WestJet says the repercussions of a freak hailstorm continue to cause cancellations in Calgary, while NCL hailed members of the Canadian military with special rates in this week’s round-up. Among the other news, Canada is getting a new insurance player, Dubai tourism is going gangbusters, the Cuba tourist board is inviting adventurous agents on a FAM, and Olympic hero Summer McIntosh has a golden experience going through customs in Toronto.
NEWS
Cancellations and delays across its WestJet’s network will continue for the “foreseeable future” as it recovers from damage caused by an unprecedented hailstorm in Calgary on Aug. 5. As a result of the storm, 16 WestJet aircraft – 10% of its fleet – were grounded and require substantial repairs and inspections before returning to service. Close to 350 flights had been cancelled as of Friday.
Europ Assistance (EA), a subsidiary of the Generali Group, one of the largest global insurance and asset management providers, has officially launched operations in Canada with the introduction of a comprehensive new travel insurance platform. The expansion marks EA’s 36th operational market and second in North America, joining Generali Global Assistance in the United States. EA’s Canadian leadership team includes 30-year industry veteran Robert Iafrate as EA Canada CEO.
Having stashed her three golds and one silver medal in her carry-on luggage, Olympic champion swimmer Summer McIntosh says airport security in Toronto had some questions about the hardware. “They were like, ‘What are these round metal things?'” she said, adding that she explained to security personnel she is a four-time Olympic medalist. The reply? “They’re like, ‘OK, you’re good.'”
BY THE NUMBERS
Dubai welcomed 9.31 million international overnight visitors from January to June 2024, a 9% increase over the 8.55 million tourist arrivals in the first half of 2023, according to data published by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Following a landmark 2023, when the city hosted 17.15 million international overnight visitors, Dubai maintained its robust tourism momentum into the first six months of this year, putting the city on track for a record performance in 2024.
AIR
Air Canada reported a second-quarter profit of $410 million, down from $838 million a year earlier, as its operating revenue edged higher. Operating revenue totalled $5.52 billion, up from $5.43 billion a year earlier. The rise came as the airline increased its operated capacity by 6.5% compared with last year. In its outlook, the airline says it plans to increase its available seat mile capacity in the third quarter by between four and 4.5% compared with the same quarter in 2023.
Porter Airlines is launching non-stop flights to San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) from Toronto-Pearson International Airport (YYZ) this December. San Diego is a year-round route, starting Dec. 9, with four weekly flights. Palm Springs is a winter seasonal service, starting Dec. 12 with three weekly flights.
Azores Airlines is extending direct flights between Ponta Delgada (Azores) and Montreal, throughout the winter season (Oct.-March 29).
DEALS
Until Aug. 30, Air Transat has put 250,000 seats on sale with its ‘End-of-Summer Deals’ promotion, which offers discounts on a selection of flights to Europe, Florida, and the South for travel before Oct. 31. For example, flights to Lisbon and Punta Cana are on sale for departures from Montreal or Toronto, while flights to Fort Lauderdale are on sale for departures from Montreal or Quebec City.
Travellers will find a host of deals for the Cayman Islands, including offers from Air Canada and WestJet. Available until Sept. 7, check out all the “Experience More Cayman” deals HERE.
Through Oct. 20, Rocky Mountaineer is offering special discounts on 2024 Rockies to the Red Rocks two-day rail journeys with its “Southwest Season Finale” promotion, available on SilverLeaf Service and SilverLeaf Plus Service. Rail-only passengers receive $1,400 per couple off ($700 p.p.) or $2,100/$1,050 on packages.
TOURS
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ third ‘Rivers of the World’ cruise in 2026 will highlight the company’s 50th anniversary with a 50-night around-the-world journey where guests will sail on five different vessels across multiple countries and continents with special surprises including the brand’s Uniworld’s signature Mystery Cruise leg to secret destinations. Guests will also be among the first to sail on Uniworld’s brand new Super Ship, the Gustav Klimt-inspired SS Emilie, when the “Rivers of the World” journey departs Brussels for Amsterdam on April 16, 2026.
For more details on the cruise, click HERE.
Tauck has expanded its partnership with Approach Guides to develop a new technology that extends the power of its co-brandable marketing pages to allow travel advisors to add custom sales messages, group pricing and other trip details to supercharge their group sales of Tauck’s river cruises. The pre-built marketing pages allow advisors can easily co-brand and share with clients and prospective clients via social media, email and other methods. Existing “Content Experiences” cover a range of topics – from the recent relaunch of Tauck’s trips to Cuba, to its new Smaller Groups tours, to its offerings in Japan.
HOTELS
Montreal-based Rental Escapes has expanded its roster of full-service private villa rentals to include New Zealand, Sayulita (Mexico), Cartagena (Colombia), Barcelona (Spain), Tennessee (US) and Vermont (US). Additionally, Rental Escapes has enhanced its offerings in South Africa and France due to increasing demand.
