Friday, March 31, 2017

Is the price control pendulum swinging back to hotels?

In the past two years the hotel industry has been fighting OTAs by offering deals that wiggle around the contracts they originally set with them. Resulting in consumers that are no longer taking it for granted that OTAs offer the best deals.

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US hotels and airlines slash prices as Trump policies hit tourism

According to Expedia, hotels and airlines in the US are cutting prices as tourists avoid the country in response to Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

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How Airbnb is spurring innovation in luxury travel

Young people are “Airbnb native” in the same way they are “digital native”; for many in this group, staying in a chain hotel room is as foreign as talking on a landline, walking into a bank branch, or watching a television show at the actual time it airs.

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Sabre revamps GetThere

Newly redesigned travel management solution delivers a modern and streamlined user experience across mobile devices, coupled with enriched access to airline branded fares and improved shopping for air, hotel and car options.

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HotelsCombined sees big increase in mobile from US customers

The company says bookings via smartphones rose 67% in 2016 while transactions made on a tablet were up 30% year on year. That compares to just 4% growth for desktop bookings.

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8 key reasons why the search landscape is shifting for hotels

If there’s one thing that can complicate and disrupt the booking journey for hotels, it’s the ever-changing search landscape.

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Let’s be honest about points programs and personalization

Hotel marketers have grand visions about connecting with their guests over multiple touch points, but often those visions go unfulfilled because the marketing team is constrained by legacy technologies and outdated processes.

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How Prima Hotels uses semantic analysis to drive improvements

ReviewPro’s Semantic Analysis, which evaluates positive and negative sentiment of mentions related to guests’ experiences across more than 450 concepts, makes it easy for hotels to find and report issues that would otherwise be difficult to identify.

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Thursday, March 30, 2017

HotelsCombined sees big increase in mobile from US customers

The company says bookings via smartphones rose 67% in 2016 while transactions made on a tablet were up 30% year on year. That compares to just 4% growth for desktop bookings.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2nRfiux

8 key reasons why the search landscape is shifting for hotels

If there's one thing that can complicate and disrupt the booking journey for hotels, it's the ever-changing search landscape.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2oFftXd

Let’s be honest about points programs and personalization

Hotel marketers have grand visions about connecting with their guests over multiple touch points, but often those visions go unfulfilled because the marketing team is constrained by legacy technologies and outdated processes.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2oFtFzj

How Prima Hotels uses semantic analysis to drive improvements

ReviewPro's Semantic Analysis, which evaluates positive and negative sentiment of mentions related to guests' experiences across more than 450 concepts, makes it easy for hotels to find and report issues that would otherwise be difficult to identify.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2nGgyAj

Is the price control pendulum swinging back to hotels?

In past two or three years the hotel industry has been fighting the aggregators by offering deals that wiggle around the contracts they originally set with them.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2ofDmb2

US hotels and airlines slash prices as Trump policies hit tourism

According to Expedia, hotels and airlines in the US are cutting prices as tourists avoid the country in response to Donald Trump's immigration policies.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2onV21x

How Airbnb is spurring innovation in luxury travel

Young people are "Airbnb native" in the same way they are "digital native"; for many in this group, staying in a chain hotel room is as foreign as talking on a landline, walking into a bank branch, or watching a television show at the actual time it airs.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2ofSfdo

Sabre revamps GetThere

Newly redesigned travel management solution delivers a modern and streamlined user experience across mobile devices, coupled with enriched access to airline branded fares and improved shopping for air, hotel and car options.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2onVPiW

Vancouver Votes to Ban Cetacean Captivity at City Aquarium

The Vancouver board of parks and recreation voted in early March to ban importation and cetacean captivity at Vancouver Aquarium. The vote came after two nights of debate and thousands of public submissions concerning the welfare of captive cetaceans. The ban on cetacean captivity will come into effect by amending a parks control bylaw in 2017.

Sarah Kirby-Yung, a commissioner who previously worked as a Vancouver Aquarium spokeswoman, commented that their job is to listen to the public, and that the historic vote to ban cetaceans at the aquarium was "the will of Vancouverites." Crowds at the board's meeting began singing Raffi's "Baby Beluga" song when the vote was announced.

Chief Executive Officer of Vancouver Aquarium, Dr. John Nightingale, left the meeting before the vote and confirmed that the aquarium is deeply disappointed with the result. The ban will impact research at the aquarium and could impact the work of their marine mammal rescue center, he said. The center is the only one of its kind in Canada and may no longer be permitted to rescue injured or sick cetaceans.

Vancouver Aquarium Opposes Decision

Vancouver Aquarium had been undergoing a $100-million expansion, including plans to construct two larger whale pools. In February 2017, John Nightingale had announced the aquarium would discontinue its cetacean displays by 2029. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has joined with Vancouver Aquarium to oppose the newly voted-upon, almost immediate ban.

Vancouverites have hotly debated the cetacean display at the Vancouver Aquarium for many years. The issue came to a head however after the aquarium's two remaining beluga whales, Aurora and Qila, suffered unexplained deaths in November 2016. Protests, petitions and email campaigns have since targeted the parks and recreation board to ban whale displays.

There are three remaining cetaceans at Vancouver Aquarium. It's unknown whether the bylaw amendment means they will remain there until their natural deaths or move to another aquarium. Aquarium staff will seek legal counsel before providing a report about the amendment and its enactment. Depending upon the result, the bylaw may take effect by May 15th, 2017.

The post Vancouver Votes to Ban Cetacean Captivity at City Aquarium appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.



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Vancouver Votes to Ban Cetacean Captivity at City Aquarium

The Vancouver board of parks and recreation voted in early March to ban importation and cetacean captivity at Vancouver Aquarium. The vote came after two nights of debate and thousands of public submissions concerning the welfare of captive cetaceans. The ban on cetacean captivity will come into effect by amending a parks control bylaw in 2017.

Sarah Kirby-Yung, a commissioner who previously worked as a Vancouver Aquarium spokeswoman, commented that their job is to listen to the public, and that the historic vote to ban cetaceans at the aquarium was “the will of Vancouverites.” Crowds at the board’s meeting began singing Raffi’s “Baby Beluga” song when the vote was announced.

Chief Executive Officer of Vancouver Aquarium, Dr. John Nightingale, left the meeting before the vote and confirmed that the aquarium is deeply disappointed with the result. The ban will impact research at the aquarium and could impact the work of their marine mammal rescue center, he said. The center is the only one of its kind in Canada and may no longer be permitted to rescue injured or sick cetaceans.

