Time is Now for Small Travel Businesses to Get On-line

January 29, 2008
	In an effort to prepare for the Olympics, travel suppliers are encouraged to adapt new technology. As the Olympics draw near Stephen Joyce, President of the North American Chapter of the International Federation for IT, Travel & Tourism (IFITT), is encouraging all travel suppliers to start the process of finding technology solutions that will make their products and services available on the Internet, to visitors from around the world. At the IFITT Enter 2008 Conference held in Innsbruck, Austria, over 250 tourism technology experts and researchers discussed the impact of technology on tourism and trends in on-line travel. "What we are seeing now is that consumers are becoming more and more sophisticated in their use of the Internet. Based on current research, the majority of travelers coming to Vancouver for the Olympics will be making their bookings on-line. Travel suppliers who don't provide products on-line will not benefit from this shift." says Mr. Joyce. "In addition, travelers will be making their purchasing decisions over the next year and a half. If travel suppliers want to be part of the on-line booking trend, they will need to make the leap this year." Local tourism organizations like Tourism Vancouver, Tourism BC, and others will all be working hard over the next sixteen months to showcase the lower mainland and the province as an exciting destination. Small travel suppliers represent the largest and most diverse sector of tourism in BC. Estimates indicate that there are around 1800 small tourism companies in the province with close to 80% of them having little to no Internet presence. Mr. Joyce added "We have such a great opportunity to take advantage of the marketing that organizations like the Canadian Tourism Commission, Tourism BC, Tourism Vancouver, and others are doing right now. There are a number of powerfully simple technology solutions available to travel suppliers, many of which are developed right here in B.C." The biggest hurdle for many suppliers is not the technology but rather their business processes. Researchers from Finland, Norway, and Spain identified that small travel suppliers often have a hard time structuring their product offerings in a way that makes them easy to purchase on-line. Before a travel product can be purchased on-line it must be organized in a simple straightforward manner. Mr. Joyce and IFITT are hoping to work with local tourism organizations to educate travel suppliers on new technologies and business practices and to encourage the use of technology in order to promote and sell B.C. travel products to a Global market that is already turning its eyes towards Canada. www.ifitt.org
	Author: Stephen Joyce Organization: International Federation for IT & Tourism and Travel

What does Success Look Like For BC Tourism?

January 25, 2008
	Confirmed speakers Peter Yesawich, John Furlong (CEO VANOC), Tamara Vrooman, (CEO VANCITY), Jim Faccette (CEO Canadian Airports Council) award winning journalists Heather Hanson and Kim Lisagor, and Dr. Roberta Bondar are examples of the exceptional presenters lined up for this year's BC Tourism Industry Conference, Feb 20-22, 2008 at the Sheraton Wall Centre in Vancouver, BC. Truly the number one tourism industry networking event of the year, tourism key influencers will converge in Vancouver for this annual conference where decisions are made, relationships are built and in depth, insider knowledge is shared. "We are seeing that markets are down, border crossings are delayed and finding skilled labour is an issue. Yet, many operators are telling us they are experiencing record results. It is a volatile time in our industry, with incredible opportunities on our horizon," says Council of Tourism Associations BC President & CEO, Stephen Regan. "We have worked hard at bringing the best minds to Vancouver, including students from across the province who are interested in working in the industry. This conference has built a reputation for being one of the best investments of the year for tourism operators and owners and we have worked hard to ensure the program this year continues to deliver." Keynotes include an update on 2010 and the resulting human legacies that will continue to propel B.C. forward as a top tourism destination, and a review of emerging lifestyles and travel trends and the implications for marketing B.C. to the world, by perennial favourite Peter Yesawich. Concurrent sessions will cover recruitment and retention of valuable employees including reaching into foreign markets for skilled labour, how B.C. can lead in sustainable tourism, an update on the opportunities in aboriginal, sport, heritage and arts tourism, and the latest award winners will be announced at the eighth annual B.C. Tourism Awards. www.bctourismindustryconference.ca
	Author: Deirdre Campbell

