iipp aa Industry News When You Really Need It…Daily! – TravelHotNews.com IINN ttrr nn zzoo September 2006 WW 00 rrii 0000 AA ,, ttoo 55 22 $$ rr ffoo

: Reminder or Register f on the Addis ay! Show Tod see pg. 39 Hit The Beach: PuertoPuerto RicoRico MyrMyrtletle Beach TTunisiaunisia Portugal CondocationsCondocations inin St.St. Pete’s/ClearwaterPete’s/Clearwater KEEPERKEEPER SALESSALES TOOLTOOL ArizonaArizona SalesSales GuideGuide Publications Mail Agreement 40623544 • www.canadiantraveller.net • The Official Sponsor Publication of the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies Discover True Cruising

Transat Holidays, the true cruising expert, invites you to enter a new era of elegance at sea as you experience Cruising Italian Style onboard the luxurious Costa Atlantica. This season, Transat Holidays brings back Costa Cruises’ Southern Caribbean itinerary sailing from La Romana. One of Costa’s newer and larger ships, the Costa Atlantica combines European design with a full complement of amenities. Enjoy Costa’s gracious, warm Italian hospitality, beautiful ship and exciting itinerary to the balmy breezes of the Caribbean. Transat Holidays, in partnership with the world’s leading cruise lines, offers sailings in Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe and many more destinations. Discover our complete range of cruises in the Transat Holidays 2006-2008 Cruise brochure.

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Castries Industry News When You Really Need It…Daily! – TravelHotNews.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/PUBLISHER Rex Armstead SEPTEMBER 2006 Volume 21, Issue 9 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Stephen Fountaine Tel: (250) 861-9006 • Fax: (250) 861-4811

EDITOR Janice Strong ASSOCIATE EDITOR EASTERN CANADA Anita Draycott • (416) 485-0594 DESIGN AND EDITORIAL PRODUCTION Fusion FX Design & Marketing Inc. www.fusionfxdesign.com

MANAGER, EASTERN NORTH AMERICA Scott Leckie Tel: (416) 907-7524 • Fax: (416) 907-7525 22 32 ACCOUNT MANAGER Steve Klein Tel: (604) 699-9990 • Fax: (604) 699-9993 REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE, SOUTH PACIFIC & HAWAII James McCann Features Keeper Tel: (604) 699-9990 • Fax: (604) 699-9993 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Explore Beyond Sales Tool Myles Armstead 14 SALES/PRODUCTION COORDINATOR the Shore Bryan Nikkel 41 Arizona Sales Guide Selling A Green Puerto Rico ADMINISTRATION ACCOUNTANT Elsie Edillor 18 The New Myrtle All e-mail addresses: Contests [email protected] Beach Diversity Rules In The Win a $5,000 Trip CIRCULATION PROMOTION DIRECTOR Janet Genders Grand Strand for 2 to Arizona CIRCULATION MANAGER Nicholas Beckett See Arizona page 35 SUBSCRIPTION COORDINATOR Diana Cippiciani Subscriptions: [email protected] Medinas & Desert 22 PUBLISHED BY Magic Look Beyond The Beach Travelines Selling Tunisia 4 All Over the Map 26 It Keeps On Rollin’ 8 $elling with $teve Highlights of Mississippi’s Delta And Gulf Coast Regions 10 World Report Internet Traveller WESTERN CANADA: EASTERN CANADA: 30 1104 Hornby Street, 25 Isabella Street, 28 Jewels of the Atlantic Suite 203 Toronto, ON Portugal’s Azores Are Diamonds 38 SeeAmerica Vancouver, BC Canada, M4Y 1M7 In The Rough Canada, V6Z 1V8 Tel: (416) 907-7524 Tel: (604) 699-9990 Fax: (416) 907-7525 Fax: (604) 699-9993

32 It’s A Beach SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Canada: $36 Per Year And Then Some In St. USA: $54 Per Year • International: $72 Per Year

iip a Industry News When You Really Need It…Daily! – TravelHotNews.com Printed in Canada IN tr n 0 zo September 2006 W 0 rii Petersburg/Clearwater 0 A ON THE COVER: Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No. 40623544. , to 5 2 $ r fo Postage paid at Vancouver, BC. Return undeliverable Canadian From its majestic addresses to Circulation Dept., #203 - 1104 Hornby St., Vancouver,

: BC V6Z 1V8. Reminder historic sites to its or Register f on the Addis stunning scenery, Condo! Today! Show Contents © copyright 2006 by ACT Communications Inc. All 37 see pg. 39 Steve Crowhurst’s Tips Portugal is a land with Rights Reserved. Editorial submissions must be accompanied by Hit The Beach: plenty to offer winter a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The publisher assumes no Puerto Rico responsibility for lost material. On Developing This MyrMyrtletle Beach travellers. Check out our TunisiaTunisia Lucrative Market PorPortugaltugal story on the Azores on We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, Condocations in St. Pete’Pete’s/Clearwaters/Clearwater KEEPER SALES TOOL page 28 to learn more. through the Canada Magazine Fund, toward our editorial costs. Arizona Sales PHOTO CREDIT: ANTÓNIO SACCHETTI Guide Publications Mail Agreement 40623544 • www.canadiantraveller.net • The Official Sponsor Publication of the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies ISSN 1207-1463

The Official Sponsor Publication of the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies www.TravelHotNews.com Canadian Traveller • September 2006 3 All Over The Map

The ATE Report News from the 2006 Australian Tourism Exchange

By Anita Draycott Associate Editor Eastern Canada

o where the bloody hell are are ideal Experience Seekers. “Canada is desert track and a swag of adventure stories you?” Yes it’s a bit cocky but delivering more high-yielding tourists who along one of the most evocative desert trails “Sthat’s what you’d expect from an venture beyond major gate cities. They are in Australia, the Oodnadatta Track, await advertising campaign from our mates “Down very resourceful travellers who like to get on this epic trail ride. Under” who are known for their warm wel- under the skin of a destination – stay longer, www.cattledrive.com.au come, great sense of humour and unique col- disperse more and spend more money,” he STEPHEN NUTT/TOURISM AUSTRALIA loquial expressions. says, adding that, “Over the next year we will This past June, I attended ATE (Australian be concentrating on educating Canadian Tourism Exchange) in the lovely city of media, trade and travel agents through our Adelaide. The Aussies have done their tourism VJP and proactive media pitching, through homework, spending AUD $180 million to trade education like ATE and trips to research and create an advertising campaign Australia, and the Aussie Specialist Program you’ll be seeing set to premiere this fall. In travel agent training.” each ad there’s a compelling photograph fea- And if ever there was a destination offer- turing an authentic Aussie experience. In one, ing one-of-a-kind experiences, it’s the Land a group of scantily clad aborigines with paint- of Oz. As I walked around the ATE tradeshow ed faces and traditional dress are dancing in I was overwhelmed by the possibilities. front of the famous monolith, Uluru (Ayers Rock). The copy reads, “We’ve got all dressed Surf’s Up Off the Beaten Wave up. The band’s on its way. And we’ve been At Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach, water Orion Expedition Cruises, whose slogan is rehearsing for 40,000 years.” The tagline babies can suit up for the Moonlight Surf “a path less travelled,” offers what’s looks to reads, “So Where the Bloody Hell Are You?” Experience. This world’s first thriller has be a fascinating voyage to Papua New In another ad, kangaroos have joined golfers you riding the waves in semi-darkness Guinea – one of the few places in the world on a putting green. The small copy reads, under the light of the silvery full moon and that remains unspoiled by mass tourism. No “We’ve watered the 8th. The Roos have mani- glow sticks. wonder their tagline is “a path less trav- cured the 12th. And there’s a cold beer waiting www.letsgosurfing.com.au elled”. The adventure includes visits to prim- at the 19th.” You get the picture. HAMILTON LUND/TOURISM AUSTRALIA itive tribal villages and excellent scuba and The folks at Tourism Australia have snorkelling. Another of their trips offers decided to target what they call “Experience cruisers encounters with prehistoric Komodo Seekers”. dragons and a chance to be one of the first to I’ll bet you have clients who fit this visit East Timor since its independence. description. These people are seasoned inter- www.orioncruises.com.au national travellers who seek out and enjoy GRAHAM MONRO/TOURISM AUSTRALIA authentic personal experiences they can talk about. They are sociable and enjoy engaging with the locals. They are active in their pur- suits and like to come away having learned something. Somewhat adventurous, they enjoy a variety of experiences on any single trip and place high importance on value and hence critically balance benefits with costs. Blazing Saddles They are looking for contrasting experiences For your wannabe cowboy clients, how that differ from their day-to-day lives. about the Great Australian Outback Cattle According to Tourism Australia Man- Drive (May 5 to June 10, 2007)? Five hun- aging Director, Scott Morrison, Canadians dred head of cattle, 390 kilometres of

4 September 2006 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net

All Over The Map

Wild Kingdom TOURISM AUSTRALIA A trip to Kangaroo Island might have you thinking that koala bears grow on trees. And you just might encounter some “roos” hop- ping down Main Street. Due to its isolation J.B. ANDERSON/TOURISM AUSTRALIA

hotel in the world. You’d expect something special from this avant-garde Italian designer and you won’t be disappointed. The architecture is evocative of the Renaissance palaces in Italy. The attention from the mainland and the fact that more to detail extends from the design of the than one third of it has been declared a table where guests eat and drink to cutlery National Park, Conservation or Wilderness and china from the Versace homeware col- Protection Area, Kangaroo Island is like a lection. Book a day at the spa, called Salus zoo without fences. Per Aquum (Latin, phrase meaning health www.kangarooisland.com.au through water). No Worries Mate www.palazzoversace.com TOURISM AUSTRALIA If you’re over age 10 and reasonably fit, you can climb that famous icon in Sydney Harbour. No not the Opera house, but Sydney Harbour Bridge. The three-and-a- half-hour adventure over catwalks, lad-

HUGH HAMILTON/TOURISM AUSTRALIA

Devilishly Good The Tasmanian devil is a meat-eating mar- supial found only on the island of Tasmania. ders and arches to the summit takes you It has very strong jaws capable of crushing 134 metres above sea level. You can do the large bones and eats mostly carrion or other climb at dawn, daytime, twilight or native animals that have died in the bush. evening, unless there’s an electrical storm. Tassie devils are famous for their snarling Climbers are provided with a bridge suit, aggressive behaviour, especially at feeding lamp at night, communications equipment time. Seeing a Tasmanian devil in the wild and harness. Trained leaders accompany is difficult as it’s a nocturnal creature with a every group. furtive nature. www.bridgeclimb.com Tasmanian Devil Park is the only place in the world where these animals can be Designer Digs observed during the day and now at night on Palazzo Versace, on Australia’s Gold Coast, its new Devils in the Dark eco-attraction.

is Italian designer Donatella Versace’s first www.tasmaniandevilpark.com v

6 September 2006 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net 1

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It’s a Different World Nine Ways To Sell Travel When A War Is On