Vancouver Aquarium Opposes Decision

Vancouver Aquarium had been undergoing a $100-million expansion, including plans to construct two larger whale pools. In February 2017, John Nightingale had announced the aquarium would discontinue its cetacean displays by 2029. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has joined with Vancouver Aquarium to oppose the newly voted-upon, almost immediate ban.

Vancouverites have hotly debated the cetacean display at the Vancouver Aquarium for many years. The issue came to a head however after the aquarium’s two remaining beluga whales, Aurora and Qila, suffered unexplained deaths in November 2016. Protests, petitions and email campaigns have since targeted the parks and recreation board to ban whale displays.

There are three remaining cetaceans at Vancouver Aquarium. It’s unknown whether the bylaw amendment means they will remain there until their natural deaths or move to another aquarium. Aquarium staff will seek legal counsel before providing a report about the amendment and its enactment. Depending upon the result, the bylaw may take effect by May 15th, 2017.

The post Vancouver Votes to Ban Cetacean Captivity at City Aquarium appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.



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Ashbury and Oak – Polygon

Introducing Ashbury + Oak by Polygon –  Choose from  three and four bedroom townhomes in Langley’s Willoughby neighbourhood. This family community offers everything you need with retail shopping, restaurants,  recreation centres nearby.

 

Features

  • Queen Anne-inspired architecture, with dramatic pitched roof lines and bay windows
  • Convenient main floor powder rooms
  • A side-by-side two car garage in every home
  • Decks or raised yards for outdoor entertaining
  • Contemporary interior design with open-plan layouts
  • Kitchens with family-sized kitchen islands, engineered stone countertops, a built-in recycling station and stainless steel appliances
  • Spa-style ensuites feature a luxurious spa-style shower with showerhead with wand and integrated bench seating
  • Warm laminate wood flooring throughout the main floor living areas
  • Nine foot ceilings on the main floor, eight-foot on upper and lower floors
  • Central Green & play areas connected with well-lit pathways
  • Access to Kinfolk House – the residents’ only resort-style clubhouse featuring a swimming pool, great room, fully-equipped fitness centre, indoor playground + much more

 

The post Ashbury and Oak – Polygon appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.



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Turkey blocks access to Booking.com

A Turkish court halted the activities of online travel agent Booking.com in a court case alleging the website had violated Turkish competition law, the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies said on Wednesday.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2nOdkLi

Expedia spending big to advertise on Trivago

Travel metasearch sites such as Kayak, Trivago, TripAdvisor and Skyscanner would fall on hard times if they weren’t attracting advertising spend from their parents’ - or former parents’ - rivals.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2nlxTM7

CWT on making life better for business travelers

Better personalizing booking and travel tools for business travelers is something of a holy grail in corporate travel. Time will tell if Carlson Wagonlit Travel’s newfound focus on technology will be effective.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2nOcw9y

Virtuoso set to launch consumer hotel booking

The capability for consumers to book hotels through Virtuoso.com will launch on April 3, following a test period that began in late February.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2oB2SUF

The top 5 hotel experiences guest talk about on social media

Food and restaurants create the most social media buzz, according to Local Measure, drawing on guest posts from close to 300 luxury hotels.

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Weakening March reservation pace creates new challenges for hoteliers

According to new TravelClick data, new commitments that have been added over the last month (pace) are down -1.6 percent, and committed occupancy for the first quarter of 2017 through the fourth quarter is down -1.2 percent compared to last year.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2nlBCt4

TravelClick launches media intelligence platform to drive direct booking revenue for hotels

This unique new platform integrates proprietary data from TravelClick’s iHotelier Suite, Rate360 and Demand360 solutions into the TravelClick digital media campaign planning and optimization process.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2nOdRgg

Business intelligence for small hotels: 3 ways they can capitalize

Smaller hotels have to be especially creative in order to stay competitive. Yet they can implement top of the line solutions faster, and with more agility and efficiency than larger locations.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2oB6tlH

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Weakening March reservation pace creates new challenges for hoteliers

According to new TravelClick data, new commitments that have been added over the last month (pace) are down -1.6 percent, and committed occupancy for the first quarter of 2017 through the fourth quarter is down -1.2 percent compared to last year.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2nlBCt4

CWT on making life better for business travelers

Better personalizing booking and travel tools for business travelers is something of a holy grail in corporate travel. Time will tell if Carlson Wagonlit Travel's newfound focus on technology will be effective.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2nOcw9y

Virtuoso set to launch consumer hotel booking

The capability for consumers to book hotels through Virtuoso.com will launch on April 3, following a test period that began in late February.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2oB2SUF

The top 5 hotel experiences guest talk about on social media

Food and restaurants create the most social media buzz, according to Local Measure, drawing on guest posts from close to 300 luxury hotels.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2nO6Oo1

The new marketing mindset

Software has eaten marketing, whether it's the martech that your company uses, the ad platforms that Google runs or the worldwide, real-time content distribution system known as Facebook.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2oAZjxH

TravelClick launches media intelligence platform to drive direct booking revenue for hotels

This unique new platform integrates proprietary data from TravelClick's iHotelier Suite, Rate360 and Demand360 solutions into the TravelClick digital media campaign planning and optimization process.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2nOdRgg

Business intelligence for small hotels: 3 ways they can capitalize

Smaller hotels have to be especially creative in order to stay competitive. Yet they can implement top of the line solutions faster, and with more agility and efficiency than larger locations.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2oB6tlH

Turkey blocks access to Booking.com

A Turkish court halted the activities of online travel agent Booking.com in a court case alleging the website had violated Turkish competition law, the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies said on Wednesday.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2nOdkLi

Expedia spending big to advertise on Trivago

Travel metasearch sites such as Kayak, Trivago, TripAdvisor and Skyscanner would fall on hard times if they weren't attracting advertising spend from their parents' - or former parents' - rivals.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2nlxTM7

Ashbury and Oak – Polygon

Introducing Ashbury + Oak by Polygon –  Choose from  three and four bedroom townhomes in Langley's Willoughby neighbourhood. This family community offers everything you need with retail shopping, restaurants,  recreation centres nearby.

 

Features

  • Queen Anne-inspired architecture, with dramatic pitched roof lines and bay windows
  • Convenient main floor powder rooms
  • A side-by-side two car garage in every home
  • Decks or raised yards for outdoor entertaining
  • Contemporary interior design with open-plan layouts
  • Kitchens with family-sized kitchen islands, engineered stone countertops, a built-in recycling station and stainless steel appliances
  • Spa-style ensuites feature a luxurious spa-style shower with showerhead with wand and integrated bench seating
  • Warm laminate wood flooring throughout the main floor living areas
  • Nine foot ceilings on the main floor, eight-foot on upper and lower floors
  • Central Green & play areas connected with well-lit pathways
  • Access to Kinfolk House – the residents' only resort-style clubhouse featuring a swimming pool, great room, fully-equipped fitness centre, indoor playground + much more

 

The post Ashbury and Oak – Polygon appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.



