Better summer ahead for Canadian tourism?/Jimmy Buffett hotel/Deal of the Day
Encouraging news out of the U.S. this week, as a survey suggests the optimism of travellers has risen beyond pre-recession levels.
A story by Hugo Martin of the Los Angeles Times says the Travel Sentiment Indes, put together by a company called MMGY Global, "may help predict how much Americans plan to travel for vacation this summer."
The survey, Martin said, asked respondents about their attitude toward travel; looking at prices, affordability and other issues. The February 2013 score jumped to 100.8, passing the previous high of 100 in March, 2007.
Martin wrote that the survey found that factors that influence travel, such as fuel costs, personal debt and the cost of airline tickets, all have declined in February, compared to Feb. 2012.
It remains to be seen if Canada, with our relatively woeful marketing budget these days, can take advantage of Americans who seem willing to spend. But it's encouraging news for Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Vancouver, Banff and the rest of our splendid country.
WASTING AWAY IN ST. THOMAS
Singer Jimmy Buffett is planning a Margaritaville resort on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to USA Today.
The resort will be a timeshare on the site of the former Renaissance Grand Beach Resort on Smith Bay, east of Magens Bay on the northeast corner of the island. I visited St. Thomas last year and had a great time.Buffett and Wyndham Vacation Ownership President and Chief Executive Officer Franz Hanning announced the 262-unit resort, which is due to begin construction in July. First units could be done 18 months later.
Buffett plays the buffoon on stage but has become quite the business tycoon. USA Today reports Buffett now has about two dozen Margaritaville bars, cafes and
restaurants and hotel in Pensacola, Fla., plus one due in Bossier City,
La. And, of course, one in Niagara Falls.
There also are Margaritaville casinos in Vegas and Biloxi, Miss., with more to come.
A Margaritaville casino is due this spring at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, and one just announced that's coming to the River Spirit Casino in Tulsa.
JAUNT.CA DEAL OF THE DAY
Jaunt.ca, a division of Torstar, has a deal on tap for a great holiday in beautiful Jamaica for $1,135, including $390 in taxes.
- BONUS: FREE UPGRADE to a Royal Beachfront Room with 1 king-size or 2 double beds, balcony, and prime beachfront location. Max. occupancy: 3 adults, 2 adults + 2 children
- All-inclusive 7-night stay at the 4-Star Braco Village Hotel & Spa in Rio Bueno, Jamaica
- Includes return airfare from Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal or Quebec
City to Montego Bay and round-trip airport/hotel transfers in Jamaica
- Daily buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- As part of Sunwing's Family Collection, Braco Village has a range of activities for the whole family, including a supervised Kids Club
- Resort won a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for 2012
- Enjoy amazing views from your Royal Beachfront room
Offer Details
- Valid for travel on the following departure dates:
Toronto: April 3, 12, 15, 20 & 24, 2013
Ottawa: April 5, 19 & 26, 2013
Montreal: April 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2013
Quebec City: April 5, 19 & 26, 2013
Other DATES and GATEWAYS available.
Call us at 1-855-687-5925. - Pricing (Rates are per person):
Toronto:
Double: $745 + tax
Single: $945 + tax
Triple: $705 + tax
Child (2-12 yrs): $445 + tax
Tax: $390
Ottawa:
Double: $754 + tax
Single: $954 + tax
Triple: $714 + tax
Child (2-12 yrs): $445 + tax
Tax: $380
Montreal:
Double: $1145 tax included
Single: $1345 tax included
Triple: $1105 tax included
Child (2-12 yrs): $845 tax included
Quebec City:
Double: $1145 tax included
Single: $1345 tax included
Triple: $1105 tax included
Child (2-12 yrs): $845 tax included - Valid passport required for travel from Canada
- This offer is refundable until March 27 at 5PM EST. After this time, this offer is 100% non-refundable.
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