Hi there, 

This edition of Time to Travel includes hotel news, airline and route development to Victoria, as well as product updates and upcoming events from Victoria, British Columbia.

Victoria International Airport Announces approval of new 129-room Towne Place Suites by Marriott. 

On August 17th, The Victoria Airport Authority announced that it had approved the construction of a 129-room hotel at the corner of Highway 17 and Beacon Avenue West.

Intended as the Victoria region’s first extended stay hotel, the three-storey all-suite hotel will feature a combination of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units with fully equipped kitchens, a fitness centre, swimming pool, and 1,500 square feet of meeting space. The development will also include a full-service restaurant, with the brand expected to be announced in the coming months.

Activity will begin on site in early fall to prepare for the start of construction, which is expected to be completed by late spring of 2025.

Porter Airlines Begins Daily Return Service From Toronto

On September 20th, Porter Airlines will begin their daily return flight service from Toronto to Victoria. Porter Airlines’ state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient Embraer E195-E2 aircraft are environmentally friendly single-aisle aircraft. They are up to 65 percent quieter and up to 25 percent cleaner than previous-generation aircraft. The passenger-focused design features only aisle or window seating for every passenger, with no middle seats. This new route marks the first Porter Airlines connection to Victoria.  

New This Fall:

Afternoon Tea at Aura Waterfront Restaurant: Afternoon Tea is now available at The Inn at Laurel Point, a perfect way to share and reconnect over tea. Afternoon tea is available on Saturdays and Sundays, featuring classics like berries with clotted cream and clever Asian-inspired small bites. 

The Chocolate Project: a retail store and education centre specializing in bean-to-bar craft chocolate from around the world. Customers can taste, learn, shop, and experience the finest chocolate on Earth. All bars are sustainably sourced and ethically produced. Owner David Mincey is a renowned local chef, lecturer and International Chocolate Judge. 

Bilston Creek Farm: Nestled in Metchosin between forest and sea, this quiet property offers relaxation and natural beauty. Explore their heritage orchard, join a farm tour, and experience the calming aroma of lavender distilled in a Portuguese copper still. They have also recently announced a partnership with Wildwood Saunas, offering small group saunas on their property every weekend, and their holiday markets are some of the best in the region!

The Belfry Theatre: This historic Victoria theatre begins its 2023-2024 season with Yaga, a collaboration between Ukrainian and Indigenous artists, this September. The Belfry is one of Canada's most acclaimed companies, with plays continuing onto national tours, European tours, and even London's West End. 

For more product updates, consult our What's New Document.

Huntingdon Manor Unveils Their Expanded Community Garden. 

A First of its kind in Victoria. On August 17th, The Huntingdon Manor Hotel and Pendray Inn & Tea House officially unveiled their community garden. A collaboration with The James Bay Community Association, the project began in May 2020 as a community-building gesture and was intended to be temporary. In light of it's success, the garden now has been turned into a permanent fixture and has recently been expanded. Julia Canton, Huntingdon's Director of Sales & Marketing, explains "From a temporary 12-plot project, it has grown into a permanent garden with 25 plots, including 3 that are accessible...As the first private business in Victoria to take such an initiative, we are not only proud of our achievements but hope to set a precedent for other businesses to follow."

Early Bird Registration Now Open For IMPACT Summit Victoria 

The 7th Annual IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Summit will take place on January 21-24, 2024. From sustainable travel practices to sustainable tourism policy design, this conference will explore how Canadian tourism can move beyond sustainability and towards being a regenerative and restorative industry. Registration is now open for this three-day networking and learning event and one additional Day of IMPACT, where participants can engage in acts of regenerative tourism right here in Victoria. 

If you're in the Seattle area please join us!

Signature Travel Conference

Las Vegas, NV, Nov 6-9, 2023

Travel Trade Specialist Bernard Rechico will attend the Signature Travel Conference at The Venetian in Las Vegas. Be sure to sign up for his presentation, Canada's West Coast: Vancouver, Whistler & Victoria, or request a meeting to meet Bernard during the conference.

Canada Showcase Europe

Hamburg, Germany Nov 13-17, 2023

CEO Paul Nursey and Travel Trade Specialist Bernard Rechico, will attend Canada Showcase Europe in Hamburg. Email Bernard if you wish to meet him in Hamburg outside of trade show events. 

IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism 

Victoria BC, Jan 21-24, 2024

Early Bird Registration is now open for the 7th annual Victoria Summit. Tickets are limited! Register Here 

Contact your Travel Trade Reps

Chelsea Smith

Email Chelsea

Bernard Rechico Moisan

Email Bernard

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