Tourism Richmond's Travel Media Newsletter Winter 2011

Tourism Richmond's
Travel Media Newsletter

Winter 2011

Dec 23, 2011
 In This Issue

• What’s new
• Story ideas
• Events calendar

What's new

Prominent Food Writer Calls Richmond "The Happiest Place on Earth"
In November, renowned food writer and photographer Matt Armendariz, who has appeared in such publications as The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Bon Appetit and Saveur Magazine, toured the food courts of Richmond's three main Asian malls, sampled xiao long bao (soup dumplings) at a popular Shanghainese eatery and enjoyed the comfort foods of a Hong Kong-style café. Throughout his visit, Armendariz referred to his dining experiences as "glorious" and "fantastic", calling Richmond "one of [his] most favourite places on the planet." Matt's visit was part of the Canadian Tourism Commission's Explore like a Local giveaway. The sweepstake involves three bloggers visiting different Canadian regions and sharing their adventures online - ultimately, one lucky winner gets to select his or her preferred trip. The Greater Vancouver trip includes an Asian culinary experience in Richmond, which features everything from dim sum to hot pot. To read Armendariz's full post and to learn more about the Explore Like a Local promotion, visit http://mattbites.com/2011/11/20/exploring-like-a-local-richmond-bc/

ABC's Hit TV Show, Once Upon a Time, Turns Richmond's Steveston Village into Storybrooke
Since it premiered in October, the new ABC show Once Upon a Time has enchanted viewers with its unique exploration of the fairy tale realm. Richmond locals are delighted to welcome the cast and crew to the historic fishing village of Steveston, which doubles as the show's fictional seaside town of Storybrooke, Maine. Steveston residents have grown accustomed to bumping into stars Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White) and Robert Carlyle (Rumpelstiltskin) around the neighbourhood and it looks like the actors are going to grow quite familiar with the community - the show was recently picked up for a full season.

Architectural Awards and a New Mountainous Attraction for Richmond Olympic Oval
The Richmond Olympic Oval recently snagged two prestigious architectural awards presented by the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) in partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). The Oval received the Gold Medal for exemplary design and function as well as the Distinction Award for sports facilities suitable for persons with a disability. Judged by a jury of international experts and peers, these awards are considered to be the most prestigious for sport and leisure facilities. And the Oval is about to get even more impressive: In February, the facility will install an indoor climbing wall over 7,000 square feet in length and 40 feet high. Wheelchair accessible and able to accommodate all climbing levels, the wall has cheekily been referred to as "Richmond's First Mountain." The climbing complex will be open to the public for drop-ins and can also be rented out for corporate hosting and private parties.

Virgin Atlantic Landing in Richmond
Between May and October 2012, Virgin Atlantic airlines will depart theVancouver International Airport on Richmond's Sea Island and travel to Heathrow Airport four times a week. The new flight is expected to boost arrivals to British Columbia, with more than 174,000 Brits predicted to explore the province. Currently, 70 per cent of UK visitors to BC travel within these months.

Teatime at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel
On a layover and looking to unwind? The [Back to Press Releases Main]