Air Canada’s pilot strike was settled – or was it? In a big week of news last week, ACTA also revealed foundational shifts in the retail travel industry, a new Explora Journeys vessel set sail, Flair flew to Guadalajara, Mexico, for the first time, and a eminent travel agent in this country announced retirement plans.
NEWS
Low entry-level pay in the tentative deal between Air Canada and its pilots could be a stumbling block ahead of a union vote on the agreement, some aviators and experts warned. While the tentative agreement’s cumulative 42% wage hike over four years applies to all flight crew – a big topline gain after a decade of 2% annual raises – many could still feel left out of the windfall.
Canada’s travel retail landscape is changing dramatically – so much so that ACTA is preparing a significant report due in October detailing a foundational shift in the industry that includes higher wages for employed agents, but new ones being hired as sole proprietors (aka independent agents) working on 100% commission. ACTA President, Wendy Paradis says an evolution towards independent agents is “the biggest growth in our industry,” and demonstrates a “significant shift since 2019.”
The worst flooding in years afflicted a broad swath of Central Europe, taking lives and destroying homes. Heavy flooding hit parts of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Poland, and Austria.
AIR
Flair Airlines launched its inaugural non-stop flight from Toronto (YYZ) to Guadalajara (GDL) on Sept. 13 (photo). This new direct route, operating up to three times weekly, offers affordable travel just in time for the holiday season and is set to strengthen economic, family, and cultural connections between Canada and Mexico year-round.
At YVR, removing laptops and liquids from carry-on at security are now a thing of the past thanks new CT scanners that can detect explosives and other threats. The new tech notably makes check-in lines faster. CATSA plans to install the technology, which provides 360-degree views via computerized X-ray imaging, at airport checkpoints across the country in the coming years.
A new recliner seat has been unveiled by Air France, available in the Premium cabin on select Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft. The seat back generously reclines up to 124 degrees and has been widened for extra comfort. There’s also 94 to 97 cm of legroom and an adjustable footrest. The seat foam cushions have also been redesigned and the herringbone pattern fabric adds extra softness. With the gradual renewal of its travel cabins, almost 80% of the Air France fleet will be equipped with recliner seats by the end of 2025.
DEALS
Until Oct. 10, Air Transat is offering non-stop flight fares from Montreal to Marrakesh, Morrocco, starting at $799 roundtrip on select departure dates between Nov. 1 and April 30, 2025. The carrier offers up to two non-stop flights per week between the destinations.
Collette’s “New Season of Travel” sale ends today (Sept. 23). Travellers can save up to 20% on North American and European tours; offer code FALLSAVINGS must be used at the time of booking.
TOURS
The new 2025 brochure from RIT Vacations (Royal Irish Tours) introduces seven new tours across Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales. The new itineraries, including the five-day ‘Cliffs and Countryside’ in Ireland and eight-day ‘Devon and Cornwall,’ range from off-the-beaten-track sightseeing tours to premium first-class coach tours, and all showcase the rich cultural history and natural beauty of Ireland and the UK. An early booking bonus of up to $200 per couple is available when booking select new tours by Dec. 31. Copies of the brochure can be ordered at https://www.envoynetworks.ca/agent-login
Ahead of its GX World Community Tourism Summit being held this week in India, G Adventures/ Planterra have announced the introduction of four new social enterprises that have been developed for travellers to India, from visiting a textile shop led by women; the Pink City Rickshaw in Jaipiur; a café that employs victims of acid attacks in Agra; and women’s arts and craft centre in Chandelao, Rajasthan. The join other long-standing community tourism experiences including the Women With Wheels’ airport transfer service, and Salaam Baalak Trust’s Delhi City Walk, which trains and empowers youth to enter the tourism and hospitality space.
HOTELS
Ritz-Carlton has opened its newest hotel, the Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam, a palatial oasis located a few minutes from the historic centre of Morocco’s capital, and set within 440 hectares of forest and lush gardens adjacent to Royal Golf Dar Es Salam.
The Riu Plaza Chicago has opened its exclusive rooftop terrace. Modelled after the popular one in the Madrid Riu, it affords guests can a unique view of the city’s skyline while offering a wide range of food options in the innovative space, located on the building’s 27th floor.
