Pearson airport reported that it was packed with passengers in the first quarter of 2024, while Orlando was crawling with Canadians. In other round-up news from last week, the annual US Travel mega trade show IPW took place in LA with plenty of Canadians on hand, Cunard’s Queen Anne set sail on its long-awaited maiden voyage, ACV introduced India, and Goway is going to Utah.
NEWS
WestJet and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the certified union representing WestJet load controllers, reached a tentative agreement on the first collective bargaining agreement between the organizations. Both parties now await the ratification vote to be put forward to membership.
Los Angeles hosted IPW last week with 5,700 delegates at the California city’s latest incarnation of US Travel’s largest inbound travel show. A delegation of about 150 Canadian trade and media (including Travel Industry Today) took part in the four-day show at the Los Angeles Convention Centre, which moves on to Chicago in 2024.
Canada “made history” in Orlando in 2023, sending more than 1.2 million visitors to the theme park capital, according to Visit Orlando. The record-breaking numbers also ensured that Canada remained the destination’s No. 1 market ahead of the UK (877,000) and Brazil (696,000).
AIR
On Friday, SWISS launched five weekly flights from Toronto to Zurich that will operate throughout the summer season. Toronto joins Montreal as the two Canadian gateways with SWISS service.
With up to 176 daily flights to 27 destinations from the city’s two airports, Porter Airlines is promising its most substantial summer schedule to date from Toronto. And by August, the carrier says it will be the third-largest carrier flying from Toronto Pearson International Airport, with up to 74 daily flights to 16 destinations across Canada and the US.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ is the new official international airline of Toronto Football Club (TFC), announcing a multi-year partnership with the team.
BY THE NUMBERS
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) says passenger activity increased by 0.9 million, or 8.7%, from 10 million to 10.9 million in the first quarter of 2024, when compared to the same period of 2023. During the first quarter of 2024, passenger activity recovered to 92.3% compared to the first quarter of 2019.
DEALS
Air Transat is offering its flights to Paris and London from Montreal and Toronto starting at $729 roundtrip. The promo applies to individual flight bookings made by May 15 for travel through Oct. 31. Terms and conditions apply.
A “mega sale” from TAP Air Portugal offers discounted fares to Portugal and beyond from Toronto and Montreal when booked by May 21 for travel Sept. 8 to March 31, 2025. Economy fares include CDN$579 roundtrip Portugal, and beyond Portugal to Dublin (from $549), Paris (from $579) and London (from $599), which also includes an optional stopover in Portugal for up to 10 days. Business class fares range from $1,799 to Portugal and from $2,099 beyond Portugal, such as to Morocco.
TOURS
Goway is expanding its private-guided travel offerings with the introduction of luxury itineraries to Utah’s Mighty Five national parks: Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion. Options include two versions of the eight-day Utah’s “Mighty Five” itinerary, one starting in Salt Lake City and another in Las Vegas. Goway also offers new luxury journeys through other national parks in the American West, including the six-day “Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Park”; and six-day “Triple Canyon,” including Utah’s Zion and Bryce Canyon as well as Arizona’s Grand Canyon. Goway’s experienced Destination Specialists can customize these itineraries to suit the needs
Air Canada Vacations has launched a tour package program to India with eight year-round options. Featuring a variety of durations and activities, the fully guided tours with private transportation are tailored to most travel styles, and include breakfasts and dinners, along with 4 to 5-star accommodations located in key destinations such as Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Agra, Goa, Ladakh, and Nepal. Sample tours the 13-day Classical India tour, and 16-day Classical India with Nepal. There’s also the 10-day Golden Temple and the Taj, and the six-day Taj Express.
HOTELS
The former established Holyrood Hotel in Scotland’s Capital has relaunched as Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood, marking the completion of an extensive £10m refurbishment.
Now open in Portugal, Legacy Hotel Cascais, Curio Collection by Hilton features 59 guest rooms, a full-service spa with indoor and outdoor pools and locally inspired dining at Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890. The boutique hotel is located just a short walk from the historic centre and impressive local beaches of Cascais, and ideally located for exploring the Portuguese Riviera.