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Family of Conservationist and Filmmaker Rob Stewart Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The family of Canadian conservationist and filmmaker Rob Stewart filed a wrongful death lawsuit on March 28th, 2017 at Broward County Circuit Court in Florida. The suit follows Stewart's death during a dive off the Florida Keys in January 2017, and seeks unspecified damages.

Rob Stewart's disappearance

Stewart, 37, died while filming "Sharkwater Extinction" at the Queen of Nassau wreck off the coast of Islamorada. Stewart came into difficulties during the day's third dive to 229 feet (70 m) with dive organizer Peter Sotis. The men conducted the dive to retrieve the grappling hook on the wreck that marked the dive location. They were using rebreather equipment from Sotis' company, Add Helium, and surfaced together with breathing difficulties. Stewart disappeared from the surface while the Pisces crew was giving oxygen to Sotis. The Coast Guard found Stewart's body three days later, 300 feet (91 m) from its last known location at the surface. The discovery followed a multi-agency, 6,000-square-mile search.

Wrongful death lawsuit

The Stewart family's attorney, Michael Haggard, has commented that the death "was a preventable tragedy that was going to happen to someone." The lawsuit has claimed negligence and the defendants listed are Horizon Divers, Add Helium LLC and dive organizers Peter and Claudia Sotis.

Sotis has had previous legal issues. He was one of four defendants found guilty of a $300,000 jewelry heist in Fort Myers in 1991. He served approximately three years in prison because of that conviction. A recent lawsuit accused Sotis of providing military-grade scuba equipment to a Libyan militant in 2016 and selling non-certified compressed air tanks.

Sotis' lawyer, Raymond Robin, has not yet commented on this latest lawsuit.

Haggard has stated the family "hopes the legal action will push out and/or change the ways of all irresponsibly operating diving businesses and help keep attention on Stewart's mission of ocean conservation."

Stewart's 2006 documentary "Sharkwater" brought shark finning to the public's attention and inspired conservationists worldwide. The film received 31 international awards. Stewart followed up with "Revolution," a 2013 documentary about environmental collapse. There are plans for completion of "Sharkwater Extinction" as a tribute to Stewart's work.

The post Family of Conservationist and Filmmaker Rob Stewart Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.



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Family of Conservationist and Filmmaker Rob Stewart Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The family of Canadian conservationist and filmmaker Rob Stewart filed a wrongful death lawsuit on March 28th, 2017 at Broward County Circuit Court in Florida. The suit follows Stewart’s death during a dive off the Florida Keys in January 2017, and seeks unspecified damages.

Rob Stewart’s disappearance

Stewart, 37, died while filming “Sharkwater Extinction” at the Queen of Nassau wreck off the coast of Islamorada. Stewart came into difficulties during the day’s third dive to 229 feet (70 m) with dive organizer Peter Sotis. The men conducted the dive to retrieve the grappling hook on the wreck that marked the dive location. They were using rebreather equipment from Sotis’ company, Add Helium, and surfaced together with breathing difficulties. Stewart disappeared from the surface while the Pisces crew was giving oxygen to Sotis. The Coast Guard found Stewart’s body three days later, 300 feet (91 m) from its last known location at the surface. The discovery followed a multi-agency, 6,000-square-mile search.

Wrongful death lawsuit

The Stewart family’s attorney, Michael Haggard, has commented that the death “was a preventable tragedy that was going to happen to someone.” The lawsuit has claimed negligence and the defendants listed are Horizon Divers, Add Helium LLC and dive organizers Peter and Claudia Sotis.

Sotis has had previous legal issues. He was one of four defendants found guilty of a $300,000 jewelry heist in Fort Myers in 1991. He served approximately three years in prison because of that conviction. A recent lawsuit accused Sotis of providing military-grade scuba equipment to a Libyan militant in 2016 and selling non-certified compressed air tanks.

Sotis’ lawyer, Raymond Robin, has not yet commented on this latest lawsuit.

Haggard has stated the family “hopes the legal action will push out and/or change the ways of all irresponsibly operating diving businesses and help keep attention on Stewart’s mission of ocean conservation.”

Stewart’s 2006 documentary “Sharkwater” brought shark finning to the public’s attention and inspired conservationists worldwide. The film received 31 international awards. Stewart followed up with “Revolution,” a 2013 documentary about environmental collapse. There are plans for completion of “Sharkwater Extinction” as a tribute to Stewart’s work.

The post Family of Conservationist and Filmmaker Rob Stewart Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.



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Cambie Gardens Vancouver by Onni

Coming soon to the Cambie corridor is a new development called Cambie Gardens by Onni. This stunning development is going to consist of 2,160 residential homes spread out over a 25.4 acre site. Also, included in this amazing project will be retail and commercial space, health centre, YMCA club and pool, a 2.5 acre park and the new Canada line transit station.

Floor Plans for Cambie Gardens

Floor plans have yet to be finalized but we can expect a wide range of unit options.

Pricing for Cambie Gardens

Please register and join our VIP list for early access and be the first to receive information on plans and pricing.

 

The post Cambie Gardens Vancouver by Onni appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.



from Buildings – Vancouver New Condos http://ift.tt/2ng0Hoq

Cambie Gardens Vancouver by Onni

Coming soon to the Cambie corridor is a new development called Cambie Gardens by Onni. This stunning development is going to consist of 2,160 residential homes spread out over a 25.4 acre site. Also, included in this amazing project will be retail and commercial space, health centre, YMCA club and pool, a 2.5 acre park and the new Canada line transit station.

Floor Plans for Cambie Gardens

Floor plans have yet to be finalized but we can expect a wide range of unit options.

Pricing for Cambie Gardens

Please register and join our VIP list for early access and be the first to receive information on plans and pricing.

 

The post Cambie Gardens Vancouver by Onni appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.



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Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Business travelers increasingly book direct

A new GBTA Foundation survey of business travelers who are based in Europe’s three largest business travel markets – Germany, the United Kingdom and France – revealed business travelers are increasingly booking direct with suppliers and embracing mobile and sharing economy services.