By Steve Crowhurst

y the time you read this column things Keep The News Flowing: The informa- Look For The Opportunity: What was will have changed. I am referring to last tion age is age here to stay - everyone the marketing opportunity from the Bmonth’s terrorist plot in the UK. Was it 4clings to information and needs more and 9recent UK situation? Did you get it? No real? Was it fake? Did someone up the ladder more, especially those with money carry-on luggage! Whoohooo! Imagine, need to keep the Brits on edge as per their invested in a trip who are about to put their you could walk to your seat without American cousins? Who knows? The fact is life in the hands of the pilot flying the bus. having to stand and wait as half the something happened and as the cliché goes “we Be sharp with this. The trade has its own passengers attempt to shove an oversized live in a different world”, “times have changed”, news sources - so get those feeds and get bag into the overhead bin. So instead of “we never thought it would happen here”. them out to your clients via e-mails, looking glum, get out and hype the “less By now, your customers, although attentive, newsletters and postings on your website. hassles” angle. Pitch the excitement of are generally “terrored” out. We’ve seen it all Counter the media as best as you can. actually departing on time! and most people consider terrorism as a threat, The inferred attack was targeting airlines, a dance with death similar to crossing the road. Know Your Geography: Is Egypt near or so the opportunity here was to quickly switch There are kids to feed, Mum and Dad to visit, in the Middle East? How far is Greece and market cruise vacations – taking the mail to be picked up, cars to be washed – very 5from Lebanon? How about Europe? Could emphasis off air travel, airlines and airports little room or time for terror other than a quick a passerby catch a stray bullet sipping and the news. glance at the evening news. coffee in Istanbul? You have to know this How about market vacations in Canada, How to sell in these changing times? Keep because many of your customers don’t – America, Mexico, South America, Caribbean your focus on the business at hand, which to so they cancel. When world situations and the South Pacific. Did you think about sell a Canadian resident a vacation or business break out like they have, and will, you “see-through” carry-on tote bags and how trip, as you handle the current crisis quietly, should go immediately to the map/atlas you could start a new business? efficiently and professionally. Learn to look and check the distances. I recently checked Did you think about your business traveller and for the opportunity that crisis always brings. with a contact in Cairo on how the their need for access to their laptop/PC if the “no It’s there every time, you just have to look a Lebanon situation is affecting tourism to laptops” rule stayed. What about GoToMyPC little deeper to find it. And, yes, it is okay to Egypt. His answer was that the numbers software plans? If the “ no laptops” rule did stay promote vacations and good times as other have increased. Those heading to Beirut – you could invoke a promotion with parts of the world are exploding. switched their vacation to Cairo. GoToMyPC and direct your clients to the Free Timing Is Everything: There are many Trial. This software/application allows your vaca- reasons why this is true. When CNN and your Speed Counts: How quickly can you react tion/business traveller to connect to their PC from 1 local newspaper have headlines featuring to a crisis? Think on this. What did you do any other PC (hotel and airport business centres, devastation, DON’T run your ad or launch your 6when the terror plot in Britain was friends PCs, PCs at the clients office, etc.). campaign. Watch and listen to the mood of the reported? Did you offer refunds, re-book- people and then let your promotion run. You ings or new holiday options? Did you react Crisis = Opportunity need your customers’ attention. If it’s focused positively and show confidence or did you Keep this saying top of mind: From Crisis elsewhere, you’ll waste your time and energy. look glum and match the news of the day? Comes Opportunity. It is true and as we can clearly see – we are in for more crisis situations

Never Choose Sides: Whatever your Be First: Be the one with the comment. that will present more opportunity. Peace. v political beliefs are (and those of your Be the one with the change in plans, ready 2staff) - keep them out of your business 7to go. Get interviewed. Pitch your “we’re Steve Crowhurst, CTC, of Vancouver-based activities. If you must take a stand then be going cruisin’ instead” campaign... first! SMP Training Co., is a management prepared and have a Disaster Recovery First will bring you recognition. trainer/consultant to retail travel agents, Plan in place. You’ll need it! wholesalers, airlines, departments of tourism Be The Word: Along the lines of speed and hospitality- and leisure-based companies Be Sensitive: When a crisis hits, always and being first - get yourself in the news. in Canada and the U.S. He specializes in new review your wording, your graphics, etc., 8Write to the editor, offer yourself up for business generation. Steve loves to hear from 3and make sure there are no faux pas in the interviews on TV, contact your local radio readers so please e-mail your comments and making to humble or embarrass you in front station - become the buzzword of the questions to him at: [email protected] or of both your clients and your community. industry in your area. see his Web site at www.smptraining.com.

8 September 2006 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net CUBA SÍ, friendly and diverse

Cuba Tourist Board. Toronto: TL: (416) 362 0700 Toll Free: 1-866- 404 2822 www.www.cubatravel.cucubatravel.cu E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.gocuba.ca Montreal Office: TL: (514) 875 8004 FX: (514) 875 8006 E-mail: [email protected] World Report

Royal Scenic has announced its “Sensational Washington, DC National Booking Contest”. In addition to regular commission levels on their Cool, Charm & Chic programs, Royal Scenic is also offering a Travel Agent Lucky Draw with a chance to win airfare for two from Canada to Washington, DC, two nights weekend hotel stay, some meals and sightseeing tours plus a US $500 mall shopping spree. The contest applies to all bookings made through November 15 for travel between November 15 and February 15, 2007. All air bookings receive one entry and all package (air and land) bookings receive five entries. For more information, visit www.royalscenic.com/usa or call 1-888-302-8886 in Eastern Canada and 1-877-736-6028 in Western Canada.

WASHINGTON, DC CONVENTION & TOURISM CORPORATION

It’s All About You consumers on its “Voyage of the Glaciers” latest information on Etihad Airways and the Extra Bonus: Earn up to 25 per cent commis- program on reservations made before UAE, as well as further information for indi- sion on new bookings on Cruise West’s 2006 November 15, 2006 for travel in 2007. Valid on vidual requests on places to visit and any itineraries to California Wine Country and the all cabin categories and during all seasons, the other additional information that may not be Columbia & Snake Rivers, as well as 2007 itin- incentive is available on this extraordinary tour available on the main site. Agents and tour eraries to the Caribbean, Central America, Baja to Alaska which commences May, 2007. operators can log in using their IATA or Mexico’s Sea of Cortés and the South Pacific When a consumer books through an agent, he TIDS number, and then create a profile for through the cruise line’s B.E.A.R. program. or she receives $150 per twin booking and the future activity on the site. The standard B.E.A.R. program guarantees an agent receives $50 cash on that twin booking, additional commission override for every 10 plus their standard commission. Single book- It’s A Date guests booked on any date for any chosen desti- ings are $75 off for the consumer, however nation. In exchange for promoting the destina- Tourism Australia and the states of agents will still receive $50. For more infor- tion to clients and booking 10 or more, the Tasmania, Victoria and Australia’s Northern mation, visit www.collettevacations.ca or call travel agent will receive commission equal to Territory will be updating Aussie Specialists 1-800-468-5955 one berth, or an average of US $3,000. Choose and travel agents wishing to become Aussie one of the 2006 or 2007 destinations included Specialists next month. Access approved in the offer and distribute a minimum of 100 New Agent Site: Etihad Airways has morning seminars will update travel agents pre-printed postcards on this destination to launched a Canadian website, www.eti with information on the top 10 new and qualify. Agents must sign up for the B.E.A.R. had.ca, especially for travel agents. The new exciting events happening in each of the program in advance by calling 877-884-5950 portal provides information on UAE’s areas participating, and why 2005 was a or visiting www.cruisewestagents.com. Added cultural attractions, tour options from Abu record year out of Canada. Canadian commission will be provided upon proof of Dhabi and activity-based holidays including numbers are continuing to skyrocket, with promotion by submitting a copy of the mailing diving, safaris and golfing, along with rele- more than 102,000 visitors arriving in receipt for postage. vant local information, from baggage Australia in 2005 and a seven per allowances to flight schedules, airport infor- cent increase in the first quarter of 2006. Cash Incentives: Collette Vacations has mation, fares and basic visa requirements. Canada is also delivering more high- announced cash incentives to agents and Visitors to the site can also access all the yielding tourists.

10 September 2006 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net Another CT Winner Kerri Pelz of Business and Leisure Travel in Lloydminster, Alberta is the lucky winner of a trip for two to Israel in a contest sponsored by the Israel Government Tourist Office and Canadian Traveller. Kerri won one return trip for two from any scheduled Air Canada destination in Kerri Pelz Canada to Tel Aviv, Israel and seven nights stay at any combination of the Dan Panorama- Jerusalem, the Dan Panorama- Tel Aviv, the Dan Panorama- Haifa and the Dan Panorama- Eilat. “I love to travel and have had many opportunities to do so, but none as great as this, says Ms. Pelz. “I am looking for- ward to seeing Israel and everything it has to offer.” Participating in the draw, held in Toronto in August, were Dani Shahal, Consul –Tourism, Director for Canada, Israel Government Tourist Office; Beth McCoy, Manager, Sales Development and Promotion Air Canada; and Nancy Benetton, Director of Sales, Eastern Canada (Canadian Traveller). The contest ran in the January and Februay issues of Canadian Traveller and was open to travel agents across Canada.

Show locations and dates: luxury hotel in Jamaica, the October 23 - Toronto – Delta 4.5-star Gran Bahia Principe Chelsea, 33 Gerrard Street West. Jamaica. Located on a beautiful October 24 - Calgary – Deerfoot private beach in Runaway Bay, Inn and Casino, 11500 – 35 hotel offers six à la carte restau- Street SE. rants, many water sports, a kids’ October 25 - Edmonton – Coast club and a single parent promo- Edmonton Plaza, 10155 – tion. Clients looking for a little 105 Street. extra luxury can enjoy the 5-star October 26 - Vancouver – Coast Royal Golden at Gran Bahia Plaza Hotel & Suites, 1763 Principe Jamaica which boasts Comox Street. concierge service, 24-hour room Presentations will be from 8 am service, guaranteed à la carte to noon. reservations and access to the There will be no charge for Royal Golden Club House. The travel agents registering in Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica advance. Register at http://my will be ready to welcome vaca- bookingmanager.com/auscoast. tioners on December 15. For more information see Transat Hotel News Holidays 2006-2007 Sun Transat Holidays announced the Brochure, or visit www.transat grand opening of its newest holidays.com. www.TravelHotNews.com Canadian Traveller • September 2006 11 World Report

The Divi Group, has announced that it will build a new beachfront all-inclusive resort on the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire. Construction of the 275-room resort is expected to begin in spring 2007, with completion scheduled for the end of 2008. Offering an all-inclusive program based on the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives in Aruba, the new resort will offer a large beach, full service dive center, state- of-the-art fitness centre, rock climbing wall, large infinity pool, a selection of restaurants and bars, on-site spa, casino and shops. The Divi Group operates nine Divi Resorts on six Caribbean islands, as well as two all inclu- sive resorts in Aruba. Couples Resorts has announced plans for the addition of a fifth resort to its brand, that will be situated near the multi-billion dollar Harmony Cove luxury tourism project in the parish of Trelawny, Jamaica. The 370-room Trelawny resort will be built on a 15-hectare property and is estimated to be completed in 2008. Great Reads Alio has launched its new Bermuda brochure, produced with the cooperation of the Bermuda Tourism Department. Ten hotels are featured under two sections: Small and Intimate Hotels includes the Coco Reef Resort & Spa, Ariel Sands, Surf Side Beach Club, Harmony Club and Rosedon Hotel; and Resort Hotels includes the Elbow Beach Bermuda, Grotto Bay Beach Resort, Wyndham Bermuda Resort, Fairmont Hamilton Princess and Fairmont Southampton. Alio features packages for festivals as well as golf packages including some of the best courses on the island. As a new product, the Cultural Heritage Pass is now offered and includes eight popular attractions for one price. Clients that book with Alio receive a Visa® gift card with a value of US $300 that can be used at any Visa merchant in Bermuda. Highlights include Fairmont properties’4th night free promotion valid until February 28, 2007 and the Wyndham Bermuda Resort’s 7th and 14th night free promotion valid until March 31, 2007. A free breakfast promotion is offered at the Elbow Beach Bermuda, Rosedon Hotel and the Surf Side Beach Club. Agents can earn up to 40 ALIO DOLLARS per Bermuda booking. For information and reservations, call 1-888-997-8687 or visit www.alio.ca. Transat Holidays launched two new brochures this summer. The new Transat

