seat and Taking charge. Circa 1964. Too funny!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
My first Fototrip!
seat and Taking charge. Circa 1964. Too funny!
Travel gurus predict trends for 2010 - USATODAY.com
Thought you might be interested in the following story we found today
at USATODAY.com:
at USATODAY.com:
Travel gurus predict trends for 2010
http://usat.me/?37144004
To view the story, click the link or paste it into your browser.
Sent from my iPhone
Parties, Fun, Celebration and lots of bubbly in Victoria to ring in 2010
If you're looking for something to do in the capital city for New Years, which is just hours away, here's what we could find from our sources. Park the car and get a ride into the centre of action.1 New Years Eve Extravaganza Club Crawl 2010 ELEMENT - Victoria
2 ALL AGES New Years Eve Party
3 A Black & White NYE 2010 ELEMENT - Victoria
4 New Years Eve 2010 @ Save on Foods Memorial Centre Save on Foods Memorial Centre - Victoria
5 New Years Eve 2010 @ The Royal Theatre - Victoria
6 New Years Eve 2010 @ CANOE Brewpub, Marina & Restaurant CANOE Brewpub - Victoria
7 New Years Eve 2010 @ Centennial Square - Victoria
8 New Years Eve 2010 @ Victoria Event Centre - Victoria
9 New Years Eve 2010 @ EVOLUTION the club - Victoria
10 New Years Eve 2010 @ S.S. Beaver
Of course this is just a partial list of the parties everyone is talking about. I am not much for hitting the town and spending a bunch of cash, so I can't really tell you which locations are better than others for swilling a few beers and martini's. If you are a regular visitor to our site, I would strongly suggest the establishments I have written about over the past year. Carriage House, Swans and the Penny Farthing would all be my pick for a good old fashioned New Years Eve Pub Style. But then again, that's just my taste.
What ever you plan on doing, have a safe and happy holiay season. Or what's left of it.
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
Happy New Year! Thanks for a great 2009. Cheers to 2010.
We at WSG Travel want to thank you for all of your support over the past year, and look forward to being a part of your travels and information source in 2010. While we are still young and very new to blogging, we are learning from each and everyone of you almost daily. A toast to a successful 2010 to your family from ours. Happy New Year!
Travel Images http://www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com//
New laws in British Columbia for Cell Phone use while driving
VICTORIA - B.C. drivers have one more day before they must abide by a new law that brings in a full ban on hand-held cellphones and texting while driving.
On Jan. 1, 2010, police will begin enforcing changes to the Motor Vehicle Act that mean drivers can only use hands-free cellphones and devices that require just one touch to activate. Fines will begin on Feb. 1, when a driver talking on a hand-held phone or electronic device will be subject to a fine of $167. In addition drivers caught texting or emailing will be subject to three penalty points.
To abide by the new law, licensed drivers can use hands-free technology that is activated by a single touch to a button, or when it is safe to do so, pull over to a legal parking place and stop their vehicle before they talk or email.
New drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) face a full ban on all cellphone and electronic devices, including hands-free. A recent report entitled 'Teens and Distracted Driving' by Washington D.C.-based Pew Research found that of those teens 16 to 17 years of age who own a cellphone or text regularly, more than half have talked on a cellphone while driving, and one in three has texted while driving.
Police, fire and ambulance personnel who may need to make calls in the performance of their duties, and motorists who need to call 9-1-1 are exempt from the legislation. The use of two-way radios for commercial or industrial vehicles will be permitted.
To help raise awareness of the new law among drivers, the Province and ICBC have started a public education campaign. As well, the Province is placing highway signs along B.C. roads at major international border crossings and airports to warn motorists not to drive using hand-held devices.
For details on what is permitted and what is prohibited under the legislation, go to: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/osmv/publications/index.htm
Travel Images http://www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com/
On Jan. 1, 2010, police will begin enforcing changes to the Motor Vehicle Act that mean drivers can only use hands-free cellphones and devices that require just one touch to activate. Fines will begin on Feb. 1, when a driver talking on a hand-held phone or electronic device will be subject to a fine of $167. In addition drivers caught texting or emailing will be subject to three penalty points.
To abide by the new law, licensed drivers can use hands-free technology that is activated by a single touch to a button, or when it is safe to do so, pull over to a legal parking place and stop their vehicle before they talk or email.
New drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) face a full ban on all cellphone and electronic devices, including hands-free. A recent report entitled 'Teens and Distracted Driving' by Washington D.C.-based Pew Research found that of those teens 16 to 17 years of age who own a cellphone or text regularly, more than half have talked on a cellphone while driving, and one in three has texted while driving.
Police, fire and ambulance personnel who may need to make calls in the performance of their duties, and motorists who need to call 9-1-1 are exempt from the legislation. The use of two-way radios for commercial or industrial vehicles will be permitted.
To help raise awareness of the new law among drivers, the Province and ICBC have started a public education campaign. As well, the Province is placing highway signs along B.C. roads at major international border crossings and airports to warn motorists not to drive using hand-held devices.
For details on what is permitted and what is prohibited under the legislation, go to: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/osmv/publications/index.htm
Travel Images http://www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com/
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Take a break at Harrison Hot Springs during the Olympics
HARRISON HOT SPRINGS, BC - Cheering fans, exciting events, the world coming together in one place — with all the thrills of the Olympic Games, wouldn’t it be nice at the end of the day to unwind in peace and quiet? Just 90-minutes’ outside the bustling Host city, Harrison Hot Springs lets vacationers and Vancouverites relax and recoup in a resort where its 38 degree C (100 degrees F) mineral hot spring pools have long been revered for their healing properties.
As the Torch nears, heed word from Olympic officials suggesting we all take a break during Games-time, and head to Harrison Hot Springs where there is still space available. Herewith are three Olympic packages happening in Harrison Hot Springs this February 2010, without skipping any Olympic action.
Ski and springs: Harrison’s Beach Hotel offers guests a 2010 Olympic memorabilia gift basket upon booking a two-night package in a lakeside Junior suite. Partnering with Hemlock Ski Resort, the Beach Hotel will provide two adult lift tickets to play out your Olympian dreams on much less-crowded slopes. Just 35 minute’s from Harrison, Hemlock will be open seven days a week during the Games. After a day on the slopes, enjoy dinner for two at Ravens on the Beach Restaurant and two passes to the public mineral hot springs pool. Harrison Beach Hotel’s package is available throughout February 2010.