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Travelzoo boss sounds warning ahead of Article 50 being triggered

The UK travel industry is on the brink of the unknown as prime minister Theresa May prepares to trigger the formal Article 50 divorce procedure from the European Union today.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2nz1cgV

Business travelers increasingly book direct

A new GBTA Foundation survey of business travelers who are based in Europe's three largest business travel markets – Germany, the United Kingdom and France – revealed business travelers are increasingly booking direct with suppliers and embracing mobile and sharing economy services.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2nyZvQD

Travelzoo boss sounds warning ahead of Article 50 being triggered

The UK travel industry is on the brink of the unknown as prime minister Theresa May prepares to trigger the formal Article 50 divorce procedure from the European Union today.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2nz1cgV

Cvent unveils 2017 lists of top meeting hotels in the U.S., EMEA, and Asia Pacific

The list was compiled by analyzing meeting and event booking activity through its Cvent Supplier Network, which sourced more than $11 billion in meetings and events in 2016.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2o9ckCA

Luxury travelers ‘becoming more demanding’

Modern luxury travel reflects wider macro-economic trends. These include rising levels of inequality, which make conspicuous public displays of wealth less acceptable, according to a new report.

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5 tips for crafting an Instagrammable hotel

From unique wall patterns to a well-presented cocktail, guests are inclined to post their favorite moments from a hotel stay to Instagram. Here's how industry experts are creating social-worthy spaces at hotels.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2o98ERh

SXSW: The future of work

Evernote teamed up with SXSW to share insights on the future of work. Here are the notes from 30+ sessions of the Workplace track so you can share words that turn ideas into reality.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2o57END

SiteMinder’s Global Hotel Business Index 2017

A report by SiteMinder has found that the ability to grow direct bookings and online presence is the top business focus for hotels this year.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2o9dwFU

Cvent unveils 2017 lists of top meeting hotels in the U.S., EMEA, and Asia Pacific

The list was compiled by analyzing meeting and event booking activity through its Cvent Supplier Network, which sourced more than $11 billion in meetings and events in 2016.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2o9ckCA

Luxury travelers ‘becoming more demanding’

Modern luxury travel reflects wider macro-economic trends. These include rising levels of inequality, which make conspicuous public displays of wealth less acceptable, according to a new report.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2ofa35H

5 tips for crafting an Instagrammable hotel

From unique wall patterns to a well-presented cocktail, guests are inclined to post their favorite moments from a hotel stay to Instagram. Here's how industry experts are creating social-worthy spaces at hotels.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2o98ERh

SXSW: The future of work

Evernote teamed up with SXSW to share insights on the future of work. Here are the notes from 30+ sessions of the Workplace track so you can share words that turn ideas into reality.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2o57END

SiteMinder’s Global Hotel Business Index 2017

A report by SiteMinder has found that the ability to grow direct bookings and online presence is the top business focus for hotels this year.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2o9dwFU

The newest shiny object for hotel marketers: Facebook City Guides

Recently catching the eye of HSMAI’s Digital Marketing Council is City Guides in the Facebook app which enables users to book some hotels and restaurants, and message or tap to call other hotels, restaurants, tours, and attractions.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2ntK1Md

The newest shiny object for hotel marketers: Facebook City Guides

Recently catching the eye of HSMAI's Digital Marketing Council is City Guides in the Facebook app which enables users to book some hotels and restaurants, and message or tap to call other hotels, restaurants, tours, and attractions.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2ntK1Md

TIPS TO HELP YOU DETOXIFY AND LOSE WEIGHT

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

QUICK TIPS TO HELP YOU DETOXIFY YOUR BODY AND LOSE WEIGHT

The weather is warming up, trees are budding and it's time to get a jump-start on that summer body. At PerfectBath.com, we believe in sustainability.  Because of our passion, we have come to realize many exercise routines and diets and efforts to detox your body, regardless of how awesome they are, don't work for everyone.  First of all, many of us don't have an additional two hours a day to work out – and if we did we would probably want to collapse on the couch!  Our suggestion is to find what works for and is sustainable for you.

Quick Tips To Help You Detox Your Body and Feel Great:

There is a simple rule when it comes to your body:  if it is performing optimally, keeping the weight off is effortless.  This is where setting up a plan to detox your body can support you in achieving your health goals.

  • Participate in some sort of daily physical activity.

The best exercise regime is one you will actually do!  If you can only commit to 15 minutes of walking, stretching or weight lifting a day, this is better than doing nothing at all!  The point is to do something to utilize your muscles and get that lymphatic system moving!

  • Detoxify your body via infrared sauna use.

There are many health benefits of using Infrared Saunas which has helped countless people in ridding their bodies of harmful toxins.  Some of the other benefits include rejuvenation of the skin, pain relief, faster recovery (after working out) and relaxation.  All of these benefits are vital to helping your body function optimally.

Aside from penetrating an inch and a half into your skin to revitalize your cells, daily Infrared Sauna use pulls toxins out of your body through perspiration.

Toxins are usually stored in excess fat cells underneath the skin and, not surprisingly, one of the functions of this excess fat is to keep toxins away from your vital organs.  When toxins are not eliminated fast enough through natural means (such as urination and defecation), the body has to do something with them so they don't harm our vital organs.  Into the excess fat cells they go to be stored until a later time where they can be released through natural means.

  • Participate in a juice cleanse.

Contrary to popular belief, we have found juice cleanses to not only benefit the body, but it doesn't take a great deal of time either.  In fact, for many people juicing leaves us with MORE time because we are spending LESS time in the kitchen!

As with any meal-planning, creating and executing your juice-diet will require you sit down and create a plan – we even draw out the steps for you here.  Whether you opt for a three day, seven day or some other x-amount-of-day juice cleanse, stay focused and committed!  Your body will thank you later!

  • Take time to relax.

Relaxation is vital to keeping your mind focused and can improve your health.  I found a quote which read, "Don't just do something. Sit there!"  While it made me laugh, there is something profound about this – many of us fill our schedule with endless to-dos and goals to achieve but how often do we schedule "blank time" where we literally do nothing?

When you are rested and centered, your body reaps the benefits of it.  In an article posted on the Harvard Medical School website, a study was conducted and revealed those who practiced mindfulness had less insomnia, fatigue and depression than those who simply tried improving their sleep.  Rest doesn't necessarily mean "sleep."  It is simply getting your body out of an active "fight-or-flight" stress response many of us are used to being in throughout the day.  And when your mind is stressed, your body feels it.

In summary, your body is a detox machine.  If you have experienced a little "personal growth" around the midsection, it can be remedied through some of the above-mentioned methods.

Toxins do tend to build up over time, and it is our job to support our body in functioning optimally so it can expel these unwanted toxins effortlessly.  Start now and you will be enjoying a fitter body AND additional health benefits before summer starts!

 

Contributed by: Aaron Gruenke Foremost sauna expert and writer.

 

The post TIPS TO HELP YOU DETOXIFY AND LOSE WEIGHT appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.