12 September 2006 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net Holidays 2006-2008 Cruise brochure contains 100 pages of cruises and features seven of the most prestigious cruise lines in the world. Highlights include exclusive packages on the Costa Atlantica and two itineraries aboard the Star Clipper. New ships include Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas, sister ship to Freedom of the Seas, Carnival’s Carnival Freedom and two ships, the Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem, from Norwegian Cruise Line. The Transat Holidays Sun 2006-2007 brochure presents a selection of 144 hotels, that includes 25 new properties and 33 exclu- sive hotels selected for their value and quality in hot destinations like Cuba, the Dominican Rush Hour Republic, Mexico and Jamaica. There are 17 Caribbean Style Transat Treasures, one new destination, Samaná, in the Dominican Republic and a return to another favourite destination, Huatulco, in Mexico. The “Save all season long with” and “Early booking bonus” promo- tions are in effect again this season providing significant savings when vacations are reserved before the expiry date in the brochure. www.windjammer.com Transat Holidays has introduced the 800-327-2600 Transat Distinction product line featuring premium hotels for discerning vacationers as part of the Transat Holidays Sun 2006-2007 brochure. The Transat Distinction line includes an exclusive group of 12 luxurious hotels from three renowned chains: Bahia Principe Clubs & Resorts; Barceló Hotels & Resorts and Occidental Hotels & Resorts. These inspiring retreats feature special services, incredible value and additional privileges reserved exclu- sively to Transat Holidays’guests. All Over Down Under The popular Qantas Airways Aussie AirPass has been expanded to include four new Queensland cities. Now clients can choose from a total of 21 Australian cities. In addition to the newly added cities of Rockhampton, Mackay, Gladstone and Gove, the Pass includes Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Gold Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Cairns, Townsville, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Darwin, Hamilton Island, Perth, Broome, and Hayman Island. Fares are regional, seasonal and start at $1,499 plus taxes and fees for low season Zone 1 travel and are valid for travel through December 14, 2007. The Qantas Aussie AirPass includes round-trip economy class air transportation plus three qualifying cities within Australia. For more

information, visit qantas.com/ca. v www.TravelHotNews.com Canadian Traveller • September 2006 13 Puerto Rico ExploreExplore Beyond The Shore

Selling a Green Puerto Rico

By Melanie Reffes

ourists typically travel to Puerto Rico to soak Tup the sun, read a book on the beach, catch a wave in the electric- blue ocean or tempt Lady Luck at a casino. However, these days a growing number of people have something else in mind when booking a holiday on the sunny Caribbean island – namely, the environment. Taking a cue from A visit to Río Camuy Cave Park starts with a tram ride down a giant sinkhole. Guided tours the Island’s snappy slo- are offered in English and Spanish. Experienced spelunkers can arrange rappelling tours gan, “Explore Beyond through the isolated areas of the caves. the Shore,” savvy trav- PUERTO RICO TOURISM COMPANY ellers are choosing to hike in the mountains, explore the reefs, on. The economic potential of sustainable coloured wild orchids, and an array of cycle through a nature reserve, navigate a tourism is as crystal clear as the Caribbean other flowers and small animals too, tropical rainforest, snorkel in biolumines- Sea with environmental entrepreneurs sell- including the tiny two-note chirping coqui cent bays, take a dip in a cascading water- ing beyond the high-rise beachfront resorts frog whose image is seen all over mugs and fall, or ride a tram through a cave. and the cruise ship port in Old San Juan. t-shirts on the island. While addressing the eighth annual With 11,000 hectares of majestic crags, Trillions of litres of rain fall here each Conference on Sustainable Tourism last April rushing waterfalls, and awe-inspiring views year resulting in a tropical mix of glistening in San Juan, Jorge Silva Puras, Puerto Rico’s of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic leaves, shimmering rocks, and walking paths secretary of economic development and com- Ocean, the Caribbean National Forest – pierced by rays of sunlight. When the clouds merce, highlighted the importance of this known in Spanish as El Yunque – is the lift, even for a minute, the big rock named El green demographic. “We cannot afford – not most popular natural site on the island Yunque, which stands 1,058 metres high, is in Puerto Rico, not in any other Caribbean attracting 250,000 people through tour the most visible point in the horizon. island – to develop tourism in any other way operators and 400,00 people total per year. The rainforest was created in the 1930s but in a manner that is sustainable.” An hour southeast of San Juan towards the when conservationists paid 5,000 locals one Kermit the Frog said it well in that clas- Luquillo Mountains, is the only tropical dollar a day to construct the park. Honeymoon sic double entendre, “it’s not easy being rainforest in the U.S. Forest System. It’s bungalows were built for couples wanting to green.” While that may be true, a green carpeted with hundreds of species of trees consummate their vows in the woods. vacation is the new trend and as a result, – some are even thousands of years old and You can still get married in the forest but tour operators are hopping on the bandwag- 30 metres high – along with brilliantly you can’t sleep in it anymore. Today, those

14 September 2006 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net HEPATITIS A: HEPATITIS B: Improper Handwashing – HEPATITIS A: Foodhandlers Treatment for Injury with Contaminated Ice Infected Instruments

HEPATITIS A: HEPATITIS B: Swimming in Contaminated Razors – Barbershop Contaminated Water HEPATITIS B: New Sexual Relationships

HEPATITIS A: Contaminated Salad

HEPATITIS B: HEPATITIS B: Contaminated Spa Tools First-aid with Contaminated Tools

Hepatitis A and B are serious liver diseases that your clients can contract, even in popular destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean. It’s almost impossible to predict where hepatitis risks might be hiding, and vacationers could be exposed through simple activities. In fact, among travellers, most cases occur while staying at high-quality resorts. The Canadian Immunization Guide recommends vaccination against hepatitis for travellers to risk areas, including Mexico and the Caribbean. Hepatitis A & B can sometimes be fatal. Once infected, vacationers could spread the illness to others back home, even before they know they’re sick. Twinrix® vaccination can help protect your clients and their families against hepatitis A & B. Don’t let your clients take the chance. Suggest they ask their healthcare provider about Twinrix® today. The Only Dual Protection Against Hepatitis A & B www.twinrix.ca

Twinrix® does not protect against hepatitis C and hepatitis E. The most common side effects reported with a 3 or 4 dose schedule are redness, swelling and pain at the site of injection, headache, malaise, nausea and fatigue. Twinrix® is a registered trademark, used under license by GlaxoSmithKline Inc. © 2006 GlaxoSmithKline Inc. All rights reserved. Puerto Rico bungalows are only used as pit stops along the trails. Nixaliz Crespo is a tour agent with the Puerto Rico-based GSI Tour Company and says eco-tours are hot tickets. “Many of our clients want to get off the beach and out of the malls, at least for a day,” says Crespo. The first stop on the tour is El Portal Visitor Center, which is a massive open-air structure with a theatre showing films about the park’s history, interactive exhibits, and a gift shop that sells the req- uisite rain ponchos. “Tours are designed for both beginner and hard-core hikers “, says Carolyn Krupp, Director of Customer Services for the Park, “Our shortest trail takes 30 minutes from road to road and for $5, an interpretive guide hikes with you.” E

Call (787) 888-1880 for more information S O R N

or visit www.fs.fed.us/r8/caribbean. H O J O

Closer to the city, you’ll find the I R A

Piñones Natural Reserve boardwalk M through the forest, along with stunning Tours in the Caribbean National Forest – known in Spanish as El Yunque are views of the San Juan skyline from stretch- designed for both beginner and hard-core hikers. The shortest trail takes 30 es of untamed beaches, a maze of man- minutes from road to road. groves, and bird-watching par excellence is also a popular day trip tour for those want- of limestone caverns that house a rare ing a break from the resort. Tours take species of blind shrimp found nowhere cyclists on the wooden boardwalk or else on the planet. Guided tours are asphalt trails while the less adventurous offered in English and Spanish. Contacts: stroll at their leisure. Experienced spelunkers can arrange rap- Puerto Rico Tourism Company: On the southeast coast in the subtropi- pelling tours through the isolated areas of www.GoToPuertoRico.com cal humid zone, the Humacao Nature the caves. Call (787) 898-3100 or visit Acampa: (787) 706-0695; Reserve is ecologically significant www.parquesnacionalespr.com. www.acampapr.com; because of its intricate system of marshes, The ultimate vacation fantasy is still [email protected] channels, and swamps. Kayaking tours horseback riding on the beach. Tropical Adventours: (787) 530-8311; navigate the connecting lagoons and Trail Rides offers two guided tours daily – www.adventourspr.com; appeal to all age groups. one in the morning and one as the sun sets [email protected] Few destinations in the world have any bio- – both traversing the beaches and shore- Aventuras Tierra Adentro: luminescent bays but Puerto Rico lays claim to lines on the northwest side of the island. (787) 831 644; three of them. The Bioluminescent Bay Kayak For more information, call (787) 872-9256 www.aventuraspr.com; or visit www.tropicaltrailrides.com. Night Tour takes tourists through the glowing [email protected] waters of Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature More than half of the accommodations Copladet Nature Travel: Reserve and although safety equipment is pro- in Puerto Rico are in smaller properties (787) 765-8595; vided, the tour is not recommended for people and among the “greenest” are the Parador www.copladet.com; with back or heart problems. Villas del Mar Hau in the northwest town There are only two other places in the of Isabella. These fully-furnished cot- [email protected] world where you will find a cave system tages sit pretty on an unspoiled sandy Group Services Inc.(GSI): as dramatic as the Río Camuy Cave Park beach shaded by Casuarinas pine trees. 1-800-720-7747; – and neither of them has an underground “This is a back-to-nature experience with www.gsipuertorico.com; river thundering through it and towering all the amenities,” states owner Myrna [email protected] cathedrals of stalactites. Only a small part Hau, who is also the president of the EcoXcursion Aquatica: of the complex, two hours northwest of Association of Country Inns of Puerto (787) 888-2887; San Juan, is open to the public and Rico. She adds that “sustainable tourism [email protected] includes a cafeteria, picnic area, gift shop is a win-win – good for the people, the Encantos Ecotours: and theatre. A visit starts with a tram ride planet, and our profits.” For additional (787) 272-0005; down a giant sinkhole lined with tropical information, call (787) 872-2045 or visit [email protected] vegetation and a million year old network www.paradorvillasdelmarhau.com. v

