Pan Pacific Takes Meetings To New Level The Pan Pacific Vancouver is set to become one of Western Canada�s largest conference centres with the unveiling of its new Galley Level. The new level will be completed in May as part of a two-year, $11-million expansion and renovation giving the harbourfront hotel 42,000 sq.ft. and 20 rooms of event space, most of which will have unobstructed floor-to-ceiling views of Vancouver�s world-renowned harbour and North Shore mountains. The Pan Pacific Galley Level includes two state-of-the-art executive boardrooms, four contemporary event suites and the magnificent Oceanview Suites - a unique set of eight event rooms that can be used individually or combined into two large spaces for up to 800 people. The Oceanview Suites feature exquisite chandeliers, backlit onyx, luxurious fabrics and Bird�s Eye maple. Phone: 604.662.8111 www.panpacific.com NEW WAYS TO GET TO VANCOUVER It�s never been easier to get to Vancouver! The following enhancements to flights schedules at Vancouver International Airport include the following: o Alaska Airlines is now operating a daily service between San Diego and Vancouver. o British Airways will be increasing service from London to Vancouver to 10 flights per week as of June. o Air China will be increasing service from Beijing to Vancouver to 11 flights per week as of August. o Air Canada will offer a daily service to Vancouver from Nagoya, Japan as of June. o China Eastern is now operating a daily service between Shanghai and Vancouver. EVERYONE LOVES A POOL PARTY One of Vancouver�s best kept secrets is the Westin Grand�s garden terrace and pool deck. Located on the third floor, the terrace is a hidden haven of quiet relaxation overlooking the stunning architecture of the Vancouver Public Library and the city�s striking cityscape. The terrace is perfect for outdoor summer barbeques, and ideal for receptions and events. Phone: 604.602.1999 www.westingrandvancouver.com GET THE RHYTHM This summer, visitors to Vancouver can catch the beat at one of the city�s many music-based festivals. Here are just a few of the gems that summer will bring: o At the Vancouver International Jazz Festival you'll hear jazz of all styles and stripes, blues, funk, Latin, fusion, electronica and world music. Big names at this year�s festival include Diana Krall and Cesaria Evora. From June 24th to July 3rd. www.coastaljazz.ca o The Vancouver Folk Music Festival sees some of the finest folk and root musicians from the around the world converge on Vancouver�s Jericho Beach. The festival will be held from July 15th to 17th, and also includes an art market. www.thefestival.bc.ca o Headlining this year�s Festival Vancouver will be jazz legend Chick Corea. The festival brings international and Canadian classical, world and jazz musicians to the city for 50 concerts held in 10 venues over 14 days. From August 1st to 14th. www.festivalvancouver.bc.ca A WHALE OF A MEETING Voted one of Canada�s best-loved attractions, the Vancouver Aquarium is an intriguing and unforgettable venue for meetings and events. Among the spaces that can be used for events are a spacious outdoor area, the Bing Thom-designed Pacific Canada Pavilion, the private Van Dusen Aquatic Science Theatre, and the spectacular purpose-designed Ralph Shaw boardroom, boasting an underwater view of the aquarium�s habitats. Its very own AquaHost professional catering and events team works with planners to make sure everything is impeccably planned and creatively done, down to the last detail. Phone: 604.659.3474 www.vanaqua.org MINTER GARDENS MAKES A SPLASH Celebrating 25 years of growing beauty and providing sensory refills, Minter Gardens has become one of the world's must-see garden attractions. The "sound of water" is this season's theme, and features a 30-foot tower of water that can be seen from all adjacent highways, a series of 'splashable' ponds in the Cherry Walk and a 50-foot long by 10-foot high wall of water near the Arbour Garden. Phone: 1.888.646.8377 www.mintergardens.com FLOAT SOME NEW IDEAS Anything you can do in a meeting room can also be done aboard one of Harbour Cruises� well-appointed vessels, with the added benefit of a continuous backdrop of inspiring scenery. Meeting attendees can explore business opportunities while enjoying superior cuisine prepared by Harbour Cruises� Executive Chef. Seating plans, audio-visual needs and entertainment can all be looked after. A harbour cruise offers a unique view of Vancouver�s skyline, the surrounding Coastal Mountain range, inner harbour and magnificent Coastal Mountain fjord. Phone: 604.632.9697 www.boatcruises.com TOURISM IN VANCOUVER ON THE RISE The latest statistics reveal an increase of 0.9 per cent in the number of overnight visitors to Greater Vancouver year-to-date (YTD) January 2005 compared to 2004 figures. The number of passengers at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) through January 2005 shows an increase of 9.7 per cent over YTD 2004 figures. Figures also show that Vancouver�s room demand YTD January 2005 remained strong at 4.6 per cent over 2004 results. HEALTH ON THE FLY Imagine arriving at the airport only to realize you�ve forgotten your medication at home. Travelling to a foreign country with language barriers and different medical systems can make something as routine as a prescription refill exhausting and time-consuming. Instead, visitors arriving at Vancouver International Airport can simply visit the airport�s medical clinic for their prescription and then walk next door to the pharmacy to fill it - problem solved. YVR is the first airport in North America to offer a full-service drugstore, walk-in dental centre, medical clinic and laboratory service, meaning that passengers are able to fulfill all of their health care needs without leaving the terminal. www.yvr.ca HEALTHY BREAKS Coffee breaks are so 1990. Vancouver�s Opus Hotel now offers three healthful alternatives for meeting planners looking to give delegates a break they�ll really appreciate. o Matcha Tea break - With effects lasting three to six hours, matcha is used by executives and marathoners alike, and provides all the energy and none of the jitters of coffee. o Guided Breathing break - Relax the body and mind with guided breathing and stretching exercises. Within minutes meeting attendees feel clearer, more relaxed and focused. o Oxia Oxygen Break - Oxygen stimulates human cells, increasing the body's metabolism, and improves energy and cognitive performance. Phone: 1.866.642.6787 www.opushotel.com VANCOUVER FACTS - DID YOU KNOW? o More than 50 percent of Vancouver's school-age children have been raised speaking a language other than English. o You can be on a glacier within just one hour from Vancouver. o The largest Red Cedar tree in North America, according to the National Geographic Society, is in Stanley Park. For more information and images, please contact: Wendy Underwood Trade Media Specialist Ph: 604.631.2859 Email: wunderwood@tourismvancouver.com Emily Armstrong Travel Media Specialist Ph: 604.631.2873 Email: earmstrong@tourismvancouver.com Kate Colley Lo Manager, Travel & Trade Media Relations Ph: 604.631.2870 Email: kcolley@tourismvancouver.com Tourism Vancouver Suite 210 � 200 Burrard Street Vancouver, British Columbia Canada V6C 3L6 www.tourismvancouver.com