RESORTS
Sandals has revealed newly designed car wraps for travel advisors – unveiling a diverse selection of branding options designed to leave a lasting impression on clients during travel commutes. “In a world where every impression counts, standing out is not just an option, it’s imperative,” said Gary Sadler. Executive VP of Sales and Industry Relations, Unique Vacations Inc. “As travel advisors traverse through the heart of our cities, every mile leaves a lasting impression, sparking conversations and engagement wherever they go. This program is not just about wrapping our vehicles; it’s about wrapping ourselves in the spirit of innovation and boldness.”
The St. Regis Palm Beach Aruba Resort is set to open at the end of 2024 marking the debut of the St. Regis brand on the island. The resort will feature 220 luxurious rooms, 5-star amenities and top-class dining, spa, and pool offerings. Ideally located near top attractions in Aruba, the hotel will be just the second St. Regis property in the Caribbean.
CRUISE
Cunard’s new ship, Queen Anne, departed from Southampton Friday on her maiden voyage to Lisbon. The ship is the 249th to sail under the Cunard flag. As she navigated UK waters for the very first time, she was accompanied by several small crafts from the local boating community in celebration of her arrival. The luxury cruise line’s newest ship had arrived from Italy following an official handover ceremony at the Fincantieri Maghera shipyard in Venice on April 19, with thousands of spectators taking up vantage points along Southampton Water to catch a glimpse of the 113,000-ton, 3,000-guest Queen.
Riviera River Cruises has partnered with Tourcrafters, which is wholly owned by Auto Europe, to assist travel advisors in making flight and hotel arrangements for clients travelling from North America. After making a booking with Riviera River Cruises, advisors will be transferred to Tourcrafters and Auto Europe if flight and hotel accommodations are needed for clients. Auto Europe will pay advisors commission on both services.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
The new DreamWorks Land will make its official debut on June 14 at Universal Studios Florida inviting guests to explore the worlds of characters from Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda. The expansive new area will feature interactive play areas, character meet and greets, a new indoor live show experience, Shrek’s Swamp, Trollercoaster, Panda Village. Guests will encounter characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse and more.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Through May 31, travel advisors can earn 15% commission on all car rentals with TravelBrands commencing on or before July 31. The offer applies to Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Europcar, Fox, Hertz, National, and Thrifty car rentals. Additionally, agents can earn an extra 3% bonus commission on the all-new TravelGenie packages, hotel-only, and add-ons (tours, transfers, attractions, and shore excursions) booked by May 31 for travel completed by Sept. 30.
Air Canada/ACV: Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations are offering contest for travel agents as a way to say thanks for their support: Throughout May, agents are being invited to nominate a fellow deserving travel agent for a chance to win 100,000 Aeroplan points (nominee) and a grand prize package to their dream destination (nominator) including a pair of round-trip tickets for them and a companion to their dream destination anywhere Air Canada flies; an Air Canada Vacations future travel voucher worth $2,500; and a pair of Maple Leaf Lounge one-time passes. For full details and other perks, visit HERE.
WestJet: A month-long celebration travel agents in May includes three contest that feature a variety of prizes, including trip tickets. For full details, visit HERE. Also, for bonus entries, click HERE.
EVENTS
A series of information sessions in May and June in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Nova Scotia will be hosted by Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. The events will be an opportunity for travel professionals to enhance their expertise in luxury and ultra-luxury cruises from Scenic Group’s dedicated teams and consumers are welcome. Details provided in the link below. For locations and to register, click the following:
https://linktr.ee/scenicevents
https://linktr.ee/sceniceclipseevents
https://linktr.ee/emeraldcanada
https://linktr.ee/emeraldyachtevents
DESTINATIONS
Chemnitz, Germany (photo) as been named the European Capital of Culture 2025. The vibrant city, nestled in the heart of Saxony, has long been a bastion of rich history and artistic expression. The designation promises an extensive array of cultural events that will celebrate the diversity of European heritage.
Edinburgh Fringe will mark its 77th year honourably showcasing European, and now worldwide, cultural life. The Fringe festival was first founded in 1947 just after the Second World War to give people something to look forward to after an incredibly challenging time. By 1958, the festival had launched the box office and had seen tremendous growth ever since. This year, the festival will take place Aug. 2-26. Tickets at https://tickets.edfringe.com/
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1534, Jacques Cartier arrived at Cape Bonavista, Nfld., on his first voyage to Canada.
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