Travel Classics Media News
November/December 2023
Travel Classics West 2023 Hosted By Parq Vancouver and the DOUGLAS
On behalf of the team at JW Marriott Parq Vancouver & the DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection we express a heartfelt appreciation to all attendees and sponsors of Travel Classics West 2023. It was an honour to host such a talented group and be the base for the adventures, activities, and thought-provoking panel sessions throughout the event. Visit JW Marriott Parq Vancouver and the DOUGLAS. Media contact: Samantha Greer, 236-558-7355.
Big White Ski Resort in BC Turns 60
Less than one hour from Kelowna, family-friendly Big White boasts Canada's largest ski-in/ski-out resort village. With an annual average snowfall of 25-feet, this mountain is covered in dry, Okanagan Champagne Powder every year. Big White is also excited to announce the grand opening of a new and luxurious Spa at Stonebridge Lodge. Check out Visit British Columbia. Media contact: Sabrina Robson, 604-953-6708.
Colorado Making News This Winter
Celebrate winter in Colorado through new ski experiences and terrain expansions, new boutique lodging properties and renovations, new Michelin recognized-restaurants, exciting adventures and events off the slopes and more. To learn about what's making news in Colorado this winter season, visit Colorado Tourism. Media contact: Carly Holbrook, 720-289-9366.
Renewed 1838 Zurich Hotel Reopens This Winter
After undergoing comprehensive renovation, the Mandarin Oriental Savoy in Zurich is set to welcome guests this winter. This historic property, dating back to 1838, is the first grand hotel in the city and will become the oldest gem of the exclusive collection. Nestled in the heart of Zurich, it enjoys proximity to upscale fashion boutiques and the picturesque lakeside promenade. Visit Switzerland Tourism. Media contact: Divine Bonga, 212-757-5944 ext. 235.
Badlands National Park Celebrates 85 Years
Few experiences are left on earth where nature is offered unencumbered by others, but that is the rare reality of the outdoors in South Dakota. Featuring 63 state parks and recreation areas, and six National Parks – including epic Badlands National Park who celebrates their 85th anniversary (January 25, 1939), South Dakota invites travelers to get outside and reconnect in 2024. Learn more. Visit Travel South Dakota. Media contact: Katlyn Svendsen, 605-773-3301.
Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa Completes $18M Waterpark
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa recently debuted the completion of the $18 million AquaRidge WaterPark, featuring two impressive additions: Sedona Springs and the adults-only haven Sky Island. This summer, the resort unveiled the first phase of the 140,000-square-foot expanded pool experience, which included the debut of an enhanced lazy river, the action-packed Havasu Playground that includes three new exhilarating water slides, and a refreshed Wildfire Grove and Sedona Cove. Visit JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. Media contact: Tatum Luoma.
CruiseCompete Celebrates 20 Years
Celebrating 20 years in business online, CruiseCompete is pleased to have provided consumers with over 20 million quotes. Since its inception in 2003, there have been over 50 million visitors to the site and over 1.5 million members. It operates as a cruise marketplace where travelers can submit a cruise request and receive competitive offers from many different travel advisors. Visit CruiseCompete. Media contact: Heidi Allison-Shane, 248-651-4491.
Arizona's Motor Lodge Revivals
Road-tripping in Arizona is like taking a trip back in time with overnight options including the once ubiquitous, now revived roadside motel. Historic properties are being restored throughout the state with reimagined charm and modern upgrades. Boasting views of the San Francisco Peaks, Aiden by Best Western in Flagstaff is the newest revival featuring mid-century architecture. Visit Arizona Office of Tourism. Media contact: Kimberly Todd, 602-364-3305.
"Dawn Patrol" with Whistler Heli-Skiing
Since 1981, Whistler Heli-Skiing has brought unmatched adventure to skiers and riders. This season, the team is launching Dawn Patrol on the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb, a program exclusively for Whistler Heli-ski guests, filling in on those days that the helicopter is unable fly. Guests will meet their guides in Whistler Village for a private First Tracks experience on Blackcomb Mountain, not available to the general public. Visit Tourism Whistler. Media contact: Mary Zinck, 604-938-2702.
