Air Canada got out ahead of its possible pilot strike later this month with a “goodwill” rebooking policy, while Flair introduced $1 fares. Also last week, US carriers officially further delayed flights to Israel, Royal Caribbean ordered new ships, and Globus introduced a new travel style and additions to its Canadian team. Read on for these items, and more.
NEWS
Air Canada says it hope to settle outstanding issues with its pilots, who are in a legal strike position as of Sept. 17, however, the carrier is still preparing for a possible job action by introducing a “goodwill rebooking policy” for customers who are booked to travel between Sept. 15 and 23. The airline says the policy – which allows travel already purchased no later than Aug. 27 to be changed at no additional cost – reflects its understanding that “certainty about their travel plans is important to customers” and the policy is meant to give all customers flexibility with imminent travel plans. Details at https://vacations.aircanada.com/en/travel-advisories.
The Calgary Airport Authority says it will take at least a year and a half to fix part of its domestic terminal that was hammered by hail on Aug. 5. It says Concourse B will be closed while restoration work is done. Despite the closure of the concourse, the authority says other parts of the terminal are fine and operations shouldn’t be disrupted.
AIR
Flair Airlines has launched a $1 base fare initiative, with the “groundbreaking” offer starting on northbound routes from Mexico, the US, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic to Canada. The carrier adds that it will continue $1 base fares on different routes across its network throughout the year. Customers are encouraged to check the airline’s $1 base fare page online as routes will frequently change, driven by seasonality and demand.
Delta and American Airlines have both extended their suspensions of flights to Israel as the war between the country and the militant group Hamas continues, and hostilities with Lebanon threaten to escalate. Delta halted flights beyond its previously announced suspension date for another month, through Oct. 31, while American’s said it would not fly between the United States and Tel Aviv through March 29 of next year.
WestJet’s new direct flight from Toronto to Grenada starts on Nov. 3, operating weekly until April 27, 2025, enhancing travel options for Canadians seeking to visit the southern Caribbean “Spice Island.”
BY THE NUMBERS
Dubai International Airport (DXB) saw a record 44.9 million travellers pass through its terminals in the first half of this year, putting the world’s busiest airport for international travel back on track to beat its all-time record, as aviation booms after the coronavirus pandemic.
DEALS
Ending Sept. 3, PLAY airline is offering 30% flights from Hamilton, Ont. (YHM) via its hub in Iceland to a variety of European destinations including London (Standsted), Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Paris and Berlin. Travel dates are Sept. 22 to Dec. 15 and Jan.8-March 30, 2025. Go top flyplay.com/canada-offers.
Beaches Resorts’ ‘Fall Fam Jam’ offer is valid on stays of five nights or longer for travel through Nov. 20 and includes a complimentary Sesame Street Tuck-in for tots or a couples spa treatment at the resorts’ Red Lane Spa. The limited time offer is available at Beaches Turks & Caicos, Beaches Negril and Beaches Ocho Rios and is valid on stays of five nights or longer
To be eligible for the free gift, travel agents on behalf of their clients must register their booking within 72 hours at https://www.beaches.com/fall-fam-jam-registration/
RESORTS
Following a 10-month period dedicated to supporting Lahaina residents affected by the 2023 wildfires, Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows (photo) in Ka’anapali, Maui, is once again welcoming guests. Beyond its new restaurant and bar, the resort is home to 333 guest rooms, 127 newly enhanced bungalows, two oceanfront pools and a range of wellness amenities and cultural activities.
Club Med’s North America family flagship resort Club Med Punta Cana will be opening a splash park in December just in time for the holidays. Perfect for kids, the splash park promises endless fun with exhilarating waterslides, splash zones, and interactive water features. The addition follows recent renovations at the property, which introduced all-new family rooms, a wedding venue, beauty salon, and refreshed dining experience at the resort’s main Caribbean restaurant, Hispaniola, which offers special vegan dishes developed by Food Network’s Chef Chloe Coscarelli. Along with the splash park, guests can enjoy 20-plus included activities such as pickleball, trapeze, and kayaking.
HOTELS
Marriott International, Inc. announced its 9,000th property with the opening of The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. Situated on an expansive 7.3 hectares in Longboat Key, Fla., the luxury beachfront property features 168 guestrooms, including 26 suites, and offers ocean views, varied culinary experiences, and top amenities, all reflective of the St. Regis brand’s signature distinctive design and exceptional service.
