Two hotels in B.C. have been named best in Canada by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. Fairmont Empress in Victoria has been ranked the number one city hotel in Canada and Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler is recognized as the number one resort in Canada. Each year, Travel + Leisure readers cast their votes to define the very best in travel and hospitality. The awards recognize the top hotels, resorts, destinations, and travel experiences worldwide, as voted…
WestJet announced it is adding five new routes from YYC International in its winter 2025/26 schedule. The new destinations include Guadalajara, Mex.; Panama City, Panama; Tepic (Riviera Nayarit), Mex.; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and Cozumel, Mex. These new additions expands WestJet’s Calgary network to 98 non-stop destinations. The winter schedule also features enhanced domestic connectivity, expanded daily year-round service to Tokyo and extended year-round service to WestJet’s recently inaugurated destination, Mexico City. “With these strategic additions, we’re increasing our sun…
A new study shows more than half of leisure travellers from the United Kingdom (U.K.), Germany and France are considering a trip to Ontario in the next two years, with Canada seen as culturally and experientially distinct from the United States (U.S.). The Europe Pulse Study was conducted by Context Research Group (CRG) on behalf of Destination Ontario and Destination Toronto. This marks Destination Ontario’s first research project that examines new travel segments, including outdoor explorers and city trippers. The research explores how global events are shaping traveller perceptions, how Canada is…
Truman and Marriott International announced plans to open three hotels in Calgary, including W Calgary, JW Marriott Calgary and an Autograph Collection Hotel on Stampede Park. These brands are poised to transform the hospitality landscape in Calgary and will debut as part of a dynamic mixed-use development ideally situated within the city’s rapidly evolving Culture + Entertainment District. The development of the Autograph Collection, W Calgary, and JW Marriott Calgary, expected to open in 2028, 2029, and 2030 respectively, will be led…
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced that a Park Hyatt hotel is slated to open in the heart of downtown Vancouver next year. The hotel, formerly Shangri-La Vancouver, is now operating as Hyatt Vancouver Downtown Alberni until a multi-million-dollar redesign enhances and elevates the hotel’s guestrooms, residential style lobby, public spaces and spa, and the hotel joins the Park Hyatt brand. Hyatt Vancouver Downtown Alberni is located at 1128 West Georgia Street. Following its rebranding to Park Hyatt, it will…
Oak View Group (OVG) and TD Bank Group announced a multi-year naming rights sponsorship to name Hamilton’s premier sports and entertainment venue, TD Coliseum. Scheduled to open in late 2025, TD Coliseum is set to become the new centerpiece for concerts, sporting events, family entertainment, trade shows, and community events in the Golden Horseshoe. “This sponsorship goes far beyond naming rights — it reflects a shared commitment to delivering world-class experiences and making a lasting impact where it matters…
Air Transat launched a brand new, exclusive non-stop service between Toronto and Berlin in June. The inaugural flight departed from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and landed in Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), marking the beginning of a highly anticipated route that operates twice weekly through October. “As the sole airline offering non-stop service from Canada to the German capital, we are excited to provide travellers with a direct and enriching way to experience one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.”…
Element Calgary Downtown has officially opens its doors, marking the completion of Calgary’s first-ever office-to-hotel conversion under the city’s downtown development incentive program. Once home to Mount Royal College, local developer PBA Group of Companies partnered with Concord Hospitality to reimagine 170,000 square feet of office space, converting it into 226 modern hotel suites and downtown’s newest dining experience, Bow and Bend Rooftop Bar & Lounge. The hotel conversion is supported by the Downtown Calgary Development Incentive which offers…
Matthew Mackenzie is being welcomed back as general manager of Keltic Lodge at the Highlands and Cape Breton Highlands Links Golf Club. He will oversee daily operations, taking over from Michael Young, who resigned to pursue other opportunities. Mackenzie’s previous role was general manager — hotel brand advisor at Muskoka Bay Resort, Gravenhurst, Ont — where he worked for nearly two years. Mackenzie has returned to the Keltic Lodge after working nearly three years there over 10 years ago. Before that, he worked…
4EVER Strategies has announced a strategic collaboration with global leader Destination Wayfinder to advance destination stewardship outcomes in the Canadian travel-and-tourism sector. 4EVER Strategies is the first organization in Canada to join the Wayfinder Partner Program, a collaborative initiative that empowers consultants, advisors, and industry associations with demonstrated expertise in travel and tourism to deliver impactful solutions to their clients. By utilizing Destination Wayfinder’s destination-management framework, partners are servicing clients in alignment with global best practices set forth by…
