Checked bag fees are going up at Air Canada, while Mexico says it may retaliate against new visa regulations for its citizens coming to Canada. Plus, other notable news last week: Blue Cross discovered that Canadians are still prioritizing travel in 2024, Air Transat flight attendants approved a new collective agreement, and a glitzy godmother helped Carnival Cruise officially name new its new flagship.
NEWS
Mexico says is it reserving the right to “act in reciprocity” after Canada re-imposed visas for Mexicans. Mexican citizens flying to Canada will be able to apply for an electronic travel authorization if they have held a Canadian visa within the last decade or if they have a valid US visa. Ottawa had lifted the visa requirement for Mexican visitors in 2016.
With just one accident for every 1.26 million flights, last year was the safest year ever for aviation, says IATA in its just-released 2023 Annual Safety Report. The report says that in 2023 there were 37 million aircraft movements in 2023 (jet and turboprop), an increase of 17% on the previous year. And there were no hull losses or fatal accidents involving passenger jet aircraft.
AIR
Air Canada has revised its checked baggage policy for customers who purchase an Economy Basic or Standard fares. For domestic, transborder and Caribbean, Mexico, and Central American flights, the first bag will cost $35 and the second bag $50. The increase follows a similar recent increase by WestJet.
South of the border, United Airlines also raised its checked bag fees, following a similar move by American Airlines. Economy-class passengers on domestic flights will be charged US$5 more, bring the price to $35 if they pay online at least 24 hours before the flight, and $40 after that. The fee for a second checked bag has risen $5, climbing to $45 in advance online and $50 at the airport.
Almost 63% of Air Transat flight attendants voted in favour of ratifying a new collective agreement ending the possible threat of a strike. The contract makes the airline’s 2,100 flight attendants the highest paid in the industry in Canada and provides for total compound salary increases of 30% over five years.
Porter Airlines will introduce a pair of new routes for Eastern Canada this summer, including the only non-stop Ottawa-St. John’s flight on the market, and the introduction of Deer Lake as a new destination, with service to Halifax. Daily roundtrip Ottawa and St. John’s flights start June 6 – the first time in five years that any Canadian carrier has served the route. Meanwhile, Deer Lake is the newest pin on the Porter map, with daily roundtrip service connecting the Newfoundland summer destination with Halifax as of June 4.
BY THE NUMBERS
A new study by Blue Cross reports that while inflation was a barrier to travelling, with over two-thirds (69%) of Canadians saying that it impacted their travel plans in 2023, Canadians still plan to make travel a priority this year. In fact, close to eight-in-10 (79%) say they are planning a trip outside their province or territory in 2024, up 10 percentage points from last year. This is likely since nearly all Canadians (96%) recognize the benefits of travelling, such as being able to recharge, reducing burnout, and improving mental health.
TOUR OPERATORS
Effective immediately, Intrepid trips previously labelled 18 to 29s are available to travellers into their mid-30s. The expansion is part of Intrepid’s broader move to cater for next-generation travel, growing its trip range in 2024 to provide more enriching and local-led travel opportunities for gen-zs and millennials. In 2024, Intrepid has introduced 15 new trips exclusive to this age range, including the 9-Day Essential South Korea, Six Days in Iceland, and One Week in Morocco (photo).
TravelBrands Encore Cruises has received the Tour Operator of the Year award from Celebrity Cruises for 2023, marking the third consecutive year of recognition from the cruise line. This accolade follows the receipt of the True Partnership Superstars award in 2022 and 2021.
Air Canada Vacations has launched a new Asia guided tours packages program, enhancing the tour company’s existing Flight & Hotel and Flight & Cruise options. The program provides year-round packages in key destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia and features a variety of hand-picked durations and activities, catering to couples and small leisure groups with 4-to-5-star accommodations in all tour packages located in key areas, domestic flights between cities, and gratuities.