Games-time getaway: Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa will offer guests a dedicated ‘Games Lounge’ so visitors to the Resort won’t miss a minute of their favourite sporting event during dinner. The Resort’s Olympic package includes two or three nights’ accommodation, a hot buffet breakfast for two each morning at the Lakeside Café and a pub dinner at either Island’s Bar, the Canada Room Games Lounge, or served in-suite by room service. The Olympics package is available February 14-28, 2010.
Olympics escape: Cozy up at the Harrison Heritage House from February 15-28, 2010 with the ‘Escape the Olympics’ package. Each room is equipped with a fireplace and visitors to the Heritage House will also enjoy a gift basket of Rocky Mountain Chocolates, a bottle of Organic Sparking Juice, and two passes to public mineral hot springs pool.
For more information on your 2010 Hideaway to Harrison, visit Tourism Harrison online at www.tourismharrison.com.
Media contact:
Jayne Lloyd-Jones
Spectacular Ink
604.925.8187
jayne@spectacularink.com
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
As the Torch nears, heed word from Olympic officials suggesting we all take a break during Games-time, and head to Harrison Hot Springs where there is still space available. Herewith are three Olympic packages happening in Harrison Hot Springs this February 2010, without skipping any Olympic action.
Ski and springs: Harrison’s Beach Hotel offers guests a 2010 Olympic memorabilia gift basket upon booking a two-night package in a lakeside Junior suite. Partnering with Hemlock Ski Resort, the Beach Hotel will provide two adult lift tickets to play out your Olympian dreams on much less-crowded slopes. Just 35 minute’s from Harrison, Hemlock will be open seven days a week during the Games. After a day on the slopes, enjoy dinner for two at Ravens on the Beach Restaurant and two passes to the public mineral hot springs pool. Harrison Beach Hotel’s package is available throughout February 2010.
Games-time getaway: Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa will offer guests a dedicated ‘Games Lounge’ so visitors to the Resort won’t miss a minute of their favourite sporting event during dinner. The Resort’s Olympic package includes two or three nights’ accommodation, a hot buffet breakfast for two each morning at the Lakeside Café and a pub dinner at either Island’s Bar, the Canada Room Games Lounge, or served in-suite by room service. The Olympics package is available February 14-28, 2010.
Olympics escape: Cozy up at the Harrison Heritage House from February 15-28, 2010 with the ‘Escape the Olympics’ package. Each room is equipped with a fireplace and visitors to the Heritage House will also enjoy a gift basket of Rocky Mountain Chocolates, a bottle of Organic Sparking Juice, and two passes to public mineral hot springs pool.
For more information on your 2010 Hideaway to Harrison, visit Tourism Harrison online at www.tourismharrison.com.
Media contact:
Jayne Lloyd-Jones
Spectacular Ink
604.925.8187
jayne@spectacularink.com
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
It's all systems go for 787 test!
Boeing 787 to fly test flight at 1 p.m. ET
http://usat.me/?11487
http://usat.me/?11487
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Copyright 2009, USATODAY.com
Sent from my iPhone
__________________________________________________________________
The new Internet Explorer® 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! at http://downloads.yahoo.com/ca/internetexplorer/
Hey, where's my luggage?
You can help airlines prevent mishandled bags
http://usat.me/?37034358
http://usat.me/?37034358
To view the story, click the link or paste it into your browser.
Copyright 2009, USATODAY.com
Sent from my iPhone
__________________________________________________________________
Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Oak Bay Beach Hotel offers second bond offering
December 9, Victoria, BC – Construction of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel is underway and hotel owners Kevin and Shawna Walker have initiated a new bond offering release which was launched today following the overwhelming success of the initial offering in March 2009. A second offering, fully subscribed, stands to significantly reduce construction lending on the $52 million project.
“We are following on the footsteps of our initial bond success because we have individuals who would like to invest in the hotel and missed the opportunity in our first offering,” said Kevin Walker of Walker Hospitality, and owner of Oak Bay Beach Hotel. “We have been overwhelmed with the support from the community on this project and it is continuing today.”
Ground was broken last month on what many call one of Victoria’s most anticipated development projects the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. The 100-room hotel with private residences and spa is scheduled to open in 2011 and will be rebuilt on the same oceanfront lot on Beach Drive in Oak Bay where it stood for 80 years.
The bond offering allows individuals to invest a minimum of $150, 000 in an interest bearing first mortgage secured bond at a return rate of seven per cent. The first release was completely subscribed after less than four months and surpassed the original targeted amount by raising more than $30 million. The second offering could reduce, or even eliminate, the hotel’s dependence on traditional financing.
“Despite the challenging economic times we have seen a huge response to the project,” said Walker. “We continue to have calls from people all over North America who want to be part of the hotel development, many of whom had a special connection to the hotel in the past.”
The hotel and spa which includes 20 residences will be built to target LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification and will participate in Canada’s Green Key Eco-Rating Program. The sustainable features include geo-thermal heating and cooling and a waste water treatment system. In addition, more than 95 per cent of the materials from the original hotel were either recycled or will be used in the rebuild, including bricks, windows, beams and furniture. Walker Hospitality is targeting a five-star rating for the hotel, which, when achieved, would make it the only full-service five-star hotel with private residences on Vancouver Island.
“We are excited to be part of this project to rebuild such a special hotel that many of us have great memories of,” said Mark Asser, bond offering participant and future resident. “We look forward to seeing the hotel take shape over the next two years.”
Many of the features from the former Oak Bay Beach Hotel will be recreated in the new building including the Snug Pub and the dinner theatre program, which ran for seven years in the original hotel and helped launch many local artists.
“Recreating the hotel gives us the opportunity to combine the charm from the past with the amenities, sophistication, and upscale interior design available to us today,” said Walker.
For more information about the bond offering, please contact Walker Hospitality at: 250-598-4556.
About the Oak Bay Beach Hotel:
Viewed in the past as the historic icon of Oak Bay, the new Oak Bay Beach Hotel will be completely rebuilt on the same spectacular oceanfront lot, and will reopen as a 100-room hotel with 20 luxury residences in 2011.
