Highly Anticipated LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection By Hilton Opens Its Doors On May 26, 2016

Inspired by the buildings original name the London Guarantee & Accident Building, the 93-year structure in which the hotel is located, LondonHouse Chicago uses its design to memorialize the era in which the 23-floor tower was originally built. Credit: Tom Rossiter.

Oxford Capital Group’s wholly owned management affiliate Oxford Hotels & Resorts and Curio – A Collection by Hilton™ proudly announce the eagerly-awaited opening of LondonHouse Chicago at the corner of North Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. Originally opened as the London Guarantee Building in 1923, LondonHouse Chicago pays tribute to its past while also incorporating visually striking modern elements. The luxury lifestyle hotel brings 452 chic rooms and suites, as well as tech-forward amenities catering to leisure and business travelers alike

Due To TSA Delays Almost 7,000 People Missed Their Flights In One Recent Week On Just One Airline. When Your Luggage Is Headed On Its Way And You Are Not, You Should Consider HomingPIN Tracking And Recovery System.

Recent news reports have highlighted serious problems with security screening at major U.S. airports with record amounts of people missing flights, almost 7,000 people missing their American Airlines flights in just one recent week. What you may not know is airlines mishandle over 20 million bags a year and it can take up to a week or more to match bags to their owners, causing major disruptions in pleasure and business travel. An affordable solution is HomingPIN, a tracking and recovering system for luggage and valuables already integrated into 2,800 worldwide airports.

Homing PIN tags and labels are designed to attach to bags and valuables including cellphones, passports, cameras and laptops; using tracking via a unique code linked to the owner's contact details. If a valuable is lost, misplaced, or stolen;  the owner can just go to the HomingPIN website or app to start the recovery process.

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Parks Canada Offers The Perfect Getaway Just North Of The Champlain Valley

                                           

               

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu celebrates 350^th anniversary with special events, located just an hour drive from Plattsburgh

Parks Canada is proud to welcome visitors and boaters for a new, exciting season at the historic sites and canals of the Richelieu Valley. Dive in as Parks Canada celebrates 350 years of history at Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu by visiting the majestic forts and travelling the serene waterways that shaped Canada and the United States. With bilingual services, quality facilities and the very favorable exchange rate for US travelers, Parks Canada’s attractions are the ideal place for this year’s summer vacation, all located less than an hour drive from Plattsburgh.

Celebrate Over 350 Years of History

Celebrating its 350^th anniversary this year, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu is offering special events for adults and children alike. The Richelieu Valley is rich in history and culture, offering visitors scenic views that lead to military forts, green meadows to picnic on and picturesque villages. Among the many captivating sites, Fort Chambly National Historic Site allows visitors to relive the daily life of soldiers from the New France era, while Fort Lennox National Historic Site lets them discover the British and American armies, which helped shape these countries.

2 for 1 Offer for Boaters in the Historic Canals

Having played a fundamental role in the development of trade between Canada and the United States, the Chambly and Saint-Ours historic canals provide unparalleled access to the summer's major attractions, whether by boat, bicycle, or on foot. With an easy telephone reporting system at the border, boaters will embark on a fascinating journey on one of the most beautiful navigation networks in the world. After reaching the Saint-Ours Canal, visitors can experience a night on a splendid island in Parks Canada's brand new oTENTik accommodations. From May 20 to June 30, 2016, Parks Canada is offering a 2-for-1 discount on lockage fees, with a coupon available to download here.

Highlights include:

• Fort Chambly and Fort Lennox are impressive structures that will take visitors through the history that helped shape Canada and the United States 300 years ago. The sites are open from May 23 to October 10, 2016.

• From May 20 to June 30, 2016, travelers can take advantage of the 2-for-1 offer on lockage and travel one of the most beautiful navigation systems with a coupon available to download here!

• The Richelieu Valley, both urban and rustic, offers a must-see attractions and events for adults and children alike.

• Parks Canada protects a vast network of natural and heritage places, including 46 national parks, 168 national historic sites, and 4 national marine conservation areas.

Just north of Lake Champlain, the Richelieu Valley has a lot to offer for visitors who have a passion for history, heritage, arts and culture. With the great outdoors, agricultural tourism and food, Parks Canada's historic sites and canals provide for unforgettable experience. “As Canada’s largest provider of natural and cultural tourism, Parks Canada’s destinations provide unique opportunities to connect with history and nature. The Government of Canada is proud to welcome Canadian and international visitors to experience and enjoy the very best of what Canada has to offer in one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected natural and cultural heritage areas in the world”, said Luc-André Mercier,Director, Quebec Waterways, Parks Canada.