Tourism Saskatchewan Launches Website Re-Design

January 22, 2008
	Tourism Saskatchewan launched its redesigned consumer website on January 10, 2008. After nearly a year of planning, research and dedication by Tourism Saskatchewan's Marketing Department and IT team, there was great anticipation and celebration as the new and improved www.sasktourism.com was revealed. Visitors to the site will be immediately struck by breathtaking photography, vivid colour, cutting-edge design elements and enriching content that better addresses current trends in online travel planning. Introductory pages are available in six additional languages: French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Korean. Traditional features have been enhanced, with Live Chat, email and search options more clearly identified and easily accessible. A convenient new feature is the mapping tool that boosts search categories and identifies specific attractions, services and accommodations within a community. Feedback from visitors to the site has been extremely positive, with customers most impressed by the ease of navigation and the striking imagery. The site portrays the beauty of Saskatchewan and entices travellers to find out more about activities and attractions in the province. The site's focus on design and imagery is obvious. Less obvious, but just as important, is the increased focus on search engine optimization. More relevant content and thoughtful technical application will ensure that this site's rankings will improve in search engines such as Google, MSN and Yahoo. Within 72 hours of launching the site, significant improvements were noted for key topics within Google search rankings. Tourism Saskatchewan members will benefit from increased traffic on their sites generated by product listings and links embedded within site content. An improved banner ad system includes new opportunities for text-based advertisements, as well as traditional image based advertisements on many pages throughout the site. "This new design will boost our province's performance in the fiercely competitive world of tourism marketing," says Candace Phelps, Vice-President and Director of Marketing. "As website work and upgrades continue, www.sasktourism.com will evolve and become a more valuable service to Tourism Saskatchewan members, to the industry and, most importantly, to travellers planning a Saskatchewan vacation." "Tourism Saskatchewan's marketing and IT teams, along with contract partners, have poured their heart and soul into this project," comments Grant McDonald, Manager of Information Technology. "From the intuitive layout, beautiful design, and content development through to the technical implementation, the effort has been outstanding."
	Author: Susan Parkin Organization: Tourism Saskatchewan E-mail: susan.parkin@sasktourism.com

Calgary Stampede announces key development partnership

Calgary – The Calgary Stampede today announced it has struck an exclusive agreement with Alberta Development Partners to explore the development of a main street retail zone at Stampede Park. Alberta Development Partners is a Colorado-based real estate firm specializing in the development of large-scale, mixed-use retail projects.

“The development of a main street retail area is a key piece of our vision of transforming Stampede Park into a year-round destination for Calgarians and visitors,” says Doug Armitage, vice-president of business development, Calgary Stampede. “We are excited to explore the possibilities for this project with Alberta Development Partners, which has an impressive track record for these types of projects.”
The main street concept is envisioned to be a vibrant and attractive retail area that welcomes local and international visitors throughout the year with markets, shops, restaurants and other amenities. Stampede main street will be located between 12^th Avenue and 14^th Avenue S.E. along Olympic Way S.E.

“Our team is honored to have been selected by the Calgary Stampede to be part of this process in exploring the development of a retail area at Stampede Park,” said Don Provost, principal, Alberta Development Partners. “We look forward to partnering with the Stampede to create a destination that Calgarians and visitors from around the world will enjoy for years to come.”

Alberta Development Partners, along with Rencor Developments Inc, Calgary, Alta. and Thomas Consultants, Vancouver, BC, are leading the development team, which also includes Communication Arts, Boulder, Colo. and Cohos Evamy, Calgary, Alta.

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The Calgary Stampede is a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes western heritage and values. The Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through its world-renowned 10-day Calgary Stampede, year-round facilities, products and services, and agricultural programs that foster understanding of the agricultural industry. All revenue generated is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.

Alberta Development Partners, LLC is engaged in the acquisition, development and investment of retail, mixed-use and residential real estate opportunities located throughout the western United States. In total, Alberta and its principals have completed in excess of 220 projects with combined value of more that $1.5 billion. In combination with the projects currently underway, Alberta has developed in excess of twelve million square feet of retail, office and residential space.

