THE PREMIUMIZATION OF AIR TRAVEL: And the widening gap at the back of the bus
They may arrive at the same destination, but two passengers on the same flight can have strikingly different travel experiences. One traveller breezes through a priority security lane and heads straight to an invite-only lounge for craft cocktails and a chef-prepared meal before boarding early. A flight attendant offering a glass of champagne and a warm hand towel welcomes the passenger to a spacious seat at the front of the plane.
CALIFORNIA ‘LEADING WITH OPTIMISM’: A golden era for Golden State, Cdn. reps retained
By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ California is in the spotlight, and for all the right reasons. As the FIFA World Cup continues (with games being played in Los Angeles and San Francisco), and mega events like the Super Bowl (2027) and Olympics (2028), the Golden State is in the midst of a golden era, national news aside.
ANOTHER CUBA BLACKOUT AS GRID CONTINUES TO CRUMBLE
An islandwide blackout hit Cuba on Monday as the country’s fuel reserves dwindle and its electric grid continues to crumble. The blackout in the country of nearly 10 million people was reported by the state-run Electric Union, which said on X that the cause is under investigation.
RETAIL ROUND-UP: Agent news, fams & incentives
This week: Air Canada Vacations introduces its new agent advisor cohort; ACTA offers referral incentive; FlightHub introduces hotels; agent contest winners experienced Oregon; Ensemble appoints a new director of destinations; and four new Utah specialists were rewarded with an upcoming a FAM.
AMEN FOR AMAN: Los Cabos welcomes ultra-luxury retreat
As Los Cabos enjoys continued growth from the Canadian market, the Mexican resort destination is set to “open a new chapter,” with the debut of Aman’s first ultra-luxury retreat in the country, Amanvari, on Aug. 1.
ONTARIO ADVANCES ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL
Destination Ontario and AccessNow have announced a new partnership aimed at supporting more accessible and inclusive travel experiences across Ontario.
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AIR CANADA SCALES BACK MORE U.S. FLIGHTS
Air Canada is once again scaling back flights to the U.S. amid high jet fuel costs and lower demand for trips south of the border. Schedule changes by the country’s largest carrier show it is halting or delaying eight transborder routes starting this fall.
AT TREVELLO, WOMEN HAVE THE POWER: Creating your own women-led business
By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Not to put too fine a point on it, but leading Canadian IC organization Trevello is “created by women for women,” says Zeina Gedeon. And with the retail industry in this country dominated by men, “that’s big,” says the company’s chief executive.
ALOHA AND MAHALO: Hawai’i Tourism Authority ends Canadian representation
The Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA) is no longer represented in Canada, having ended it’s 11-year collaboration with Toronto-based VoX International at the end of June.
FLOWER POWER: Martinique hails growing stature, increased lift from Canada
Pointing to up to 18 direct weekly flights to Martinique from Canada this winter, including service from Air Transat and Air Canada, the tourist board for the island of Martinique is hailing its strong momentum and growing stature in this country.
DISNEYLAND WELCOMES ONE-BILLIONTH GUEST
The “Happiest Place on Earth” welcomed its one billionth guest on July 3, with Andres Robles, celebrating his 8th birthday, and his parents Alejandra and Jose of Arizona entering Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Ca.
JAPANESE AIRPORT NAMED AFTER POKÉMON: ‘Brings smiles’ after earthquake
Starting today (July 7), travellers to Wajimi on Japan’s western Noto peninsula will arrive at Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport – the only airport in the world to officially bear the Pokémon name.