Hotel and residential amenities will include a seaside therapeutic mineral pool, a fitness centre, spa, dinner theatre program, and a fine-dining restaurant. And recreated due to popular demand will be the Snug Pub, a local icon all to its own.
The new Oak Bay Beach Hotel will be a prestigious address and is designed to continue to be the showpiece of the neighbourhood. Not only is this Victoria’s first combination full-service luxury hotel and private residence, it is also the only commercial waterfront development in Oak Bay and is targeting LEED Gold certification. As they have for the past 37 years, Walker Hospitality will continue to manage the development and the operations of the new Oak Bay Beach Hotel when it re-opens in 2011.
www.oakbaybeachhotel.com
-30-
Media Contacts:
The Tartan Group
Trisha Lees, 250-592-3838, cell 250-896-3838, or trisha@tartangroup.ca
Christine Gleed, 250-592-3838, cell 250-896-3844, or christine@tartangroup.ca
Travel Images http://www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com/
“We are following on the footsteps of our initial bond success because we have individuals who would like to invest in the hotel and missed the opportunity in our first offering,” said Kevin Walker of Walker Hospitality, and owner of Oak Bay Beach Hotel. “We have been overwhelmed with the support from the community on this project and it is continuing today.”
Ground was broken last month on what many call one of Victoria’s most anticipated development projects the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. The 100-room hotel with private residences and spa is scheduled to open in 2011 and will be rebuilt on the same oceanfront lot on Beach Drive in Oak Bay where it stood for 80 years.
The bond offering allows individuals to invest a minimum of $150, 000 in an interest bearing first mortgage secured bond at a return rate of seven per cent. The first release was completely subscribed after less than four months and surpassed the original targeted amount by raising more than $30 million. The second offering could reduce, or even eliminate, the hotel’s dependence on traditional financing.
“Despite the challenging economic times we have seen a huge response to the project,” said Walker. “We continue to have calls from people all over North America who want to be part of the hotel development, many of whom had a special connection to the hotel in the past.”
The hotel and spa which includes 20 residences will be built to target LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification and will participate in Canada’s Green Key Eco-Rating Program. The sustainable features include geo-thermal heating and cooling and a waste water treatment system. In addition, more than 95 per cent of the materials from the original hotel were either recycled or will be used in the rebuild, including bricks, windows, beams and furniture. Walker Hospitality is targeting a five-star rating for the hotel, which, when achieved, would make it the only full-service five-star hotel with private residences on Vancouver Island.
“We are excited to be part of this project to rebuild such a special hotel that many of us have great memories of,” said Mark Asser, bond offering participant and future resident. “We look forward to seeing the hotel take shape over the next two years.”
Many of the features from the former Oak Bay Beach Hotel will be recreated in the new building including the Snug Pub and the dinner theatre program, which ran for seven years in the original hotel and helped launch many local artists.
“Recreating the hotel gives us the opportunity to combine the charm from the past with the amenities, sophistication, and upscale interior design available to us today,” said Walker.
For more information about the bond offering, please contact Walker Hospitality at: 250-598-4556.
About the Oak Bay Beach Hotel:
Viewed in the past as the historic icon of Oak Bay, the new Oak Bay Beach Hotel will be completely rebuilt on the same spectacular oceanfront lot, and will reopen as a 100-room hotel with 20 luxury residences in 2011.
Hotel and residential amenities will include a seaside therapeutic mineral pool, a fitness centre, spa, dinner theatre program, and a fine-dining restaurant. And recreated due to popular demand will be the Snug Pub, a local icon all to its own.
The new Oak Bay Beach Hotel will be a prestigious address and is designed to continue to be the showpiece of the neighbourhood. Not only is this Victoria’s first combination full-service luxury hotel and private residence, it is also the only commercial waterfront development in Oak Bay and is targeting LEED Gold certification. As they have for the past 37 years, Walker Hospitality will continue to manage the development and the operations of the new Oak Bay Beach Hotel when it re-opens in 2011.
www.oakbaybeachhotel.com
-30-
Media Contacts:
The Tartan Group
Trisha Lees, 250-592-3838, cell 250-896-3838, or trisha@tartangroup.ca
Christine Gleed, 250-592-3838, cell 250-896-3844, or christine@tartangroup.ca
Travel Images http://www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com/
Last minute Christmas Shopping Ideas...
From the Travelzoo Newsdesk:
NATIONWIDE--DECEMBER 10, 2009-- Sporting events, shows and other attractions have launched sales in an effort to spur business, particularly holiday gift purchases. Tickets to more than 200 events have been slashed by up to 80%.
Here are just a few of the deals available:
- $28 & up ... Major League Baseball ticket packages Up to 75% off tickets for more than 16 MLB teams
- $2 ... $25 gift certificate from Restaurant.com at 80% OFF Valid at more than 12,000 restaurants nationwide
- Up to 55% OFF ... Broadway show tickets in New York City Over 25 shows including 'Hair' & 'Chicago The Musical'
- Up to 80% OFF ... Tickets from more than 15 NBA teams Individual game and multi-game packs on sale
- $29 & up ... More than 20 Las Vegas shows at 40%-50% OFF Tickets to Cirque du Soleil, 'Phantom' and more
- Up to 40% OFF ... Tickets & Season Passes to theme parks Parks include Cedar Point, Knott's Berry Farm and more Other sales include ski lift tickets, touring shows & NHL games. Most deals must be booked before Dec. 24.
Click the link below and click on the listing that matches the above offers for more information:
http://www.travelzoo.com/Newsflash.ashx?709290-69019735
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
NATIONWIDE--DECEMBER 10, 2009-- Sporting events, shows and other attractions have launched sales in an effort to spur business, particularly holiday gift purchases. Tickets to more than 200 events have been slashed by up to 80%.
Here are just a few of the deals available:
- $28 & up ... Major League Baseball ticket packages Up to 75% off tickets for more than 16 MLB teams
- $2 ... $25 gift certificate from Restaurant.com at 80% OFF Valid at more than 12,000 restaurants nationwide
- Up to 55% OFF ... Broadway show tickets in New York City Over 25 shows including 'Hair' & 'Chicago The Musical'
- Up to 80% OFF ... Tickets from more than 15 NBA teams Individual game and multi-game packs on sale
- $29 & up ... More than 20 Las Vegas shows at 40%-50% OFF Tickets to Cirque du Soleil, 'Phantom' and more
- Up to 40% OFF ... Tickets & Season Passes to theme parks Parks include Cedar Point, Knott's Berry Farm and more Other sales include ski lift tickets, touring shows & NHL games. Most deals must be booked before Dec. 24.
