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Series of events arranged by Vancouver for its visitors Saturday, August 3, 2013
A series of events for visitors and cruise passengers have been lined up by Vancouver. The Squamish Sea to Sky aerial-gondola tram is scheduled to open in spring 2014. Situated a 40-minute drive from Vancouver – halfway to Whistler – the $22-million facility will take guests on an eight-minute journey 2,800 feet above Howe Sound. The fully-enclosed gondola cabins will hold up to eight passengers at a time, travelling along a 5.83-acre strip of land situated between Stawamus Chief Provincial Park and Shannon Falls. The visitor experience will continue at the top of the mountain with viewing platforms, a suspension bridge and hiking trails, as well as a brand-new lodge complete with a restaurant, cultural exhibits and event space. The new gondola is expected to attract approximately 300,000 visitors per year. According to Tourism Vancouver, this is a cycling city, and thanks to its mild climate pedaling is a year-round activity. With an expanding network of more than 500 kilometers of dedicated bike routes and an array of bike-friendly events (such as the RBC GranFondo Whistler, Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix and more). A number of Vancouver hotels are offering specialty packages andunique experiences. The Luxury & Supercar Weekend returns to Vancouver for its fourth year Sept. 7 and 8 at double its previous size. Taking place at VanDusen Botanical Garden, the event offers attendees a chance to get up close and personal with luxury supercars, vintage collectibles, electric/hybrids and concept cars. This year’s event will also expand to include the best of air and sea, with luxury boats and helicopters joining the display. Tickets start at $50 (plus tax). The Vancouver Fringe Festival returns this year from Sept. 5 to 15 with a new name and fresh look. Drawing more than 30,000 attendees, the festival features more than 90 artists from around the world presenting 600-plus shows at a variety of indoor and outdoor stages throughout the city (most venues are on Granville Island, though some are located in downtown Vancouver). One caveat: few, if any, of these works will make it to the big stages in town, so it’s best to get out and see them while you can. Following the main festival, catch “Pick of the Fringe,” a round-up of the festival’s most popular acts. Feast of Fields is a harvest festival and fundraiser that highlights the connection between farm folk, city folk and chefs. With a wine glass and linen napkin in hand, visitors roam the farm sampling various offerings provided by chefs, vintners, brewers, farmers and food artisans from around the province. Tickets are $95 plus tax (must be 19 years or older to attend). This year’s event will be held at Krause Berry Farms and Estate Winery in Langley. From Sept, 26 to Oct, 11, the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) takes place. It claims to be one of the largest film festivals in North America, screening more than 380 films from 75 countries. The international lineup includes picks from the world’s top film festivals alongside as-yet-undiscovered gems. Attracting a large and enthusiastic audience of film lovers, the festival remains accessible, friendly and culturally diverse. Vancouver also features many great buildings, including the Marine Building located on Burrard and Hastings streets. It’s said to be the city’s greatest art deco building, and its design references Aztec pyramids. The building is dressed in ornate decorations depicting the ocean, from ships and star fish to Neptune himself. The lobby is a work of art in itself, with 12 different B.C. hardwoods used in the paneling and the most intricate floor design you’ll ever see. When the Marine Building was built in 1930, it dominated the skyline, and showcased panoramic views in all directions from the top floor. Another insider tip for visitors? Beware the lure of the Gastown Steam Clock; it was erected in 1977 with the objective of providing something for tourists to visit in Vancouver’s Gastown neighbourhood. A short walk from the clock is Vancouver’s Chinatown neighborhood. It pre-dates the city’s incorporation in 1886, and is packed with history at every turn. Source: cruiseindustrynews VANCOUVER AIRPORT AUTHORITY APPOINTS NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO  Jun 18, 2013
RICHMOND, British Columbia - Vancouver Airport Authority Board of Directors Chair Mary Jordan today announced the appointment of Craig Richmond to the role of President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. Under Richmond’s leadership, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) will continue to grow as a global gateway, community contributor and North America’s best airport. A dedicated team of Airport Authority Directors undertook a global recruitment effort to find the ideal candidate to fill the role of President & CEO. As a community-based organization, the Airport Authority consulted extensively with local stakeholders to build a vision for its next leader. Among the most important requirements for a new CEO was extensive aviation industry expertise, a working understanding of the business of airports and a strategic vision for writing the next chapter