Activities and Accommodations Abound in Aspen
Since 1981, Whistler Heli-Skiing has brought unmatched adventure to skiers and riders. This season, the team is launching Dawn Patrol on the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb, a program exclusively for Whistler Heli-ski guests, filling in on those days that the helicopter is unable fly. Guests will meet their guides in Whistler Village for a private First Tracks experience on Blackcomb Mountain, not available to the general public. Visit Tourism Whistler. Media contact: Mary Zinck, 604-938-2702.
Scottsdale Holidays are Warm and Bright
Scottsdale may be light on snow but its nothing short of over the top when it comes to holiday festivities. Christmas at the Princess features 6.5 million sparkling lights; Scottsdazzle, a month-long holiday spectacular, includes dazzling décor and 45 events; and hundreds of hand-lit luminarias create a soft glow around the Desert Botanical Garden at Las Noches de Las Luminarias. Visit Experience Scottsdale. Media contact: Laura McMurchie, 480-429-2253.
Inspired Experiences at Fairmont Empress
Inspired by the viral cocktail featuring Empress 1908 Gin that has become the hit elixir for fans celebrating one of history's most famous world tours, a collection of limited-edition lavender infused experiences are now available at Fairmont Empress. At Canada's iconic Castle in the Coast, "Into the Lavender Haze" comes to life with inspired room packages, spa treatments and cocktails. Visit Fairmont Empress. Media contact: Kaylyn Storey.
Phoenix a Mecca for Major Sporting Events
Phoenix, coined Championship Valley, will host its second NCAA Men's Final Four and its third WNBA All Star Game in 2024 and its first NCAA Women's Final Four in 2026. With hosting Super Bowl LVII 2023 plus the recurring Waste Management Phoenix Open and Cactus League Spring Training each spring, the love of sports continues cyclically in the Sonoran Desert. Check out Visit Phoenix. Media contact: Emma Sounart, 602-452-6231.
"LightsUp!" Opens at Tucson Botanical Gardens
Join us this holiday season at the Tucson Botanical Gardens second annual LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination. Designed by nationally known public garden landscape architect Tres Fromme, the gardens come alive with more than one million lights, custom-built installations, and pieces created by local artisans. Other can't-miss holiday light spectacles include Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul, Winterhaven Festival of Lights, and Zoo Lights at Reid Park Zoo. Check out Visit Tucson. Media contact: Cindy Aguilar, 520-770-2145.
Mark Winter Solstice at Four Seasons Scottsdale
Welcome Winter Solstice and commemorate the longest night of the year with meditation, sound healing and intention setting on Thursday, December 21, 2023. The evening begins at 5 pm with guided meditation and sound healing. Following the class, guests are invited to set their intentions and release any negativity or energy that no longer serves. Complimentary wassail, a hot mulled cider drink perfect for toasting holiday cheer, will be served. Visit Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North. Media contact: Kim Cole, 480-980-8773.
Four Seasons Jackson Hole Offers Massage for Cancer Patients
The Spa at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole introduces the Wellness for Cancer Care Massage, specially designed to provide connective therapy for those touched by the effects of cancer and cancer treatment. A portion of the proceeds from every treatment sold will be donated to the Healing Touch program for cancer relief at St. John's Health in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Four Seasons Jackson Hole. Media contact: Kim Cole, 480-980-8773.
Québec's Winter Festivals Celebrate Major Milestones
There's nothing like a trip to Québec to experience the world's largest winter carnivals, including the Carnival de Québec and Montreal en Lumiere, both celebrating anniversaries in 2024. Attracting millions of visitors in February annually, the Carnival de Québec turns 70, and the Montreal en Lumiere turns 25. Both world-renowned celebrations feature parades, ice shows, gastronomy, live entertainment, and more. Visit Bonjour Québec. Media contact: Camille Dumont, 514-808-4128.