Click the link below and click on the listing that matches the above offers for more information:
http://www.travelzoo.com/Newsflash.ashx?709290-69019735
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Are you ready for your holiday travels? Prepare yourself and drive safe!
As a professional driver within the tourism industry and having seen more than my share of mishaps on my long hauls through the rugged back country, Pacific Northwest and Canadian Rockies, I fully endorse this article I received this morning from BCAA. It all seems so logical, but it's the small things we often overlook when we hit the road on our travels.
BURNABY, BC, Dec. 9 /CNW/ - It never fails. With the first cold snap of the season, comes plenty of vehicle breakdowns and crashes. BCAA Road Assist has experienced double the normal call volumes since the cold weather streak hit the province, and is asking drivers to prepare for the challenges of driving in cold, icy and snowy conditions.
To avoid falling victim to "old man winter", BCAA urges you to fully prepare your vehicle and learn the essentials of good winter driving -- that is, to stay alert, slow down and stay in control.
BCAA's top ten winter driving and vehicle prep tips include:
1. Give your vehicle a winter check-up. Check fluids, tire tread and inflation, lights, wipers, brakes and check your battery to ensure the power is there when you need it.
2. Install four matching winter tires. Don't mix tires with different tread patterns, internal construction and size, as it diminishes vehicle handling.
3. If you're heading out on a long trip, pack an emergency kit including a shovel, extra windshield washer fluid, sand or kitty litter, fuel-line antifreeze, a thermal blanket, extra clothing and footwear, and a first-aid kit.
4. Learn and practice winter driving techniques before you need them. If you have tire chains, make sure you have practiced installing them before you're standing knee-deep in snow.
5. Plan ahead, check road and weather conditions. If driving is risky, stay home if you can. If not, proceed with caution and keep your radio tuned to a local station for ongoing weather advisories.
6. Remove all snow from your vehicle before each trip, including the hood, roof, bumpers and lights. Also, ensure your windshield and windows are free of frost and ice, and are de-fogged before starting out.
7. Give yourself extra travel time in bad weather, and whenever possible, don't travel alone.
8. Avoid using overdrive and cruise control on slippery roads. If you're driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, don't drive with a false sense of security. The four-wheel drive feature reduces your likelihood of getting stuck, but it won't help you stop any faster.
9. Travel with a fully charged cell phone, but don't talk and drive. Let someone with you make the call, or pull over to a safe spot to place a call.
10. Drive for the conditions, not the speed limit. Take it slow and signal your turns and lane changes well in advance. Increase the distance between you and the car in front of you. Transport Canada recommends leaving a distance of 10 car-lengths when driving at 100 km/h in winter.
More winter driving tips and resources can be found on BCAA's website at www.bcaa.com/winterdriving.
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
BURNABY, BC, Dec. 9 /CNW/ - It never fails. With the first cold snap of the season, comes plenty of vehicle breakdowns and crashes. BCAA Road Assist has experienced double the normal call volumes since the cold weather streak hit the province, and is asking drivers to prepare for the challenges of driving in cold, icy and snowy conditions.
To avoid falling victim to "old man winter", BCAA urges you to fully prepare your vehicle and learn the essentials of good winter driving -- that is, to stay alert, slow down and stay in control.
BCAA's top ten winter driving and vehicle prep tips include:
1. Give your vehicle a winter check-up. Check fluids, tire tread and inflation, lights, wipers, brakes and check your battery to ensure the power is there when you need it.
2. Install four matching winter tires. Don't mix tires with different tread patterns, internal construction and size, as it diminishes vehicle handling.
3. If you're heading out on a long trip, pack an emergency kit including a shovel, extra windshield washer fluid, sand or kitty litter, fuel-line antifreeze, a thermal blanket, extra clothing and footwear, and a first-aid kit.
4. Learn and practice winter driving techniques before you need them. If you have tire chains, make sure you have practiced installing them before you're standing knee-deep in snow.
5. Plan ahead, check road and weather conditions. If driving is risky, stay home if you can. If not, proceed with caution and keep your radio tuned to a local station for ongoing weather advisories.
6. Remove all snow from your vehicle before each trip, including the hood, roof, bumpers and lights. Also, ensure your windshield and windows are free of frost and ice, and are de-fogged before starting out.
7. Give yourself extra travel time in bad weather, and whenever possible, don't travel alone.
8. Avoid using overdrive and cruise control on slippery roads. If you're driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, don't drive with a false sense of security. The four-wheel drive feature reduces your likelihood of getting stuck, but it won't help you stop any faster.
9. Travel with a fully charged cell phone, but don't talk and drive. Let someone with you make the call, or pull over to a safe spot to place a call.
10. Drive for the conditions, not the speed limit. Take it slow and signal your turns and lane changes well in advance. Increase the distance between you and the car in front of you. Transport Canada recommends leaving a distance of 10 car-lengths when driving at 100 km/h in winter.
More winter driving tips and resources can be found on BCAA's website at www.bcaa.com/winterdriving.
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
Air Canada goes WiFi
Wi-Fi flies to Canada
Bert Archer
Los Angeles-Toronto — From Wednesday's Globe and Mail
Tuesday, Dec. 08, 2009 4:53PM EST
A big sticker on the plane read “Wi-Fi Air Canada,” and the flight attendants made an announcement about the plane's new Internet capabilities. But it was only when he noticed his seatmate checking scores that Brian Strauss, 44, took out his laptop and logged on at 35,000 feet.
“The first thing I checked was espn.com to check the headlines,” said the president and chief executive officer of Southern California manufacturer Henry Company, who is also a Notre Dame fan. “I think you'd expect this sort of thing to be hit and miss, but it locked right in.”
The introduction of Wi-Fi service on Canadian flights – on two Air Canada Airbus 319s flying from Toronto and Montreal to L.A., and only over American airspace – signals the end of a year-long delay for Canadian business travellers.
This convenience comes via GoGo, an American company that has been providing Wi-Fi service to U.S. airlines since last year. It will soon be working with an Ottawa-based company called SkySurf, which bid successfully for the rights to air-to-ground frequency in Canadian airspace.
