(Originally published in
TOURISM)
The planets and star systems of the tourism industry are realigning themselves in light of current pressures in the tourism universe, and it seems niche markets – once the neglected black holes of the industry – are increasingly assuming supernova status. Jack and Alice Newton’s Observatory B&B is perhaps the most vivid expression of a new phenomenon industry watchers say will only amplify with time.
Jack is a retired Marks & Spencer department store manager who has always nurtured a passion for astronomy. His observations are well documented among his network of peers. Alice and he had a dream of one day welcoming guests from around the world, with whom they could share their knowledge of the skies. “This is something we obviously love to do,” says Alice. “We find parents sometimes will look for holidays that will involve a science angle in which their children can participate, providing an opportunity for them to learn as a family.”
The Newtons looked for a place in Canada with a minimal amount of light pollution and cloudless skies. They built on Anarchist Mountain in Osoyoos, BC, and created what could well be the only B&B destination of its kind. Picture a grand two‑storey house on a hillside 1,500 feet above the valley floor, fully‑equipped with a 16‑inch computer‑controlled telescope housed in a roof‑top observatory. Even in daytime, Jack can view about 600 stars with his telescope.
“A stay with us always includes an opportunity to scan the skies. Our guests even have a chance to learn how to photograph their discoveries by registering for the optional imaging tutorial we offer, and they can take what they see through the telescope back home with them on a CD‑ROM; things like nebulae, galaxies and planets. We also offer morning observations of the sun through H‑alpha filters.”
Jack’s own collection of photography is an eloquent validation of this offering’s quality. Visitors to the B&B’s website (www.jacknewton.com) can sample his vibrant images. On cloudy evenings, Jack logs into the controls of one of a number of observatories around the world that allow guest astronomers to make use of their facilities. “There is always a clear sky somewhere," he quips. A giant home theatre screen at the B&B, complete with the latest audio and viewing technology, then becomes the most luxurious of viewfinders.
This is the perfect example of the kind of tourism experience that differentiates itself from anything else on the market. Jack’s reputation in the field of astronomy precedes him and makes for an irresistible drawing card in some circles. He has pioneered the field of amateur CCD (charged couple device) photography, especially the development of high resolution tri‑color imaging. Jack’s photographs are well‑known to readers of Astronomy, Sky & Telescope, and Sky News magazines. He is also a frequent contributor to other magazines, calendars and newspapers around the globe; his work has been featured in such publications as Newsweek, the Canadian Geographic Magazine, Photo Life, and The Audubon Society's Field Guide to the Night Sky. As author or co‑author of a number of books on astronomy, his writings and images enjoy an international following.
Jack is a popular lecturer who has been invited to present his stunning images at star parties all over Canada and the US. In 1995 he traveled to southern England and Wales, where he spoke to more than 1,000 British Astronomical Society members during eleven lectures and workshops on his marathon 21‑day tour. His guiding experience includes leading solar eclipse expeditions throughout the world to such distant locales as Russia, Indonesia and Mexico. He headed a contingent of 300 enthusiasts to Peru to view Halley’s Comet.
Jack and Alice were honoured to have Asteroid 30840 named Jackalice by the IAU (International Astronomical Union). To date, Jack has received credit on 17 supernovae discoveries. No wonder people are willing to converge on the Observatory B&B, hoping perhaps to be with Jack and Alice when the next supernova comes around.
Guests on a ranch adventure in Saskatchewan(Originally published in
TOURISM)
If you're wondering who is doing the most adventure travel these days, the answer may surprise you: women, and not the hairy-chested image of the macho man often associated with this fast-growing segment of the travel market, according to a report by David Wilkening in TravelMole. Women make up the majority of adventure travellers worldwide, reports the first annual 2006 Adventure Travel Industry Survey, Practices and Trends, released by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA).
Some highlights from interviews with travellers representing 35 countries: Women comprise 52% of adventure travellers; 41-60 year olds comprise the highest participating age group; 46% of all companies offer sustainability program/s for customers; The average land cost for an adventure travel trip: $2,122; and 83% of survey respondents realized revenue increases between 2004 and 2005
(Originally published in
TOURISM)
Mavericks: An Incorrigible History of Alberta opens March 24 and will share the story of Alberta through the lives of 48 mavericks- colorful characters whose tenacious spirits and enterprising mindsets shaped who we are today. These individuals represent Alberta men and women from diverse ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds - from prominent figures to ordinary people.
The Gallery, inspired by a book by Calgary-based author Aritha van Herk, brings these individual's stories to life through artifacts, art, photographs and multimedia. Visitors will trace the development of our history though 12 distinctive galleries:
Exploration and Fur
The fur traders were eager to exchange guns, blankets and kettles for the skins of beaver and buffalo with the First Peoples. Their quest for fur also opened the door to mapping and exploration.