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TIPS TO HELP YOU DETOXIFY AND LOSE WEIGHT

3 Factors to Consider When Choosing Window Treatments

There are many factors to consider when choosing which type of window treatment you’d like to get for your home. Here are three of them:

Image Source: Flickr

Style
Unlike many years ago, window coverings are available in a variety of different styles. Your choices include wood blinds, cellular shades, woven wood shades, pleated shades, shutters and draperies. While many people will choose the same wood blind or shade for every room in their house, that isn’t always the best idea.
A better idea is to consider what each room is being used for and then choose your window coverings based on that.
For example, bathrooms and bedrooms require more privacy then let’s say your kitchen. For those rooms you should look for coverings that room-darkening features. Not only will that help to block the sun on those summer mornings when you want to sleep in but the sun rises at 6 AM, but it will also block anyone from seeing into your room. Another benefit is that in the summer the room-darkening shades will block out the heat and the winter they will block out the cold. Source: SheBudgets

Budget
Are you outfitting just one window or the entire house? You may consider spending more on certain windows and scaling back on others. Window treatments are priced by size, so expect larger treatments to cost more. Custom sizes and specialty fabrics, patterns, and features also add to the cost. Source: GoodHousekeeping

Window’s Exposure
Windows that are facing towards the east or south can produce large amounts of heat and sunlight. This can cause furniture, carpeting and other areas of the home to fade if some level of sun blockage is not used. Source: AngiesList

Still haven’t decided? Contact us and we’ll be more than happy to help you out!

 

Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9, Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988

The post 3 Factors to Consider When Choosing Window Treatments appeared first on Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters.



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4 Types of Showerheads

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Your overall showering experience is affected by many factors. One of these is the type of showerhead you’re using. Check out four common showerhead types below:

Standard Wall-Mount Showerhead
The most economical option, standard wall-mount showerheads can be adjusted slightly by moving the shower neck. Models that offer varying spray types fit the needs of most users. Source: BHG

Hand-Held Showerhead
A hand-held showerhead is connected to a long hose and it sit in a cradle when it is not in your hand. Handheld showerheads can be used as a fixed shower head but when taken off the cradle they can be used for much more, like bathing pets, washing children, and even for cleaning the tub.
Hand-held showerheads are available in many different lengths of hose but to meet ADA compliance they must be at least 84” long. The longer the hose the more convenient but it could get in the way of the tub. Hoses between 60” and 72” work well for the average home. Source: Plumbing.About

Ceiling-Mount Showerhead
The ceiling-mount or top-mount showerhead is installed on the ceiling. The spray of this type of showerhead is reminiscent of rain, as water comes from directly overhead. Ceiling-mount showerheads come in many shapes and sizes. Some models can also be mounted flush to the ceiling, which is great for bathrooms with low ceiling heights. Source: Property24

Aerating Showerhead
By mixing air with water, these showerheads form a misty spray to make the flow feel more substantial. Laminar-flow showerheads form individual streams of water instead. On the models we tested, aeration cooled the water from 5 to 15 degrees F on its way from the showerhead to where it would hit your back. Laminar-flow showerheads may cost a little more, but they save energy by maintaining the water temperature better. And they don’t create as much steam and moisture, a plus especially if you live in a humid region. Source: ConsumerReports

Step up your shower experience by trying out a new type of showerhead! Contact us!

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

The post 4 Types of Showerheads appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.



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U.S. travel industry fears a ‘lost decade’ under Trump

Trump's rhetoric and unpopularity abroad are likely to reduce international arrivals by 4.3 million this year, according to a market strategy firm.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2nbuzSS

Marriott buys stake in tours/activities search engine

Marriott International has acquired a stake in PlacePass, as the world's largest hotel company looks to expand its presence in the tours and activities sector.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2mL7MSA

Hilton launches 1,000th hotel featuring Digital Key technology

Less than two years after launching an app functionality that gives Hilton Honors guests the ability to choose their room before arriving at a hotel and enter their room using the Hilton Honors app as a key, Hilton is scaling at a breakneck pace.

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Small hotels tailor amenities to upscale guests

Small hotels are where it's at for most upscale travelers. But when it comes to choosing a property, clients are looking for a lot more than marble bathrooms and a basket of fresh fruit.

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Baby Boomer travelers ignoring print as online and word of mouth dominates, survey finds

The data - which is likely to surprise many travel brands - shows an older demographic which is turning its back on print in favour of the web and word of mouth recommendations.

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Facebook demographics analysis reveals several startling truths

Research suggests that a significant number of users have entered inaccurate demographic information about themselves (age, gender, location, etc.) in their Facebook profiles.

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From mobile app to personal butler: Five hotels getting personalisation right

In the modern hospitality industry, finding new ways to make guests stays at your hotel memorable experiences is essential for survival. One tactic that many hoteliers are embracing is personalisation.

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6 reasons your hotel should be using cloud technology to increase bookings

Cloud technology is now the dominant force in online distribution. Not only does it help hotels generate more bookings, but it can improve almost every aspect of running a successful hotel business.

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10 reasons to love whio – the world’s coolest duck

Now are you ready to hear the story of the world’s coolest duck? I know, I know, I’m setting the bar high. Try and contain your excitement.

New Zealand has a lot of amazing birds. In fact, New Zealand was a land of only birds before humans came along. Most of it is reminiscent of a bygone age, and in more than a few places here give you the feeling like you’ve stepped back in time. After people came, they brought along animals like stoats, cats and possums, which has caused many of the native birds to go extinct or close to it.

All over New Zealand, there is a very unique species of duck called the whio (remember “wh” in Māori is pronounced as an “f”, so “fee-oh”). The blue duck used to be found everywhere in New Zealand, and now they are almost gone. I’m working this month with the Department of Conservation to help share the story of these amazing birds and try and encourage all of you guys to care too! Happy Whio Awareness Month!

Here’s their story and why you should love whio as much as me. Enjoy!

whio new zealand

whio new zealand

1. Whio are almost gone, but not quite!

Whio are some of the rarest ducks in the world, and they are only found in New Zealand. There are less than 3000 of them left, and they are 20 times more endangered than kiwi, New Zealand’s most iconic bird. They are mostly threatened from introduced animals, like weasels and cats, which can easily hunt and kill them, and they do. Whio require a scale of management like no other birds  to ensure their survival because of their large habitats and ability to fly so they can’t be placed on offshore islands, like many of our other birds.

Without our help, 90% of whio nests fail in the wild, which is so sad, and when the lady whio are nesting, they are literally sitting ducks to be hunted. But all is not lost, guys! With our help, they can slowly come back.

whio new zealand

whio new zealand

Image by Andrew Glasser

2. They are the original whitewater rafters

I spotted my first whio back in December in Milford by complete accident walking along Marian Falls. I about crapped my pants from excitement, and made everyone walking by stop and watch it frolicking in the rapids. Seeing a whio in the wild in New Zealand is an incredible and special experience.