SkySurf head Raed Almasri says the company is listening to feedback from the trial run – who uses Wi-Fi in the air, for what and when – and then will make deals with owners of wireless networks across the country. His goal is nationwide air-to-ground Internet by the end of 2010. For the duration of the trial run, and possibly beyond, should Air Canada choose to extend its arrangement with GoGo, the service will work only in American airspace.
On the L.A. flight, some initial problems connecting were resolved, and from that point on, the service was robust enough to handle streaming video and even online role-playing games. “It works better than [service on] United, I can tell you that,” says Steven Conly, Strauss's seatmate.
Conly, 26, is the North American sales and marketing manager for aerospace company Dynacon. He has been using onboard Wi-Fi for about four months on United and AirTran. On this Air Canada flight, he did a little shopping, read the newspaper online, e-mailed the office and checked the scores.
“I wanted to see if the Nets won. They did,” the Mississauga-based exec said. “Then I checked on the Raptors. They were a disaster.”
But mostly, business travellers on the flight worked. Strauss had never used in-flight Internet and seized the chance to get some end-of-day work done. “Instead of getting into the hotel at 11, 11:30 at night and catching up, I can do it here and be free and clear when I land.”
He planned to use the hour he saved sleeping. During the trial run, which ends on Jan. 29, the service costs $9.95 (U.S.) for the duration of the five-hour flight. “For a business traveller, it's the cost of doing business,” Strauss said. But, he added, “I'd probably raise my eyebrows at anything over $20.”
An American investment banker sitting nearby, who has been using in-flight Wi-Fi for about a year, concurred. “It's about the only [travel] expense the firm doesn't complain about,” he said.
His family likes it too. The first thing he did when he logged on last year for the first time was call his wife on a voice-over-Internet service. When a flight attendant asked him to put his phone away, he explained that it's just like checking e-mail. Although some U.S. airlines have asked GoGo to block voice applications, Air Canada is – at least for the moment – not joining them. Google chat, complete with voice and video, worked fine, with occasional video freeze-ups.
Of the 14 business-class travellers, about half made some use of the system, one checking e-mail, another his investment portfolio. And though everyone interviewed said the Wi-Fi should make them more productive, for the time being most were having a little fun with it.
Probably every e-mail sent that night contained at least a mention of the fact that it was coming from the troposphere.
Special to The Globe and Mail
Travel Images http://www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com/
Bert Archer
Los Angeles-Toronto — From Wednesday's Globe and Mail
Tuesday, Dec. 08, 2009 4:53PM EST
A big sticker on the plane read “Wi-Fi Air Canada,” and the flight attendants made an announcement about the plane's new Internet capabilities. But it was only when he noticed his seatmate checking scores that Brian Strauss, 44, took out his laptop and logged on at 35,000 feet.
“The first thing I checked was espn.com to check the headlines,” said the president and chief executive officer of Southern California manufacturer Henry Company, who is also a Notre Dame fan. “I think you'd expect this sort of thing to be hit and miss, but it locked right in.”
The introduction of Wi-Fi service on Canadian flights – on two Air Canada Airbus 319s flying from Toronto and Montreal to L.A., and only over American airspace – signals the end of a year-long delay for Canadian business travellers.
This convenience comes via GoGo, an American company that has been providing Wi-Fi service to U.S. airlines since last year. It will soon be working with an Ottawa-based company called SkySurf, which bid successfully for the rights to air-to-ground frequency in Canadian airspace.
SkySurf head Raed Almasri says the company is listening to feedback from the trial run – who uses Wi-Fi in the air, for what and when – and then will make deals with owners of wireless networks across the country. His goal is nationwide air-to-ground Internet by the end of 2010. For the duration of the trial run, and possibly beyond, should Air Canada choose to extend its arrangement with GoGo, the service will work only in American airspace.
On the L.A. flight, some initial problems connecting were resolved, and from that point on, the service was robust enough to handle streaming video and even online role-playing games. “It works better than [service on] United, I can tell you that,” says Steven Conly, Strauss's seatmate.
Conly, 26, is the North American sales and marketing manager for aerospace company Dynacon. He has been using onboard Wi-Fi for about four months on United and AirTran. On this Air Canada flight, he did a little shopping, read the newspaper online, e-mailed the office and checked the scores.
“I wanted to see if the Nets won. They did,” the Mississauga-based exec said. “Then I checked on the Raptors. They were a disaster.”
But mostly, business travellers on the flight worked. Strauss had never used in-flight Internet and seized the chance to get some end-of-day work done. “Instead of getting into the hotel at 11, 11:30 at night and catching up, I can do it here and be free and clear when I land.”
He planned to use the hour he saved sleeping. During the trial run, which ends on Jan. 29, the service costs $9.95 (U.S.) for the duration of the five-hour flight. “For a business traveller, it's the cost of doing business,” Strauss said. But, he added, “I'd probably raise my eyebrows at anything over $20.”
An American investment banker sitting nearby, who has been using in-flight Wi-Fi for about a year, concurred. “It's about the only [travel] expense the firm doesn't complain about,” he said.
His family likes it too. The first thing he did when he logged on last year for the first time was call his wife on a voice-over-Internet service. When a flight attendant asked him to put his phone away, he explained that it's just like checking e-mail. Although some U.S. airlines have asked GoGo to block voice applications, Air Canada is – at least for the moment – not joining them. Google chat, complete with voice and video, worked fine, with occasional video freeze-ups.
Of the 14 business-class travellers, about half made some use of the system, one checking e-mail, another his investment portfolio. And though everyone interviewed said the Wi-Fi should make them more productive, for the time being most were having a little fun with it.
Probably every e-mail sent that night contained at least a mention of the fact that it was coming from the troposphere.
Special to The Globe and Mail
Travel Images http://www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com/
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
More than just the Olympics: The Road to Whistler, British Columbia
As you head north on Highway 99, you will drive across one of two bridges that cross the Burrard Inlet and Coal Harbor. You will see a vantage point of the city that not many people get to see. unless of course you live here. As you reach the crest of the bridge, you will see much of Vancouver’s vibrant industry we’ve made mention of including shipping. In the distance, the skyline of Vancouver, the Lions Gate Bridge and the shipping yards of Ballentyne Pier.
