Canadians are getting more flight options for Cuba, Florida and Mexico.
Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost airline, has expanded its winter schedule with new routes, more frequencies and new service to Cuba. Swoop will begin its seasonal, non-stop service between Toronto (YYZ) and Varadero (VRA) on January 11, 2023, and fares are starting as low as $189 one-way.
“We’re thrilled to be announcing an expansion in the Caribbean, adding Varadero to our growing list of vacation destinations,” said Tia McGrath, Leader, Distribution and Sales. “Cuba tops the list for Ontarians seeking an affordable beach getaway and we’re proud to reaffirm our commitment to the region with more ultra-convenient and ultra-low fares.”
As part of its expanding winter schedule, Swoop will restart service to some popular sun and fun routes. Swoop is bringing sun flying back to London, ON (YXU) beginning December 3 with non-stop service to Cancun (CUN) starting on December 3 and to Orlando (Sanford) on December 4. In addition, the ULCC will restart service to Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL) from both Toronto (YYZ) and Hamilton (YHM) on December 8 and December 9, respectively.
“We know that choice and value are important to Canadians planning vacations,” said McGrath, “We have several options available for our ultra-not-expensive flights to be packaged with all-inclusive resorts or vacation properties.”
The shopping/dining area at The Palazzo/Venetian complex in Las Vegas. JIM BYERS PHOTO
VEGAS IS BACK, BABY
Las Vegas welcomed nearly 3.5 million visitors in July, the highest monthly visitation since the start of the pandemic, according to data released today by the Research Center at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).
With world-class entertainment and sports, strong airline recovery and 151,000 hotel rooms throughout the destination, overall hotel occupancy in Las Vegas surpassed 83 percent in July, four percentage points ahead of July 2021. Weekend occupancy exceeded 91 percent, up three percentage points from last year, while midweek occupancy reached 79 percent, up 4.5 percentage points from last year as meetings and conventions continued their steady return.
Las Vegas hosted approximately 307,000 convention attendees, roughly double that of last year, with tradeshows including Las Vegas Market at the World Market Center, Cosmoprof at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) and the American Culinary Federation at Caesars Forum. With 14 million square feet of meeting and event space in the destination, the meeting and convention sector historically represents $11 billion in economic impact to the region and several significant tradeshows slated for the coming months demonstrate its continued recovery.
A hula show at the Westin Maui on Ka’anapali Beach. JIM BYERS PHOTO
HAWAI’I FALL FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Some of Hawaiʻi’s most beloved events and festivals will be taking place across the State over the coming months. There are no shortages of world-class events and festivals, great activities and one-of-a-kind experiences that are sure to appeal to all visitors. There are also plenty of opportunities to mālama Hawaiʻi, allowing travellers the chance to protect the Islands for residents and visitors alike, and return home with incredible memories.
MĀLAMA HAWAI‘I
Hawaiʻi Forest & Trail (Island of Hawai‘i) recently announced the launch of Maunakea Summit and Stars Giveback Experience. Guests participating in the company’s newest voluntourism opportunity will learn about the west side of the island’s critical Waikoloa Dry Forest habitat on an interpretive walk, collecting native seeds to be used for future plantings restoring native dominant forests. The experience ends with a sunset dinner at the summit of Maunakea volcano and private telescope stargazing led by interpretive guides. www.hawaii-forest.com
Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach (O‘ahu) has committed to preserving and rebuilding the ecosystem of its surrounding neighbourhood through their Mālama Hawaiʻi package. The property recently partnered with the Genki Ala Wai Project, a nonprofit organization deploying tennis ball sized mud “genki balls” into Waikīkī’s Ala Wai Canal to assist in removing sludge, debris and other pollutants. Each night’s stay at the property on the Mālama Hawaiʻi package contributes $10 to the Genki Ala Wai Project. Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach is also matching the package’s guest’s donation with a $10 donation of their own. www.ritzcarlton.com.
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Aloha Festivals (O‘ahu) – September 10-24, 2022
Preserving the unique traditions of the Islands’ Hawaiian culture, the Aloha Festivals is a showcase of Hawaiian music, dance, history and the culture’s contributions to Hawai‘i. Events are scheduled throughout September and the schedule includes a floral parade, pageantry, and ho‘olauleʻa (festival) in Waikīkī, hula performances, and family-friendly activities. For more information, visit AlohaFestivals.com.
