US$50 credit
The Imperial Palace Hotel in Las Vegas, a bestseller for Signature Vacations, is giving customers a US$50 food and beverage credit per room, per day through August 30. Signature offers departures every Thursday and Sunday to Las Vegas from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto.

Mamma Mia!
The Westin Harbour Castle and The Sheraton Centre Toronto have been designated as the official Toronto-based host hotels for Mamma Mia!, the new musical based on the songs of 70s Swedish super group, ABBA. Both properties feature special Mamma Mia! packages, including one night's accommodation and two tickets to the show. Prices start at $219 per room.

High-speed Internet access
The Radisson Hotel Toronto-Markham is the first hotel in Markham and the first Radisson in Canada to introduce Data-Valet, a unique high-speed Internet service designed for their business traveller communications and corporate meeting requirements. DataValet services include e-mail access, on-demand fax services, high-quality printing and work group connectivity. All services can be accessed from the comfort of the guest or meeting room by simply plugging a notebook computer into the in-room DataValet port, without the need for any configuration changes or additional software.

Bermuda special
Air Canada Vacations has a free night promotion at the Sonesta Beach Hotel & Spa in Bermuda. During July and August, clients paying for five nights get a sixth night free. From September 1 to November 15, those paying for six nights, get a seventh night free.

German delicacies at great rates
Exchange rates on the Deutsch Mark are the best they've been in ten years! And the German National Tourist Office’s Culinary Germany helps sophisticated Canadian palates prepare their trip, by suggesting seven culinary routes through art, culture and German delicacies. The 152-page magazine gives background information on Germany’s culinary basics – beer, potatoes and sausages – and on the country’s 300 varieties of bread and 1,200 types of cookies and cakes. It also introduces Germany’s 13 wine regions, 550 regional mineral springs, freshwater fish dishes and seafood treats from the North and Baltic Seas. Call (416) 968-1570, e-mail your address to germanto@idirect.com, or check out www.germany-tourism.de.

Thrifty joins Delta SkyMiles program
Thrifty Car Rental is kicking off its new frequent flyer partnership with Delta Air Lines by offering SkyMiles members double miles on car rentals between now and August 14. Airport-arriving SkyMiles members who rent from Thrifty airport locations worldwide receive 100 SkyMiles for each rental day up to 14 days – twice the usual 50 per day. For rentals exceeding 14 days, the mileage award is 50 miles per rental day.

Escape to Galveston
Searching for a warm winter destination where average temperatures are no lower than the 50s? Perhaps Galveston Island holds the answer. Just 50 miles south of Houston, the Island features 32 miles of sparkling Texas beaches, beautiful sunsets, a variety of accommodations, restaurants,Victorian homes, shopping and 60-plus attractions. Call (888) GAL-ISLE or visit www.galvestoncvb.com.

Air Canada opens door to Austin, Texas
Air Canada recently launched a daily non-stop flight between Toronto and Austin, Texas – an enticing vacation and business destination. Blessed with a moderate climate, an idyllic river setting in the Texas Hill Country and a young, active population, Austin is fast-becoming the place where trendy movie stars and up-and-coming entrepreneurs call home. Call (800) 926-2282 or visit www.austintexas.org for more information.

New developments at Cathay
From private sleeper seats, à la carte menus to spa services, Cathay Pacific Airways' modern B-747-400 aircraft now feature a new First Class service on board flights between Vancouver and Hong Kong and Vancouver and New York. And effective immediately, Cathay Pacific passengers now earn miles on its new frequent flyer program with American Airlines' AAdvantage program. As of July 3, Cathay Pacific miles will no longer be associated with Canadian Airlines' CP PLUS program. Call (800) 268-6868 or visit www.cathay.ca for details.

Heard of the Eco-Challenge Expedition Race?
Experience the fun, without the pain, for yourself. Eco-Challenge adventure travel programs combine the excitement of the Eco-Challenge Expedition Race (the world's toughest race according to Newsweek Magazine), with the fun and adventure of travel. Programs include trips to Argentina, Australia, Morocco, Canada and Malaysia, all of the countries where the race has taken place. This year's race takes place in Malaysian Borneo and travellers get a unique 'behind the scenes' look at the Eco-Challenge experience. For details, log onto www.ecochallenge.com/ or call (800) 803-9010.

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