of YVR’s story. “Like YVR itself, our new President & CEO is a homegrown success story,” said Mary Jordan, Chair, Airport Authority Board of Directors. “A unique mix of work experience, skills, education and values amassed over a lifetime in aviation – including a decade’s worth of experience as a Canadian military fighter pilot - make Craig a great fit for a great job.” A senior airport executive, Richmond brings a wealth of international airport experience back to YVR from positions with Vantage Airport Group as CEO of six different airports in three different countries, each with its own political, financial and cultural considerations. Prior to his international postings, Richmond served as Vice President, Operations at YVR, during which time he led the operational response to the events of 9/11 and SARS and introduced new airfield safety technologies. From building route capacity and increasing passenger traffic to delivering multi-million dollar capital improvement programs and leading integrated aviation crisis response, every aspect of Richmond’s career has added depth and breadth to the leadership skills that will serve YVR’s future development well. “Not many people can say that the job they wished for as a child is the job they will actually one day have as an adult. To be back in Vancouver at what I believe is the best airport in the world is a dream come true,” said Craig Richmond, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “I look forward to working with the exceptional team of Airport Authority employees. Together with the 23,000 people who work at the airport we will continue to create an airport that shows our pride in B.C., that British Columbians can be proud of and that every passenger can enjoy.” With a focus on innovation, sustainability and teamwork toward developing YVR’s potential as a key global gateway, Richmond will continue to shape and enhance YVR’s reputation as North America’s top airport. Richmond is Vancouver Airport Authority’s third President & CEO since management of YVR transferred from the federal government to a local, community-based authority in 1992. He assumes responsibility from Larry Berg, during whose 15-year leadership of the Airport Authority YVR earned its international reputation for airport excellence. Richmond’s first day on the job will be July 2, 2013. 
ABOUT TUTS Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) is a not for profit society that entertains families through popular musical theatre shows while providing a vibrant outlet and training ground to develop amateur performers and technicians both young and old. TUTS values an atmosphere of inclusion and mentorship in order to build strong character and to promote positive values In 1940, Theatre Under the Stars started when a group of local theatre people formed to produce professional quality musicals during the summer. Since then, TUTS has been a Lower Mainland tradition, delighting generations of locals and tourists alike under the stars in the pastoral outdoor setting of historic Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park. TUTS provides performers and technical staff an opportunity to work in a real world theatrical venue alongside seasoned professionals. Our productions are delivered by over 300 volunteers drawn from the community, requiring a broad variety of skills from board members to ushers to technical crew to cast and musicians. 2014 SEASON OUR 2014 SUMMER SEASON WILL INCLUDE TWO FANTASTIC SHOWS... SHREK And a second show to be announced early 2014 Book your 2014 Summer Season Pass now and receive 35% off regular prices! For tickets visit MAILING ADDRESS ONLY:
2099 Beach Avenue Stanley Park Vancouver, BC
V6G 1Z4 Administration Telephone: 604.734.1917 Fax: 604.734.1585  Footloosein Vancouver
by Jerry W. Bird
Having been footloose in Vancouver, British Columbia since the days of streetcars, interurban trams, White Lunch Cafeteria on Hastings, Woodwards Toyland and Union Steamships, I consider the West End my special domain. Morning, noon or night, it's always an inviting place for rubber-neckers, casual strollers, browsers, grazers and window shoppers. A sea of umbrellas one moment, local denizens decked in everything from beachwear to high fashion the next. It's a passing parade, minus the 76 trombones-just waiting for you to follow along. .More
Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2008 (ESTC 2008)
Greening the Tourism Industry in the US and Canada
October 27-29, 2008, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Hosted by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts and the Council of Tourism Associations of British Columbia, the conference will provide opportunities for business leaders, travel and tourism professionals and community members to gain knowledge of the latest trends in ecotourism and sustainable tourism, learn practical skills, and participate in invaluable networking and knowledge sharing. The ESTC 2008 will be held at the legendary Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, and will also include pre-conference trips to both Whistler and Victoria, B.C.'s capital city. More Great Spirit Bears by Muguette Goufrani
Pacific Coast Lobster Granville Island
World Urban Forum: UN Habitat Returns
New Look for Hyatt  Ken Bird's Great River Adventures..