Now open, Moxy Mumbai Andheri West marks the brand’s debut in Mumbai, India. Located 9 km. from the airport in the heart of Mumbai’s vibrant Andheri West, the hotel boasts a prime location amidst the bustling landscape of cinema houses and commercial hubs.
TOURS
Globus is introducing small group discovery tours in 2024, with group sizes averaging about half of regular compliments – 15 in Europe, 18 elsewhere. More than 50 tours will be offered across the globe. The tour company says the travel style will offer more freedom and flexibility for guests, allowing such experiences as spending the night in a former Franciscan Monastery in Pienza (Enchanting Italy); partaking in an after-hours poetry reading at William Wordsworth’s home in the UK, and glamping in Yellowstone park.
Cuba Tourist Board and La Casa del Habano El Exquisito, located at the Melia Costa Rey hotel in Cayo Coco, are inviting cigar aficionados and enthusiasts who appreciate the finer things in life to participate in “Experiences & Traditions Caracol 2024” event Oct. 23-25. Participants will be able to enjoy pairings, tastings, competitions and excursions related to the world of rum, coffee, and tobacco. For info visit: https://experienciaytradiciones.feriascuba.com/home .
CRUISE
Carnival Splendor (photo) has just completed her dry dock in Singapore, and Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled a sneak peek of her new livery. The ship now features the red, white, and blue hull design introduced by Carnival in 2021. In addition, both sides of the ship also feature a distinctive Southern Cross design – a signature marking from the P&O Cruises Australia ships that will soon be joining the Carnival fleet.
Following the launch of its first Icon-class vessel Icon of the Seas in January, Royal Caribbean Group has ordered another ship in the class, with further options to build two more. The fourth Icon Class vessel, to be built in Finland, is scheduled for delivery to Royal Caribbean International in 2027. The next ship in the lineup will be Star of the Seas (launching in 2025), to be followed by the yet-to-be-named third Icon Class ship (launching in 2026).
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
“Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Orlando Resort opened Friday, unleashing a new slate of frights and nightmare-inducing terror upon guests over the course of 48 select nights through Nov. 3.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Velas Resorts has launched Velas Ambassador Club, a new advisor rewards program, in partnership with My Booking Rewards that allows agents to easily redeem cash bonuses via Visa or Amazon gift cards and accumulate points redeemable for complimentary stays at any Velas Resorts’ seven properties located in Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Riviera Maya. Advisors in Canada can now log reservations at www.velasambassadorclub.com after booking direct or in their preferred partner platform to register for their rewards for additional benefits.
EVENTS
Unique Vacations Canada has announced the return of its “Sandals and Beaches in 10” series of live, virtual training sessions, which first premiered in Fall 2021. Created exclusively for the Canadian market, “Sandals and Beaches….in 10” guides travel advisors through top-line info on the featured resort and a brief conversation with a member of the resort’s management team – all in just 10 minutes. For more, click HERE.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Globus family of brands is expanding its Canadian sales team, hiring travel industry veteran Gina Goranson and sales professional Elaine French as business development managers (BDMs) for Vancouver Island and Lower Mainland as well as Southwest Ontario, respectively. Reporting to senior director of sales Denise Harper, Goranson and French are charged with building and maintaining travel partner relationships while growing regional sales for Globus, Cosmos and Avalon Waterways.
DESTINATIONS
Since 1889, Train de Charlevoix has whisked passengers away on a journey through the Québec’s picturesque countryside. Departing from Montmorency Falls Park in Québec City, the luxury railcar winds through mountainous landscapes and along the St. Lawrence Coastline with stopovers at cliffside towns and seaside villages before arriving in La Malbaie. New this year, the train’s schedule has been extended to run through the fall and early winter. Until Oct. 31, the train will run seven days a week – for the first time in the train’s history – and then will continue operating on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until Dec. 8.
South Florida’s The Palm Beaches experienced record-breaking visitations for the first half of 2024. From January to June 2024, The Palm Beaches welcomed 5.19 million visitors, marking an all-time high compared to the same period from previous years. It include Canadian visitation growth of 4.9% to 224,100.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to make a non-stop flight across the United States, flying from Los Angeles to Newark, NJ, in 19 hours and five minutes.
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