Once you have passed though the municipalities of North Vancouver and West Vancouver you will be on your way. Some of the highlights as you head north on the Sea-to-Sky Highway:
• Howe Sound: Howe Sound is a very scenic ocean inlet that extends from the ocean deep into the first mountain ranges.
• Coast Mountains: This is the first mountain range that extends from the ocean into the interior. The highest peak within the mountain ranges of British Columbia is not in the Canadian Rockies but in the Coast Mountains and is Mt. Waddington with 4016m or over 12,000 feet.
• Shannon Falls: Look for the signs. This stop is a wonderful break to get out and take a short hike. Just south of Squamish and about the half way point to Whistler. Cascading over 1000 feet, of which you can only see two thirds of it from ground level, Shannon Falls is the third highest of its kind in the province.
• Tantalus Mountains: As you drive along you will see beautiful jagged snow-capped peaks rising above the valley bottoms – those are the Tantalus Mountains. The Tantalus Range is a favourite with climbers, and also with photographers and filmmakers.
• Black Tusk: Shortly before you get into Whistler, you can spot a very prominent mountain peak that was formed by volcanic activity.
• Garibaldi Provincial Park: This arks extends from Squamish past Whistler on the east side of the highway. You will see the signs for hiking trails.
Whistler is an outdoor paradise for all outdoor activities. Hiking, exploring, sightseeing or just relaxing.
Next week, what to do in Whistler.
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
Monday, December 7, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The Physics Behind Santa's Annual Travel
This has been around for a number of years, and I thought It might be fun to post it again. I am not aware of the origin or the original write, and therefore can't give the appropriate credit. It's a fun read though. Merry Christmas!
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No known species of reindeer can fly. BUT there are 300,000 species of living organisms yet to be classified, and while most of these are insects and germs, this does not COMPLETELY rule out flying reindeer which only Santa has ever seen.
There are 2 billion children (persons under 18) in the world. BUT since Santa doesn't (appear) to handle the Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Buddhist children, that reduces the workload to 15% of the total - 378 million according to the Population Reference Bureau. At an average (census rate of 3.5 children per household, that's 91.8 million homes. One presumes there's at least one good child in each.
Santa has 31 hours of Christmas to work with, thanks to the different time zones and the rotation of the earth, and assuming he travels east to west (which seems logical). This works out to 822.6 visits per second. This is to say that for each Christian household with good children, Santa has 1/1000th of a second to park, hop out of his sleigh, jump down the chimnye, fill the stockings, distribute the remaining presents under the tree, eat whatever snacks have been left, get back up the chimney, get back into the sleigh and move on to the next house. Assuming that each of these 91.8 million stops are evenly distributed around the earth (which, of course we know to be false but for the purpose of our calculations we will accept), we are now talking aabout .78 miles per household, a total trip of 75.5 million miles, not counting stops to do what most of us must do at least once every 31 hours, plus feeding and etc.This means that Santa's sleigh is moving at 650 miles per second, 3000 times the speed of sound. For purposes of comparison, the fastest man-made vehicle on earth, the Ulysses space probe, moves at a poky 27.4 miles per second - a conventional reindeer can run, tops, 15 miles per hour.
The payload on the sleigh adds another interesting element. Assuming that each child gets nothing more than a medium-sized lego set (2 pounds), the sleigh is carrying 321,300 tons, not counting Santa, who is invariably described as overweight. On land, conventional reindeer can pull no more than 300 punds. Even granting that "flying reindeer" (refer to point #1) could pull TEN TIMES the normal load, we cannot do the job with eight, or even nine. We need 214,200 reindeer. This increases the payload - not even counting the weight of the sleigh - 353,430 tons. Again, for comparison - this is four times the weight of the Queen Elizabeth.
353,000 tons traveling at 650 miles per second creates enormous air resistance - this will heat the reindeer up in the same fashion as spacecrafts re-entereing the earth's atmosphere. The lead pair of reindeer will absorb 14.3 QUINTILLION joules of energy per SECOND, EACH! In short, hey will burst into flames almost instantaneously, exposing the reindeer behind them, and create a deafening sonic boom in their wake. The entire reindeer team will be vaporized within 4.26 thousanths of a second. Santa, meanwhile, will be subjected to centrifugal* forces 17,500.06 times greater than gravity. A 250 pound Santa (which seems ludicrously slim) would be pinned to the back of his sleigh by 4,315,015 pounds of force.
In conclusion - If Santa ever DID deliver presents on Christmas Eve, he's dead by now.
Travel Images http://www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com/
_____________________________________
No known species of reindeer can fly. BUT there are 300,000 species of living organisms yet to be classified, and while most of these are insects and germs, this does not COMPLETELY rule out flying reindeer which only Santa has ever seen.
There are 2 billion children (persons under 18) in the world. BUT since Santa doesn't (appear) to handle the Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Buddhist children, that reduces the workload to 15% of the total - 378 million according to the Population Reference Bureau. At an average (census rate of 3.5 children per household, that's 91.8 million homes. One presumes there's at least one good child in each.
Santa has 31 hours of Christmas to work with, thanks to the different time zones and the rotation of the earth, and assuming he travels east to west (which seems logical). This works out to 822.6 visits per second. This is to say that for each Christian household with good children, Santa has 1/1000th of a second to park, hop out of his sleigh, jump down the chimnye, fill the stockings, distribute the remaining presents under the tree, eat whatever snacks have been left, get back up the chimney, get back into the sleigh and move on to the next house. Assuming that each of these 91.8 million stops are evenly distributed around the earth (which, of course we know to be false but for the purpose of our calculations we will accept), we are now talking aabout .78 miles per household, a total trip of 75.5 million miles, not counting stops to do what most of us must do at least once every 31 hours, plus feeding and etc.This means that Santa's sleigh is moving at 650 miles per second, 3000 times the speed of sound. For purposes of comparison, the fastest man-made vehicle on earth, the Ulysses space probe, moves at a poky 27.4 miles per second - a conventional reindeer can run, tops, 15 miles per hour.
The payload on the sleigh adds another interesting element. Assuming that each child gets nothing more than a medium-sized lego set (2 pounds), the sleigh is carrying 321,300 tons, not counting Santa, who is invariably described as overweight. On land, conventional reindeer can pull no more than 300 punds. Even granting that "flying reindeer" (refer to point #1) could pull TEN TIMES the normal load, we cannot do the job with eight, or even nine. We need 214,200 reindeer. This increases the payload - not even counting the weight of the sleigh - 353,430 tons. Again, for comparison - this is four times the weight of the Queen Elizabeth.
