BANK FROM THE BRINK: Canadians return home from war zone
Canadians leaving the Middle East began arriving at Toronto’s Pearson Airport over the weekend as the war in Iran reached the one-week mark. The first were passengers arriving from Dubai aboard an Emirates flight that the government booked 51 seats on to secure travel for Canadians out of the region.
WHERE TO GO?: Australia may be just what you’re looking for.
By Jen Savedra/This is a tricky time for travel and tourism – that has to be acknowledged. Some of our holiday favourites are, for various and differing reasons, less appealing than usual. But, we do still want to travel, and right now, think about it, Australia is a very viable choice of destination. And really, It’s already popular with Canadians.
TALKING ABOUT MY GENERATION: Internova report breaks down latest trends and how age matters
Travel preferences in 2025-26 vary sharply among Millennials, Gen X and Baby Boomers, shaping everything from cruise demand to tour styles and wellness vacations, according to an analysis from the ‘Internova Index: North American Traveler Insights’ report.
ALL QUIET IN QUINTANA ROO: Mexican tourism hub reports business as usual
After the recent disruption to life and travel in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara following the takedown of a prominent cartel leader on the Pacific side of the country, the Mexican state of Quintana says it’s strictly business as usual on its Caribbean beaches and at its resorts.
APPRECIATING THE GOODNESS IN TRAVEL: G Adventures roadshow celebrates agents in Toronto
By Michael Baginski/ As bombs dropped and drones swarmed in the Middle East/Gulf, the contrast couldn’t have been starker – and more welcome – in Toronto, as G Adventures celebrated diversity, community and happiness – and the tour company’s travel advisor partners.
ACTA LAUNCHES CTC/CTM BURSARY PROGRAM
The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA), in partnership with Atlantis Bahamas Resorts and Auto Europe, is launching the CTC & CTM Bursary Program, where 27 bursaries will be awarded to encourage ACTA travel advisors to pursue and achieve the Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC) and Certified Travel Manager (CTM) designations.
ROUND-UP: March 2-6, 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…
STRANDED: Canadians fear ‘indefinite’ stays in war-torn Middle East
Canadians stranded by flight cancellations in the Middle East since U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran sparked an escalating conflict say they now face an indefinite wait, with one traveller calling on the government to do more to help them get home.
THE BEACH IS BACK!: Tripadvisor list gives alternative to weather, war and taxes
Need a beach right about now? Weather, war, and tax season suggest as much. Just in time, Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, has revealed its best beaches for 2026 to provide a little inspiration.
A RED LETTER DAY FOR ROUGE: Carrier welcomes first updated 737 Max aircraft
Air Canada’s first of 45 updated Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft has entered service at Rouge, marking the latest step in the carrier’s comprehensive cabin renewal program across the fleet. The rest of the aircraft are expected to transition to Rouge by the end of the year.
UNDERSTANDING AIRCRAFT DE-ICING: How it works and why it matters
Most passengers boarding a flight on a cold winter morning don’t give much thought to the trucks and equipment moving around their aircraft. Among them are de-icing teams – carrying out a procedure that is absolutely essential to flight safety in cold weather.
CRUISES CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE
By Wallace Immen/ With the Middle East conflict spreading at an epidemic rate, cruise lines are scrambling to avoid disruption and planning far ahead to steer clear of an epic storm. Some were caught in the crosshairs. Three cruise ships in the United Arab Emirates cancelled upcoming sailings.
LISTENING IN: War, what is it good for? Answer – ‘Absolutely nothing!’
By Michael Baginski/ Good God, ya’ll, we first ran this song when Russia invaded Ukraine – almost four years ago to the day. That one is still going on. Now we have Iran and its hard not to wonder if a similar tragic trajectory will ensue. Either way, the song remains the same.