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.
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Just in case you missed yesterday’s stories…
BILLION DOLLAR BOONDOGGLE: WTTC reveals costs of Iran conflict to travel sector
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that the escalating conflict in Iran is impacting the Travel & Tourism sector across the Middle East by at least US$600 million per day in international visitor spending, as disruptions to air travel, traveller confidence and regional connectivity affect demand.
AIR CANADA ADDS MORE YYZ LANDLINE OPTIONS
Starting June 15, the Ontario communities of Niagara, Sarnia and Muskoka will be linked directly to Toronto Pearson International Airport thanks to extended Air Canada Landline luxury motorcoach service.
BLUE TRUMPS RED IN FLORIDA TOWN: Jays fans help keep Dunedin economy afloat during turbulent times for tourism
The Toronto Blue Jays have made Dunedin, Fla., into a virtual oasis during turbulent economic times in Florida. Canadians’ broad grassroots boycott of the United States has had a massive impact on the tourism industry, especially in states like Florida. But Dunedin, home of the Blue Jays’ spring training facility, seems to be have been spared thanks to the loyalty of Canadian baseball fans.
LEAVE THE JAMMIES AT HOME: Tampa airport prohibits PJs – or does it?
Tampa International Airport said on social media recently that it wanted to ban people from wearing pajamas at the Florida facility. A post on the airport’s official X account said that after successfully going “Crocs-free,” Tampa International had “seen enough” of pajamas too.
SCENIC ADDING THREE MORE SHIPS TO FLEET
By Wallace Immen/ Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Scenic Group has announced another fleet expansion, with three new luxury river ships to join its award-winning portfolio. This includes one new Emerald Star-Ship and two ultra-luxury Scenic Space-Ships, extending their presence across Europe and Asia in 2027 and 2028.
LISTENING IN: If Stevie and Lindsey were Irish
By Michael Baginski/ If you frequent the Internet, you’ll no doubt have come across the new “if such and such was performed by so and so” trend. Pink Floyd as Dire Straits, Perry Como as Metallica, and so forth. Don’t hate me, but I’ve pulled one of these stylistic AI remakes to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) this year: Fleetwood Mac if it was an Irish folk song.