353,000 tons traveling at 650 miles per second creates enormous air resistance - this will heat the reindeer up in the same fashion as spacecrafts re-entereing the earth's atmosphere. The lead pair of reindeer will absorb 14.3 QUINTILLION joules of energy per SECOND, EACH! In short, hey will burst into flames almost instantaneously, exposing the reindeer behind them, and create a deafening sonic boom in their wake. The entire reindeer team will be vaporized within 4.26 thousanths of a second. Santa, meanwhile, will be subjected to centrifugal* forces 17,500.06 times greater than gravity. A 250 pound Santa (which seems ludicrously slim) would be pinned to the back of his sleigh by 4,315,015 pounds of force.
In conclusion - If Santa ever DID deliver presents on Christmas Eve, he's dead by now.
Travel Images http://www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com/
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Google - Street View Imagery new cities added for Canada
Google launches Street View imagery of nine more Canadian cities
More than 20 Canadian cities now viewable in Street View in Google Maps
Toronto, 2 December 2009—Today Google launched Street View imagery for nine additional cities in Canada, bringing the number of Canadian cities available in the service to more than 20. The new cities are: Victoria, Nanaimo, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Sudbury, London, Sherbrooke, and St. John's.
Street View imagery has also launched today for Singapore, more cities in France and Japan, and special sites including Stonehenge, Pompei, the Palace of Versailles, and SeaWorld San Diego and Orlando. In addition, this week Google is capturing images of the 2010 Winter Games venues in Vancouver and Whistler—the first special collection of Street View imagery in Canada.
This free service in Google Maps, Google Earth, and Google Maps for Mobile offers 360-degree street-level imagery of more than 250 cities around the world. To view Street View imagery where it is available, simply zoom into the lowest level on Google Maps (maps.google.ca) or drag the orange "Pegman" icon on the left-hand side of the map onto a blue-lined street. In addition to individuals, Canadian businesses can benefit from Street View by embedding Google Maps directly into their website for free, to help them promote their sites or raise awareness of a local landmark.
Street View in Google Maps contains still images only, and therefore these images will not be real-time. As with all other Street View images globally, Google will apply facial and licence-plate blurring to protect people's privacy, and people will be able to report images for removal by clicking on 'Report a problem' in any image. Google has consulted with Canada's federal and provincial Privacy Commissioners in developing Street View and its privacy safeguards.
More details are available at google.ca/streetview and on their press site (sites.pressatgoogle.com/streetviewcanada).
Notable facts
• More than 50,000km of Canadian imagery are now launched in Street View in Google Maps
• More than 20 Canadian cities are now viewable in Street View: Vancouver, Whistler, Squamish, Victoria, Nanaimo, Banff, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, Sudbury, London, Montreal, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Halifax, and St. John's
• Street View has proven so popular that, on the day of its initial launch for Canada (7 October 2009), global traffic to Street View on Google Maps doubled
Linda Heredia
Consultant
APEX Public Relations Inc.
600-1075 Bay Street
Toronto, ON M5S 2B1
416-924-4442 ext. 240
http://www.apexpr.com/
Travel Images http://www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com/
More than 20 Canadian cities now viewable in Street View in Google Maps
Toronto, 2 December 2009—Today Google launched Street View imagery for nine additional cities in Canada, bringing the number of Canadian cities available in the service to more than 20. The new cities are: Victoria, Nanaimo, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Sudbury, London, Sherbrooke, and St. John's.
Street View imagery has also launched today for Singapore, more cities in France and Japan, and special sites including Stonehenge, Pompei, the Palace of Versailles, and SeaWorld San Diego and Orlando. In addition, this week Google is capturing images of the 2010 Winter Games venues in Vancouver and Whistler—the first special collection of Street View imagery in Canada.
This free service in Google Maps, Google Earth, and Google Maps for Mobile offers 360-degree street-level imagery of more than 250 cities around the world. To view Street View imagery where it is available, simply zoom into the lowest level on Google Maps (maps.google.ca) or drag the orange "Pegman" icon on the left-hand side of the map onto a blue-lined street. In addition to individuals, Canadian businesses can benefit from Street View by embedding Google Maps directly into their website for free, to help them promote their sites or raise awareness of a local landmark.
Street View in Google Maps contains still images only, and therefore these images will not be real-time. As with all other Street View images globally, Google will apply facial and licence-plate blurring to protect people's privacy, and people will be able to report images for removal by clicking on 'Report a problem' in any image. Google has consulted with Canada's federal and provincial Privacy Commissioners in developing Street View and its privacy safeguards.
More details are available at google.ca/streetview and on their press site (sites.pressatgoogle.com/streetviewcanada).
Notable facts
• More than 50,000km of Canadian imagery are now launched in Street View in Google Maps
• More than 20 Canadian cities are now viewable in Street View: Vancouver, Whistler, Squamish, Victoria, Nanaimo, Banff, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, Sudbury, London, Montreal, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Halifax, and St. John's
• Street View has proven so popular that, on the day of its initial launch for Canada (7 October 2009), global traffic to Street View on Google Maps doubled
Linda Heredia
Consultant
APEX Public Relations Inc.
600-1075 Bay Street
Toronto, ON M5S 2B1
416-924-4442 ext. 240
http://www.apexpr.com/
Travel Images http://www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com/
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
British Columbia, Canada. It's about more than just the 2010 games.
Vancouver is located between the Strait of Georgia and the Coast Mountains.
Its economy has traditionally relied on British Columbia’s resource sector such as forestry, mining and fishing. While these are still a part of the economy, you will also find that business has diversified into television, movies, music, software and other contemporary industries. In fact, Vancouver has earned the nickname, “Hollywood” north for its attraction to the big film studios. It has become the third biggest production centre next to Los Angeles and New York.
From its roots as the centre of the railroad industry, mill town, fishing hub and overnight stopover on the way to the Fraser Canyon Gold rush of the 1860’s, business is still very much alive in Vancouver. Vancouver is home to one of the three major deep water ports in North America. Upon the completion of the Panama Canal, this became economically significant. The Port of Vancouver exports lumber, coal, pot ash, sulphur and other commodities world wide.