Trends 2008, from the American Hotel & Lodging prez

American Hotel & Lodging president Joe McInerney, for a USA TODAY article on travel trends 2008, due to run Friday.

He had lots of hotel scoop, and here are some highlights:

1. "Probably the No. 1 (trend) is the greening of the hotel industry. If you would have talked about this a year ago, they would have looked at you as if you had two heads. Every hotel company now has an environmental specialist, and we're working with all of them to develop a certification program ... with someone doing an inspection, not just trusting (self-reported eco programs). They've got to have proof they're doing it. We're working with AAA, so it could affect their (hotel) ratings."

2. The average daily hotel rate in 2008 broke the $100 barrier for the first time ever, he says. "If we have a recession, I don't think rates will go down dramatically. We'll be OK in a recession. We have just 5% more rooms than we had at 9/11. The supply hasn't caught up with the demand. .. I don't think you're going to see discounting."

3. "We've been through the bed and pillow wars,so it will be interesting to see where we go. Everybody's changing armoires to dressers and putting in the flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations. I see more research into what the consumer wants in the last five years than in the past 40 years. The technology is what the 20- and 30-year-old group is looking for." As for Joe, "All I want is a radio where you know where the button is to turn it on and off."

As for you, readers, what are your thoughts about hotels going "green" and eco-conscious? Do you look for a hotel that is ecologically friendly? And on a more mundane level, do you prefer TVs in armoires or out?

Enhanced driver's license will ease travel to Canada

January 16, 2008
	If other American states follow suit, a new initiative in the State of Washington could bode well for rubber-tire and cruise-ship travel to Canadian destinations. According to Joseph Turner in the Tacoma News Tribune, Washington will start issuing its "super" driver's license in January, mostly to ease travel across the Canadian border while complying with the federal government's need to know who is coming into the United States. The super license will be an accepted form of identification - all by itself - for Washington residents returning from Canada by land or sea. The new license, with its enhanced features, will cost $40 ($15 more than the fee for a standard driver's license) and it's good for five years. That's cheaper than a passport, but Americans returning to Washington by airplane from any country, including Canada, will still need a US passport to satisfy federal Homeland Security workers at airports; the passport requirement for air travel from outside the US is already in effect. After Jan. 31, people coming back into Washington from Canada who don't have a passport or an enhanced license will need a standard license plus a birth certificate.
	Author: TOURISM staff Organization: Canadian Tourism Commission

Content-rich media trumps traveller reviews

January 11, 2008
	TravelDailyNews.com reports that when it comes to making travel purchasing decisions, most American travellers would rather see the options for themselves than simply act on the recommendations of others. In fact, travellers want to view the options in detail via pictures, online maps and video. "For travel shoppers, seeing really is believing. The fact that travellers find these visual tools to be so influential suggests that online rich media, including content-rich, three-dimensional maps, will be an increasingly important part of the travel-planning process," said Cathy Schetzina, director, research at PhoCusWright. "Traveller review sites that incorporate these visual elements are likely to be more appealing." The growth of Web 2.0 technologies has garnered a great deal of attention in the past several years and has been accompanied by a parallel phenomenon in travel - Travel 2.0, as PhoCusWright calls it. The Travel 2.0 Consumer Technology Survey assesses a range of technologies, including social networks, rich media, blogs, RSS, podcasting, mobile technology, tagging and online maps. The survey's analysis identifies technology adoption rates, overall trends associated with various demographic factors, and patterns of influence during the travel shopping and buying process. Also among its findings: * More Americans have used Web 2.0 technologies overall than have used them in the process of shopping for travel. * Most travellers visit between two and five websites when shopping for travel online, and comparing prices is by far the most common reason for visiting multiple sites. At the same time, travellers who visit the most sites are likely to be motivated by a desire to read traveller reviews, research destinations, and purchase tickets to events or attractions. * Nearly everyone is familiar with online maps, but RSS and tagging go largely unnoticed. Fifty-nine percent of Americans are unfamiliar with RSS and 55% are unfamiliar with tagging. * Half of people who read blogs read travel blogs. The PhoCusWright Travel 2.0 Consumer Technology Survey is one highlight of PhoCusWright's Research Subscription: Technology Edition. The Technology Edition is a syndicated information service focused on technology for the travel business.
	Author: TOURISM staff Organization: Canadian Tourism Commission