Whio thrive in the whitewater and rapids of the cleanest rivers in New Zealand. If you spot a whio, you know that river is healthy. They use the fast water as a natural defense and are great paddlers. It’s so much fun to watch them bop around in the rapids.

whio new zealand

My first whio at Marian Falls

whio new zealand

3. Whio are feisty

Whio aren’t actually really afraid of people, which means you can observe them quite closely. They also can’t be kept with other ducks because they fight too much and are territorial, and they sometimes have fights with other whio, chasing each other up and down the rivers pulling out their tail feathers.

They all have their own personalities and can be quite curious.

whio new zealand

whio new zealand

4. They make the best noises

Forget quacks, whio are too cool for that.

Male whios whistle, which you often hear more, while the ladies growl. Yes, you read that right. They growl.

whio new zealand

whio new zealand

5. Whio chicks are adorable little fluffballs

The pictures speak for themselves.

whio new zealand

whio new zealand

Pics by Dave Buckton – Wangapeka River, Kahurangi National Park

6. Whio dogs are actually a thing

Whio need all the help they can get to ensure their continual survival. One tool in DOC’s arsenal to help them out is training up DOC dogs that help track and find whio.

There are dogs that are trained to find many of New Zealand’s native and endangered birds. Whio dogs can smell them from pretty far away, depending on the wind, sometimes even kilometers. It’s incredible how disciplined and trained they are. When they catch the scent, they go still and point, which is incredible to witness.

Whio dogs are a great asset to helping bring back these ducks!

whio new zealand

whio new zealand

Image by Andrew Glasser

whio new zealand

7. They’re legit famous

Whio are so cool you can find them on the $10 note in New Zealand. What up!

whio new zealand

whio new zealand

8. Sometimes they mate for life

Unless you’re Hugh, in which you swap our mates annually for one younger.

Most whio have the same mate for a couple of years before swapping partners.

whio new zealand

whio new zealand

9. They still really need our help

Luckily with a lot of help whio are starting to come back. Thanks to the incredible work by DOC, whio rangers and whio dogs, blue duck might be on their way to becoming more stable. Genesis Energy has also been the main sponsor for whio in New Zealand with the Whio Forever Project, and have been critical in protecting them and bringing them back.

Let’s help!

whio new zealand

Image by Andrew Glasser

whio new zealand

10. Pucker up for Whio Awareness Month

March is Whio Awareness Month in New Zealand, so help spread the word of these awesome birds if you can.

You can chat with your local DOC office to see how you can get involved and if they’re whio in your area, and be sure to report any sightings of them.

And in the meantime, you can enter to win the chance to be a whio ranger for the day. Just upload your best duck face selfie here (never thought I’d writ that on the blog), and share why you want to help save the whio!

Have you heard of whio before? Are you interested in animals and local wildlife when traveling? Are you a bird nerd like me? Spill!

whio new zealand

Image by Andrew Glasser

whio new zealand

The post 10 reasons to love whio – the world’s coolest duck appeared first on Young Adventuress.



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Cayman’s Coral Nurseries Thriving With Attention and TLC

Almost a year after they were established, Cayman’s coral nurseries are thriving under management by local dive operators, overseen by the Cayman Islands Department of Environment. Divetech, Ocean Frontiers and Sunset House, with assistance from Red Sail Sports, set up the nurseries on Earth Day 2016, and they’re tending the corals to kept them clean and thriving.

Cayman’s Coral Nurseries

The concept behind coral nurseries is to collect live corals from healthy reefs and install these fragments on coral trees made of PVC pipe and anchored to the sea bottom. The coral sits higher in the water column and the trees sway with the currents, giving the corals the best opportunity to feed on sea nutrients.

“These coral fragments show accelerated growth in open water and we can use these thriving corals to “seed” our local reefs,” said Steve Broadbelt, co-owner of Ocean Frontiers, which is overseeing the largest coral nursery.

“The coral fragments are looking great! Much better than we thought,” said Jerry Beaty, an advisor to the board for Sea of Change (SOC) the nonprofit helping the operators with funding and guidance.

Beaty and other (SOC) members got their first glimpse of new coral growth in December when they returned to Grand Cayman to hold another coral restoration clinic for dive staffers maintaining the nurseries.

“We’ve generated, easily, 700 feet of linear coral that we didn’t have in April when we set up the coral trees, and a lot of it has to do with the clarity of Cayman’s water. The coral really likes it and is doing very well,” he said.

Worldwide effects on coral reefs

Coral reefs worldwide are suffering because of climate change, ocean acidification, pollution and other stressors, so Cayman’s dive operators are committed to conservation and restoration.

“With what’s happening worldwide to our reefs, every piece of coral counts,” said a happy Lois Hatcher, who oversees Ocean Frontiers’ coral nursery. “Ninety percent of the fragments in our nursery are still attached and alive, even after the big storms that we’ve had.”

Hatcher has been involved in two successful coral restoration projects in Grand Cayman, including the Carnival Magic Reef Restoration Project that responded to damage done by a cruise ship anchor in George Town Harbor.

Cayman dive operations will be seeding local reefs from their coral nurseries Coral tree with coral fragments attached. The coral will experience rapid growth. Fragments of healthy coral cemented to bare areas of the reef. Ken Nedimyer, Coral Restoration Foundation, teaching out-planting techn... Restoration Team

Restoration efforts in Grand Cayman

Ken Nedimyer, president of the Coral Restoration Foundation, and a consultant for Sea of Change, conducted classes about out-planting techniques, the next step in the restoration process. The clinic was held at Sunset House and classroom sessions were followed by a boat trip, courtesy of Red Sail Sports, to the Carnival Magic Reef Restoration site for hands on training.

“The Cayman operators have been great with the nurseries. Red Sail Sports provided a boat and crew to get our group out to the restoration site, everyone is involved,” said Beaty, who gives them all high marks for the project.  “I would like to see more information about the trees getting out to the local public because education is key in conservation.”

The dive operators are already using the coral nurseries to educate customers. At Ocean Frontiers divers can sign up for a coral nursery dive which includes a class room session on the coral restoration process followed by a dive at the nursery where they can help clean the trees.

“I give them a brief intro on the restoration program and explain why it’s important in light of everything threatening reefs today,” said Lois Hatcher, “We also go over coral etiquette – how not to disturb the coral fragments during the dive.”

Sunset House is also giving divers an opportunity to experience coral restoration up close. General Manager Keith Sahm: “We give them a full understanding of the program and then we take them out to the site where they help maintain the coral trees – we’ve got our 4th tree up now.”