Vancouver has consistently been ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world. Not to mention one of the most expensive too. Average house prices are between $400,000 and $500,000 depending on area and size.
Vancouver and Vancouver Island are more than just an outdoor adventurists paradise. Not to say you have to spend all your time outdoors as there is plenty of shopping and restaurants to enjoy too. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the diversity of what Vancouver has to offer. There are times in the year where you can literally spend the morning at the beach, go downtown for lunch and then head up Grouse Mountain in the afternoon for some skiing. Or drive to the island for a day at Butchart Gardens and tea at the Empress Hotel. Where else can you do that?
Travel Images http://www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com/
PREMIER'S STATEMENT ON COUNTDOWN TO PARALYMPIC GAMES
VICTORIA - Premier Gordon Campbell released the following statement today on the eve of the 100-day countdown to the start of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games:
"In just 100 days, British Columbia will welcome the world's top Paralympians to compete in the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.
"Our province is honoured to host over 1,300 athletes and officials from more than 40 countries, as they excel and compete in Winter Games events. We look forward to the fierce competition of ice sledge hockey, the grace of alpine skiing, the speed and accuracy of the biathlon and the wheelchair
curling events, and the athletic endurance of cross country skiing.
"The Paralympic flame will begin its journey in Ottawa on March 3, as more than 600 people carry it to Vancouver prior to the Games. It is a flame that has been alight in the hearts of the athletes for years, as they've prepared to participate in the 2010 Games, and nothing shines brighter than that
desire to compete.
"The determination, skill and courage that will be on display during the Paralympic Winter Games are a testament to the indomitable spirit of these elite athletes. Each athlete has overcome personal limitations to become one of the best in the world at their chosen sport.
"The people of British Columbia are ready to greet the Paralympic athletes, their coaches and their families with open hearts, and cheer them on as they go for the gold in 2010."
Travel Images http://www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com/
"In just 100 days, British Columbia will welcome the world's top Paralympians to compete in the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.
"Our province is honoured to host over 1,300 athletes and officials from more than 40 countries, as they excel and compete in Winter Games events. We look forward to the fierce competition of ice sledge hockey, the grace of alpine skiing, the speed and accuracy of the biathlon and the wheelchair
curling events, and the athletic endurance of cross country skiing.
"The Paralympic flame will begin its journey in Ottawa on March 3, as more than 600 people carry it to Vancouver prior to the Games. It is a flame that has been alight in the hearts of the athletes for years, as they've prepared to participate in the 2010 Games, and nothing shines brighter than that
desire to compete.
"The determination, skill and courage that will be on display during the Paralympic Winter Games are a testament to the indomitable spirit of these elite athletes. Each athlete has overcome personal limitations to become one of the best in the world at their chosen sport.
"The people of British Columbia are ready to greet the Paralympic athletes, their coaches and their families with open hearts, and cheer them on as they go for the gold in 2010."
Travel Images http://www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com/
Peak Holiday Air Travel even more affordable!
News Flash just out today from Travel Zoo. Prices cut by several major airlines. Flights seem to be only within continental US. Maybe change your mind about Christmas holiday plans?
Here are just a few examples:
Boston to Baltimore $39
Salt Lake to LA $85
San Francisco to New Orleans $129
...and the list goes on. more details at www.travelzoo.com/Newsflash.ashx?702491-69019735
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
Here are just a few examples:
Boston to Baltimore $39
Salt Lake to LA $85
San Francisco to New Orleans $129
...and the list goes on. more details at www.travelzoo.com/Newsflash.ashx?702491-69019735
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
Hotel Occupancy Rates Down in Victoria
By all accounts the economy in Canada is on an upswing. Experts say, that even though the recession ended in the third quarter, the economic rebound was less than expected. No one is feeling that more than local hotels and motels in the capital regional destrict.
A report out this morning by Chemistry Consulting suggests that year to date occupancy rates are off the mark by almost 3.5%. How does that translate? Local hotels are sitting with an average 59.6% average occupancy rate which is down from 65 and a half percent from the same period last year. That works out to about an average one night room rate of $67.61. The average, over the course of the first ten months of 2009, was $128.66. The main concern, is the narrow margin alot of tour and hotels operate within. You factor in a 5 to 10 percent drop annually and there's no question this is going to have an effect. Let's face it, discounting the rates isn't necessarily the answer to the problem, although from a personal perspective, it does give you an opportunity to do a little more local tourism. I am more likely, living outside of the CRD, to have a Christmas party downtown, and probably find a place to stay the night at these rates, versus the usual $140+. Also, with that stay, and those rates, maybe afford a nice dinner, drinks and a breakfast the next morning as well. Hey, just doing my part to keep the industry moving forward.
The issue isn't just focused on the hotel industry either. Air traffic is down, US visitors are also down, and as we discussed a while back this had a lot to do with the exchange rate, fuel taxes, surcharges, baggage fees and yes...the economy. On a side note, the report also indicated that ferry traffic was about average for this time of year although it didn't state if that was US traffic or domestic travel to and from the mainland and Vancouver.
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
A report out this morning by Chemistry Consulting suggests that year to date occupancy rates are off the mark by almost 3.5%. How does that translate? Local hotels are sitting with an average 59.6% average occupancy rate which is down from 65 and a half percent from the same period last year. That works out to about an average one night room rate of $67.61. The average, over the course of the first ten months of 2009, was $128.66. The main concern, is the narrow margin alot of tour and hotels operate within. You factor in a 5 to 10 percent drop annually and there's no question this is going to have an effect. Let's face it, discounting the rates isn't necessarily the answer to the problem, although from a personal perspective, it does give you an opportunity to do a little more local tourism. I am more likely, living outside of the CRD, to have a Christmas party downtown, and probably find a place to stay the night at these rates, versus the usual $140+. Also, with that stay, and those rates, maybe afford a nice dinner, drinks and a breakfast the next morning as well. Hey, just doing my part to keep the industry moving forward.
The issue isn't just focused on the hotel industry either. Air traffic is down, US visitors are also down, and as we discussed a while back this had a lot to do with the exchange rate, fuel taxes, surcharges, baggage fees and yes...the economy. On a side note, the report also indicated that ferry traffic was about average for this time of year although it didn't state if that was US traffic or domestic travel to and from the mainland and Vancouver.
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
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