RESORTS
Through Oct. 11, new Air Canada Vacations bookings made to any of the seven Sandals or two Beaches resorts in Jamaica will include free connecting flights from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton or Halifax to Montego Bay. The incentive translates to a savings of up to $350 p.p. for departures between Nov. 1 and Aug. 31, 2025. In addition, this can be paired with an Instant Savings offer of up to $950, which is valid on air-inclusive packages of five nights or longer at select resorts, in all room categories with no blackout dates, for travel through Dec. 31.
A new traditional Mexican pastry and candy workshop for kids has been introduced at Grand Velas Los Cabos. Budding young chefs will don their aprons and roll up their sleeves as a chef teaches them how to prepare an array of classic treats like paletas (fresh fruit popsicles), cocadas (traditional Latin American coconut confections), Obleas (colourful sugar wafers) and Palanquetas (sweet and crunchy treats made with peanuts and caramel). The sweet creations are not only delicious but also offer a cultural lesson, connecting young guests with Mexico’s rich culinary heritage. The class is complimentary for guests.
CRUISE
EXPLORA II ribbon cuttingEXPLORA II, the second ship in the fleet of the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, Explora Journeys, was officially named in the Italian port of Civitavecchia Sept. 16 (photo), setting sail afterwards on its maiden journey that included stops in Sorrento, Lipari, Trapani, Siracusa, and Valletta, ending in Tarragona, Spain.
TravelBrands’ Encore Cruises has a new partnership with Riverside Luxury Cruises, offering unique and luxurious river cruises in Europe. Sailing European rivers including, the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Rhone, and Saone, the Riverside fleet features the largest average suite on the rivers and has king-size beds in every suite. Guests receive personal butler service, 24-hour room service, and gourmet cuisine available anytime. The cruise line offers flexible itineraries, including shorter options of three to five nights, and an all-inclusive experience covering port charges, transfers, and gratuities.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
Disney Vacation Club will begin offering a new opportunity to call Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows “home” with the all-new Island Tower addition, opening in Orlando on Dec. 17. Sales will open to current Disney Vacation Club members on Oct. 1 and the public on Oct. 29. Located on the picturesque shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon at Walt Disney World, the 10-storey tower will add 268 rooms to the resort, welcoming guests to a variety of accommodations, ranging from cozy duo studios to spacious, brand-new two-bedroom penthouse villas.
EVENTS
Visit Orlando, along with its theme parks, attractions, hotels and transportation partners, is set to bring the Orlando Canadian Sunshine Tour to Ottawa (Oct. 9, 9 a.m.-noon, Westin Ottawa) and Montreal (Oct. 10, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Le Centre Sheraton). Back for a second year, the events will feature interactive sessions and networking opportunities, providing travel advisors with hands-on trip planning experiences that capture the essence of the destination. Travel advisors must register to attend via this link.
The world’s biggest event of the year for adventure travel professionals – The 2024 Adventure Travel World Summit – is set to place Oct. 7-10 in Panama City, Panama. This year, the Summit celebrates its 20th anniversary, while promising to look ahead to the next 20 years of the adventure travel industry. Presented by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), the four-day event – taking place for the first time in Central America – welcomes approximately 800 delegates to explore travel trends, celebrate milestones, and develop new connections.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Mike Foster, a tireless advocate for travel advisors in this country who built one of Southern Ontario’s largest agencies, says he is retiring, including stepping down at the end of the year from his position as President of Nexion Travel Group-Canada. During his 45-year tenure in the travel industry, he has also been a long-standing board member of both the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA) and the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO).
DESTINATIONS
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has got its bells back, just in time for the medieval landmark’s reopening following a devastating 2019 fire. The bells were being blessed in a special ceremony inside the cathedral before being hoisted to hang in its twin towers for the Dec. 8 reopening to the public.
Parents, kids, grandparents and extended families can explore Florida Keys attractions, tours, nature and wildlife centres, museums, watersports and other offerings through a value-added program that provides free admission or special rates for children 12 and under. The Kids Keys Deals program continues through Oct. 13 and is spearheaded by the Key West Attractions Association. Families can visit KidsKeysDeals.com to download coupons or book visits to historic attractions, museums and wildlife centres, as well as sightseeing tours and on-the-water adventures. The site features links to participating businesses and information about their offerings.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1830, the first passenger railway opened, running between Manchester and Liverpool, England.
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