Please visit these web sites:

www.parkscanada.gc.ca

www.parkscanada.gc.ca/ fortchambly

www.parkscanada.gc.ca/ fortlennox

www.parkscanada.gc.ca/canals

Costa Rica Welcomes Visitors With New Hotels, Tours And Festivities

Travelers now have access to new accommodations, activities and options to get around

Costa Rica, which closed 2015 with a new record of 2.6 million visitors, is full of surprises for those looking to explore the Central American nation this year. From new accommodations to city tours, activities and festivals, the country has no shortage of choices for those seeking to experience the Pura Vida lifestyle.

Below are some of the highlights for those looking to explore the Central American nation soon: 

Where to stay: new hotel and resort openings

Whether traveling for business or for pleasure, solo or with a group, visitors now have new lodging options to suit their travel preferences and budgets. Several hotels and resorts have opened their doors throughout the country including Hacienda Altagracia, a luxury property in the mountains of Perez Zeledon region, as well as the Esplendor Hotel, overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Tamarindo region.

Others are slated to open their doors to travelers throughout the country, starting as early as this summer; among these are:

·         Casa Chameleon Las Cantinas (Mal Pais, opening in December 2016 – will feature 21 rooms)

·         Green Residence Hotel and Suites (San José, opening in June 2016 – will feature 100 rooms)

·         Manglar de Osa (Puntarenas, opening in July 2016 – will feature 10 rooms)

·         Nantipa: A Tico Beach Resort (Puntarenas, opening in June 2016 – will feature 44 rooms)

·         Residence Flamingo by Marriott (Guanacaste, opening in November 2016 – will feature 124 rooms)

What to do: From new bus tours in San Jose to nightlife shuttles and extreme adventure activities

Those looking to explore San Jose’s rich history and culture with a certified guide can now enjoy the ease and convenience of the new hop-on, hop-off tours. Visitors have the option of hopping on or off at more than 12 stops as many times as they like throughout the day. The buses provide travelers with access to more than 50 attractions including the National Theater, the Jade Museum, the Gastronomic Road in Escalante, the Children’s Museum, the Costa Rican Art Museum, the Central Market and Plaza Tempo, among others. The service is provided daily from 8:40 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.costaricacitysquaretour.com.

When the sun sets, those looking to explore the city by night can take advantage of the new La Carreta by Carpe Chepe nightlife shuttle. Travelers have the opportunity to visit up to 30 of San Jose’s most vibrant bars as selected by a group of locals who live in – and love – the region. La Carreta runs continuously from 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. For more information on routes or to track the shuttle in real time, please visitwww.carpechepe.com. 

Those who want to get their adrenaline pumping can venture into the new Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping tour in La Fortuna; the multi-sport canyon adventure combines hiking, rappelling, cliff jumping and swimming all in one. Thrill seekers can jump off 10- to 30-foot waterfalls and cliffs, and rappel along the edge of a thundering 140-foot waterfall, dropping into a deep pool of crystalline water. For more information, visitwww.desafiocostarica.com.

Where to go: From Guanacaste’s biggest fiesta to one of the country’s largest arts festivals and everything in between   

EXPOMARIMBA 2016 – July 15-17

Costa Rica’s national instrument, the marimba, a percussion instrument similar to the xylophone, will take the center stage at this year’s EXPOMARIMBA. The event will attract locals and visitors alike to the Guanacaste region for three days filled with music, dance, religious and cultural celebrations, as well as delicious local fare. EXPOMARIMBA’s ultimate goal is to preserve and showcase the country’s local heritage, allowing visitors the opportunity to truly experience the Tico culture.

Festival de la Tortilla Palmeada al Aire  (Tortilla Festival) – July 22-24

The town of Corralillo located in the province of Guanacaste will be celebrating its 10^th annual Festival de la Tortilla Palmeada al Aire with live music, dance shows, contests, cultural exhibits and authentic Tico cuisine. Attendees will, of course, have the opportunity to enjoy delicious handmade tortillas, a staple in the Costa Rican cuisine. Visitors should also not miss the competition for the best tortilla maker; the corn delicacies are judged by their taste, texture and presentation.

