VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sandman Hotel Group is excited to share the details of how its valued guests could be awarded , winning an amazing 25 years of coast-to-coast adventures for free.

100% Canadian family-owned and operated, Sandman Hotel Group has been operating for more than 50 years, having opened its first property in Smithers, British Columbia, in 1967. Now with 60 destinations nationally, the beloved hotel brand is recognized for showcasing the very best of Canadian hospitality. Recognizing that more Canadians are choosing to stay, visit, and support locally owned businesses, the team at Sandman Hotel Group wants to treat one of their lucky guests to a lifetime of trips, creating cherished memories along the way.

Collaborating with local Vancouver Island artisan, , Sandman Hotel Group worked closely with its agency partner, , to create a one-of-a-kind room key that embodies not only the beauty of the Canadian landscape but also pays homage to our nation’s identity. The result? A beautifully handcrafted maple wood key, that at its heart, has a ‘maple’ resin centre in the shape of our country’s most treasured symbol. The lucky recipient of this key will not only have the privilege of owning this unique piece but also be able to use it to book their next 25 years of trips for free, ensuring their Canadian vacation never has to end.

We created The Key to Canada contest not just as an incredible prize opportunity, but as a celebration of Canadian spirit, craftsmanship, and community,” says Fiona McFaul, VP of Marketing, Sandman Hotel Group. “As a proudly Canadian brand, we’re honoured to recognize and reward guests who continue to explore and support homegrown experiences. This contest is a tribute to the beauty of Canada and the enduring loyalty of those who travel it with us.”

To be eligible for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, guests need and stay at any Sandman in Canada before September 2, 2025. Upon check out, guests will immediately be entered into a draw for a chance to win the Grand Prize of one week (7 nights) of stays at any Sandman or Sandman Signature in Canada each year for the next 25 years.

For full information on this incredible prize, please visit .

BANFF, AB, July 29, 2025 /CNW/ - Banff Caribou Properties is excited to announce the opening of two distinct hotel experiences: Hotel Canoe & Suites and The Otter Hotel, both located on the site formerly known as The Inns of Banff. Since acquiring the property in 2005, Banff Caribou Properties has transformed the location into two unique uptown offerings that reflect the company's ongoing commitment to hospitality, quality, and exceptional guest service.

A Serene Uptown Retreat

Located in the newly revitalized Uptown Banff district, both properties provide a tranquil retreat just steps away from shops, trails, and local attractions. This calm and elevated corner of Banff offers the ideal setting to relax and reconnect with nature.

Tailored Experiences for Every Traveller

Hotel Canoe & Suites is a modern, vibrant property tailored to the adventure-driven demographic, perfectly aligned with Banff's spirit as a premier destination for outdoor exploration Meanwhile, The Otter Hotel is a refined, upscale space appealing to mature travellers looking for comfort, quiet, and mountain luxury. Both four-star properties boast an elevated rooftop wellness experience, complete with rooftop hot pools, saunas, and lounge areas with breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies.

Signature On-Site Restaurants

Each hotel features a unique curated dining concept:

• Sudden Sally, located within Hotel Canoe & Suites, serves elevated comfort food in a lively, energetic atmosphere. The concept also features a thoughtfully curated bakery and grab-and-go counter, perfect for mornings on the move, serving house-made pastries fresh from the on-site pastry kitchen, alongside expertly crafted artisan coffee.
• Good Folk, nestled within The Otter Hotel, showcases an award-winning design and offers an inviting yet sophisticated dining experience, thoughtfully crafted to celebrate the finest in fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Savor summer-inspired menus at both restaurants, perfectly suited for al fresco dining on Banff's most picturesque mountain-view patios.

To bring these concepts to life, Banff Caribou Properties brought in celebrated Calgary restaurateurs Dwayne and Alberta Ennest, known for their innovative culinary approach and influence across Alberta's dining scene.

Both hotels are now open and pleased to be welcoming guests.

To learn more or book a stay, visit:  and

TORONTO, ON (July 24, 2025) -  is enhancing the guest experience through an exciting new partnership with for " ," a summer-long promotion running from July 16 to September 16, 2025. This innovative collaboration connects guests with the opportunity to win incredible prizes from premium partners like CIBC®, Aeroplan®, and Days Inn hotels across Canada.

The comprehensive promotion brings together an impressive network of partners to deliver exceptional value to Canadian consumers. Guests can enter for free through the or for their chance to win prizes ranging from free gas and groceries to a five-night hotel stay, and up to 250,000 Aeroplan points.

“We are thrilled to once again partner with our friends at Journie Rewards for this exciting summer promotion,” said Ally Wesson, Vice President of Marketing, Days Inns - Canada. “Fantastic collaborations like this further strengthen our brand awareness, while offering added value to Journie Rewards members and our valued Days Inn guests.”

The promotion leverages Journie Rewards' extensive reach, connecting with over 1.9 million members through their database and featuring prominently on their website, mobile app, and at more than 700 participating locations across Canada. Partner locations include On the Run, Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar, and Chevron stations nationwide.

To maximize guest engagement, all Days Inn locations across Canada will receive complimentary display materials featuring a QR code that link directly to the promotion website, making it easy for guests to enter and learn more about available prizes. The campaign is further supported by targeted public relations, social media outreach, and paid digital media initiatives.

The grand prize draw is scheduled for September 24, 2025, giving participants multiple opportunities throughout the summer months to enter and increase their chances of winning.

Hotel sector marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with growing support for national awareness training.

As the world recognizes July 30 – World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, hotels across Canada are stepping up their commitment to safety and human rights by continuing to embrace Not in Our Hotel, a free training initiative designed to equip hotel staff with the knowledge to recognize and respond to signs of human trafficking.

Launched earlier this year by the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) in partnership with provincial hotel associations from Ontario to British Columbia, the training has already reached hundreds of properties—and participation continues to grow.

"By ensuring every hotel employee understands the signs of human trafficking and knows how to respond, we are taking a stand as an industry to say: not in our hotels," said Tracy Douglas-Blowers, President & CEO of the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association.

Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in Canada, with traffickers often targeting the anonymity and access of the hotel sector. This is why more and more hotels are integrating Not in Our Hotel into their operational culture—not as a one-time action, but as part of a long-term commitment to safety and vigilance.

The training includes:

• Online modules for hotel staff, with certificates of completion
• Reference materials like posters and on-the-job guides
• Manager tools to support property-wide policy and awareness

The training is available at no cost to hotel owners, managers, and employees in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. Participation remains open, and associations continue to encourage hotels of all sizes to adopt the program.

This year’s observance of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons serves as a moment to reflect, recommit, and recognize the hotel sector’s growing leadership in this critical issue.

“Our Canadian hotels and their staff are known around the world for their incredible hospitality, but when it comes to human trafficking, we want criminals to know they're not welcome. The victims of human trafficking need our help, and your anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers can make a real difference. Please speak up, because the victims cannot.” Linda Annis, Executive Director, Metro Vancouver, Crime Stoppers

Sponsored by: Western Financial Group

More information & training access: www.notinourhotel.ca