SUMMER'S NOT OVER YET IN RICHMOND, BC

There are some great things that you should be aware of in Richmond, BC. Not only do we have a contest for Travel Writers, but there are some great tips for what to do when you're here!

Tourism Richmond Travel Writer Contest
Fancy getting paid twice for your work? Well, Tourism Richmond has launched a unique contest just for North American travel writers. Visit and submit your feature story on Richmond, British Columbia, Canada in the next year, and you'll have a shot at snagging one of two $1,000 cash prizes - one for best culinary story and one for best overall destination story. The contest runs from April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012 and all articles must be published during this time. All contest entries must be submitted to Tourism Richmond by June 1, 2012. An independent qualified panel will review all applications and a winner in each category will be announced in November 2012. Visit tourismrichmond.com/media  to view detailed contest rules and be sure to follow us on Twitter @RichmondMedia for regular story suggestions and contest updates.

Richmond on a Layover: Accessible Daytrips from YVR
Layovers need not be tedious affairs! Richmond, home to the Vancouver International Airport, has plenty of nearby attractions on offer where one can pleasurably pass the time. If you're feeling lucky, hop onto the new Canada Line rapid transit system directly from the airport and 10 minutes later arrive at Bridgeport Station, where B.C.'s largest casino is mere steps away. The River Rock Casino Resort boasts 900 slot machines, daily poker tournaments, an exclusive high-limit VIP room, a gourmet buffet and a fine-dining Italian restaurant, Tramonto. Or, take the trip just one stop over to Aberdeen Station, the hub of Richmond's Golden Village with  some of the best Asian dining and shopping in North America.   Within a four-block radius there are more than 300 shops and services including three Hong Kong-inspired malls, Asian specialty grocery stores, jewelry stores, art galleries and the latest Asian designer fashions, not to mention the over 200 Asian hidden gem restaurants on Alexandra or "Food Street". If you're hankering for a waterfront view, Pier 73  at the Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel is only a five minute drive from the airport. This fresh new eatery is suspended above the Fraser River in the heart of a charming 138-slip marina. The restaurant's spacious patio offers a superb waterfront location with clear views of the North Shore Mountains. See, layovers can be fun!

Fuel Up at The Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel
Stay at The Fairmont Vancouver Airport until September 30th, 2011 and receive a $50.00 credit towards your room account. However you decide to use your "fuel" credit, the Fairmont Vancouver Airport will take you further this summer.

Try Your Luck at the River Rock Casino Resort
Take advantage of all the River Rock Casino Resort has to offer with their exciting Lucky Penny package. For only $249, the package includes one night accommodation for two in a one bedroom suite, $50 gift card redeemable anywhere in the casino and resort, buffet breakfast for two, early bird buffet for two, complimentary self-parking, two $5 slot play certificates and complimentary use of the health club, swimming pool and water slide. The offer is available now until December 30, 2011. Now that's a deal!