In this week’s round-up, a Sunwing survey reveals Canadians’ travel intentions; the global travel industry edges ever-closer to pre-pandemic parity; a new cholera vaccine is made available in Canada; IHG has designs on Dubai’s latest epic venture: the tallest all-hotel tower in the world; how to earn a free AmaWaterways cruise – and, of course, much more.
NEWS
Travel intent remains strong among Canadians, despite economic headwinds like inflation, according to a new survey releases by Sunwing. Polled in mid August, nearly two-thirds (61%) of over 1,500 respondents said they are planning to travel internationally on a vacation in the next year and over half (55%) of those are likely to consider an all-inclusive vacation package. While concerns about rising travel and vacation prices due to inflation is cited as a key concern for the vast majority (88%) of Canadians, among those planning to travel internationally, 85% say their travel budget is either the same or has increased since last year, with only 15% indicating their travel budgets have decreased.
Canadian visitations to Germany are on the rise with the Federal Statistics Office of Germany revealing a significant increase in Canadian overnight stays in Germany: 13 percent in the first half of the year compared to 2023. Moreover, in July, Canadian visitors recorded 85,279 overnight stays, marking a 4.7% rise compared to July 2019’s total of 81,457.
The only single-dose oral vaccine approved in Canada to protect against cholera is now available commercially through travel health professionals in this country. Distributed by leading global travel vaccine supplier Bavarian Nordic, VAXCHORA helps deliver protection against the sudden intestinal infection within 10 days after a single oral dose.
BY THE NUMBERS
A total of 67 out of 120 destinations around the world recovered to pre-pandemic arrival numbers in the first half of 2024, resulting in international tourism reaching 96% of 2019 levels overall in the seven months through July 2024. According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, around 790 million tourists travelled internationally in the first seven months of 2024, about 11% more than in 2023 and only 4% less than in 2019.
AIR
Air Transat and soccer team CF Montréal celebrated their partnership with the introduction of an exclusive new livery featuring the logo of the soccer club. The unique design now adorns one of Air Transat’s Airbus A321LR aircraft, symbolizing the ongoing collaboration between these two Montreal institutions. Photo (from left to right): Alexandra Gonzalez, Flight Director; Eric Nadeau, VP and Chief Revenue Officer of CF Montréal; Xavier Szwengler, VP Marketing and Loyalty at Transat; and Nicolas Sarganis, Flight Director.
Holders of the Porter Pass now instantly earn VIPorter qualifying spend and AvidTraveller benefits on all flights included in their pass at the time of purchase.
Southwest Airlines plans to eliminate about one-third of its flights to Atlanta next year to save money as it comes under pressure to increase profits. Southwest will cut 58 flights per day and reduce its presence at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport from 18 to 11 gates, according to the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, which says the news is painful for Atlanta-based employees.
DEALS
Sept. 30 is the final day for an early booking offer from Uniworld Boutique River Cruises through which clients can save up to 20% on select cruises when booking and sailing on select select 2025 cruises, including new itineraries like ‘Grande Italia.’
The twice-yearly NYC Off-Broadway Week program is now in effect through Oct. 13. Offering two-for-one tickets, the incentive features 29 show this fall. For tickets and info, visit nyctourism.com/offbroadwayweek.
HOTELS
Following the $25 million renovation, the Renaisance Orlando Resort and Spa now is now open. Located in the Disney Springs resort area of Lake Buena Vista, Fla., the full-service resort features 394 newly appointed guest rooms, ample indoor and outdoor meeting space, a zero-entry pool and hot tub, and signature farm-to-table restaurant, American Kitchen Bar & Grill.
IHG Hotels and Resorts has announced the signing of a new Vignette Collection property which is set to be the tallest all-hotel tower in the world when it opens in Dubai next year. The landmark Ciel is a multistorey high-rise hotel with 80-plus floors based in Dubai Marina. With construction rapidly advancing and the building already topped out, the property will have 1,000 rooms and suites, three restaurants, Dubai’s highest infinity pool, fitness centre, spa, club lounge, and observation bar & lounge, with uninterrupted views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline.
