EDMONTON, AB, January 19, 2010 -- There are no shortage of things to do in Edmonton, Alberta this winter season. From scenic outdoor parks to historic attractions, from boutique shopping to fine dining, romantics need not look any further than Edmonton. There is a multitude of ways to show your feelings to someone special and Edmonton has an abundance of choices.
Independent guest-centric single- and multi-property resort operators have freedom in how they run their businesses, but it is not free. While chain properties have franchise support for their operations, marketing, online presence, and staff productivity, independent resorts rely on their management team’s experience and support from their technology partners. When independent operators work with solid tech providers that understand their needs, the result is a resort that is more efficient and profitable than its franchise comp-set.
ave you ever haggled for a hotel? Not just asking for their best rate, but asking them to do better, and then asking for an upgrade? It can be awkward the first couple of times you try it. In North America, prices feel like they're set in stone. But hotels are scrambling to get by these days. The latest numbers from industry analysts Smith Travel Research show average occupancy in Canada is down significantly – about 45 per cent of hotel rooms are empty at any given time, and revenues and rates have fallen too. In this climate, you might be surprised at how willing hoteliers are to make a deal.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario - January 13, 2010 -- The Shaw Festival Box Office is now accepting online, mail and fax orders from the general public for the 2010 season. Commencing January 16, the Box Office of the theatre in Ontario will be open for phone and in-person orders.
Edmonton, the leading city in the production of Canadian festivals jump starts 2010 with the launch of the Winter Light Festival, taking place January 6 through March 13, 2010. The Winter Light Festival is an extraordinary community celebration warming the winter chill with free outdoor light projections, art installations, bonfires and transformative trail walks. Locals and visitors to Edmonton, Alberta can enjoy free hot chocolate throughout all the activities that include concerts and comedy shows as well as displays of brightly lit ice slides and snow sculptures.
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce that it has been chosen by Delta Group to manage the legendary Hotel Georgia in Vancouver, Canada. Now known as Rosewood Hotel Georgia, the property is currently undergoing a full restoration and is scheduled to reopen early 2011.
Edmonton Research Park (ERP) is pleased to showcase Snap Fin Ventures as the third Featured Innovator. The Featured Innovator program highlights ERP tenants making waves in advanced technology fields.
After a sleepy year, the hotel industry in Vancouver and Whistler is about to get a blaring wakeup call. From February 12 to 28, the 2010 Winter Olympics are expected to draw 250,000 spectators, plus top athletes, foreign dignitaries and international media. Hotels in Vancouver are now sold-out for sixteen consecutive nights in a month they’re usually screaming for business.
I recently shared the stage in Las Vegas at the annual Hotel Electronic Distribution Association Conference (HEDNA), with four travel industry marketing and distribution experts as a moderator for a Panel with the topic, "Economy in Transition" and what that means to the hospitality industry. " As we bring 2009 to a close, thankful to have survived one of the toughest economic downturns, we examined the lessons learned and top takeaways as the industry moves forward in 2010.
The Canadian hotel industry posted declines in all three key performance measurements during the week of 29 November-5 December, according to data from STR. In year-over-year measurements, the industry’s occupancy decreased 5.4 percent to end the week at 55.8 percent. Average daily rate dropped 3.5 percent to finish the week at CAD$119.41. Revenue per available room for the week decreased 8.7 percent to finish at CAD$66.61.
Choice Hotels International, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of its first member hotel in Canada for the company's Ascend Collection -- the Inn on the Lake hotel of Fall River, Nova Scotia. Ascend Collection is an elite network of Historic, Unique and Boutique hotels across the United States and the Caribbean.
Sparkling Hill Resort and Wellness Hotel, in the majestic Okanagan Valley in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada announced it is accepting online reservations for its much anticipated grand opening in April 2010. The extraordinary Sparkling Hill Resort is a four-season, 152-room destination with a dramatic mountain setting and access to the world championship Predator Ridge Golf Course as well as to both the Silver Star and Big White ski resorts.
MISSISSAUGA, ON, December 9, 2009 - With the holidays just around the corner it's time to start thinking about holiday travel plans. InnVest REIT Hotels' has a very special "Holiday Rate" at hotels across Canada. Enjoy up to 50% off regular hotel rates at participating Comfort, Quality, Holiday Inn, Staybridge, Travelodge and Radisson hotels in Canada. With 100 hotels to choose from, it's easy to find the perfect hotel for that well-deserved holiday getaway to shop, celebrate with friends and family or simply escape the hustle and bustle of the holiday season!
EDMONTON, AB, December 9, 2009 -- Edmonton residents and folks visiting family and friends this holiday season can take advantage of all the spectacular Edmonton holiday events in Canada's Festival City. Experience the true magic of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, now in its special 10th anniversary run at the Citadel Theatre until December 23. And for something truly memorable, the Alberta Ballet presents Tchaikovsky's The Nutcrackerat the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium December 10-13.
The Canadian hotel industry posted declines in all three key performance measurements during the week of 22-28 November, according to data from STR. In year-over-year measurements, the industry’s occupancy decreased 6.4 percent to end the week at 55.8 percent. Average daily rate dropped 3.0 percent to finish the week at CAD$119.50. Revenue per available room for the week decreased 9.2 percent to finish at CAD$66.66.
Judy Mahoney brings more than 16 years of hospitality industry knowledge to the hotel. Most recently, Mahoney held a senior position with Easton’s Group of Hotels overseeing the sales and marketing efforts of properties in the Greater Toronto Area. She also spent six years as director of sales and marketing at the Renaissance Toronto Hotel Downtown where she successfully helped grow the hotel’s business. Mahoney can be reached at 416.324.5879 or [email protected].
Online Revealed Canada, the premier online marketing conference introduced its Co-chairs and Advisory Board members who have been instrumental in shaping the online marketing conference created by the industry, for the industry. Focusing on hands on, practical online marketing workshops geared toward the ever-changing online market place, registration is open and special accommodation rates are available until January 4, 2010 for conference attendees at the Delta Centre-Ville in Montreal
NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO (PR Web) November 19, 2009 -- Niagara entertainment is at its best during the holiday season. From the Winter Festival of Lights, which runs through January 4, 2010 and offers one of Canada's foremost light displays, to an event calendar full of music concerts, theatre shows and Santa Claus sightings, Niagara Falls is more festive than ever.
November 18, 2009 -- Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario -- The Shaw Festival, a renowned Ontario theatre, closed its 48th season on November 1, and Executive Director Colleen Blake has released the attendance results for the 2009 season. With a turbulent 2008 winter, The Shaw Festival began rehearsals in March at 20% behind the year-to-date sales target. However as soon as performances began, sales jumped back, dramatically narrowing the gap. Attendance reached 253,000 or 63.5% of capacity for 800 performances (2008 attendance was 70% of capacity). Box office revenues reached $13.7 million.
The Canadian hotel industry posted declines in all three key performance measurements during the week of 1-7 November, according to data from STR. In year-over-year measurements, the industry’s occupancy decreased 9.6 percent to end the week at 59.1 percent. Average daily rate dropped 3.7 percent to finish the week at CAD$122.13. Revenue per available room for the week decreased 13.0 percent to finish at CAD$72.21.