Nudist motel in Florida ... New "Signature Experiences" for Canada travel ...

Gotta love Florida. It's okay to carry a concealed weapon but the idea of a nudist motel has people up in arms. Or something like that.

It seems that Paul Hodge, who owns the Fawlty Towers (yes, really) motel in Cocoa Beach, intends to buck the recession that has hit his family-run business by turning the place into a haven for nudists. He says he'll ban cameras and has already put up screening to keep out the peeping Tom types, and also says he'll ban any talk of swinging or other naughty activities. But the motel is only a few doors down from a local park and some folks in the area don't like the idea of naked butts and other bits so close to a family location.

The website for the resort describes the property as "Tropical, Tranquil and Totally Affordable."  Guess they'll have to add "and Totally Naked" at some point.

NEW GREAT EXPERIENCES IN CANADA

The Canadian Tourism Commission has announced 48 new tourism experiences have joined their "Signature Experiences Collection," a "collection of remarkable experiences available from coast-to-coast-to-coast throughout Canada.

Among the newcomers are building sandcastles at the Athabasca Sand Dunes in Saskatchewan and touring the historic fort of Louisbourg in Nova Scotia. There are a slew of new Signatures Experiences in Ontario, including The Great Spirit Circle Trail on Manitoulin Island, A wilderness mushroom expedition on Long Pont, a tour of the 1000 Islands, Winterlude in Ottawa, A wolf calling trip in Algonquin Park, a culinary and wine tour in Prince Edward County and more.

The Signature Experiences program, launched in July of 2011, now has 163 experiences from every region of the country.

“Signature Experiences Collection® members include the best attractions that Canada has to offer and help show the world why our country is such an authentic and engaging place to visit,” said Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism). “This initiative is a key part of Canada’s Federal Tourism Strategy, which is based on a collaborative approach between industry and other levels of government to secure Canada’s competitive position in the global tourism market.”

“Each Signature Experience is a unique invitation for visitors to connect with Canada’s people, geography and culture,” said Michele McKenzie, CTC President & CEO. “Not only does the SEC provide a great way to showcase Canada’s amazing and memorable tourism experiences, it also inspires other businesses to up their game for more international appeal.”

COSTA CRUISE FAMILY DEAL

USA Today reports that Costa Cruises is hoping to rebuild its business in North America this summer with a new promotion aimed at families.The "Kids Sail Free" offer, available through Nov. 24, lets children ages 17 and under sail at no charge other than government taxes and fees when staying in a cabin with two paying adults.

Costa bookings took a huge hit earlier this year when the Costa Concordia ran aground on a small Italian island, killing more than two dozen people. Business has been picking up but they obviously feel the need to put some great deals out there, and this looks like an awfully good one.