Northrn and Western Canada-
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Vancouver Hosts World Routes Forum. . Photo: From left:Rick Antonson, CEO Tourism Vancouver and Larry Berg, CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. "Routes 2010 will give our marketing team a key vehicle for promoting new routes for both passengers and cargo. Not only will delegates be able to enjoy the facilities and cultural legacies of the Olympic Games, but they will also be able to experience first hand the new terminal facilities and Canada Line rapid transit link to downtown." More. Photo Stories. . Janice Antonson, CEO OF PATA
Theatre Under the Stars, Stanley Park Outstanding Summertime entertainment. Make it part of your tour planning or business trip. Two great features
Rocky Mountains by Road, Rail or Trail. "On every side the snowy heads of mighty hills crowded round, whilst, immediately behind us, a giant among giants, and immeasurably supreme, rose Robson's Peak." Cheadle 1865 . More VANCOUVER'S CONVENTION CENTRE EXPANSION
B ritish Columbia's Premier Gordon Campbell had the honour of breaking ground on the new convention centre expansion, an addition that will triple the size of the award-winning Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre. Once complete, the spectacular waterfront expanded convention centre will total almost 500,000 square feet of meeting, exhibit and function space with an addition of 359,000 square feet. On behalf of the private tourism industry, Tourism Vancouver is contributing $90 million towards the expansion project. The centre, set for completion in the summer of 2008, will be the media and broadcast centre during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to be held in Vancouver and Whistler. "The convention centre expansion will ensure Vancouver remains a top draw for meetings and conventions from around the world," said Tourism Vancouver chair Paul Tilbury. "The current convention centre has established Vancouver as a world class event destination and created very strong demand. With this expansion we will be able to meet that demand and continue to exceed expectations." Vancouver is expecting a strong year for the meetings industry in 2005, but our diversified hotel inventory still allows us to service short-term meetings. Many of our convention hotels, as well as the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, have space and value dates available. You will find our sales and service teams customer focused and proactive. This responsiveness makes Vancouver an ideal choice for your shortened timelines for 2005 meetings. Ask your Tourism Vancouver representative about value dates in 2005! VANCOUVER VOTED TOP CITY IN THE AMERICAS BY CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER Condé Nast Traveler magazine recognized Vancouver as the "Best City in the Americas" at their annual Readers' Choice Awards ceremony held recently in New York. Vancouver won the top spot over Victoria and Quebec City. The Americas division includes Canada, Central America and South America. Cities are scored on ambience, friendliness, culture, sites, restaurants, lodging and shopping. "We're extremely honoured to accept this award," said Tourism Vancouver chair Paul Tilbury. "Condé Nast Traveler is a very respected publication, and winning an accolade such as this can only further elevate our profile in one of our key markets." This award tops a long list of accolades for Vancouver in recent years. Vancouver has also been honoured with top rankings by groups such as the American Automobile Association and the International Air Transportation Association, and consistently ranks as one of the most Liveable Cities in the World. Also recognized at the ceremony was Vancouver's Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, which was voted the best hotel in Canada. Vancouver Island, which offers wonderful pre and post stay opportunities, won the "Best North American Island" category over Nantucket and Prince Edward Island. More Vancouver |
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