DEALS
Through Sept. 1, Transat is offering savings of up to $500 on booking for its tours for two to Europe, Morocco, and Peru. Several types of tours are offered from Toronto and Montreal and also include Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Spain. The promotion is valid for travel as follows: Europe – May 1 to Oct. 31; Peru – March 1 to Oct. 31; and Morocco – June 15 to Oct. 19.
Exotik Journeys has launched ‘Choose a TRAVEL PERK’ – a campaign, offering consumers an array of travel bonuses, ranging from free lounge passes to future travel vouchers, wine on check-in to free hop on/off tours, and more. The incentive is available through April 30.
CRUISE
Carnival Cruise Line celebrated the naming of its new Galveston, Texas-based 6.500-passenger flagship Carnival Jubilee with pop star Gwen Stefani doing the honours as the ship’s godmother. Ship highlights include a top-deck roller coaster and a resort-like retreat. Carnival recently announced that a fourth Excel sister ship will join Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras in 2027.
Cunard is continuing its partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and has announced an extensive speaker line-up for the Alaska 2024 season, showcasing an RCGS speaker on every Alaska voyage starting June 21 through September. RCGS speakers include celebrated and accomplished explorers, naturalists, geographical experts, astronauts, and indigenous advocates who will custom-curate exclusive programming for Cunard guests.
HOTELS
Marriott International is expanding travel benefits in its Marriott Bonvoy program through a collaboration with the loyalty program of Hong Kong-based airline Cathay. Eligible members will gain exclusive access to both programs’ membership benefits through limited status match offer, and accelerated points earning via seamless two-way conversion between Miles and Points.
Award-winning luxury health brand The Ranch is now accepting reservations for its first east coast facility. The Ranch Hudson Valley, slated to open this spring, is located in the lower Hudson Valley, an hour from New York City. Nestled amidst 80 forested hectares, in their historic lakefront estate, The Ranch guests in nature as they experience the core elements of The Ranch’s structured wellness program – hiking, strength training classes, restorative yoga, deep tissue massage, and organic, plant-based meals. Three-, four- and five-day packages are offered.
RESORTS
Swimmers take note: the Courtyard Nusa Dua says it has Bali‘s longest pool. Located within the ITDC Complex (Indonesian Tourism Development Center), the lagoon pool (photo) is nestled in the heart of the resort, measures 97×33 metres and is surrounded with lush tropical gardens and an array of pool loungers, plus an adjacent pool bar. In addition to the main pool, Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua Resort boast three other swimming pools, including a new Lazy River.
PEOPLE
WestJet announced that Spencer Sorensen, Manager of Agency Sales, has made the decision to pursue a new career opportunity outside of WestJet. Sorensen’s last day with WestJet is March 8.
EVENTS
Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours will host events this week in Toronto (March 5), Burlington (March 6) and Mississauga (March 7). For both agents and consumers (agents are invited to bring clients), the events will offer a glimpse into the 2024-26 cruise seasons, nightlight new destinations including Seychelles and the Indian Ocean, and additional voyages to Europe and the Mediterranean, the Adriatic Sea, the Caribbean, Antarctica, and beyond, and more. Bonus offers will be apply for bookings at the events. For details and registration, visit HERE for Scenic, and HERE for Emerald.
Next year’s Florida Huddle and Encounter will take place Feb. 3-5, 2025, at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. Florida Huddle is the Sunshine State’s Official Travel Trade Show, organized by VISIT FLORIDA.
DESTINATIONS
Nevada regulators have issued the first license to operate a lounge – in Las Vegas – where cannabis can be consumed recreationally, marking the first of what are expected to be dozens of such operations and marking what one company owner says is “a platform… where tourists and locals alike can be a part of a new chapter in the evolution of hospitality.”
Türkiye reports it achieved record-breaking growth in 2023 by welcoming 56.7 million international visitors, marking a 10% increase year-on-year. According to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the country’s tourism revenue also rose to US$54.3 billion, a 17% increase from the previous year. Building upon this success, Türkiye aims to attract 60 million tourists and generate $60 billion in tourism income in 2024.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1919, US President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure establishing Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.
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