Tuesday, 19 March, 2024

UNITED CEO TRIES TO REASSURE TRAVELLERS

The CEO of United Airlines says that a slew of recent incidents ranging from a panel that fell off a plane to another jet losing a wheel on takeoff will cause the airline to review its safety training for employees. In a memo to customers on Monday, Scott Kirby tried to reassure travellers that safety is the airline’s top priority. MORE

SEAT BELTS SAVE LIVES
Alaska Air passenger is glad he was wearing one

More passengers who were aboard an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 jet when part of its fuselage blew out in January are suing – including one who says his life was saved by a seat belt. MORE

ACV STRENGTHENS SALES TEAM

Air Canada Vacations has strengthened its sales team with several new additions and internal appointments – moves the tour company says “underscore our dedication to building strong partnerships, providing unparalleled support, and driving growth opportunities for the travel community and our travel partners.” MORE

 

EMPOWERING CARIBBEAN COMMUNITIES
Sandals Foundation celebrates 15 years

The Sandals Foundation is celebrating its 15th anniversary this week with a vow to remain steadfast in its commitment to improving the lives of people across the Caribbean. Through initiatives focused on education, community development, and environmental conservation, the philanthropic division of the prominent resort chain has positively touched 1.5 million lives since its inception in 2009. MORE

CRYSTAL LAUNCHES LUCRATIVE AGENT INCENTIVE

Canadian agents have a chance to share in $450,000 worth of incentives in the 2024 Crystal Grand Challenge, a major promotion launched by the cruise line to celebrate what it calls its “triumphant return to the high seas” and to rewards its top travel advisors, as well as newcomers. MORE

FAMILY AFFAIR
Rocky Mountaineer taps second gen for CEO

Rocky Mountaineer is looking to the second generation as Tristan Armstrong, son of Founder Peter Armstrong, steps into the role of chief executive officer. The Vancouver-based luxury train company is the largest privately-owned premium tourist train in the world and has hosted 2.3 million guests since it was founded in 1990. MORE

10 REASONS TO VISIT BRITAIN THIS SUMMER

From chocolate to new luxury in London, plus world-class sports and brand-new cultural hubs, there’s no shortage of hot new openings and fresh takes on traditional classics on display in Britain this summer. Here’s a quick look at 10 to-do tips to help a make a visit in 2024 even more memorable. MORE

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PROBLEMS KEEP GROWING AT BOEING AND UNITED
Missing panel latest mishap

Another day, another problem for Boeing and United Airlines. On Friday, a post-flight inspection revealed a missing panel on an older Boeing 737-800 that had just arrived at its destination in southern Oregon after flying from San Francisco, officials said, the latest in a series of recent incidents involving aircraft manufactured by the company. MORE

STRIKE THREAT AT YVR

About 200 food service workers at Vancouver's airport have voted to take strike action if their demands for pay increases in a first contract are not met. In a media release, Unite Here Local 40 said job action “could disrupt daily airport operations as the spring break and Easter weekend rush approaches.'' MORE

THE WORLD (EUROPA) IS MSC’S OYSTER
Living large onboard cruise line’s new class of ship

by Greg Coates

The Venom Drop, the world’s longest dry slide at sea, bumper cars and a secret speakeasy are just a few of the highlights awaiting guests aboard MSC Cruises’ 6,762-passenger World Europa. MORE

JAMAICA DECLARES NEW BENCHMARK FOR TOURISM

by Michael Baginski

As Jamaica prepares to host global delegates at the Caribbean’s pre-eminent travel trade event, Caribbean Travel Marketplace, in May, the country’s tourism minister has declared a new benchmark for tourism metrics: 2023. “Normally we talk about 2019 (before the pandemic), as being the benchmark,” Edmund Barlett said during a zoom event ahead of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s 42 annual event. “Now we have changed that. 2023 is the new benchmark for Jamaica’s tourism.” MORE

ICELAND VOLCANO ERUPTS AGAIN, FAMED SPA EVACUATED

A volcano in Iceland erupted Saturday evening for the fourth time in three months, sending orange jets of lava into the night sky. No flight disruptions were reported at nearby Keflavik, Iceland’s main airport, but hundreds of people were evacuated from the Blue Lagoon thermal spa, one of Iceland’s top tourist attractions, when the eruption began. MORE

G ADVENTURES BOUND FOR BOSNIA

G Adventures will soon be offering an extended program of trips to Bosnia and Herzegovina that are designed to support local communities, while showcasing the Balkan nation’s distinctive culture, nature and heritage. MORE

ROUND-UP
March 11-15, 2024

In this week’s round-up: Accolades (perhaps surprising) for Pearson airport; promising global travel news from UN Tourism, IATA and American Express; plus, mixed financial results from Transat, a new destination for Contiki, and plenty more industry tidbits. MORE