TRUMP CALLS FOR HELP: Countries are cautious after Trump’s call
As fears of a global energy crisis rose on Monday, Donald Trump said he demanded about seven countries send warships to keep the Strait of Hormuz open as Iranian strikes continued to rain down on Gulf countries as the week began.
WHAT AMERICANS THINK ABOUT CANADA, TARIFFS
According to new data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute, the recent acrimonious U.S.-Canada trade relationship, fueled by the economic hostility of the Trump administration, is not reflected in the general views of Americans. Three-quarters (73%) in the U.S. say they have a favourable view of Canada.
TRAVEL PLANTS SEEDS FOR RETIRING ABROAD: Younger travellers increasingly intrigued
More than one in three travellers are thinking about retiring outside their home country, according to the latest Global Rescue Traveller Sentiment and Safety Survey. The results show strong curiosity about international retirement among younger and higher-income respondents, with only about half of all travellers saying they plan to retire domestically.
SAILING TO SUCCESS: TRAVELSAVERS Canada post double digit Wave Season sales
As the 2026 wave season nears its end, TRAVELSAVERS Canada reports notable double-digit increases in cruise sales across virtually all major categories compared with the same period last year. The strongest gains during the first two months of the year came from expedition and river cruising, which posted year‐over‐year increases of 40% and 15% respectively. Luxury cruise sales increased 14% and ocean cruises grew nine%.
SANDALS-BEACHES INTRODUCES NEW WESTERN BDM
Antoine Gordon has been named the new Business Development Manager, Alberta, Manitoba and Northwest Territories for Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. Based in Calgary, he takes his post immediately.
JAPAN – WITH A CHERRRY ON TOP: Where and when to see this season’s best blossoms
As spring unfolds across Japan, the nation’s most beloved seasonal spectacle – cherry blossoms (sakura) – progresses northward from the southern islands toward the country’s cooler regions. While the earliest petals have already appeared in parts of Kyushu and Shikoku, the peak of blooming is advancing steadily through central and northern Japan, with many regions just entering their most anticipated viewing period.
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WHERE NOW? Canadians seek alternatives amid tensions in Cuba, Mexico
Travel agents in the Greater Toronto Area say the economic and political uncertainty in Cuba, fear of violence in Mexico and the impact of a devastating hurricane in Jamaica have forced many people to change their March Break vacation plans, with some choosing to go to new countries and others deciding to stay put.
COMING HOME: The cost of Canadians fleeing the Middle East
Ever since the Donald Trump launched his war against Iran on Feb. 28, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has said her top priority is helping Canadians who want to leave the Middle East. According to her department, as of Friday, nearly 8,500 Canadians and permanent residents have made it home to Canada from the region, while more than a thousand have left the Middle East for safe third countries.
COOL YOUR ENGINES: Concerns prevent Formula 1 and Grand Prix races in Middle East
Formula 1 and its governing body FIA said the Grand Prix races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will not happen in April because of safety concerns related to the Iran war. F1 was due to race in Bahrain on April 12 and in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah on April 19.
HERE COME THE FUEL SURCHARGES: Fasten your seatbelt and loosen your wallet
With jet fuel prices rising above $100 as the war in the Middle East disrupts global oil supplies, the cost pressure on airlines intensifies as the summer travel season approaches. Experts say it’s not a question of if airfares will go up, but when, for how long and by how much. The impact may be felt most on long-haul international routes, which burn significantly more fuel than shorter flights.
TRINADAD AND TOBAGO EXTEND STATE OF EMERGENCY
Trinidad and Tobago’s government has received House of Representatives approval to extend a state of emergency for three months, as the twin-island Caribbean nation struggles with a high level of crime.
ROUND-UP: March 09-23, 2026
News nuggets, airlines, hotels/resorts, cruising, tours, events, FAMS/incentives, deals, destinations and more are covered in our weekly round-up of travel industry news you may have missed.