WHISTLER BIKE GUIDE LAUNCHES 2008 ADVENTURES

	January 9, 2008
	A reliable information resource to the area's extensive trail network since 1990, Whistler Bike Guide has partnered with a travel industry veteran to provide a comprehensive selection of guided mountain bike tours. 2008 tours serve up the best West Coast riding featuring both cross-country and free-ride trails in Whistler, Squamish, Pemberton, Sunshine Coast and the Southern Chilcotin. A variety of guided day tours will be offered for guests staying in the resort of Whistler. Half day and full day guided trips will offer something for the beginner to advanced rider. An early bird tour designed for corporate guests interested in a morning workout before they start their day will run daily. Multi-day trips will include a 3 and 6 night package in Whistler with a variety of accommodation options from a uniquely Canadian experience in log cabins to five star luxury at the Four Seasons Resort. Multi-day trips that feature Whistler, also include stays and riding in Squamish, Pemberton and the Sunshine Coast. Women only and family adventures are offered as are private trips and customized groups. A mix of health & wellness, culture and activities are combined to offer a full program. Multi-day tours include a visit to the Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural center opening in Whistler in June 2008 as well as other activities such as zip-line and rafting. Women only tours feature spa services to compliment the riding. A unique feature of the tours is the inclusion of a high performance mountain bike rental. "Much like the ski market, it doesn't make sense for people to bring their equipment, particularly if they're a casual rider, as there is a fantastic selection of new 2008 high performance bikes to choose from through our partners in the area. Besides avoiding the cost and hassle of shipping your bike, we provide an opportunity to demo the latest cross-country bikes with the option to purchase through our ride & buy program with local bike shops." says Grant Lamont of Whistler Bike Guide. "Of course if you are really attached to your own bike you are welcome to bring it along." Although a support vehicle is available on multi-day trips, Whistler Bike Guide is committed to low impact travel and offers NO shuttle assisted climbs. Trips are geared to people looking for a health and wellness vacation that has a low impact on the environment. Also, explains Whistler Bike Guide partner, Chris Ford, the focus is on cross-country riding, not downhill: "We are catering to families and individuals that love the physical elements of mountain bike riding but do not wish to venture to the more extreme end of the sport. Our guides are mature, long time locals and our motto is: keep your wheels on the ground". Tours will operate May to October 2008 and Whistler Bike Guide is keen to work with industry partners. www.wbgadventures.com
	Author: Chris Ford Organization: Whistler Bike Guide E-mail: chris@whistlerbikeguide.com

October 2007 Tourism Snapshot now available

	January 9, 2008
	Despite the weakened American dollar, 940,680 Americans travelled to Canada in the month of October 2007 (+1.8% over Oct. 2006). Non-automobile trips increased at a higher rate (+3.2%) than automobile trips (+0.8%). Following a 1.1% growth in September 2007, visits from the Canadian Tourism Commission's key overseas markets fell slightly in October 2007 (-0.5% overnight trips over Oct. 2006). Visits from non-US international markets increased for the fourth consecutive year (+3.1%) to reach 4.0 million in Jan.-Oct. 2007, while visits from the US reached 12.0 million (down 2.9% over the first 10 months of 2006). These and other statistics are available in the October 2007 Tourism Snapshot, available at www.canada.travel/research.
	Author: TOURISM staff Organization: Canadian Tourism Commission

