This is encouraging. The Canadian government today issued a new tourism strategy that talks about new ways of getting more tourists out of the big cities and into other great areas of this wonderful country of ours. They also want to boost numbers in slower seasons, when hotels, attractions and restaurants could surely use the boost. I want to see how the funding develops, but the mere fact a federal Cabinet minister is actually talking about new funding for tourism is great news, as that’s seldom been the case in this country in my experience. Canada’s tourism numbers grew 1.2% Read more

Nice to see a new campaign from The Islands of Tahiti. We all think we know about Tahiti. And, to some extent, most of us do. Pretty much anyone who enjoys travel has seen those exquisite shots of those famous, thatched-roof overwater bungalows stretching out into an Instagram-blue lagoon. You can find those on several islands in the group, for sure. And, I’m not going to lie, they’re amazing. And romantic as all get out (although I was on a trip by myself). But what I remember even more about my visit were the warm and wonderful people I met Read more

TORONTO – There are plenty of hotels in Toronto with spiffy rooms. And there are lots with smiling front-desk folks. And a number with great food either at the restaurant or immediately adjacent. I could name a half-dozen city hotels that have those qualities in spades. But there aren’t many where the mere act of walking in the door gives you a lift and makes you think, “Okay, I’ve arrived. This is something special. This is something cool.” That’s the feeling I get when I walk into the Shangri-La Hotel Toronto, which features a large, airy lobby and a glittery Read more

Air Canada is steadily making changes to its Aeroplan program as it moves closer to announcing its own, new rewards plan for frequent travellers. In an announcement sent out this week, Air Canada, which agreed to purchase Aeroplan from parent company Aimia last year, said it has made a number of adjustments. Here’s a look at what they’ve been up to. Go where you want – for fewer Miles Air Canada said it has introduced exclusive Market Fare Flight Reward promotions to our most popular destinations. For example, Florida, certain destinations in the Southwest U.S., and Hawaii are all on Read more

One of Toronto’s top restaurants has some fresh, new faces on hand. Four Seasons Hotel Toronto has announced Nicholas Trosien as the new Chef de Cuisine of Café Boulud and d|bar by Chef Daniel Boulud. Since his appointment, Trosien has been working in collaboration with Chef Daniel Boulud and his culinary team to refresh the restaurant’s classic menu for spring. The new menu is available until June 21 from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 5:30 to 10 p.m. for dinner service. Trosien brings a creative touch, Four Seasons-style management and leadership chops, and culinary worldliness nurtured through assignments Read more

NEWPORT BEACH – Stylish rooms. A killer swimming pool. And one of the most creative and tasty hotel restaurants around. The Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach is a wonderful spot with tons of great features and a very nice location that makes it easy to explore the region. Located on a hill just a couple kilometers from the harbour, the hotel is across the road from the Fashion Island shopping centre, which features a mix of mainstream and luxury shops and is replete with towering palm trees and splashy fountains. Our room in March was terrific; spacious and beautifully decorated Read more