Beaty and the Sea of Change team are impressed with the work done by Cayman’s dive operators – a 2016 grant helped establish the coral nurseries. The organization will visit in April to monitor progress and see what to expect in 2017.

By guest author Cayman Bottom Times

The Cayman Bottom Times is a news collaboration by five leading dive operators to promote the superb diving of the Cayman Islands, and keep the diving public informed of important developments and events. Divetech, Ocean Frontiers, Red Sail Sports and Sunset House in Grand Cayman, and the Southern Cross Club in Little Cayman, all members of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, represent more than 100 years of solid experience in a destination that is recognized as the birthplace of recreational diving. With a unique combination of deep wall and shallow reef diving, several wrecks, and world-famous Stingray City, the Cayman Islands has cemented its place as the top diving destination in the Caribbean.

The post Cayman’s Coral Nurseries Thriving With Attention and TLC appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.



from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2nr7fm4

Cayman’s Coral Nurseries Thriving With Attention and TLC

Almost a year after they were established, Cayman's coral nurseries are thriving under management by local dive operators, overseen by the Cayman Islands Department of Environment. Divetech, Ocean Frontiers and Sunset House, with assistance from Red Sail Sports, set up the nurseries on Earth Day 2016, and they're tending the corals to kept them clean and thriving.

Cayman's Coral Nurseries

The concept behind coral nurseries is to collect live corals from healthy reefs and install these fragments on coral trees made of PVC pipe and anchored to the sea bottom. The coral sits higher in the water column and the trees sway with the currents, giving the corals the best opportunity to feed on sea nutrients.

"These coral fragments show accelerated growth in open water and we can use these thriving corals to "seed" our local reefs," said Steve Broadbelt, co-owner of Ocean Frontiers, which is overseeing the largest coral nursery.

"The coral fragments are looking great! Much better than we thought," said Jerry Beaty, an advisor to the board for Sea of Change (SOC) the nonprofit helping the operators with funding and guidance.

Beaty and other (SOC) members got their first glimpse of new coral growth in December when they returned to Grand Cayman to hold another coral restoration clinic for dive staffers maintaining the nurseries.

"We've generated, easily, 700 feet of linear coral that we didn't have in April when we set up the coral trees, and a lot of it has to do with the clarity of Cayman's water. The coral really likes it and is doing very well," he said.

Worldwide effects on coral reefs

Coral reefs worldwide are suffering because of climate change, ocean acidification, pollution and other stressors, so Cayman's dive operators are committed to conservation and restoration.

"With what's happening worldwide to our reefs, every piece of coral counts," said a happy Lois Hatcher, who oversees Ocean Frontiers' coral nursery. "Ninety percent of the fragments in our nursery are still attached and alive, even after the big storms that we've had."

Hatcher has been involved in two successful coral restoration projects in Grand Cayman, including the Carnival Magic Reef Restoration Project that responded to damage done by a cruise ship anchor in George Town Harbor.

Cayman dive operations will be seeding local reefs from their coral nurseries Coral tree with coral fragments attached. The coral will experience rapid growth. Fragments of healthy coral cemented to bare areas of the reef. Ken Nedimyer, Coral Restoration Foundation, teaching out-planting techn... Restoration Team

Restoration efforts in Grand Cayman

Ken Nedimyer, president of the Coral Restoration Foundation, and a consultant for Sea of Change, conducted classes about out-planting techniques, the next step in the restoration process. The clinic was held at Sunset House and classroom sessions were followed by a boat trip, courtesy of Red Sail Sports, to the Carnival Magic Reef Restoration site for hands on training.

"The Cayman operators have been great with the nurseries. Red Sail Sports provided a boat and crew to get our group out to the restoration site, everyone is involved," said Beaty, who gives them all high marks for the project.  "I would like to see more information about the trees getting out to the local public because education is key in conservation."

The dive operators are already using the coral nurseries to educate customers. At Ocean Frontiers divers can sign up for a coral nursery dive which includes a class room session on the coral restoration process followed by a dive at the nursery where they can help clean the trees.

"I give them a brief intro on the restoration program and explain why it's important in light of everything threatening reefs today," said Lois Hatcher, "We also go over coral etiquette – how not to disturb the coral fragments during the dive."

Sunset House is also giving divers an opportunity to experience coral restoration up close. General Manager Keith Sahm: "We give them a full understanding of the program and then we take them out to the site where they help maintain the coral trees – we've got our 4th tree up now."

Beaty and the Sea of Change team are impressed with the work done by Cayman's dive operators – a 2016 grant helped establish the coral nurseries. The organization will visit in April to monitor progress and see what to expect in 2017.

By guest author Cayman Bottom Times

The Cayman Bottom Times is a news collaboration by five leading dive operators to promote the superb diving of the Cayman Islands, and keep the diving public informed of important developments and events. Divetech, Ocean Frontiers, Red Sail Sports and Sunset House in Grand Cayman, and the Southern Cross Club in Little Cayman, all members of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, represent more than 100 years of solid experience in a destination that is recognized as the birthplace of recreational diving. With a unique combination of deep wall and shallow reef diving, several wrecks, and world-famous Stingray City, the Cayman Islands has cemented its place as the top diving destination in the Caribbean.

The post Cayman's Coral Nurseries Thriving With Attention and TLC appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.



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3 Factors to Consider When Choosing Window Treatments

from Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters http://ift.tt/2otC2hh

3 Factors to Consider When Choosing Window Treatments

There are many factors to consider when choosing which type of window treatment you'd like to get for your home. Here are three of them:

Image Source: Flickr

Style
Unlike many years ago, window coverings are available in a variety of different styles. Your choices include wood blinds, cellular shades, woven wood shades, pleated shades, shutters and draperies. While many people will choose the same wood blind or shade for every room in their house, that isn't always the best idea.
A better idea is to consider what each room is being used for and then choose your window coverings based on that.
For example, bathrooms and bedrooms require more privacy then let's say your kitchen. For those rooms you should look for coverings that room-darkening features. Not only will that help to block the sun on those summer mornings when you want to sleep in but the sun rises at 6 AM, but it will also block anyone from seeing into your room. Another benefit is that in the summer the room-darkening shades will block out the heat and the winter they will block out the cold. Source: SheBudgets

Budget
Are you outfitting just one window or the entire house? You may consider spending more on certain windows and scaling back on others. Window treatments are priced by size, so expect larger treatments to cost more. Custom sizes and specialty fabrics, patterns, and features also add to the cost. Source: GoodHousekeeping

Window's Exposure
Windows that are facing towards the east or south can produce large amounts of heat and sunlight. This can cause furniture, carpeting and other areas of the home to fade if some level of sun blockage is not used. Source: AngiesList

Still haven't decided? Contact us and we'll be more than happy to help you out!