Día de la Anexión del Partido de Nicoya – July 25

Recently selected as one of Top 26 Places to Go in 2016 by About.com, the Province of Guanacaste, in Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, is known for its breathtaking beaches, optimal surfing conditions and lush national parks. Travelers headed to the region should not miss the festivities surrounding the Día de la Anexión del Partido de Nicoya, also known as Guanacaste’s Annexation Day, in celebration of the region’s annexation to Costa Rica, July 25; festivities include parades, concerts, folk dances, handicrafts, fireworks and authentic Tico cuisine. Bullfights are also a common part of the celebration. However, as opposed to the typical Spanish bullfighting, bullfighting in Costa Rica does not aim to hurt the bull, but rather to dodge it.

Festival Nacional de las Artes de Costa Rica – August 5-14

Costa Rican culture is in many ways a reflection of its ethnic diversity with Spanish, Caribbean and indigenous influences. Those looking to explore the country’s cultural arts scene can head over to the Festival Nacional de las Artes de Costa Rica  (Costa Rica’s National Arts Festival), a biennial arts festival presented by the Costa Rica’s Ministry of Culture. The event brings together the country’s best artists, providing attendees with an opportunity to enjoy artwork, live theater, dance shows and musical performances.  This year’s festivities will be held in the cities of Neily and Golfito, in the country’s southern region – an ideal destination for those in search of unspoiled natural beauty, away from the hustle-and-bustle of life. For more information, visit www.festivaldelasartes.go.cr.

Fiestas Patronales de San Ramon and Entrada de los Santos – August 25 - September 1

Every year, the region of San Ramon in the Alajuela Province enjoys several days of live music, dance, cultural and religious festivities and traditional festival food in celebration of its patron saint, San Ramon Nonato. One of the most symbolic of these celebrations is the Entrada de los Santos, August 30, where more than two dozen statues of saints from various towns are brought to San Ramon and paraded through the streets.

To obtain a complete list of cultural events happening in San Jose’s Greater Metropolitan Area, please visit GAM Cultural,www.gamcultural.com. The interactive website provides travelers planning a trip to the country with information on all the latest exhibits, concerts, workshops and literary events, among others.

For more information on visiting Costa Rica, please visit www.VisitCostaRica.com.

Travelore Report, Monthly In Print Since 1971: The Top London Art Exhibitions

Travelore Report, Monthly In Print Since 1971: The Top 10 London Art Exhibitions In 2016: © National Gallery, London With the New Year come new resolutions, promises, plans – and best of all – new art exhibitions in Lo...

Olympic Games Spark Interest In Amazon Cruises

Iberostar Amazon Cruise.

Olympics announce soccer matches to be held in Manaus, increasing tourism to the Amazon Region. Rainforest Cruises introduces Olympic Amazon cruise departures during the Olympics in Brazil, offering a two-for-one, accommodation and tours.

 

Rainforest Cruises introduces Olympic Amazon cruises departing from Manaus, the city to host three Olympic soccer matches. These Brazil cruises depart between the opening and closing ceremonies of the games in August 2016 and range from 2-10 days in length, offering an all-inclusive service on board.
 

Jeremy Clubb, owner of Rainforest Cruises, is excited to offer the opportunity to experience both, the thrill of the Olympics and the majesty of the Amazon rainforest.

"Similar to the World Cup, where we experienced a 130% increase in bookings, we forecast another spike in demand for Amazon Cruises during the Olympics. We noticed groups of friends and families would charter vessels as accommodation and to explore the Amazon - essentially a two for one."

- Jeremy Clubb
 

Manaus is the capital and largest city of the state of Amazonas, in Brazil. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Negro and Solimões, known as the Meeting of the Waters, making it the ideal starting point for an Amazon River Cruise. The city's spectacular Arena da Amazônia holds a capacity of 41,000 spectators. It was originally constructed for FIFA's World Cup in 2014.
 

On-board activities include expert talks from naturalists, nightly entertainment with a local flavour and dining on delicious Brazilian cuisine.
 

Some of the expeditions include are trips along the River Negro to a feeding spot of Pink River Dolphins; a visit to the Anavilhanas Archipelago, home to some of most beautiful and wild waterfalls in the whole region and Piranha fishing.
 

On-land adventures include guided jungle walks for wildlife spotting, traditional village visits and the chance to meet locals whose lives revolve around the Amazon River and rainforest.