Kaua‘i Chocolate & Coffee Festival (Kaua‘i) – October 14-15, 2022
This annual culinary festival, held in the historic westside town, Hanapēpē, celebrates Kaua‘i -grown chocolate and coffee, with plenty of chances for sampling. In addition, festival attendees will find educational displays, a silent auction, children’s activities, workshops, live entertainment and exhibitor booths featuring a variety of chocolate and coffee products. For more information, visit KauaiChocolateandCoffeeFestival.com.
Honolulu Pride Parade and Festival (Oʻahu) – October 15, 2022
Hawai‘i’s largest LGBTQ community event is a daylong celebration highlighted by the Honolulu Pride Parade – winding through Waikīkī from Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park to Kapi‘olani Park – and the Honolulu Pride Festival, which features live music, inspirational speeches and fun activities. For more information, visit HawaiiLGBTLegacyFoundation.com.
Po‘ipū Food and Wine Festival (Kaua‘i) – October 19-22, 2022
All are welcome and encouraged to celebrate the fifth-annual edition of this Kaua‘i culinary festival, spotlighting Kaua‘i-procured ingredients and island chefs. The Po‘ipū Night Market is a block party featuring small-plate dishes and wine pairings alongside food demonstrations. Guests have the option to attend one, two or all three days. For more information, visit PoipuFoodandWineFestival.com.
Hawai‘i Food and Wine Festival (Island of Hawai‘i, O‘ahu, Maui) – October 20-November 6, 2022
This annual festival features a roster of renowned Hawaiian and international chefs, culinary personalities, and wine and spirit producers. Taking place on all three islands, the Hawai‘i Food and Wine Festival showcases the extraordinary diversity of multicultural cuisine and excellent locally grown-and-raised ingredients found in Hawaiʻi. Dishes presented at each festival event highlight the state’s bounty of local produce, seafood and meats. For more information, visit HawaiiFoodandWineFestival.com. (I attended this festival a few years ago and had a GREAT time.)
Annual Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (Statewide) – November 3-27, 2022
The 42nd annual Hawaiʻi International Film Festival, presented by Halekulani hotel, will again share a slate of world-class international films alongside industry events, across the State. In-theater screenings on O‘ahu happen
November 3-13 and on Island of Hawai‘i, Maui and Kaua‘i from November 17-20. For more information, visit HIFF.org.
Cycling in the country. Martin Magnemyr/Unsplash Photo
FARM FRESH CYCLING TOUR IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO – SEPT. 17 and 18
Whether you’re new to cycling or have been putting the pedal to the metal for many years, the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail’s Farm Fresh Cycling Tour allows cyclists to enjoy a taste of Ontario this Fall. On September 17th and 18th, cyclists will wind their way through the Highland Hustle – a popular signed cycling loop throughout Durham and Northumberland counties – as they savour the flavours of local artisans along the way.
During the two-day event, cyclists will enjoy breathtaking views of the Fall colours along the Oak Ridges Moraine while enjoying specially curated experiences at local merchants and family-run businesses. After delicious stops that include apple cider and wood-fired pizza tasting at one of the area’s oldest operating gist mill or a sampling of goat milk ice cream, the tour concludes each day with a complimentary lunch at a craft brewery.
Developed through the efforts of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust and Greenbelt Foundation, the Farm Fresh Cycling Tour was created as a way to introduce cyclists to the 1,200 km Great Lakes to Greenbelt signed cycling network. The Highland Hustle is part of a series of 10 signed loops that extend from Niagara to Northumberland and from the Greenbelt to Lake Ontario.
Riders can choose to either complete the 60km Highland Hustle Heart route on Day 1, or the 75km Highland Hustle East loop on Day 2. For the full experience, riders can also opt to complete both routes over the course of the two days.
“We designed the Farm Fresh Cycling Tour as a way for people to enjoy the rugged beauty of the region, while supporting local businesses along the way,’ says Marlaine Koehler, Executive Director of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust. “Cycling tourism has really grown in popularity over the past few years and this is another way the Waterfront Regeneration Trust with support from the Greenbelt Foundation and CAA is helping to connect cyclists to the community in which they ride,” she says.
Space is limited to 100 riders per day. For more information and to register, visit https://waterfronttrail.org/trip-ideas/farm-fresh-tours/.
