UNPRECEDENTED MEASURES: Cuba aims to open up economy
Citing economic models in China and Vietnam, Cuba’s Communist Party has approved an emergency economic package featuring unprecedented free-market measures aimed at opening up the struggling island’s economy following heightened pressure from the United States.
À BIENTÔT À TOULOUSE: France’s Ville Rose awaits culture-loving Canadians
Toulouse is one of France’s most underrated gems – a mid‑sized, culturally rich, high‑value city that consistently delights travellers without overwhelming them. And it’s easily accessible for Canadians via direct Air Canada flights from Montreal, now on the airline’s sparkling new Airbus A321-XLR aircraft.
CONTEXT IS KEY: The most important skill in the age of AI
By Mike Foster/ One of the most valuable lessons I learned in business is that the first answer is not always the best answer. Over time, I came to understand that good decisions usually come from understanding context before evaluating options. I was reminded of that lesson years ago when I began looking for a new office location.
WITH GLOWING HEARTS: Air Canada’s acclaimed Airbus A321XLR makes international debut
Great planes deserve great destinations (and vice versa), so it’s no surprise that Air Canada’s new Airbus A321XLR aircraft made its international debut en route to Toulouse, France, on June 15, flying from YUL Montréal-Trudeau airport to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS).
FIRST LOOK: Sandals offer glimpse of Jamaican resort 2.0 makeovers
New guest experiences, dining concepts and accommodations will highlight the US$200 million Sandals 2.0 transformation of three of the company’s most popular resorts beginning this fall: Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Caribbean Cay (renamed from Sandals Royal Caribbean), and Sandals South Coast.
FOOTLOOSE IN TOULOUSE: TLS airport a springboard to Southwestern France
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport is far more than a convenient landing point for Canadians headed to the renowned Pink City. It’s a strategic gateway to an entire region – a launchpad into Occitanie, the Pyrenees, the Basque coast, and even northern Spain.
GETTING TO KNOW GARNER: New brand is fastest growing for IHG
Garner Hotels, a midscale conversion brand within the IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio (IHG) portfolio, has reached 100 open hotels globally since its August 2023 launch – IHG’s fastest ever brand to scale globally.
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FIRE DESTROYS PACKED D.R. RESORT: 1,700 tourists evacuated, one died
A large fire almost completely destroyed a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic on Friday, forcing the evacuation of almost 1,700 tourists. Local media reported an Italian tourist died in the fire and several other tourists required medical assistance.
ARCH NEMESIS: Trump triumphal arch flagged over aviation safety
A U.S. senator is urging the head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resist any pressure from President Donald Trump to prioritize construction of his planned triumphal arch over aviation safety.
ALBANIA MANIA: Transat flights a first from Canada
One of Europe’s emerging “it” destinations now has direct service from Canada courtesy of Transat, which officially inaugurated its new non-stop service between Toronto and Tirana late last week. The first flight (TS422) marked the launch of the first air link between Canada and Albania.
EMIRATES OFFERS ‘INDUSTRY FIRST’ INSURANCE COVERING CONFLICTS
In response to recent global airspace disruptions, rising jet fuel costs, and heightened travel uncertainty amid the U.S.-Iran conflict, Emirates has introduced Comprehensive Travel Cover, a product the company says is an industry-first travel insurance offering broad, multi-risk protection for travellers throughout their journey.
‘TRULY STUNNING’: Parthenon restoration reveals new-old look
Visitors to the Acropolis can now see the Parthenon’s western side looking whole for the first time in about 220 years. Officially unveiled last week (June 18), restorers have slotted two new marble blocks into long-empty gaps high on the temple’s western end – the view visitors see when they first enter the ancient monument in Athens.
LAST WEEK THIS MORNING: June 15-19, 2026
A round-up of 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.