Thursday, 28 March, 2024

DISNEY, DESANTIS SETTLE BITTER DISPUTE

Allies of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Disney reached a settlement agreement Wednesday in a state court fight over how Walt Disney World is developed in the future following the takeover of the theme park resort’s government by the Florida governor. MORE

PLANNING, SURVIVING AND THRIVING ON A MULTI-GEN TRIP

For the past 11 years, Kathy Sudeikis has planned a yearly family reunion. Called “Nanapalooza,” the tradition began as a way to bring her six siblings and their families – including “Ted Lasso” star Jason Sudeikis – together to honour the memory of their mother. MORE

AGENTS MEET THE REAL NEW ZEALAND

by Michael Baginski

Accompanied by key suppliers from New Zealand, the South Pacific country’s national carrier called in Toronto and Calgary this week as part of a North American mission designed to “harness everything New Zealand… and bring a touch of New Zealand” to the trade. MORE

 

THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD FOR DOROTHY’S SLIPPERS

A pair of the iconic ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” will soon be embarking on an improbable global exhibition tour following their own yellow break road to Los Angeles, New York, London, and Tokyo. (Stay tuned for dates, Ozzies). The tour follows the unexpected return of the iconic shoes to their owner, nearly 20 years after they were stolen from a museum in the late actor’s hometown.  MORE

SANDALS OFFICIALLY OPENS IN SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines opened its doors Wednesday, welcoming its first guests to a nature-forward resorts brimming with island inspiration and stirring ‘Sandals Firsts.’ The opening marks Sandals Resorts’ long-awaited introduction to the largely undiscovered Eastern Caribbean destination. MORE

BETTER WATCH OUT SANTA, WE’RE COMING TO THE POLE

by Wallace Immen

Ho, ho, ho, who wouldn’t go? An 18-night icebreaking voyage all the way to the North in July is among Abercrombie & Kent’s innovative new small-ship expeditions for 2024. There will be a cocktail party at 90 degrees north and a toast to Santa Claus. (Of course, it’s a myth he and his elves actually live at the Pole, but bears and Arctic birds could very well be surprise guests). MORE

LISTENING IN
Paul Kelly’s Aussie anthem for us all

by Michael Baginski

It’s Australia month at Goway and any mention of DownUnder always gets me thinking about my favourite singer, the amazing Aussie Paul Kelly – a multi-talented singer-songwriter-poet I have previously introduced in this space, comparing his band and style to Blue Rodeo. MORE

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JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED YESTERDAY’s STORIES:

THE RESPONSIBILITY REVOLUTION
How, and why, clients are choosing to travel sustainably

More than half of travellers surveyed by Virtuoso say global developments in 2023 have encouraged them to travel more responsibly, citing geopolitical conflicts, overtourism, and the effects of climate change, such as natural disasters, pollution, and rising temperatures. MORE

AIR CANADA HAS CLEAR VISION FOR FUTURE
Airline says it ‘exceeded goals,’

Citing strong financial results– including record annual revenue – Air Canada issued its 2023 Annual Report highlighting the carrier's achievements for the year, including progress made on several key strategic initiatives. MORE

VIKING FLOATS OUT NEWEST NILE SHIP
Set to sail this summer

Viking “floated out” its newest ship for the Nile River – the 82-guest Viking Hathor— late last week, marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Set to debut in August, the Viking Hathor will join the company’s growing fleet of state-of-the-art ships for the Nile River and will sail Viking’s popular 12-day ‘Pharaohs & Pyramids’ itinerary. MORE

RETAIL ROUND-UP
Direct Travel, TRAVELSAVERS, Virtuoso, and more

In this week’s retail round-up, Direct Travel agents are “pulling off the impossible,” while TRAVELSAVERS and Virtuoso are welcoming new team members; plus, a couple of countries have specialist news. MORE

TICO NEWS
Final pandemic temporary regulatory amendments to expire

During the pandemic, the Ontario government implemented several measures to help reduce the burden on Ontario’s registered travel agencies and tour operators and to assist certain travellers impacted by the pandemic. While some of the changes were permanent, others were time limited. Now, TICO is reminding that the final two temporary amendments are set to expire this year, beginning next week. MORE

JUST LIKE A SUPERMARKET
Vegas airport self-check a ‘step into the future’

Passengers at busy Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas can test self-screening at customs – a new system that US federal airport security officials are calling “a step into the future.” MORE

BISTRO WAITER RACE
Paris serves up century-old tradition again

France's capital resurrected a 110-year-old race for its servers Sunday. The dash through central Paris celebrated the dexterous and, yes, by their own admission, sometimes famously moody men and women without whom France wouldn't be France. MORE

PRE- AND POST-CRUISE
The perfect 48 hours in Greater Fort Lauderdale

Port Everglades, the world’s third largest cruise port, is among the top gateways for Canadians heading off on a Caribbean cruise vacation. And located only 15 minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale – and even less from the airport – it’s perfectly positioned for clients who want to add on extra time in sophisticated and fun South Florida to their cruise vacation. MORE

EUROPE ON ALERT AFTER MOSCOW ATTACK

Italy followed France on Monday in stepping up security following the attack on a suburban Moscow concert hall and the claim of responsibility by an affiliate of the Islamic State group. MORE

VIP PASSPORT PROVIDES SPECIAL DEALS FOR TRAVEL ADVISORS

Travel professionals can discover special deals and not-to-be-missed attractions now that Visit Lauderdale, the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale, has launched its new VIP Passport for travel advisors. MORE