WHAT A WONDER-FUL WORLD: WTTC wants you to help pick new 7 Wonders
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched the search for the ‘7 Contemporary Wonders of the World,’ and is inviting the “people of the world,” to help pick them. The global initiative is designed to identify and celebrate the landmarks and buildings created since 1801 that have had the greatest impact on Travel & Tourism, local communities and economic development, and continue to redefine the future of destinations around the world.
WESTJET FLIGHT ATTENDANTS OPEN STRIKE VOTE
WestJet Mainline flight attendants have officially opened a strike vote that could precipitate a work action as early as Aug. 2. Voting continues until July 15 as the union seeks a strong mandate from members to support its position at the bargaining table as negotiations continue under federal conciliation until July 11.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: World’s top culinary destinations revealed
The World Food Travel Association has released the inaugural Gastronomy Tourism Maturity Index (GTMI), the first global assessment designed to evaluate the long-term maturity of gastronomy tourism across 84 countries. Not surprising, Italy and France ranked one-two in the index.
THE SUN STILL RISING: Hemingway masterpiece put Pamplona on the map 100 years ago
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the publication of Ernest Hemingway ’s book “The Sun Also Rises,” which launched the future Nobel Laureate to literary fame and put Pamplona on the map for millions of people travellers – both real and armchair – around the world.
WHY YOU’LL WANT TO PLAY ON SEVEN SEAS PRESTIGE
By WALLACE IMMEN/ The shuffleboard is “supercharged” and the Pickleball and Padel courts are competition grade. There’s an 18-hole golf putting course, an enclave for sunrise and sunset yoga, a full-size pool and all-day relaxation zones.
LISTENING IN: Sweet Home Leningrad, you can’t turn away
By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Every once in awhile, you hear or come across something that makes you say what the… I mean, wow. This summer’s WTF moment has been the odd Quebecois duo Angine de Poitrine (check them out if you dare!). On the other hand, there’s the Leningrad Cowboys. Not as current mind you, but jaw-droppingly delightful, nonetheless.
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MEET THE NEW BOSS: Air Canada names new CEO
Air Canada has named Scandinavian Airlines head Anko Van der Werff as the Canadian airline’s next chief executive. The Montreal-based airline says Van der Werff will assume the job and join Air Canada’s board of directors by the end of January 2027.
CANADIAN CITIES SCORE BIG AS BUSINESS ROUTES
Four Canadian city pairs rank among the world’s fastest-growing business travel routes, according to new data from American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT).
DESPERATE MEASURES: Venice mayor wants dynamic pricing to counter overtourism
Venice’s new mayor is proposing a dynamic pricing system for the city’s three-year-old day-tripper access fee, seeking government approval to raise the charge to as much as 50 euros ($81) on the busiest days to ease overcrowding in the UNESCO world heritage city.
CAL JOINS SNOWBIRD ADVISOR TEAM
Elvi Cal is joining the Snowbird Advisor team, taking on the role of Director of Travel Partnerships in a consulting capacity. The travel industry veteran will be overseeing partnerships with DMOs, tourist boards, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators and other providers who want to reach the rapidly growing Canadian snowbird market.
SKIJOR NO MORE: Banff gives boot to ‘too popular’ winter sport
Skijor is no more in Banff. The Alberta town has cancelled the popular snow sport from its winter festival after the community was overwhelmed in January with trash, crowds and rowdy revellers.
IN-FOCUS GRAND PALLADIUM PUNTA CANA: Every traveller finds their match
Grand Palladium’s Punta Cana collection brings three distinct resorts together under one seamless all-inclusive philosophy, ensuring every type of traveller finds their ideal Caribbean experience.