16 September 2006 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net WEBSITE INDEX

Arizona Hampton Inns Hyatt Place Ramada Foothills Tucson GENERAL ADVERTISERS www.Arizonahamptoninns.com www.hyatt-place.com www.ramadafoothillstucson.com Arizona Inn In Celebration of Golf Management Rancho de los Caballeros Addison Travel Marketing www.arizonainn.com www.incelebrationofgolf.com www.sunc.com www.addisontravelmarketing.com Arizona Museum for Youth Inn Suites Hotels & Suites Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass Best Western www.arizonamuseumforyouth.com www.innsuites.com www.rawhide.com www.bestwesternCentral.com/double Arizona Office of Tourism JW Marriott Desert Ridge Rincon Country RV Resort Cuba Tourist Board www.arizonaguide.com Resort & Spa www.rinconcountry.com www.cubatravel.cu Arizona Renaissance www.jwdesertridgeresort.com Scottsdale CVB Effingham www.renfestinfo.com Kitt Peak National Observatory www.CultureQuestScottsdale.com www.VisitEffinghamIL.com Arizona Villas www.noao.edu Scottsdale Park Suites Exotik Tours www.arizona-villas.com Lake Havasu CVB www.ScottsdaleParkSuites.com www.exotiktours.com Best Western Bell Hotel www.golakehavasu.com Sedona CVB GlaxoSmithKline www.BestWesternBell.com Lazy 8 Motel www.VisitSedona.com www.twinrx.ca Best Western Grand Canyon www.Lazy8Motel.com Sedona's New Day Spa Goway Travel Squire Inn Maricopa County www.sedonanewdayspa.com www.gowayagent.com www.grandcanyonsquireinn.com Parks & Recreation Sheraton Wild Horse Pass The Hilton Family Best Western Tempe By The Mall www.maricopa.gov/parks Resort & Spa www.hiltonfamily.com www.bestwesterntempe.com Marriott Phoenix Mesa www.wildhorsepassresort.com Holiday Inn on King Blue Water Resort & Casino www.phoenixmarriottmesa.com Shilo Inns www.hiok.com www.bluewaterfun.com Mesa Arizona Temple www.shiloinns.com IcelandAir Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 480-964-7164 Sleep Inn Phoenix North www.icelandair.com www.broadwaypalmwest.com Mesa Arts Center www.choicehotels.com/hotel/az140 Indus Travels Chandler CVB www.mesaartscenter.com Tanque Verde Ranch www.industravels.ca www.visitchandler.com Mesa CVB www.tanqueverderanch.com JM Vacations Ltd. Chaparral Suites Resort www.visitmesa.com Tempe CVB www.jmvacations.ca www.chaparralsuites.com Mesa Southwest Museum www.tempecvb.com Korea Tourism Organization Country Inn & Suites By Carlson www.mesasouthwestmuseum.com Tempe Historical Museum www.Tour2Korea.com www.countryinns.com/mesaaz Metropolitan Tucson CVB www.tempe.gov/museum Marriott Toronto Bloor Yorkville Destination Phoenix www.visitTucson.org Tempe Super 8 www.marriottbloor.com www.golfinphoenix.com National Car Rental www.tempesuper8.com Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce Dobson Ranch Inn www.nationalcar.com Tombstone CVB www.VisitMyBeach.com www.DobsonRanchInn.com Nautical Inn www.tombstone.org Pottruff & Smith Insurance Embassy Suites www.nauticalinn.com Tucson & Scottsdale Golf Vacations Brokers Inc. www.embassysuites.com Open Road Tours www.mountainvistarealestate.com www.pottruffsmith.com/acta Fiesta Inn Resort www.openroadtours.com Vaughan's Southwest Tours Inc. SMP Training www.fiestainnresort.com Out of Africa Wildlife Park www.southwesttours.com www.smptraining.com Flagstaff CVB www.outofafricapark.com The Westin Kierland St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area CVB www.flagstaffarizona.org Page Lake Powell Tourism Bureau Resort & Spa www.FloridasBeach.com Glendale CVB www.pagelakepowelltourism.com www.kierlandresort.com SuperClubs www.shopinglendaleaz.com The Phoenician The Westin La Paloma Resort www.superclubs.com The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain www.thephoenician.com Resort & Spa Tourcan Vacations www.eaglemtn.com Pink Jeep Tours www.westinlapalomaresort.com www.tourcanvacations.com The Grand Hotel www.pinkjeep.com WestJet Travel Insurance Coordinators www.grandcanyongrandhotel.com Pointe Hilton Resorts www.westjet.com/agentweblink www.travelinsurance.ca Hampton Inn - Mesa www.pointehilton.com Westward Look Resort Vacances Transat www.hampton-inn.com/hi/phoe-mesa Pointe South Mountain Resort www.westwardlook.com www.transatholidays.com Hampton Inn Scottsdale at Shea www.pointegetaway.com White Stallion Ranch Windjammer Barefoot Cruises www.hamptoninn.hilton.com The Prescott Area www.wsranch.com www.windjammer.com The Hermosa Inn www.visit-prescott.com The Wigwam Golf Resort & Club www.hermosainn.com Prescott Resort & Conference www.wigwamresort.com Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale Center Williams-Grand Canyon ARIZONA ADVERTISERS Old Town www.prescottresort.com Chamber of Commerce www.scottsdale.gardeninn.com Quality Inn & Suites Mesa www.williamschamber.com The Air Museum - Planes Of Fame Hilton Tucson El Conquistador www.choicehotel.com/hotel/az276 Windmill Suites of Arizona www.planesoffame.org www.hiltonelconquistador.com Raddison Fort McDowell Resort & www.windmillinns.com Alamo Hummer Affair Casino Wyndam Canoa Ranch Resort www.alamo.ca www.hummeraffair.com www.Radisson.com/ftmcdowellaz www.CanoaRanchResort.com www.TravelHotNews.com Canadian Traveller • September 2006 17

Myrtle Beach W Nv E

TheDiversity Rules In The Grand Strand he MyrtleMyrtle Beach Area is more than golf, Others include Dolly Parton’s Dixie Beach Bottom Left: Carolina Opry started more than the beach, more even than the Stampede Dinner & Show, an equestrian spec- the Grand Strand’s theatre boom in Tname of a community. Myrtle, as the locals tacle; the Palace Theater; Alabama Theatre, 1986 and has been joined by Dolly call it, is the largest of 12 municipalities that make named for the musical group; Legends in Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner & up the Grand Strand, a 96-kilometre piece of South Concert, which features superstar look-alikes; Show, the Palace Theater, Alabama Carolina oceanfront stretching from Georgetown the House of Blues and Medieval Times Theatre, Legends in Concert, the north to the border with North Carolina. Dinner and Tournament. House of Blues and Medieval Times It is also the state’s top tourism destination, Dinner and Tournament. receiving nearly 13 million visitors a year. Beach Hot Shops lovers are drawn to the fine white sand on Year after year shopping tops the list of things beaches travel guides call gorgeous and ocean Canadians like to do on vacation. Fourteen Bottom Middle: The fish are biting water warm enough for dipping well into million visitors means no shortage of shop- along the Grand Strand. Anglers can autumn. Golfers go ga-ga over a choice of ping opportunities. There are three centres cast a line from eight fishing piers, almost 120 courses. strictly for outlet shopping: Tanger Outlet or charter a boat and head off-shore But those are just starting points. Myrtle Center West, with 100 factory stores; Tanger for deep-see action. Other water Beach and its neighbours offer a diversity that will Outlet Center North, with more than 100 sports include sailing, jetskiing, surprise anyone who goes beyond bathing in the outlet stores, and Coastal Grand with three canoeing and kayaking. warm Atlantic or putting on bent grass greens. anchor stores, a 14-screen cinema and more than 100 stores. Into the Night Both Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Bottom Right: Brookgreen Gardens The performing arts have blossomed into one of Beach mix shopping with major attractions, houses the world’s largest outdoor the most popular attractions on the Grand restaurants and entertainment venues. Barefoot sculpture garden showcasing more Strand. A visitor could sample a different theatre Landing, in North Myrtle Beach, is a market- than 550 works by American every night for a week and still have some left place built on stilts amid a scenic salt marsh. It sculptors on the site of former rice over. Carolina Opry started the Grand Strand’s has several kilometres of boardwalk, and is plantations. theatre boom in 1986 and is still going strong. home to Alligator Adventure, House of Blues,

CAROLINA OPRY

18 September 2006 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net • Getting There: Driving

s distances: from Toronto, t 1,400 km; from Montreal,

c 1,600 km; connecting flights via Miami, Orlando, a Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, F Washington, D.C. and t

s New York. • Accommodations: 460 a

F hotels; 47,000 hotel and motel rooms.

• Climate: September through h leAlabama Beach Theater and the Barefoot riverboat • Children’s Museum of South Carolina: November, average daily cruises. Broadway at the Beach has Hard Rock The museum provides an environment c high of 25°C; average daily

Café, Ripley’s Aquarium, Magiquest, The where everyone is encouraged to touch, a low of 13.5°C. Water Palace Theater, an IMAX Discovery Theater explore and play. e temperature is about 22.7°C. and a 16-screen cinema. • Family Kingdom Amusement Park &

B • Golf Courses: 117 plus 50

The Pawleys Island Hammock Shops are Water Park: Thirty-seven rides include miniature courses. recommended for a more intimate shopping the legendary all-wooden roller coaster, e

experience. Two-dozen cottage shops are the Swamp Fox, a state-of-the-art log l • Restaurants: More than t 1,800 full-service ones.

stocked with handicrafts, clothing, jewelry and flume, an interactive laser dark ride, the r • Live Entertainment:

furniture. Rope hammocks originated there and 33-metre Slingshot and Kiddie Land with y clients can still watch them being made. 18 rides for young children. Seven theatres.

• MagiQuest: Using patented technology M • Outlet Shopping Stores: Fun For Everyone participants are quickly trained as “Magi,” More than 300. Whether its riding a coaster, zooming around allowing them to set off lightning bolts, a racetrack, viewing wildlife or chilling at a control music, open treasure chests and Contact Information: waterpark, the Grand Strand offers family fun perform heroic deeds. Elaine Michaud for kids of all ages. • Myrtle Beach Grand Prix Family Thrill International/Travel Agent • AlligatorAdventure: One of the largest Park: High-speed fun includes Formula 1 Sales Manager exotic reptile parks in the world features live Grand Prix cars for licensed drivers, go carts, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber shows, nature exhibits, zoological gardens, thrill rides and a Kiddie Zone. and a serpentarium. • Myrtle Waves Water Park: South Carolina’s of Commerce • Brookgreen Gardens: Considered the largest water park offers themed attractions, Tel: 1-800-488-8998, finest outdoor presentation of American a giant wave pool, lazy river and interactive ext. 7266 or (843) 916-7266 figurative sculpture in the world, the Gardens Saturation Station. Website: are home to more than 900 works (550 • NASCAR SpeedPark: Officially licensed www.myrtlebeachinfo.com currently displayed). property of the National Association for

MYRTLE BEACH AREA CVB BROOKGREEN GARDENS

www.TravelHotNews.com Canadian Traveller • September 2006 19 Myrtle Beach Stay & Play The Myrtle Beach Area Stay & Play Stock Car Auto Racing that offers seven Anglers can cast their line from eight fishing guide, free to visitors, is filled with infor- racetracks, a state-of-the-art interactive piers, along the beach and in backwater creeks arcade, two 18-hole themed miniature golf mation about restaurants, attractions, between Georgetown and Little River, or charter courses and kiddie rides. lodging, shopping, entertainment and a boat and head off-shore for deep-sea action. • Ripley’s Aquarium: Sharks, jellyfish, more, along with a great map. You can Other water sports include sailing, jetskiing, stingrays and exotic fish are just a few of obtain coupons for your clients by canoeing and kayaking. the creatures at this award-winning visiting www.myrtlebeachinfo.com or aquarium. Other Ripley’s attractions on the Fine Dining they can stop by one of the chamber’s Grand Strand include Ripley’s Haunted With more than 1,800 full-service restaurants, the Adventure, Ripley’s Moving Theater and four welcome centres. dining choices in Myrtle Beach are endless. The Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum. area is famous for fabulous, fresh seafood. Tell • Wild Water Water & Race Theme Park:Thirty-three rides include your clients to try traditional Calabash- or Murrells Inlet-style seafood, high-speed flumes, waterfalls, a wave pool, adventure river ride, with tender morsels battered oh-so-lightly and deep-fried to perfection. kiddie slides, miniature golf, a video arcade, food court and a separate This is the South, so expect grits and gravy on the breakfast menu and racetrack complex with rides for all ages. hushpuppies to be brought before the appetizer at dinner. Hushpuppies • Waccatee Zoo: This unique zoo houses more than 100 animal are little balls of spicy, deep-fried corn meal batter, named back in planta- species and is also a natural wildlife sanctuary and breeding ground tion times for the leftover bits the servants used to quiet the dogs that for many migratory birds. followed them from the cookhouse to the dining room. She-crab soup is Fans of miniature golf have a choice of 50 courses, including some another specialty, a thick, rich mix of fresh bluefin crab meat and sherry. truly bizarre ones. Hawaiian Rumble has a smoking mountain that Of course, seafood isn’t the only fare in town. Steaks, ribs, chicken, and erupts fire and rumbles at timed intervals. At Broadway on the Beach, chops are all covered in a wide selection of North American and ethnic The Dragon’s Lair has a 15-metre model of a fire-breathing dragon that restaurants, too. emerges every 30 minutes. Baseball fans can watch the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, a Class A affiliate What’s New of the Atlanta Braves, at nearby Central Coast Field. • Airport Improvements:Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is in the midst of a US $200-million expansion that will include a new commer- cial airline terminal complex. The terminal will have 14 gates and will accommodate aircraft ranging from commuter jets to wide-body aircraft such as a B747. Other additions and enhancements include new parking lots and rental-car facilities, and improvements to fueling facilities and infrastructure. The project is scheduled for completion in 2008. Airlines now serving the Myrtle Beach area are AirTran, ASA/Delta/ComAir, Continental, Northwest, Spirit, United and USAirways. • Hard Rock Park: Myrtle Beach will be the site of the world’s first Hard Rock Park, a 56-hectare, music-themed amusement park affili- ated with Hard Rock Cafe. The US $400-million project will have more than 40 attractions, a multi-purpose live-music amphitheatre with state-of-the-art sound, roller coasters, children’s play areas, restau- rants, cafes and retail stores. The park is expected to open in 2008. • The Market Common at Myrtle Beach: Located on a former Air Force Base, this mixed-use residential and retail development will boast five to six restaurants and approximately 50 retail stores. Among the first commercial tenants: P.F. Chang’s China Bistro (South Carolina’s first), Claddagh Irish Pub, Orvis outdoor store, Tommy Bahama, Chico’s, Banana Republic, Coldwater Creek, Anthropologie, Copper Penny, Gordon Biersch Brewery, White House/Black Market, a 16-screen movie theatre and an upscale grocery store. The first phase of The Market Common is scheduled for completion in late spring 2007. • Murrells Inlet Marshwalk and Veterans Pier:The first phase of the new Murrells Inlet Veterans Pier is now open to the public. The pier adjoins Murrells Inlet’s popular waterfront Marshwalk, providing locals and visitors yet another creek access. • Ripley’s Aquarium: Mars – The Search for Life: The Aquarium’s newest exhibit allows clients to search the depths of the Universe for signs of life and features several interactive displays and helps answer

the question “Is there really life on Mars?” v

20 September 2006 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net Forget:

The alarm clock.