 

Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9, Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988

The post 3 Factors to Consider When Choosing Window Treatments appeared first on Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters.



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4 Types of Showerheads

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Your overall showering experience is affected by many factors. One of these is the type of showerhead you're using. Check out four common showerhead types below:

Standard Wall-Mount Showerhead
The most economical option, standard wall-mount showerheads can be adjusted slightly by moving the shower neck. Models that offer varying spray types fit the needs of most users. Source: BHG

Hand-Held Showerhead
A hand-held showerhead is connected to a long hose and it sit in a cradle when it is not in your hand. Handheld showerheads can be used as a fixed shower head but when taken off the cradle they can be used for much more, like bathing pets, washing children, and even for cleaning the tub.
Hand-held showerheads are available in many different lengths of hose but to meet ADA compliance they must be at least 84" long. The longer the hose the more convenient but it could get in the way of the tub. Hoses between 60" and 72" work well for the average home. Source: Plumbing.About

Ceiling-Mount Showerhead
The ceiling-mount or top-mount showerhead is installed on the ceiling. The spray of this type of showerhead is reminiscent of rain, as water comes from directly overhead. Ceiling-mount showerheads come in many shapes and sizes. Some models can also be mounted flush to the ceiling, which is great for bathrooms with low ceiling heights. Source: Property24

Aerating Showerhead
By mixing air with water, these showerheads form a misty spray to make the flow feel more substantial. Laminar-flow showerheads form individual streams of water instead. On the models we tested, aeration cooled the water from 5 to 15 degrees F on its way from the showerhead to where it would hit your back. Laminar-flow showerheads may cost a little more, but they save energy by maintaining the water temperature better. And they don't create as much steam and moisture, a plus especially if you live in a humid region. Source: ConsumerReports

Step up your shower experience by trying out a new type of showerhead! Contact us!

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

The post 4 Types of Showerheads appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.



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Monday, March 27, 2017

10 reasons to love whio – the world’s coolest duck

Now are you ready to hear the story of the world's coolest duck? I know, I know, I'm setting the bar high. Try and contain your excitement.

New Zealand has a lot of amazing birds. In fact, New Zealand was a land of only birds before humans came along. Most of it is reminiscent of a bygone age, and in more than a few places here give you the feeling like you've stepped back in time. After people came, they brought along animals like stoats, cats and possums, which has caused many of the native birds to go extinct or close to it.

All over New Zealand, there is a very unique species of duck called the whio (remember "wh" in Māori is pronounced as an "f", so "fee-oh"). The blue duck used to be found everywhere in New Zealand, and now they are almost gone. I'm working this month with the Department of Conservation to help share the story of these amazing birds and try and encourage all of you guys to care too! Happy Whio Awareness Month!

Here's their story and why you should love whio as much as me. Enjoy!

whio new zealand

whio new zealand

1. Whio are almost gone, but not quite!

Whio are some of the rarest ducks in the world, and they are only found in New Zealand. There are less than 3000 of them left, and they are 20 times more endangered than kiwi, New Zealand's most iconic bird. They are mostly threatened from introduced animals, like weasels and cats, which can easily hunt and kill them, and they do. Whio require a scale of management like no other birds  to ensure their survival because of their large habitats and ability to fly so they can't be placed on offshore islands, like many of our other birds.

Without our help, 90% of whio nests fail in the wild, which is so sad, and when the lady whio are nesting, they are literally sitting ducks to be hunted. But all is not lost, guys! With our help, they can slowly come back.

whio new zealand

whio new zealand

2. They are the original whitewater rafters

I spotted my first whio back in December in Milford by complete accident walking along Marian Falls. I about crapped my pants from excitement, and made everyone walking by stop and watch it frolicking in the rapids. Seeing a whio in the wild in New Zealand is an incredible and special experience.

Whio thrive in the whitewater and rapids of the cleanest rivers in New Zealand. If you spot a whio, you know that river is healthy. They use the fast water as a natural defense and are great paddlers. It's so much fun to watch them bop around in the rapids.

whio new zealand

My first whio at Marian Falls

whio new zealand

3. Whio are feisty

Whio aren't actually really afraid of people, which means you can observe them quite closely. They also can't be kept with other ducks because they fight too much and are territorial, and they sometimes have fights with other whio, chasing each other up and down the rivers pulling out their tail feathers.

They all have their own personalities and can be quite curious.

whio new zealand

whio new zealand

4. They make the best noises

Forget quacks, whio are too cool for that.

Male whios whistle, which you often hear more, while the ladies growl. Yes, you read that right. They growl.

whio new zealand

whio new zealand

5. Whio chicks are adorable little fluffballs

The pictures speak for themselves.

whio new zealand

whio new zealand

Pics by Dave Buckton – Wangapeka River, Kahurangi National Park

6. Whio dogs are actually a thing

Whio need all the help they can get to ensure their continual survival. One tool in DOC's arsenal to help them out is training up DOC dogs that help track and find whio.

There are dogs that are trained to find many of New Zealand's native and endangered birds. Whio dogs can smell them from pretty far away, depending on the wind, sometimes even kilometers. It's incredible how disciplined and trained they are. When they catch the scent, they go still and point, which is incredible to witness.

Whio dogs are a great asset to helping bring back these ducks!

whio new zealand

whio new zealand

whio new zealand

7. They're legit famous

Whio are so cool you can find them on the $10 note in New Zealand. What up!

whio new zealand

whio new zealand

8. Sometimes they mate for life

Unless you're Hugh, in which you swap our mates annually for one younger.

Most whio have the same mate for a couple of years before swapping partners.

whio new zealand

whio new zealand

9. They still really need our help

Luckily with a lot of help whio are starting to come back. Thanks to the incredible work by DOC, whio rangers and whio dogs, blue duck might be on their way to becoming more stable. Genesis Energy has also been the main sponsor for whio in New Zealand with the Whio Forever Project, and have been critical in protecting them and bringing them back.

Let's help!

whio new zealand

whio new zealand

10. Pucker up for Whio Awareness Month

March is Whio Awareness Month in New Zealand, so help spread the word of these awesome birds if you can.

You can chat with your local DOC office to see how you can get involved and if they're whio in your area, and be sure to report any sightings of them.

And in the meantime, you can enter to win the chance to be a whio ranger for the day. Just upload your best duck face selfie here (never thought I'd writ that on the blog), and share why you want to help save the whio!

Have you heard of whio before? Are you interested in animals and local wildlife when traveling? Are you a bird nerd like me? Spill!

whio new zealand

whio new zealand

The post 10 reasons to love whio – the world's coolest duck appeared first on Young Adventuress.



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