Uninvited Guests
The West comes to be seen as wide open territory, ripe for exploitation. Meet the explorers, surveyors and missionaries who with their visions of new opportunities, made their discoveries in the West.
Mounties and Mustangs
The North-West Mounted Police were sent out from the east to monitor the unruly whiskey traders and shape a new dialogue with the Native Peoples. Discover the hardships of their trek west, what they faced upon their arrival and how they came to embody the ideal of law, order and good government.
Building the Railway
Prime Minister John A. Macdonald's vision of a united Canada required a transcontinental rail link. Marking a pivotal moment in the province's economic and cultural growth, the railway brings settlers, labourers and tourists and becomes both a mode of transportation and a political instrument.
Settlement and Scenery
Carrying both wealthy tourists who enjoyed luxury berths and silver service as well as penniless immigrants and frugal settlers eager to fulfill the West's promise of prosperity, the railway changed the settlement of the province.
Ranching
The disappearance of the buffalo suggests the prairie may be used as available pasture for cattle. Explore life on Alberta's range: the end of open range ranching, our harsh environment, the origins of the Calgary Stampede and the horse as a symbol of Alberta's spirit.
Grassroots Politics
Albertans have always and continue to fight for social and political reform. The United Farmers of Alberta, the Social Credit Party, the Reform Party and the Canadian Alliance Party were all born here. One thing is certain; politics in Alberta are always unpredictable.
Fighting Injustice
Fighting for Alberta's provincial independence, fighting for the right to control public lands and resources, fighting for the rights of women, Albertans are known to test the limits and demand changes.
Newcomers
Settlers from across Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia came to Alberta seeking free land, religious and political freedom, and most of all, a fresh start. Meet the diverse peoples who brought new languages, cultures and skills to shape Alberta as she, in turn, shapes them.
War and the Homefront
The wars bring about different arrivals and departures interrupting Alberta's relative isolation. To this place so separate from the world's conflicts came POWs, internees and training sites. See how the province's character is shaped by bringing Alberta to the world and the world to Alberta.
Oil and Gas
Alberta's natural resources have built prosperity and success but oil is an enigmatic resource that both blesses and curses those who depend on it. Our rich energy has greatly affected the province's economy, politics, social structure and its future.
Post Haste
Alberta is now a complex, highly urban, yet still physically stunning province, and our maverick story continues in the present. We are a diverse and wildly unpredictable place with a population who lives, breathes and relishes change.
Find out more: www.glenbow.org/about/media/kits.cfm
Author:
Karin Põldaas
Glenbow Museum
Email: kpoldaas@glenbow.org
Here is a dispatch from Tourism Regina that was originally published in
TOURISM:
"Tourism Regina and the Saskatchewan International Tattoo Inc are pleased to announce a new significant annual event to Regina, the Saskatchewan International Tattoo and Festival, presented by Saskatchewan Credit Unions.
Tattoo Show Producer, Al Nicholson said, "This is a military pageant on a grand scale featuring more than 550 military, RCMP and civilian performers united in a community salute to the RCMP and a tribute to Canada's soldiers."
Representing the presenting sponsor, Saskatchewan credit unions, Keith Nixon, Vice President of Democratic Support and Corporate Secretary for SaskCentral said, "Credit unions are interested in building strong, safe and stable communities, and we welcome opportunities to recognize the efforts of the RCMP, military, police and emergency service providers in this regard."
The Tattoo will take place on May 24, 25 and 26 in the Brandt Centre at Ipsco Place, with three evening performances and one Saturday Matinee. The show will feature the The RCMP Musical Ride, Lord Strathcona's Horse, The Tattoo Chorus, and The Massed Pipes and Drums along with a number of other musicians, dancers and singers who will be announced as the show is finalized.
Assistant Commissioner Pierre Menard, Commanding Officer of RCMP "Depot" Division, on behalf of all RCMP members said, "The men and women of the RCMP are honoured to receive this salute from the community along side with the Canadian Forces. Both the military and the RCMP are proud to serve Canada at home and abroad."
As Commanding Officer of the Royal Regina Rifles, Lieutenant Colonel Murray Allan said, "I am pleased to accept the tribute offered to Canada's soldiers. Members of the Regina Rifles look forward to participating in this event, which is particularly timely given that June 2007 marks the centennial anniversary of the unit."
This event is supported by corporate sponsorship received from Saskatchewan credit unions, City of Regina, SGI, Casino Regina, Regina Hotel Association, Crown Investments Corporation, H J Linnen and Associates, Ipsco Place, Great West Life, SaskEnergy, and SaskTel. Media sponsors include CTV, CKRM and The Leader Post.
www.sasktattoo.com"
Author:
Gayle Zimmerman
Tourism Regina
Email: gayle.zimmerman@tourismregina.com