The laptop.

The voicemail.

The mortgage.

The dress shoes.

The housework.

The yard work. s k c i r e d e r F d r a s n n y e a d r M a l G l a n h e s e r r a g k M o – o r g B n i n n i r o d e t M a e c h o t L f o s

Remember: What it’s like to be 25. g n i W e h T

Stroll through a unique sculpture garden or explore our 60-mile stretch of sandy beach. Scuba dive where pirates hid treasure. Be prepared to offer your clients all this and more by ordering your own free desk copy of Stay & Play®. Call us at 1.888.88.MyBeach (888.886.9232) Ref. 2347C or MyrtleBeachLovesCanada.com

Click on www.VisitMyBeach.com Tunisia Medinas &D esertM agic Look Beyond The Beach of play. The country’s spas are first-rate settled in this lovely, fertile city each leaving offering a wide range of treatments, profes- their imprint and heritage. Selling Tunisia sional staff and quality products. The city’s Medina is steeped in history, draped in fortifications and home to monu- our clients’ first glimpse of Tunisia Seaside History ments of major importance like the Khalef Al will be one of golden beaches and a Tunisia’s Mediterranean coast is the country’s Fata Tower, a lighthouse built in 859, the Ribat, Ydeep blue sea. But there is much main tourist area. The most popular destina- a fortress from the eighth century, The Great more to Tunisia than a seaside holiday. The tions are Sousse, Hammamet and Port El Mosque, built in 850 and a major collection of mysteries of ancient civilizations are unrav- Kantaoui, three major seaside resorts, all mosaics displayed in the museum. Just outside eled at world-class archaeological sites and within a two-hour drive of the capital, Tunis. museums, while modern-day mysteries of the Hammamet and Port El Kantaoui, especially, great Sahara desert beckon in the Great South. host the largest number of four- and five-star Fabulous food, legendary shopping, modern properties, most of which also have modern, accommodations and spas and days and days upscale spas. of sunshine all highlight a visit to this North On the eastern coast of Tunisia, Sousse is African nation. known as “the pearl of the Sahel”. The mild- Beyond the desert and the souk, the beau- ness of its climate, its calm and beautiful coast tiful climate attracts golfers from around the and the hospitality of its people have long world. There are 12 courses to choose from all captivated those who came to conquer. boasting fabulous designs and a relaxed pace Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs Beach chairs await sun worhippers in Port El Kantaoui, Tunisia. The country’s spectacular Mediterranean coastline is dotted with four- and five-star resorts. T N O M E D N A R G

E D

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22 September 2006 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net the Medina, the Catacombs, is a five-kilo- groves that produce deglet nour, “fingers metre site with 240 burial galleries, some of light” dates, Tozeur used to be a major better preserved than those in Rome. stop for the Bedouin caravans going south. The hotels that line the beachfront Two hundred springs, some of them ther- extend from the Sousse itself along miles apeutic, gush from the surrounding desert. of sparkling clean sea to the Port El The city’s Dar Cherait museum exhibits Kantaoui. This complex includes a rare manuscripts, jewelry and ceramics. modern marina equipped for over 300 Although tourist buses and land rovers boats, a 27-hole golf course as well as a full have taken over from the camels, Tozeur is array of recreational activities like diving, still a major hub for clients looking to sailing, waterskiing, tennis, riding, a casino discover the desert on one- or two-day and restaurants and nightclubs, in a village- excursions. like setting. The most popular is to the splendid Further north, along the coast is mountain oases of Chebika, Tamerza Hammamet, the “Tunisian Saint Tropez”, and Mides, three ancient oases villages with its relaxed way of life, sunbathing on that are perched high on the cliffs over- spotless beaches, cool waters, midnight looking the surrounding desert. swims, beachfront hotels, fashionable The most southern of Tunisian oases, boutiques, discos and fine dining. The Douz sits at the edge of the great Saharan Gulf of Hammamet shelters miles of fine sand dunes. The city is well-known for its sandy beaches, and is ringed with modern Thursday market with camelskin crafts and hotels. Attractions include a variety of Berber jewelry and for the Sahara Festival water sports, folklore, exhibitions, festi- that attracts the surrounding nomadic and vals and attractions. semi-nomadic peoples to town every Clients can enjoy a wide range of inter- January. It is also the jumping-off point for esting daytrips from all three resorts. To the camel-rides and other desert excursions. south is the holy city of Keirouan, with its No trip to Tunisia is complete without Great Mosque, mausoleums and souks. The a visit to the souk to bargain from What A Price city is also the home of Tunisia’s carpet industry. treasures. Jewelry, copper, leather, Outside of the official, quality- and price- Moving north, archaeology buffs head to oriental carpets and perfumes, spices controlled Artisanat (handicraft) shops, where El Jem to see the third biggest Roman coli- and sweet pastries are all sold from everything from carpets to birdcages bears a seum in the world, Roman villas and a fine tiny shops within each souk. price tag, and carpets a stamp of origin and collection of mosaics. Dougga is the best- caliber, shopping in Tunisia is definitely an preserved Roman site in Tunisia. art. Located in the old city (the Medina), the Tunis, the modern capital city, is also the tiful medieval village famous for the blue souks offer a wide selection of wares site of spectacular beaches, the famous Zitouna doors and shutters on white buildings. including excellent arts and crafts and tradi- Mosque, an ancient Medina that is arranged tional work. A sharp eye, nerves of steel, a according to the goods sold and the Bardo Desert Drama show of disinterest and a good sense of humor Museum, one of the best archaeological There is much more to Tunisia than beachside all enter into the mix. Inflated prices give both museums in the world that houses a unique entertainment. The south – the Great South, as parties the pleasure of bargaining and a collection of mosaics, statues and jewelry. it is known by the locals – is a land of sand golden opportunity for clients to exhibit their Clients can catch a glimpse of truly ancient dunes, camels and oases where clients can acting talent. They should start by cutting the civilization in the ruins and museums in indulge in the true desert experience. offer in half, then work up to a compromise if Carthage, then head to Sidi Bou Said a beau- A large oasis famous for massive palm they are really interested.

www.TravelHotNews.com Canadian Traveller • September 2006 23 KNOW MORE AHH, BUT DID YOU Tunisia TRAINING FOR YOU! offers an astounding variety of products and KNOW miscellaneous items along with the fun of sharing in the hustle and bustle of a weekly “ event”. Country market days are considered a perfect occasion to sell your prize goat, Berber jewelry, wooden kitchen utensils, souvenirs, just about anything that can be traded, sold or bartered. Villagers arrive at dawn to jostle for prime display space for their wares and the market is usually over by noon. The front desk staff at hotels know the day and place, usually the that SMP TRAINING is now main square of local markets. Book your Know More training NOW! available on Vancouver Island? Great Cuisine Dining out in Tunisia is a wonderful experi- ence full of flavours, textures and the freshest ingredients. The country’s cuisine is based on SMP Mediterranean cooking principals featuring Tr aining Co. natural, high-quality ingredients and plenty of vegetables. For program schedule contact Couscous, with its Berber origin, is the Steve Crowhurst. national dish and each region has its own specialities: fish soup “à la sfaxienne”, in There is so much more than historic [email protected] which barley bread pieces are soaked, rice “à sites to see in Tunisia. Clients can la djerbienne”, a speciality of Djerba; and 250-752-0106 take in desert adventures that range couscous with saddle of lamb from the Sidi from jeep rides to camel treks, and Bouzid region. In the countryside, very visits to mountain the oases of simple wild herb recipes are still appreciated. Chebika, Tamerza and Mides. It has two main ingredients – durum wheat Items of interest include handcarved grains and vegetables – that are steamed and olive wood in the form of salad bowls, served covered with a sauce. The type of the kitchen articles, vases, lamps, bracelets and sauce gives each couscous its own unique authentic Berber bracelets and necklaces. taste – beef, veal, lamb, chicken, fish, fresh or Bracelets are inclined to be heavy – some dried octopus, dried meat, vegetables, broad ornate some exquisitely modern in their beans and chickpeas. primitive designs. Necklaces are often Sweet loving Tunisians have adopted the restrung with the original silver pieces and Turkish baklava - layers of whisper thin pastry glass beads, coins or coral, the latter adding interspersed with ground pine nuts, almonds, to the price. A reputable shop will show you hazelnuts and pistachios, bathed in golden the silver stamp, although on very old butter, baked and dipped in a honey syrup. pieces this has sometimes been worn away. No holiday, wedding, christening or dinner Copies of original jewelry are more plen- party could be considered without it. tiful and often just as beautiful, lighter A Tunisian meal would not be complete weight and easier to wear. Pottery, without the famous mint tea and the tradi- embossed, engraved or chased, copper and tional coffee flavoured with droplets of brass trays, coffeepots, vases and ashtrays orange flower water. round out the list. While most Tunisians like their food hot And then there are the carpets. The selec- and spicy, restaurants and hotels tend to tion is infinite and the prices are reasonable. prepare their menus with the tastes of their Most carpets are classified by the number of visitors in mind and serve harissa, a spicy knots per square meter with silk at the top of condiment of crushed dried red peppers, the list with 250,000 and over! Shopowners garlic and spices, separately. It is a mainstay will unroll one splendour after another until of many dishes and can be toned down by a clients find their perfect carpet. touch of olive oil. Many menus are also Besides shopping in the souks, the weekly printed with English and French translations

market in most country towns and villages of the dishes. v

24 September 2006 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net tunisia_cdn_trvlr_250806 25/08/06 12:24 Page 1

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THE MAGIC LIFE IMPERIAL IS A THE TUNISIAN DISCOVERY TOUR THE BERBER ADVENTURE TOUR MAGNIFICENT 5-STARS BEACHFRONT ALL IS A CLASSIC TOUR FEATURING THE MANY WILL TAKE YOU TO THE PLAYGROUND OF INCLUSIVE RESORT FACING THE BEAUTIFUL FACES OF TUNISIA INCLUDING THE CIVILIZATIONS, WHERE THE LANDSCAPE IS A MEDITERRANEAN SEA. MADINA IN TUNIS,SIDI BOU SAID, CROSS BETWEEN THE MEDITERRANEAN’S YOUR 8-NIGHT STAY INCLUDES ALL MEALS, HOLLY KAIROUAN, REFRESHING OASIS BLUE OCEAN AND THE SAHARA’S GOLDEN DRINKS AVAILABLE IN AND ALL WATER AND THE ENDLESS DESERT. SAND. SPORTS.THE MAGIC LIFE IMPERIAL RESORT FEATURES 5 RESTAURANTS AND INCLUDING 26 MEALS INCLUDING 28 MEALS 4 BARS!

ALL DEPARTURES FROM TORONTO WITH 1-877-571-6161 WWW. EXOTIKTOURS. COM Mississippi It Keeps On Rollin’ Highlights of Mississippi’s Delta and Gulf Coast Regions

Clients can follow the development of the blues during a stay in Mississippi’s Delta region. The ghosts of music legends still haunt the area and relics of the past, like the birthplace of giant Muddy Watters are on view at local museums.

Roman Catholic Church. Clients can drive down the Great River Road and drive by Belmont Plantation, Mount Holly, Lake Washington, Linden Plantation and the Ruins of St. John’s Episcopal Church. For more information, visit www.visitgreenville.org. Greenwood typifies the Deep South and is steeped in magnolias, manners and colourful M

S t has been one year since Hurricane ing its game of golf over the past 12 years. Since characters. One of whom is legendary blues- I R U

O Katrina charged ashore on the Mississippi the early 90s, Canadian golfers have discovered man Robert Johnson, rumoured to have sold T

F O

N Gulf Coast, and the area has begun to the city’s golf packages, enjoying play at his soul to the devil for his musical abilities at O I

S I I

V the crossroads of Highways 61 and 49.

