It was a week of heat and hurricane recovery and a big golf tournament (ACTA) in Ontario, but in other round-up news, Canada was forecast to have a historic year in tourism, Disney made news in Japan, Crystal announced plans for two more ships, and Air France-KLM and SAS are new codeshare partners.
NEWS
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is forecasting a historic year for Canada’s Travel & Tourism sector in 2024, with the economic contribution set to reach an all-time high of almost $182 billion – a figure that exceeds the previous peak by $8.1 billion and generating one in every 15 dollars of economic activity. In partnership with Oxford Economics, WTTC’s research highlights a sector abundant with opportunities, supporting 1.84 million Canadian jobs, with an increase of 120,000 jobs compared to the previous high point in 2019.
Caribbean officials on Friday demanded more access to funding and help in fighting climate change, weeks after Hurricane Beryl devastated the region. The urgent request was made at an OAS meeting in Washington, DC, where officials noted that the historic storm exposed the vulnerability of small islands. Beryl killed at least seven people in the Caribbean and razed nearly all infrastructure on some of the islands that make up Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
For the seventh consecutive year, the Union of International Associations (UIA) has named Montréal the top city in the Americas for international meetings. The recognition comes just weeks after Montréal was named the best destination for international association events in North America by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).
AIR
Air Canada has announced an agreement for the placement of eight Boeing 737-8 aircraft. Scheduled for delivery in 2024, they and will undergo required modifications before entering service in 2025. “These eight, brand-new, fuel- and cost-efficient 737-8s will provide more fleet flexibility and additional capacity while supporting one of our sustainability goals of mitigating emissions,” said Michael Rousseau, President and CEO of Air Canada.
Air France-KLM and SAS have signed codeshare and interline agreements that take effect Sept. 1 when SAS officially joins the SkyTeam alliance, of which Air France-KLM is a founding member.
Air France and KLM customers will gain access to 33 destinations in Northern Europe beyond SAS’s hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm, while SAS customers will gain access to 33 destinations in Europe beyond Air France and KLM’s hubs at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport and Amsterdam Schiphol airport. Additionally, intercontinental destinations will be added to the agreement in the near future.
The world’s largest provider of airport lounges, Plaza Premium Group (PPG), plans to significantly expand its presence across the Americas, including undertaking “significant projects” in Toronto and Vancouver. The endeavour will be part of the Group’s larger commitment to invest US$300 million globally over the next three years.
DEALS
To celebrate its system upgrade allowing bookings to be made in Canadian dollars, Windstar is offering Canadian residents a chance to save up to 30% off select sailings. The offer is only for travelers with a Canadian residential address on new bookings. Popular destinations such as Greece, the Mediterranean, Iceland and French Polynesia are included in the select sailings. The offer is available until July 31.
Through July 21, travellers who purchase an Emirates return ticket in First Class or Business Class will receive a two-night stay at 5-star luxury hotel JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai. Customers booked in Premium Economy Class or Economy Class will receive a complimentary one-night stay. This special offer is valid for all return tickets to or stopping over in Dubai for more than 24 hours, for customers travelling by Sept. 15.
TOURS
Collette’s new “The Balkans: From Coastal Croatia to Legendary Greece” tour will be the operator’s first to visit Albania. The small-group Explorations journey spans across four other Western Balkan countries: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Greece.
Nine new trips across the world, including some to new destinations offered for the first time, have been launched by Contiki. A selection of departures from the new offerings are now on sale for up to 25% off during the “July Anytime” sale along with other Contiki offerings.
HOTELS
In Germany, REVERB by Hard Rock Hamburg (photo) is now open. The unique hotel brand is designed to be an energetic cultural hub for connection, creation and inspiration among music fans, locals and travellers alike. The hotel is located within the historic St. Pauli Bunker and vibrant neighbourhood known for its bustling port, remarkable architecture and cultural scene. The property features a modern design, traveller-friendly integrated technology, and programming that infuses local music, food and lifestyle.
IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Candlewood Suites Trois-Rivières West is now open in Quebec. Located in the heart of District 55, guests are close to trendy restaurants, museums and events. The “home-away-from-home” property offers 111 studios and suites, all equipped with a full kitchenette that includes a fridge, microwave and dishwasher. Amenities include a gazebo grill area, outdoor terrace, complimentary WiFii, self-service laundry space, indoor heated pool and 24-hour fitness centre.
BY THE NUMBERS
As of March 31, 2024, Hilton’s development pipeline totaled approximately 3,380 hotels representing 472,300 rooms throughout 119 countries and territories, including 31 countries and territories where Hilton had no existing hotels. Of the rooms in the development pipeline, nearly 60% are located outside of the US.
RESORTS
Located in the charming town of Las Galeras in the Samaná province of the Dominican Republic, the new all-inclusive Wyndham Alltra Samaná boasts ocean views, pristine white sands and all-day entertainment for all ages. Managed by Playa Hotels & Resorts, the resort marks Wyndham Alltra’s first resort in the DR. It is expected to be joined later this year by the newly signed Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana, also to be managed by Playa, with the two resorts further bolstering Wyndham’s rapidly growing all-inclusive portfolio, which now spans about 40 resorts worldwide.
Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection has announced that Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa and Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa are slated to open on April 1, 2025, in Playa Esmeralda, Miches, Dominican Republic. The resorts are situated adjacent to each other on the pristine shores of Playa Esmeralda on the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, promising a secluded paradise away from the bustling tourist areas of Punta Cana, modern architecture and breathtaking views of the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
CRUISE
Disney is taking its cruise brand to Japan under an agreement that will see the company that owns and operates Tokyo Disney Resort build and operate a Disney-branded cruise ship in the country, which is expected to set sail by early 2029. More details about the maiden voyage, itineraries, and onboard experiences will be announced at a later date.
Crystal plans on adding two more ships to its fleet, to be built by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The 690-passenger vessels will feature a host of amenities and innovative designs, including all-suite accommodations, with private verandas including a popular single occupancy category, with veranda, designed for solo travellers. The expected delivery of the first ship will be in the Spring of 2028, the second ship will be announced at a later date. And a third ship has been optioned for 2032.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Va., has reopened its iconic roller coaster, the Loch Ness Monster, following a complete restoration. The revamped ride features 250 m. of replaced track, new visual and auditory elements, and surprizes including a themed entrance and ride platform, and a custom soundtrack. Riders will encounter new experiences, such as a glimpse of a monster in the water and an encounter in a shadowy cave.
Universal Orlando Resort is also offering a “Get 2 Days Free with a 2-Park, 3-Day Ticket” package starting from as $255.99 per adult, plus tax, through April 30, 2025.
DESTINATIONS
Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore has launched a Robobus shuttle service (photo). The WeRide shuttle route spans 1.2 km with four stops along the way, taking approximately 12 minutes. Resorts World Sentosa combines Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, Dolphin Island, Adventure Cove Waterpark, a cluster of five-star luxury hotels, an integrated resort, multiple theme parks, and numerous celebrity chef restaurants. WeRide Robobus is the world’s first purpose-built Level 4 autonomous driving minibus, specializing in micro-transit. It has been deployed and operated in nearly 30 cities worldwide, widely used in key cities, major passenger airports, luxury resorts, and popular tourist attractions.
The 25th edition of Perú Mucho Gusto is set to take place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3 in the country’s culinary capital of Lima. Last year, Perú’s premiere gastronomic gathering brought together more than 40,000 participants to taste traditional regional dishes and innovative modern cuisine over a three-day period. PROMPERÚ first launched Perú Mucho Gusto in 2008
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1965, a bomb sent a Canadian Pacific Airlines plane crashing into B.C.’s Gustafsen Lake, killing 52 people.
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