Types of vessels vary from traditional wooden boats and classical schooners, to modern boats with swimming pools on board. Many cruises are family-friendly and ideal for group chartering.

 

Details:

• Prices range from $539 per person, 2-Day to $2,389 per person, 10-Day.
• Cruises include all accommodation, meals/beverages and bilingual naturalist guides.
• Cruises include daily jungle excursions and activities.
• Manaus Olympic soccer matches to be held in Arena da Amazônia on August 4, 7 and 9.

About Rainforest Cruises: Rainforest Cruises is a travel company specialising in Amazon river cruises and tours, providing the finest collection of cruises, at unbeatable prices in Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia, the Galapagos Islands and Panama. As South American travel experts, Rainforest Cruises has been featured in Fodor's Best Cruises for 2015, as well as many other top news sources: USA Today, NY Times, Travel & Leisure, Bloomberg, among others.

Contact Us for more information. 

Travelore News: London Welcomes Over 30 Million Tourists For The First Time Ever

              

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has welcomed new figures that show the capital has set a new tourism record after more than 30 million visitors came to the city last year, drawn by global sporting events such as the Rugby World Cup and blockbuster exhibitions at its museums and galleries, according to new figures released today.

A record 31.5 million Great Britain residents and international tourists came to the city in 2015 – which is an increase of 20 per cent when compared to five years ago.

London keeps setting new tourism records. Every year since the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games there has been an increase in the number of international visitors coming to the city.

Figures released today (20^th May) by the Office for National Statistics, International Passenger Survey, show there were 18.6 million international visits in 2015 compared to 17.4 million in 2014, a previous record year. (seven per cent increase)

Separate data from the Great Britain Tourism Survey carried out by UK tourism body VisitEngland reveals that GB residents made 12.9 million visits to London last year, another new record.

International and GB visitors also spent £15 billion on hotels, restaurants, shopping and attractions - an increase of 35 per cent compared to 2010.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “It is fantastic that more people than ever before are opting to visit London, to sample the best of our capital and the best of Britain. London has something for everyone and an appeal that clearly extends across the globe.

“I’ve pledged to do all I can to support our vital tourism industry so London continues to be a top choice for travellers.”

Exhibitions, theatre and major events including Cosmonauts: The Birth of Space Age, at the Science Museum, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beautyat the V&A, The Elephant Man at the Theatre Royal Haymarket and the 2015 Rugby World Cup all helped to draw visitors to the city.

This year is set to be another momentous year as the UK celebrates 400 years of Shakespeare's lasting legacy, events to mark the Queen’s 90^thbirthday and Tate Modern opening a major new extension, which is being hailed as the most important new cultural building in the UK since the British Library in 1998.

Bernard Donoghue, Director of the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions: "London, the world's favourite city, continues to draw visitors from around the world thanks to our globally-known and loved attractions.

“Our palaces, cathedrals, museums, galleries, heritage sites, zoos and gardens are some of the principal reasons why record numbers of visitors come to London. From Harry Potter to Beatrix Potter, Shakespeare to shopping, the diversity and excellence of our tourism experiences are world class."

Separate research by independent forecaster Oxford Economics predicts that London will welcome 35.6million UK and international visits to the city by 2020.

The tourism industry is a major contributor to the London economy. Overall the sector contributes more than £36 billion to the capital every year and supports around 700,000 thousand jobs.

Gordon Innes, CEO of London & Partners, the Mayor’s official promotional company for the London, said: “Millions of people want to come to London from all over the world because the city has an unrivalled mix of culture, art, music, theatre, restaurants and major events.  Tourism is a crucial part of the city's economy and we anticipate a significant increase in the number of UK and international visitors for many years to come.”

In the last five years London & Partners, which runs VisitLondon.com, has contributed nearly £500 million in economic benefit (measured GVA) to the London tourism economy and supported 8830 jobs.

Visitlondon.com is the most influential source of information for overseas visitors to London and features thousands of attractions both large and small across the entire city. Every year the site attracts 28 million unique users. 

VisitLondon.com, supported by the Great Britain Campaign, British Airways and Hilton, recently launched a tourism initiative called Fans of London, celebrating the blockbuster events across London this year, including The Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations, 400 years of Shakespeare’s legacy, and the world’s first international exhibition on The Rolling Stones, Exhibitionism.