I change. Businesses, shops, restaurants, tourist courses such as Timberton and Canebrake, 4.5 D / Y T

I attractions and lodging operations are open. star-rated courses by Golf Digest, as well as, Allegedly poisoned by a jealous husband, R O H

T The Biloxi Grand Casino operated by Harrah’s Shadow Ridge, an Azinger-designed course. three different cemeteries claim to be U A

T

N Entertainment reopened August 17 and Beau Contact either Golf Pak at 1-888-465-3725 or Johnson’s final resting place. The Greenwood E M P

O Rivage Resort & Casino reopened August 29. Golf Coast Vacations at 1-800-974-2657 for Blues Heritage Museum and Gallery chroni- L E V

E The Island View Casino Resort in Gulfport, more information on a Hattiesburg golf pack- cles the complete story of his life. Clients can D

I P P

I plans to open September 2006, while Silver age. All packages include 18-holes of play at a chase the ghost of Johnson, along with other S S I S

S Slipper is building the first land-based casino rated course, cart, lodging, breakfast and cock- blues greats like Luther “Guitar Jr.” Johnson, I M in Mississippi expected to open late 2006. tails. For general information contact the B.B. King, Little Eddie Burns, Denise LaSalle, Activities and cultural events are also Hattiesburg Visitors Center at 1-866-4-Hattie. Joe Willie “Pinetop” Perkins, Otis Spann, returning. Ninety per cent of the Mississippi Up in the Mississippi Delta region, Muddy Waters, Charlie Patton and Willie Gulf Coast golf courses are open for play with Greenville is the place for weekend getaways Foster at historic sites and attractions in the Fallen Oak, a Tom Fazio-designed golf course and leisurely vacations. A two-day tour area. Club Ebony, in Indianola is one of the set to open in November 2006. through Washington County takes clients back oldest and best known juke joints in the state, Several attractions on the Mississippi Gulf in time and to the sights and sounds of the Old hosting musical icons like Count Basie, Ray Coast are open and welcoming guests includ- South. Attractions include the Greenville Charles, James Brown, Ike Turner, Little ing Stennis Space Center, Gulf Islands Water Writer’s Exhibit in William Alexander Percy Milton, Willie Clayton, Bobby Bland, Howlin’ Park, The Biloxi Schooners, The Biloxi Memorial Library, Winterville Indian Mounds Wolf and B.B. King since 1945. Po’Monkey’s Shrimping Trip, Ship Island Excursions, The and Museum, the place where Kermit the Frog Lounge, in Merigold is one of the last surviv- Biloxi Tour Train, The Walter Anderson was born, Lighthouse and Jubilee casinos and ing rural jukes. Clarksdale is home to the Delta Museum of Art and the Lynn Meadows Wetherbee House, along with sacred historic Blues Museum and other significant blues Discovery Center. sites like St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, sites, such as the Riverside Hotel where Bessie Further inland in the Coastal region, the Hebrew Union Temple, Mount Horeb MB Smith died in 1937. For more information,

Hattiesburg has successfully practiced perfect- Church, St. Matthews and Sacred Heart visit www.gcvb.com. v

26 September 2006 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net LA MS Canadian Trvlr 8-06 8/30/06 10:52 AM Page 1 n’

As a member of Best Western’s FREE frequent guest program, Gold Crown Club® International, October 10th through December 15, 2006 you’ll earn Double Points or Double Miles with every qualified stay† at over 4,200 hotels in more than ONE CARD. 80 countries, including 51 hotels in Louisiana and 34 in Mississippi. Points can DOUBLE be used toward free room nights, dining, shopping and more. And at every REWARDS. Best Western® you’ll enjoy free high speed internet access, free local calls, a hot or continental breakfast*, and much more. So visit a Best Western soon because this double rewards offer only lasts for a limited time.

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†Only Sunday - Thursday night Qualified Stays are eligible. Offer valid for Gold Crown Club International (“GCCI”) members who reside reside in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, South America, and countries that belong to GCCI Asia Club. China is not included in the Asia Club. For complete list of eligible countries please visit www.bestwestern.com/double. Pre-registration and GCCI membership required prior to 1st Qualified Stay. Promotion valid October 10 - December 15, 2006. “Qualified Stay” means one or more consecutive nights at the same hotel regardless of the number of check-ins/check-outs, at a GCCI qualifying rate (rate eligible for GCCI points or airline miles). Other restrictions may apply. Offer not valid with any other promotion or discount. Promotion subject to cancellation or change without notice. GCCI is owned and operated by BW GCCI, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Best Western International, Inc. Each Best Western hotel is independently owned and operated. All GCCI program rules apply. See www.goldcrownclub.com rules with links to airline program rules. Airline program rules subject to change without notice. *Either continental OR hot breakfast available (many complimentary). Amenities vary at hotels. Call ahead for more information on specific amenities. High Speed Internet Access may not necessarily be available in all guest rooms or public areas. ©2006 Best Western International, Inc. Best Western and the Best Western marks are registered marks or registered trademarks of Best Western International, Inc. All rights reserved. AZORES ’ TOU RIS According to legend, the twin lakes in M A SS OC IA TI the town of Sete Cidades, at the eastern ON end of Sao Miguel, were filled by the Portugal tears of unrequited lovers: a princess and a shepherd forbidden to be together. The lakes, and town are found in the largest extinct crater in the Azores.

JewelsPortugal’s Azores Are of the Diamonds In The Rough Atlantic

A Z O R E S ’ T O U R I S CosmopolitanCosmopolitan Horta,Horta, knownknown asas “the“the M A S S mostmost colourfulcolourful portport inin thethe world”,world”, isis alsoalso O C

I A T the most popular in Portugal and the I the most popular in Portugal and the O The Chapel of the Holy Ghost is N centrecentre ofof thethe actionaction onon FaialFaial Island.Island. just one of the myriad churches, palaces and homes that fill Angra do Heroísmo, the capital of Terceira Island. The historic centre of the city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

AULO JOÃO P

By Hilary Genders

ith summer winding down and Lisbon and 3,900 kilometres from another Canadian winter in the the Atlantic coast of North America. Wnot-so-distant future, the time to The islands are actually the tops of start selling cold-weather getaways is here. some of the tallest mountains on Earth, This year, try pitching the Azores. Long when measured from their bases at the prized by treasure-hunters in the know, from bottom of the ocean. Approximately 240,000 17th-century pirates to modern-day sun- people, mostly of Portuguese descent, along seekers, this chain of emerald-green islands with smaller groups of Flemish and French all offers a priceless blend of European culture, ancestry, live on the islands. kinds of relaxing beaches and fun activities guaranteed Portuguese explorers discovered the treasures. Not to please every client. islands in the early 15th century and coloniza- surprisingly, the waters off the Azores The Azores are composed of nine islands – tion soon began. The archipelago’s strategic witnessed several naval battles throughout this Corvo, Flores, Faial, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, location made it a navigational crossroads for period as they came under repeated pirate Terceira, São Miguel and Santa Maria – spread trade between Europe, India and the Americas attacks. In the 19th and 20th centuries the over 600 kilometres in the middle of the throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, and its economic focus of the islands turned to Atlantic Ocean, about 1,500 kilometres from ports welcomed countless galleons filled with whaling, fishing and agriculture. Today the

28 September 2006 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net shore. The Caldeiras (hot springs) here offer the opportunity for a unique gastronomic delight: travellers can feast on dishes cooked in pots buried in the earth. The caldeiras within the town of Furnas provide medicinal muds and mineral waters used in thermal baths. The largest extinct crater in the Azores – with a perimeter of 12 kilometres – is found at the eastern end of the island, at Sete Cidades. The twin lakes are uniquely coloured: one emerald, one sapphire. Legend says each was formed by the tears of unre- of the quited lovers: one a princess, the other, a els shepherd. And Fogo Lake, in the centre of AtlanticAzorean archipelago is an autonomous region São Miguel, is a huge lake of clear waters that The green slopes of Santa Maria Island are home to prolific vineyards and small within the Portuguese state, with its own parlia- boasts its own beach. villages offering spectacular ocean views. ment and government. Other highlights of São Miguel include The island also boasts the most hours of São Miguel, Terceira, Faial and Pico are the Terra Nostra Park, an 18th-century park filled sunshine in the Azorean archipelago – and main tourist centres in the Azores, and serve as with small lakes – including a thermal pool for the most exquisite beaches. points of departure to the five less populated relaxing – and a wide variety of exotic flowers; islands. Each offers a wide range of accommo- several beautiful swimming beaches; excellent

ION AT dation, restaurants, bars and night clubs, as well golf and diving; and the Plantacoes de Cha CI SO AS M as its share of historic and natural attractions. Gorreana, the only tea plantation in Europe. IS O R PAUL U JOÃO TO ’ S E R O São Miguel Terceira Island Z A Known as “The Green Island”, São Second to São Miguel in population Miguel is the largest and most popu- (58,000), this was the third island in the lated island of the Azores; its 759 Azores to be discovered (Terceira means square kilometres are home to “third” in Portuguese). Terceira became the approximately 150,000 residents, a true crossroads between the New World and third of which live in cosmopolitan the Old, and the most important trading post Ponta Delgada. The city is serviced of the modern age was founded at Angra do by an international airport, and is a Heroísmo. The city, now a UNESCO World natural first stop for travellers, who Heritage Site, is an architectural marvel, a can explore several beautiful churches, prime example of 16th-century European palaces and museums. planning, with a wide variety of houses, The island is blessed with several stun- churches and convents. ning lakes formed in volcanic craters. Vale das An excellent view of the city is available from Furnas is home to a lake framed by a beautiful the top of Monte Brazil Mountain, a protected landscape and recreational area. It is surrounded by the Fortress São Joao Baptista do Monte

s Visas: For visits to Portugal of less than 90 days, Canadian citizens require Brasil, whose four kilometres of walls once t only a passport valid for at least three months after the end of their holiday. defended the city’s riches from pirates. Getting There: There is no direct air service between Canada and Portugal,

c Other highlights on Terceira include the however Air Transat, Sata International and Sky Service offer charter service. spectacular stalactites, stalagmites and lakes

a There are frequent two-hour flights from Lisbon to the three Azorean airports: found in the grottoes of Algar do Carvao; the

F Ponta Delgada, Lajes on Terceira and Horta on Faial. beach in the young city of Praia da Vitoria; t Getting Around: SATA Air Azores offers scheduled service between all the islands, and the Biscoitos wine museum, opened in s and there are regular sea connections between the islands of Faial, Pico and São 1990 to celebrated the centenary of the wine-

a Jorge and also between Terceira and Graciosa. It is possible to hire self-drive cars making factory of Francisco Maria Brum, an F in the main islands. Bus and taxi services are also available. Rental cars, buses and immigrant from Flanders.

taxis are available on all the islands except for Corvo. Pico Island s Climate: The Azores are blessed by a temperate climate year-round. Temperatures generally very between highs of 17° C and 25° C; sea tempera- Named for its imposing volcano, which last e

r tures are roughly the same, ideal for year-round participation in watersports. erupted in 1720, Pico Island stands majesti- cally in the middle of the Azorean central o Light clothes, with one or two woolen pieces for the cooler days or nights, are

z usually enough, although in the winter slightly warmer wraps may be neces- group. Easily accessed by Faial and San Jorge sary. Packing a rain jacket is advisable; there are frequent short showers - islands by ferry, this scarcely populated island A followed at once by sunshine – especially between October and April. (approximately 15,000 residents) is arguably the Azores at its unadulterated best.

