Kona Village Resort, one of the iconic vacation destinations and resorts of Hawaii, today announced that it will close for an extended period of time due to the significant structural and property damage it sustained during last week’s earthquake-generated tsunami.

Kona Village Resort

“We are very sad to close Kona Village Resort for an extended period of time, but the damage to the property from this natural disaster is severe enough to render it inoperable,” said Patrick Fitzgerald, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hualalai Resort/Kona Village Resort. “We are fortunate that our guests and employees were evacuated safely. Our hearts are heavy with this decision’s impact on employees and loyal guests who have visited us over the years. Our thoughts also are with the people of Japan during this difficult time.” Continue Reading

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The 45th International Tourism Exchange (ITB) trade show opens here Wednesday with record numbers of exhibitors and emphasis on travel technology innovations.

As global tourism’s leading trade show and yearly forecaster, the ITB defines the trends for a mega industry that employs more than 100 million people.

“We are doing extremely well,” Christian Goeke, chief operating officer of Messe Berlin (Trade Fair Berlin), told reporters on Tuesday. “All the figures have reached new highs.”

In comparison to last year’s 11,127 trade exhibitors, this year there are 11,163 exhibiting companies from 188 countries. ITB director Martin Buck plans for around 170,000 visitors and 100,000 industry professionals. The 2011 official partner country is Poland. Continue Reading

The Canadian government is developing a Federal Tourism Strategy comprised of four key pillars, Rob Moore, the Canadian Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism said here Monday at the Hotel Association of Canada’s 19th Annual Conference.

The four pillars are promoting Canada as a premier tourist destination, improving access to Canada while ensuring the safety of the country’s borders, encouraging product development, and ensuring the Canadian work force will be up to the task of providing quality service and hospitality.

“It is time for us to take full advantage of our country’s unique strengths,” said Moore. “By consulting industry associations, labor groups and other levels of government, we are working together to ensure the tourism industry remains a key component of our economic recovery.”

The Harper Government is focused on stimulating the growth of the tourism industry and helping to bring Canada to the forefront in the minds of travelers. Continue Reading

Paris is one of the most interesting cities to visit in the world, full of the best fashion, history and architecture; it is a fantastic place to visit. The ‘City of Light’ is not known however for its value for money, here are some top tips for getting around the French capital on a budget.

Metropolitan Paris

One of the most efficient and cost effective ways of getting around the city is the Paris Metro, the network which is the second largest underground system in Europe carries an estimated 4.5 million passengers a day. There are stops close to all of the major attractions and it is easy to determine which trains are the ones you need. Continue Reading

An information system to help foreign tourists navigate their way around Moscow may be developed this year, Moscow’s top tourism official told the Izvestia daily on Tuesday.

Moscow in Russia

“As part of a complex plan for 2011 we are tasked with developing an information portal and a system of navigation like in other capitals. Measures which require no significant funding will be done as soon as possible,” said Sergei Shpilko, who heads the city’s tourism committee. Continue Reading