CTC unveils its MC&IT "go to" guy

January 7, 2008
	Canada is a big place and so it makes sense that the little, in-the-know details are what turns an ordinary meeting into an extra-ordinary experience. Need a venue? A list of cool things to do? People to meet and places to eat? Come to Canada. Ask for Steve, Canada's new "go to" guy. Canada's new multi-media campaign geared to the meeting, convention and incentive travel (MC&IT) markets was launched in December with the introduction of Steve. Steve is a persona imagined by the Canadian Tourism Commission US MC&IT sales team in conjunction with creative partner DDB. Appearing on the web and in direct mail campaigns, Steve aims to give clients a personalized sense of convention and incentive travel in Canada. "With Canada being as big and diverse as it is, we wondered, 'how do you put a personality to it?'" said executive director Dan Melesurgo. "Steve is our answer. He's a friendly, approachable kind of guy who shows both wittiness and warmth, brand values that the MC&IT team has really embraced this year." A communications platform resulting from months of both face-to-face and focus group research in early 2007, Steve is already showing great promise. "We've already heard some positive feedback," said Melesurgo, "and we're hoping Steve will continue to break through the clutter and resonate with our clients. Because, really, that's Steve's measure of success." Founded on CTC research and supported by the CTC's MC&IT working committee, Steve will make an increasing number of virtual appearances in 2008, becoming a fully integrated print and web campaign. "We're excited about him," laughed Melesurgo, "and hopefully everybody else will be." To learn more about Steve and see him in action, visit www.meetings.canada.travel.
	Author: TOURISM staff Organization: Canadian Tourism Commission

Rich travellers have more complex itineraries

January 4, 2008
	According to an Associated Press article (Globe and Mail, December, 2007) more family travel and more complicated itineraries are two trends for holiday travel, reported in a survey of 680 American Express travel agents. Eighty-three per cent of agents said their clients are looking for new experiences and destinations, and 59% said customers are booking more complex and customized itineraries than in years past; 56% are booking more upscale vacations than in the past. Travel agents also reported an increase in travel with children, but "...these folks aren't going to grandma's house for hot chocolate. The relative affluence of clients who book with American Express is evident in two trends: 56% of agents say families are increasingly taking nannies along and all 'Platinum Travel' villa specialists said requests for private villas are up this holiday season.
	Author: TOURISM staff Organization: Canadian Tourism Commission

Ice Magic Festival Event gets ready for 2010 Games

January 4, 2008
	The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Banff Lake Louise Tourism team up to transform Lake Louise into a magical wonderland of ice but this time its sights are set much higher. The International Ice Sculpture Competition part of the festival events set against the backdrop of the Victoria Glacier has become a qualifying event for the 2010 Games in Vancouver. Sanctioned by the National Ice Carving Association, renowned international accredited teams are given 15 blocks of ice and 34 hours of carving time over a 2½ day event to create masterpieces. Beginning in 2009, the bar has been set higher as carvers will accumulate points needed to qualify for the International Ice Competition in Whistler, BC, in 2010. The Lake Louise competition is the only qualifying event in Western Canada. "This recognition is a great step forward for the festival. Ice Magic has been growing exponentially and several new events have been added this year. We look forward to showcasing Lake Louise to the world through this special acknowledgement" says Andrea Thiessen, Director of Events and Special Projects for Banff Lake Louise Tourism. This year's theme "Celebrating Snow Queen, Ice Fairies and The Enchanted Forest" will bring ice carving teams from as far away as Nigeria, as well as the Banff Centre's Canadian composer Patrick Cardy's adapted score of The Snow Queen for string quartet. Also new this year is Baker Creek Chalet's Ice Playground, Samson Mall's Little Chippers Children's Carving and Lake Louise Inn's One Hour, One Carver, One Block. Watch in on the Canmore Eagles Hockey Game at the Recreation Centre or a dog-sledding demonstration, as the entire community of Lake Louise celebrates the Ice Magic Festival weekend. www.banfflakelouise.com/icemagic
	Author: Annik LaRoche Organization: Banff Lake Louise Tourism