www.TravelHotNews.com Canadian Traveller • September 2006 29 Internet Traveller Portugal Navigating Historically, Pico’s economy was based on winemaking and sperm whale hunting. The vineyards, named a World Heritage Site by the Jungle UNESCO, continue to produce fine wines – a bottle makes a perfect souvenir – but whale hunting has been replaced by a bourgeoning Reversing Travel Content whale- and dolphin-watching industry. Trips can be organized from Madalena or Lajes. Fragmentation To get a taste of Pico’s whaling tradition, a visit to the Museu da By Judy Waytiuk Indústria Baleeira (the Whaling Industry Museum), housed in the old Whaleboat Factory in the town of São Roque is a must. Opened in May 1994, it is internationally recognized as among the best industrial t’s a jungle out there - one of competing travel products and portals, museums of its kind, exhibiting boilers, furnaces, machinery and other with hapless consumers battered on all sides by far too many equipment used in the exploitation and transformation of whales into oil. choices. But with the right tools, agencies could be more useful I Other highlights on Pico: some of the best swimming holes in the than ever to help consumers sort out the noise. And GDS systems are Azores, and excellent terrain for trekking, hiking, mountain biking finally offering agencies the option to involve themselves more effec- and bird watching. tively in the war for online travel dollars. However, those offers could also place smaller agencies between Faial Island a rock and a hard place. Part of the central group of the archipelago, about 105 kilometres from This summer, Worldspan unveiled two opt-in programs for travel Terceira, seven kilomtres from Pico and 17 kilometres from São Jorge, agencies. One - the Super Access Product - guarantees GDS access to Faial is known as the “Blue Island” because of the many different full content, even if participating airlines should decide to unbundle shades of blue used to decorate the residents’ houses, as well as the their products and merchandise them in new ways. prolific hydrangeas that stretch across the fields. No changes will arise in agencies’ financial arrangements with The centre of the action on Faial is the cosmopolitan port city of Worldspan, as a result of the Subscription Access Product, but the agen- Horta, once a centre of the whaling industry and now the most popular cies will be stuck with new airline fees and access to private, negotiated, port in the country. Yachts arrive from the four corners of the world to and opaque fares and products will be at the airlines’discretion. “the most colourful marina in the world,” famous for drawings on the Worldspan says agencies staying with its existing General Access jetty walls painted by the many sailors who have stopped off in this Product could be subject to new airline fees, and could lose access to historic port over the years. Yachters converge at Peter’s Café Sport, one published content if the airlines decide to pull that privilege. of Horta’s main attractions, to enjoy a refreshing gin and tonic. Meanwhile, Galileo now has its optional Content Continuity Program, A must-do is a beautiful walk to the top of Caldeira do Faial, a available to U.S. agencies but not yet in Canada - and who knows if it nature reserve formed by the deep, wide crater of a volcanic cone that will be? Like Worldspan’s, Galileo’s program promises agencies dominates the island; from the top of the cone travellers can gaze down access to full content - all publicly-available fares including Web into the vast crater that is covered in spectacular shades of green – special fares, as well as access to negotiated fares that are “equal to or some of the last of the laurisilva forest that pre-dates human settle- better than any other GDS,” according to Galileo Americas president ment. The views over the city of Horta and the islands of Pico and Dave Falter. São Jorge are also magnificent here. Meanwhile, Sabre extended its September 1, 2006 deadline for Among the island’s other highlights: the extraordinary landscape agencies that are still unsure about signing up for its Efficient Access surrounding the Capelinhos Volcano, which last erupted in the late Solution. The Efficient Access Solution is similar to the other 1950s, creating a new isthmus formed by the sedimentation of its programs as it protects agencies from new airline service fees and is ashes; the Vale de Flamengos, an area of colourful plantations, meant to battle travel content fragmentation. According to Sabre, flowers and picturesque houses; and the Scrimshaw Museum, a disaggregating even a small piece of today’s travel distribution model private collection of more than 100 pieces are exhibited here, would cost the entire industry US $1.5 billion or more per year. engraved with beautiful sailing boats, mermaids and images of But Sabre Canada’s also moved into the booming at-home whale-hunting, among many others. market, through a deal with Travel Source Network’s At Home Travel business. The deal sees Sabre Travel Network partnered with Travel Off the Beaten Path Source Network to promote the host agency business in Canada that The smaller islands of the Azores offer their own share of delights, has enjoyed success in the U.S. as Nexion - with more than 2,000 and although less visited, are easily accessible by air and sea. Santa participating members and sales of more than US $200 million. Maria, at the eastern end of the archipelago, enjoys many, many Eventually, with new, optional, hi-test GDS programs and corre- hours of sunshine and is home to fine beaches and surfing. sponding escalating fees, the market of home-based agents could Graciosa is blessed with prolific vineyards and is an ideal destina- well be the final refuge for agencies that just can’t deal with esca- tion for a relaxed holiday. São Jorge is home to the Sete Fontes lating costs for physical retail space. v (Seven Springs) Forest Park, which allows visitors to see a wide (Internet Traveller Judy Waytiuk is a firm proponent of home-based variety of native plant life and offers a variety of recreational oppor- business, as you can work in your jammies and nobody knows! She’s tunities. The island is also a cheese-making centre – perfect for online at www.wordsink.ca and you can e-mail her at gourmands. The beautiful landscape of Flores offers excellent [email protected].) opportunities for bird-watching, fishing, trekking and simply

30 September 2006 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net relaxing. And Corvo, the smallest of the Azores, is known for its meticulously Tour Operators Selling Portugal preserved Flemish church, the small wind- Accord Tours Gateways International Romantic Holidays mills dotting the island, and fine handicrafts. Active Journeys GenX Tours Inc. Sata Express Active Adventures Adventures Abroad GM Tours Signature Vacations Atlantis Tours H.L. Holidays Skyways International No matter which island – or islands – they Avila Tours Ltd. Horizon & Co. Star Travel Holidays visit, travellers in the Azores have plenty of BCAA Travel Service Incursion Voyages Sultana Tours sporting activities to choose from. Excellent sailing, Blue Danube Holidays Insight Vacations Canada Ltd. The Holiday House & Network windsurfing, rowing and surfing are available Canadian Travel Abroad J.M. Vacations Tourismo Tours throughout the archipelago, as well as diving and Club Med Sales Jolivac Tours Chanteclerc snorkelling. Travellers can discover underwater Collette Vacations Karavaniers Trafalgar Tours caves, shipwrecks or the coloured shoals of fish off Conquest Vacations Latin World Tours Travac Travel São Miguel, Terceira, São Jorge, Pico and Graciosa. Contiki Holidays Lawson Tours Travcoa Miguel, Terceira and Faial have diving facilities. Cosmos & Globus Magik & Exciting Tours Travel With Flair/Arts and Big game fishing off the islands is Europa Tours Inc. Mirassol Vacations Inc. Leisure thrilling, with several species of shark, Eurosun Holidays New Friends Travel & Tours Inc. Vacances Tour Est (Canada) Inc. swordfish, oceanic bonito and tuna, landed Exotik Tours Revatours Voyages Intair Transit Inc. in record-breaking sizes. Specially-equipped boats operate regularly from Ponta Delgada Capelas on the North Coast of São Miguel, For caving enthusiasts, several islands (São Miguel) and Horta (Faial). Freshwater offers 27 holes with spectacular ocean views. provide fascinating rock formations to explore, fishing for rainbow trout, carp, perch, pike Also on São Miguel, the 18 holes at the complete with unique volcanic flora. Clients can and mullet can be found on both São Miguel Furnas golf club boast beautiful lake visit Terceira and get a guide to take them through and Flores. scenery. The Terceira Golf Club, outside the Grutas dos Balcões, Agulhas and Natal cave Golfers can tee off on the islands’ three Angra do Heroismo, offers 18 holes, as well systems, or the caverns of Algar do Montoso or

courses. The Batalha golf course, near as two tennis courts. Furna do Pico when on São Jorge. v

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www.TravelHotNews.com Canadian Traveller • September 2006 31 The beaches are the best in St. Florida Petersburg/Clearwater area with Caladesi Island rated as America’s Number Two Beach for 2006 and Fort De Soto Park ranted Number One Beach in 2005. It’s A BeachBeachIt’s A B V C

s A By Air: Skyservice, chartered E R A t

R

E by Conquest Vacations and T

A Dali and More

W And Then Some In St. R c

A Nolitours and Sunwing E The Salvador Dali Museum contains the L C /

G Petersburg/Clearwater

R Airlines, beginning this winter, world’s most extensive collection devoted a U B S

R exclusively to this famous Spanish master. The E fly into St. Petersburg- F T E P

t t’s easy to see why the St. Petersburg/ . Museum of Fine Arts is noted for its display of T S

Clearwater International S s Clearwater area is known as Florida’s O French impressionist paintings and other T O

H Airport; Air Canada and

P Beach when clients can choose from 56 collections. There is also the St. Petersburg a I WestJet fly into Tampa kilometres of award-winning beaches on the Museum of History, while Heritage Village in F

International Airport. Gulf of Mexico. The white sand barrier island Largo offers historical exhibits, and a self- r beaches range from pristine island hideaways guided tour among the restored homes and By Road: St. Petersburg/ e to long, wide, sandy beaches. buildings provides an insight into the lifestyle t Clearwater is 2,237 kilometres The area boasts some of the top beaches in of Florida’s pioneers. a from Toronto and 2,428 the U.S. as ranked by Dr. Leatherman, a.k.a. Dr. The Florida International Museum, an Beach, with Caladesi Island rated America’s affiliate of the Smithsonian, brings world- w kilometres from Montreal.

r Number Two Beach for 2006. One of the state’s Climate: The average tempera- class, Smithsonian exhibitions to St. few remaining undisturbed barrier islands, Petersburg on a regular basis, along with a ture is 23° C and the sun usually Caladesi Island is ideal for swimming, shelling, rotating exhibits from various other lenders e

l shines 361 days per year. fishing, picnics, diving, and nature study. The from around the world. Time Zone: Eastern St. Petersburg/ Clearwater area is also home to Dramatic Gulf sunsets provide a colourful C Fort De Soto Park, which was ranked Number Standard Time prelude to nightlife, which ranges from / One Beach in America in 2005, and Clearwater celebrity entertainment, ballet, opera, Contact:

g Beach was the Travel Channel’s top choice for symphony performances, and Broadway shows r St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area the country’s best activity beach. to comedy, music and dancing at numerous area

u Convention & Visitors Bureau But there is much, much more to the St. nightclubs and lounges. In Clearwater, residents Petersburg/Clearwater area than beaches. b Canadian Office and visitors head to Pier 60 to watch the

s The area’s 26 distinct communities, renowned sunset before heading out to enjoy 197 Arichat Road r including the resort towns of St. Pete Beach, the local dining and entertainment options. Oakville, ON L6J 5N5 e Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Redington, We all know that shopping is the Number t Tel: (905) 339-0278 Indian Rocks Beach, Sand Key, Clearwater One vacation activity for Canadians and there e Fax: (905)339-0279 Beach, Dunedin, Safety Harbor and Tarpon are more than 78 major shopping centres and

P Springs, have all the exciting attractions of a modern malls. A variety of quaint, waterfront Toll-free in Canada

. big-city destination with the relaxed charm villages offer antiques, boutiques, one-of-a- t 1-800-417-4717 of a small beach town. Fabulous seafood, kind shops and items created by local artists.

S Website: sporting events and cultural attractions mean Unique settings for shopping and dining are www.FloridasBeach.com. Florida’s Beach has plenty of entertainment found at John’s Pass Village in Madeira Beach, for everyone. Corey Ave. and Silas Bayside Market in St.

