleep two ary through March of 2009. The package tionally, family packages (two adults and to eight people, and offer a gas fi replace includes lodging, breakfast in the dining three children under 18) can be purchased and basic kitchens (including microwave, room, lift tickets to the alpine ski area, and coffeemaker and toaster). Its on-site res- trail passes for cross-country skiing. The for around $250 for the entire season. The taurant, Beacon Bar & Grill, is a favour- BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel offers 95 property’s Nordic Ski Center also offers ite among locals and is open year round. kilometers of cross country ski trails – in- equipment rentals with great multi-day www.camprichardson.com. cluding 77 kilometers of groomed trails specials. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Lakeland Village Beach & Mountain on diverse terrain. In addition to Nordic the Lodge will offer many special events Resort’s continuing upgrades include skiing, The BALSAMS is known for its and ski packages throughout the season. bathroom and kitchen remodels, some alpine ski area featuring 16 trails and The Mountain Top Inn & Resort offers carpets and furniture. The resort offers fi ve glades with runs up to 1.5 kilometres affordable winter packages for families, an enhanced deluxe continental daily long. Package is subject to availability and couples and cross country ski and snowshoe breakfast menu; complimentary private rate is per person based on double occu- enthusiasts. Just 17 kilometres from Killing- shuttle hours from 8 a.m. to midnight; and pancy. www.thebalsams.com/skifree.aspx, ton the Resort features its renowned Nordic on-line booking system. www.lakeland- then enter promo code SKIFREE. Ski & Snowshoe Center, with an enormous village.com. trail system of 60 kilometres that winds Vermont through dazzling white meadows and quiet New Hampshire At Stowe Mountain Resort, buying lift- hardwood forest with terrain for all skill waterville Valley’s Canadian Vaca- tickets seven days in advance saves money levels to cross-country ski and snowshoe. tion Week in March 2009, offers pack- and adds value, even during peak holiday The Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Deal, avail- ages that start at $295 per person for fi ve periods. The Vacation Rewards Program able Sunday through Thursday, starts at $99 nights, quad occupancy. The packages combines lift tickets with a menu of other per person, double occupancy and includes offer lodging, Sunday through Thursday on-mountain benefi ts, and many Stowe area accommodations in a Classic Lodge room; night; daily lift tickets Monday through Fri- lodges are combining it with a place to stay. daily Vermont country breakfast; trail pass; day; 50-per cent discount on ski or snow- Here’s how it works: purchase multi-day lift use of resort facilities; taxes and resort board rentals and 50 per cent off all day Kids tickets at least seven days in advance and re- charge. There is a two-night minimum stay Venture Kamps and Child care. Package ceive 15 per cent savings off multi-day ticket and is not valid during holiday dates. The also includes access to the White Mountain rates, holidays included. The extras include Winter Family Wonderland package, starts Athletic Club and use of valley-wide shuttle a two-hour ski/snowboard demo from the at $1,094 for quad occupancy and includes bus. Rates include all taxes and any resort Stowe Toys Demo Center or one free Quick- three nights in a Classic Lodge room or one- fees. Participating lodges include Town Tune with a two- or three-consecutive day bedroom Mountain Cabin; daily Vermont Square Condominium(three-bedroom/two- adult/senior ticket purchase. With a four- country breakfast; one horse-drawn sleigh bath units), Golden Eagle Lodge (all-suite to seven-plus consecutive day adult/senior ride; one-hour “family cross-country ski hotel with one- and two-bedroom units with ticket purchase, there are options for either lesson with rentals; trail pass; use of resort full kitchens), Black Bear Lodge (one- and adults or their children. For children, the facilities; taxes and resort charge. Winter two-bedroom suites with kitchens) and the choice is a multi-day child ticket or coupon packages are valid (weather permitting) December 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009. www.mountaintopinn.com. ✈ To fi nd out more about the Discover America - Canada Committee, attend a meeting or receive the bi-monthly newsletter, contact them by fax at (416) 352-5567, by e-mail at admin@see america.ca or visit www.see MounTaIn ToP Inn & reSorT MounTaIn america.ca. 90 October 2008 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net It’s Unreal How Real We Are Listen closely and you’ll hear the centuries-old echoes of ancient Native Americans, Spanish Conquistadors and Wild West legends. MTCVB Ad Breathe — 8.375x10.8125 bleed Canadian Traveller October Issue The early bird catches the $200 travel credit. Book a package early and receive a $ 200 WestJet travel credit (air only). ‘Book to Win’ with WestJet’s easyLIFE contest. Book your clients a WestJet Vacations package before October 31, 2008 and they will receive a $200 credit for WestJet Visit westjeteasylife.com to sign up. fl ights. Simply book them a minimum fi ve night sun vacation for travel between November 1, 2008 and May 15, 2009. Plus, receive extra savings on select hotels and resorts. Check out our new 2008-2009 USA, Mexico and Caribbean brochure for full details. Book today at westjetvacations.com. Or call us at 1 877 737 7002. CREDIT IS BASED ON ONE CREDIT PER ADULT AGE MAXIMUM TWO CREDITS PER ROOM BOOKED FOR EACH 7EST*ET 6ACATIONS AIR AND HOTEL BOOKINGS MADE BY /CTOBER FOR TRAVEL BETWEEN .OVEMBER AND -AY BLACKOUT DATES APPLY !PPLICABLE FOR MINIMUM NIGHT BOOKINGS MADE TO 53 AND )NTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS #REDIT IS VALID FOR 7EST*ET AIR ONLY BOOKINGS EXPIRES ONE YEAR FROM ISSUE DATE AND IS NOT APPLICABLE TOWARDS GROUP ONLINE OR 7EST*ET 6ACATIONS BOOKINGS .ON TRANSFERABLE 3UBJECT TO AVAILABILITY .EW BOOKINGS ONLY 3EE WESTJETVACATIONSCOM FOR FULL OFFER DETAILS BECAUSE OWNERS CARE