A state of enchantment
This winter, New Mexico invites you to experience a "state of enchantment". Immerse yourself in the Southwest's Spanish and Native culture. Revel in the beauty and craftsmanship of Native American silverwork, jewellery, pottery and textiles. Tantalize your senses with unique southwestern cuisines. Explore art galleries and offbeat museums. Spend the morning hiking mountain trails – and your afternoon golfing in the warm sunshine. And when the day is done, bask in a glorious sunset and curl up before a pine-scented fire. Call (800) 733-6396, Ext. 0687 or visit www.newmexico.org.

Grenada undergoes upgrades
With tourism on the increase, Grenada is upgrading its international airport to include air-conditioning in the arrival's lounge and additional space for shops. In an effort to make water sports safer and more enjoyable for everyone, plans are under way to prohibit the use of jet skis on Grand Anse Beach. Also, Spiceland Mall, in Grand Anse, is adding a new 100,000-square-foot facility to house a supermarket, bank and wide range of shops and services. Call (800) 927-9554 or visit www.grenada.org for information on Grenada.

Websaver change
Air Canada stopped taking Websaver bookings through its reservations offices earlier this summer. Instead, travellers booking last-minute specials must do so online or through a travel agency. Websaver fares are e-mailed every Wednesday to consumers who sign up on Air Canada's Web site. The fares are valid for new reservations only and for travel over the next weekend departing on Friday on or after 7 p.m. or on Saturday returning anytime the following Monday or Tuesday.

Club Med games
Club Med and Infogrames have formed a worldwide partnership and this summer three villages will open video-game areas under the banner of Infograme – Game Nation, a new brand name, created by Infogrames. The range of activities available to children will be extended to include a whole series of video games featuring well-known Infogrames stars such as Tintin, the Looney Tune characters, Lucky Luke and the Smurfs. Video games will become a standard part of activities in Club Med villages. And, as of this summer, Infogrames will feature the Club Med name in its beach volleyball simulation. The game will be installed in villages organizing beach volleyball tournaments.

World of Vacations expands in U.S.
World of Vacations recently expanded its U.S. product line with flights from major gateway cities across Canada providing service on Canadian Airlines and their code-share flights on Air Canada. Special connector fares are available for all U.S. flights from selected cities across Canada on Canadian Airlines. New cities added to the USA Getaway program are Austin, Charlotte, Houston, New Orleans, Raleigh, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Washington, among others. Getaway packages include a choice of hotels and a range of car rental options with Alamo and National Car Rental.

Cruising with Air Canada Vacations
Air Canada Vacations’ newly released 2000/01 cruise brochure features Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crown Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line. Destinations include the Caribbean, Alaska, Central and South America, Mexico, Europe, the U.S. and Canada. Packages include round-trip air fare with Air Canada, transfers and 1,500 Aeroplan miles, as well as pre- and post-cruise options.

Got a complaint?
The Federal Government's legislation covering the airline industry in Canada gives the Canadian Transportation Agency new ability to deal with complaints from air travellers. Now the Agency can deal with a wide range of issues from baggage to bumping, and from fares to quality of service. Before coming to the Agency, however, travellers are encouraged to approach the airline to try and resolve the problem directly. If unsuccessful, travellers can bring their unresolved complaints to the Agency's Air Travel Complaints Commissioner. For information on what the new legislation provides, or on how to file a complaint with the Agency, call (800) 222-2592 or visit www.cta.gc.ca.

Sunshine guaranteed
Rainy days can put a damper on your Caribbean vacation. Worry no more. Valid year-round at all SuperClubs Resorts in Jamaica and The Bahamas, SuperClubs' Guaranteed Getaways provide complete customer satisfaction and protection – even in the event of a hurricane! Call (800) 467-8737 or visit www.superclubs.com for details.

Five-star all-inclusive opens in Cuba
Meliá Cayo Guillermo, the tiny key's first five-star resort, is an original Cuban work of art where Cuban architects and artisans have incorporated nature's best elements into the design of this all-inclusive property. A two-storey, crescent-shaped building houses 314 well-appointed rooms, while nearby bungalows offer four elegant suites. The resort's swimming pool, with its Jacuzzi and swim-up bar, meanders through exotic gardens and ends up in the lobby. Visitors have a choice of five restaurants and four bars, among them a 24-hour lobby bar and a Karaoke bar. A fitness centre comes with a sauna and massage facilities, while water and land sports abound. Facilities for the disabled include wider room-door frames and wheelchair access to the main dining room.

CanJet opens for business
On July 31, CanJet Airlines opened its Reservation Sales Centre to accept reservations for flights starting on September 5. CanJet will offer three daily frequencies on the Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax corridor as well as two daily frequencies between Toronto and Windsor. One-way fares start as low as $89 between Ottawa/Toronto and Windsor/Toronto, and $109 between Halifax and Ottawa. Later in September, service will be added to Montreal, Winnipeg and St. John's (NF). Call (800) 809-7777. You can also book online at www.canjet.com and receive additional discounts.

Get jazzed in Jamaica
The Second Annual Jamerican Film & Music Festival will take place at the luxurious Wyndham Rose Hall Beacon and Country Club in Montego Bay from November 15-19. Call (416) 482-7850 or visit the Jamaica Tourist Board Web site at www.jamaicatravel.com.

Passport to Savings in Pennsylvania
Reports show that Canadian visitors to Pennsylvania in 1999 increased 15 per cent over 1998 with 75 per cent originating from Ontario – up 15 per cent from 1999. Quebec visitors were up 25 per cent and Western Canadian visitors up 7 per cent.

"In 1999, we introduced Passport To Savings to offset the exchange rate and encourage Canadians to visit Pennsylvania. We believe that this value-added program contributed to this significant increase of Canadian visitors," commented Fritz Smith, Director of Tourism for the Pennsylvania Center for Travel, Tourism and Film.

The bilingual program targets annual "snowbirds" heading to warmer destinations, and the short getaway traveller. The program has been extended through April 30, 2001 and will feature more than 100 offers at accommodations, attractions and other tourism suppliers across Pennsylvania. For copies of the booklet and travel information on Pennsylvania, call (800) VISIT-PA or log onto www.experiencepa.com.

In the company of women
An interactive conference, The Company of Women, is taking place at the Toronto Centre for the Arts on Friday, September 15. The conference is aimed at women striving to achieve balance between the ever-increasing demands of today's workplace and the family unit. The price, $245 plus GST, includes continental breakfast. Call (905) 509-3628 or visit www.thecompanyofwomen.com.

Live it up in Costa Rica
Hotel Punta Islita, Costa Rica's only member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, may well be considered the ultimate stay for those wishing an intimate getaway. Priced from US$229 for a two-night stay in a deluxe bungalow to US$1,185 for a three-night stay in a suite, all packages include luxury accommodations, tropical breakfast each morning and a round-trip flight from San Jose to the Hotel Punta Islita airstrip on Travel Air. Prices are based on double occupancy and include taxes. Call (800) 525-4800 or visit www.slh.com for reservations.

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