The Hilton West Palm Beach has debuted a US$25 million renovation with 400 refreshed guestrooms, including 43 suites, four enhanced dining destinations, a reimagined pool deck, and six newly constructed cabanas. In addition, there is a new lobby bar and activities, such as meditative sound healing, poolside sessions, weekly fitness classes, and more.
RESORTS
Over-water bungalows at Royalton CHIC Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only, are now available for booking. Each of the 12 overwater suites (photo) features a crystal glass floor, complementing a full-service hospitality experience, complete with a private butler, room service from seven restaurants, private in-suite check-in, and culinary delights. The suites are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including interactive smart TVs and premium sound systems.
With a phased full property renovation under way, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch expects to unveil its US$115-million property-wide renovation and rebrand to Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort in early October, marking the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Arizona. The newly reimagined luxury resort will feature six elevated dining experiences in partnership with celebrity chef Richard Blais, expanded pool and cabana offerings, a refreshed Spa Avania, expanded group meeting space capabilities, and more.
CRUISE
Norwegian Cruise Line has expanded its Military Appreciation Program to include active Canadian service members, veterans, and their dependents from the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian Coast Guard. Eligible members of the Canadian armed forces will receive special onboard experiences, amenities, and a 10 percent cruise fare discount across all sailings on all ships throughout the entire NCL fleet.
A new and improved travel advisor portal from Viking is designed to provide advisors with the tools and resources needed to sell the cruise line’s river, ocean and expedition voyages. The updated platform offers a comprehensive suite of features to enhance the booking experience and streamline the marketing process. Travel advisors can access a wide range of tools, such as engaging marketing content and assets for building co-branded websites, as well as the popular Travel Advisor Academy. Check it out at Viking.com/advisor.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
Orlando is wasting no time getting into the spooky season after the summer with Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights running from Aug. 30 to Nov. 3, which will feature 10 terrifying haunted houses, five sinister scare zones, live entertainment, and thrilling rides, and Disney’ Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party on select nights from Aug. 9 to Oct. 31.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
The Cuba Tourist Board in Canada is inviting TICO-registered travel advisors who sell Cuba and cater to nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, or those interested in sustainable travel, to take part in a FAM trip to attend the TURNAT 2024 conference in Marea del Portillo, Manzanillo. The Sept. 20-27 FAM also includes visits to National Parks in Holguin, Granma and Santiago de Cuba provinces and a chance to explore unique sites and historical places along the way. For info and to register, nieves@gocuba.ca by Aug. 23 (space is limited).
EVENTS
ACTA will be featuring two webinars in August – one with Sabre on helping agencies adopt NDCs, the other on LGBTQ+ Travel and Advocacy in the travel industry. The latter takes place Aug. 15 at 1 p.m. EST, and features Renato Gagliardi, Global Membership Director of IGLTA, offering an update the organization’s activities, plus indstry trends, challenges, and opportunities in LGBTQ+. It will be followed by ACTA discussing the latest on its advocacy efforts. Register here
The second ACTA webinar, ‘Power in Partnership: How Sabre Helps Agencies Adopt NDC,’ will take place on Aug. 29 at 2 p.m. EST, giving an introduction to Sabre’s approach with NDC including its content and capabilities. Included is a live demonstration by Sabre staff, plus further information and a Q&A. Register here
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
As Club Med continues to expand in North America and worldwide, the all-inclusive resort chain has named Jacinda Lowry as Associate VP of Sales in Canada with an “ambitious” mandate of gaining market share in the English Canada, and particularly Ontario. Toronto-based Lowry moves into the post from her current position as meetings and events sales director Canada. In a related move, Nathan Scarazzati will join Lowry’s team as Regional Sales Director for the Quebec market from Oct. 1. Scarazzati has been working for Club Med for six years, most recently as Data Business Intelligence Manager.
DESTINATIONS
As a celebration of her double run of sold-out shows in London on her Eras Tour this summer, real items from Taylor Swift’s different musical eras have been integrated into galleries at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Costumes, guitars and other memorabilia from the pop star’s archive have been curated into a “Songbook Trail” that runs through Sept. 8 in the British capital. Admission to the V&A, as with most British museums, is free.
Visit Lauderdale’s “Dine Out Lauderdale” restaurant months has kicked off, continuing through Sept. 30. The gastronomic extravaganza invites food enthusiasts to savour the best of the Florida city’s vibrant dining scene with specially crafted menus at $35, $45, $55 or a luxe option for $75.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1981, 13,000 US air traffic controllers went on strike, despite President Ronald Reagan’s warning that they would be fired if they did not return to work. Reagan carried out his threat.
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