32 September 2006 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net

Florida Condocation FAQs When a two-room all-suite isn’t enough, consider a special- Move beyond the ized rental like condos as an alternative. Condocations are a beaches in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater spacious alternative to the nightly hotel or motel rental. Steve area and clients will Crowhurst tells you how to sell this down-home comfort to discover fine arts your clients on the next page. In the meantime, here are the museums, one dedicated answers to some frequently asked questions: to Salvador Dali, shopping, dining and • Where are the properties located? plenty of special places The majority of Condocations product is on the beach or that reflect the region’s across the road. heritage like the Greek • How do I obtain the best view for my clients? Ask to have village at Tarpon Springs. the view defined. Gulf view and gulf front are not the same. Pete Beach, Baywalk in St. • Is telephone service available? How do I obtain it? Is there Petersburg and along the a charge for calls? sponge docks in Tarpon Yes, it usually requires a major credit card for long distance Springs. calls; frequently local calls are free; a connection fee may Beyond St. Pete’s apply just as in any hotel. Anchoring the north end of Florida’s Beach, Tarpon Springs is one of • Are modems available in condo units for my Florida’s most unique communities. It became America’s sponge capital business clients? when Greek sponge divers settled there in the early 1900s, and sponge boats still operate from its scenic docks. A visit to Tarpon Springs transports Some resorts offer these services as well as on-site offices clients to a small fishing village in Greece and the Greek heritage is main- with business services available. tained with religious, music and food festivals during the year. • Do condos have a 24-hour staff person available? Just north of Clearwater, the town of Dunedin salutes its Scottish Some do. Some companies will have their after hours calls heritage each spring with the Highland Games and Festival. It also cele- picked up by a live answering service who will forward the brates another rite of spring when the MLB Toronto Blue Jays hold their Grapefruit League Spring Training here during the month of March. emergency requests to the appropriate “on-call” individual for immediate handling. Non-emergency matters are Out & About handled during normal office hours. Florida’s Beach is one of America’s favourite golf playgrounds with its perfect, • What kind of deposit is required? What is the refund policy? year-round climate. The destination offers 50 golf courses, with three world- This varies with each resort and property management class resorts including the Belleview Biltmore, the Renaissance Vinoy and the Westin Innisbrook. company or Canadian tour operator. The area’s public parks and nature trails are a showcase for Florida’s natural • Does my client need to bring dishes? beauty. Fort De Soto Park, south of St. Petersburg, plus Honeymoon and A fully equipped kitchen is provided in every Caladesi Island state parks near Dunedin are ideal for nature study, fishing, condominium. swimming and picnics. The Pinellas Trail is a 59-kilometre linear park perfect • What about a late arrival? for bicyclists, walkers, joggers and roller-bladers. Check with each property management company or The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores is the largest wild bird hospital in North America. More than 500 birds are on display including a large nesting Canadian tour operator for their procedure. colony of permanently injured brown pelicans. Samples of marine life are on exhibit • Are there children’s programs available? at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a research centre that conducts a “head start” Condominiums are built first as private residences, then program for baby sea turtles and is the area’s licensed marine rescue facility. offered on a unit by unit basis for transient rental. Do not Florida’s famous man-made attractions are nearby. Busch Gardens, Tampa expect to find all hotel or resort-like services. While some Bay is less than a 35-minute drive away from any point on Florida’s Beach. The Walt Disney World Resort, Sea World and Universal Studios Florida are only unique properties may add such programs, typically only 90 minutes away in Orlando. condotel resorts will provide these amenities.

Plenty of Room offer a wide array of amenities, services and experiences that can be Accommodations range from luxury hotels, resorts, rental condominiums booked for short getaways, multi-week vacations and multi-month and condotels to family-owned motels, apartments and campgrounds. longstays. Look for this niche market to become even stronger with the Three major resorts are on the National Register of Historic Places – the development of Clearwater’s Beach by Design project, that will see entire state boasts only six. the construction of new hotels, condotels and condominium rental The Florida’s Beach area is a leader in the field of “Condocations”, a condo- properties along with a revitalized promenade and retail space along

minium/condotel experience with resort services. All condominium resorts the beachfront. v

36 September 2006 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net How To Sell – Condocations

friends and small groups sharing a common by the pool overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. interest? All you have to do here is book Make this part of your research as you three condos featuring three bedrooms and explore the activities available and match the Condo! you have a group of 24! Let’s keep moving. style of the condo to your customers’ needs. Again – think about that group of 24! They Developing Your Share Of Is There A Minimum Stay could be golfers. So why not create that flyer Requirement? and tour the golf clubs and associations with This Lucrative Market Generally condominiums or condotel will you new vacation idea. offer stays ranging from three nights to Start your research with the suppliers list- By Steve Crowhurst multi-week stays. Be sure to ask this question ed in this article. Contact each company and when you make the reservation. request their information package and ey need a new vacation vocation? explore their websites. Get to know the who, Sell a Condocation! That’s right… a The Condocation Check-in what, when, where, why and how of each HCondocation. Make a note of it – it’s At a condotel the check-in will happen at an supplier so that your ideas can flow. Many of new, it’s exciting, it’s a niche market and one on-site guest services office; at a condomini- the property management companies/condos that you can develop locally in a heartbeat. um development clients will check in at a can be booked directly or through Canadian Let’s explore how you can get into the busi- designated central property management wholesalers if this is a preferred method of ness of selling the Condocation experience office. Be sure to find out which check-in is booking for you. Check it out. and answer some questions along the way. offered and review the information supplied to you from the PMC or tour operator. Start Selling Condocations! What Is A Condocation? There you have it. A brand new niche that you Let’s start right here and make sure, if you’re The Home Away From Home can take on and build in your local community. new to the business of selling travel, that you Experience So rev up your creativity, explore the know what a Condocation is. You are selling You might be wondering what “extras” are Condocation vacation and offer something dif- a vacation in a condominium or condotel. A afforded clients who choose a vacation in a ferent to your clients who want that home-away- condotel is a condominium development with condominium or condotel over and above a from-home experience with sun, sand, sea and a a front desk lobby like a hotel. Some offer resort. Think of the difference as “home pool. Now many of these properties are grand. more resort services. A condominium is just away from home” vacation. The accommo- Very grand. No time to waste. Do it now! v that, an apartment. With both options, people dation your customer will experience will be own the condos in the program and the prop- a much larger living space than the average St. Petersburg/ erties are placed in a rental pool with a prop- hotel room plus all the comforts of home. Clearwater Preferred erty management company (PMC). You can That means full kitchens not kitchenettes, deal directly with the PMC or with Canadian living rooms, dining rooms, spacious bal- PMCs tour operators that sell this product. That was conies and multiple private bedrooms and Condos by Sirata easy, eh? baths. Many units also feature washers and Telephone: 1-877-4-SIRATA dryers, or they are on site. As you can tell – Website: www.condosbysirata.com Who Do I Deal With? this is very well suited to families, wedding Instead of dealing with a hotel chain you will parties, groups, couples and more. Jack Collins Rentals be working with Property Management Telephone: 1-800-237-9831 Housekeeping Needs and Companies (PMCs) who own or pool and Website: www.JackCollinsRentals.com rent the condos on behalf of themselves or Services JC Resorts their owners. Work with the PMCs listed in A key selling point is that a condominium or this article and you’ll be able to arrange a condotel offers the same “help” as a hotel Telephone: 1-800-535-7776 Condocation that can be tailored to meet when you need it, however it is generally Website: www.JCResorts.us your clients’ holiday needs. And YES you done on a weekly basis. Whatever the services Liberté Resort Management Group earn commissions too! required by your client they can simply call Telephone: 1-800-542-3648 the front desk or a centrally located service How Many Guests Will The office. You may want to list the services Website: www.LiberteManagement.com Condominium Or Condotel offered in your Condocation flyer or e- Provident Management Corporation Accommodate? newsletter when you start to market this idea. Telephone: 1-866-597-1600 Condominiums will typically accommodate Website: www.SunsetVistas.com guests as follows: one-bedroom units – four Selling Activities guests; two-bedroom units – six guests; Like resorts the activities of each Travel Resort Services three-bedroom units – eight guests. Now that Condocation property can be different with Telephone: 1-800-237-6586 opens up your new Condocation niche to some more focused on the tennis player, the Website: www.trsinc.com couples and families. How about groups of golfer or those that just want to enjoy the sun www.TravelHotNews.com Canadian Traveller • September 2006 37 Fore!

By Sana Keller Tee-Off To Winter Commissions Vice-President, Communications SeeAmerica Committee – Canada

GREATER HOUSTON CVB ccording to a new landmark golf With one of the industry study conducted by Ipsos Reid highest national golf Aon behalf of the Royal Canadian Golf participation rates in Association (RCGA), “5.95 million Canadians the world, Canadians currently play golf – representing a national golf are always looking for participation rate of 21.5 per cent, among the new courses. Check highest golf participation rate of any country in out the golf specials the world”. This explains why Canadians are offered across the U.S., always looking for new golf courses to play and like packages at the what better place to look but to our neighbours in Redstone Gold Club, the USA who are offering great golf discounts home of the Shell and new courses to tee off on. Houston Open. courses, of which the Blue Monster is the best- Las Vegas Texas known. The course is aptly named due to the Shopping is one of the top activities for Las PlayGolfHouston, the official golf marketing treacherous water hazards and the deep Vegas’ 35 million visitors and The Shops at partner of the Greater Houston Convention & Bermuda rough, that literally eats balls. The Desert Passage is taking advantage of that Visitors Bureau, has developed a new on-line course requires a combination of length and by offering travel agents five exclusive value resource and booking site featuring some of the finesse, and rewards any golfer who can added shopping packages. Packages can best courses, accommodations and golf pack- combine the two. The 18th hole has been include gourmet meals, makeovers spa treat- ages Houston has to offer. Clients can choose lauded as one of the top 100 holes in the world ments and rounds of golf. For example, The from a variety of accommodation options, golf- by Golf Magazine; it requires four great shots Shop & PGA Golf package retails at US a-round packages with choice of courses, rental just to make par and nearly a miracle to birdie. $260 during high season (September car, accommodation, golf/cart and tee times and (www.doralgolf.com) through May) and combines a round of golf resort packages that include a swing through The PGA National Resort, near Palm Beach, for one at the PGA Tour’s TPC at The Tour 18, featuring simulated holes from some offers the ultimate golf experience, with five Canyons, the only PGA course in Las Vegas, of the greatest golf courses in America, play at championship caliber courses offering some- with the Shop & Beauty package. The pack- Redstone Golf Club (site of the Shell Houston thing for every level of player. A round on the ages are available to travel agents on line at Open March 26-April 1, 2007) or the dramatic Champ includes a forecaddie with every group www.shopamerica tours.com at the net fairways of Wildcat. Check-out www.playgolf to assist in shot selection and course advice – price, which is 10 per cent off the retail price. houston.com or call 1-888-868-7434. which every golfer will need. (www.pga Texas Golf Planners offers golfing packages resorts.com). Visit www.PLAYFLA.com and Golf Boston-Style in San Antonio or Austin that include two, three www.VISITFLORIDA.com. or four nights’accommodation, breakfast daily, The Links at Outlook Golf Course, just 15 to one round of golf at a selected course per night, Virginia minutes from downtown Boston, and voted preferred advanced tee times, a shared golf cart With mild temperatures year-round, every in “The Top 100 Golf Course in all New and practice range balls. A two-night package month is the perfect time for a Virginia golf England” by Golf Styles, Boston, is offering in San Antonio at the Woodfield Suites getaway. Clients can take advantage of the 2006 all golfers a Free Cart Special for the months Downtown is priced from US $305 per person Loonie Savers coupon book, designed exclu- of September and October for every 18 and US $310 at the Amerisuites RiverWalk, or sively for Canadians, to get buy one green fee holes of golf (valid Monday to Thursday US $455 per person per day at the Westin La and receive the second one free discounts while only). September weekday special rates are Cantera Resort from November 20, 2006 to they play at courses like Honey Bee Golf US $43 per person with GPS golf cart. Visit

February 28, 2007. In Austin, a two-night Course, Owl’s Creek Golf Course and Hanging www.outlookgolf.com. v package at the Wellesley Inn and Suites is priced Rock Golf Course, awarded 3.5 stars by Golf from US $260 per person and US $320 per Digest Magazine for best “Places to Play” in To find out more about the SeeAmerica person at the Homewood Suites Arboretum. 2002–2004. There are 210 private and public Committee-Canada, attend a meeting or Visit www.texasgolfplanners.com courses in Virginia that offer golfers challenging receive the bi-monthly newsletter, contact greens and winding fairways designed by them by fax at (416) 352-5567, by e-mail at Florida Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Rees Jones to [email protected] or visit www.see The Doral Golf Club in Miami boasts five name a few. Visit www.virginia.org/loonie. america.ca.

38 September 2006 • Canadian Traveller www.canadiantraveller.net THE TOP TRAVEL SHOWS FOR THE TOP TRAVEL PROS

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FALL 2006

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