RESORTS
The opening of The Westin Saraya Aqaba Resort & Spa represents the arrival of Westin Hotels & Resorts in Jordan. Located by the Red Sea, the 289-room resort merges wellness and modern indulgence with Aqaba’s rich cultural heritage. Guests will enjoy opulent experiences, including four restaurants, a private beach, WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin, two swimming pools and a children’s club. Situated within the Golden Triangle, the resort is also an easy drive to iconic sites such as Petra and Wadi Rum, making it an ideal base for exploring some of Jordan’s many wonders and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Playa Hotels & Resorts has officially opened reservations for Kimpton Tres Rios, its newest managed property – and first-ever all-inclusive – for stays in early 2025. Set on a white sand beach and surrounded by lush mangroves, the all-age luxury resort is located in Mexico’s Riviera Maya has undergone a significant transformation since early 2023.
TOURS
Toledo, SpainG Adventures and National Geographic Expeditions are announcing the addition of three new ‘National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures’ trips with Ecuador, Mexico and Spain being added to the program. This collection of trips is designed for parents, children and extended families who are travelling together to connect with the world around them in a culturally immersive way as they spend time together, unifying learning and adventure with some of the world’s most incredible settings as a backdrop. Each new National Geographic Family Journeys itinerary features unique, interactive activities inspired by National Geographic’s expertise in photography and storytelling, wildlife, culture and history, and exploration.
Goway has reinvigorated its product line to Northern Europe with the introduction of 14 new itineraries across Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The tour company says its new tours showcase the depth of experiences available in the Nordic nations, from beautiful city centres to magnificent natural settings, including the fjords and the Arctic Circle. With new travel offerings featuring both summer and winter options and plenty of customizable travel experiences, Goway provides tailor-made trips to the region year-round.
CRUISE
Royal Caribbean International will debut a newly “amplified” Allure of the Seas in April 2025, featuring more than US$100 million in enhancements, including 35 ways to dine and drink, as well as new onboard experience designed to “thrill and chill,” plus the addition of the new Ultimate Panoramic Suites above Allure’s bridge, with 200-degree ocean views. The ship will sail for the summer in Europe and move to the Caribbean out of Fort Lauderdale in November.
MSC Cruises will see its fleet of ships’ emissions reduced by up to 15% in 2026 thanks to the introduction of a new itinerary planning optimization tool called OptiCruise. The line has developed a new mathematical model with OPTIMeasy, a research company affiliated to the University of Genoa, that comprehensively examined numerous factors that influence the planning of each of MSC Cruises’ itineraries to achieve the optimum level of efficiency for a sailing while maintaining or enhancing guest satisfaction.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
At SeaWorld Orlando, guests can experience three Halloween-themed events: Little ones can dress up in their favourite costumes and meet colorful Halloween characters at the SeaWorld Spooktacular (weekends through Nov. 3), a family-friendly daytime event included with regular theme park admission. Guests will be able to enjoy an exclusive Sesame Street Halloween Parade, Scarecrow Halloween Dance Party and other themed activities; Howl-O-Scream (select nights through Nov. 2) returns for nights of fully immersive fear with new fright-inducing haunted houses and scare zones, thrilling nighttime coaster rides and experiences, interactive themed bars, electrifying live shows and more.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways’ “Sell Five, Sail Free” booking incentive offers travel advisors (and guest) the chance to earn a complimentary seven-night 2025 or 2026 river cruise after making five new FIT bookings on any 2025 sailing made between Aug. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2025, and paid in full and travelled in 2025. Group bookings count as one and FIT bookings can be on the same or different itineraries. The cruise can be taken on either an advertised FAM or any Europe or Mekong cruise departing within 60 days, subject to availability. To participate, bookings must be tracked and once there is five and the clients have travelled, submitted at SalesEngagement@AmaWaterways.com. For the tracking form, click HERE.
EVENTS
Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours have announced the dates and locations for their Fall consumer/travel advisor events taking place in cities across Canada, designed to inspire and educate about the unique luxury experiences they offer. The sessions will showcase insights into their upcoming itineraries, new destinations, and exceptional offers for 2025 and beyond. The tour will run from Oct. 15 to 31. Space is limited. Registration is open for both travellers and travel agents at:
https://www.emeraldcruises.ca/events/river-events
https://www.scenic.ca/events/river-events
https://www.scenic.ca/events/yacht-events
https://www.emeraldcruises.ca/events/yacht-events
PROMPERU’S Oct, 15 webinar at 3 p.m. EST, “Peru, A Tasty Adventure” is for North American travel advisors and will focus on Peruvian gastronomy. One lucky participant will receive a $150 Amazon Gift Card just for attending. Register HERE.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Sanovnik Destang, a respected hotelier from St. Lucia, has taken over as President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). His election was confirmed at CHTA’s Annual General Meeting last week. Destang, who brings extensive hospitality experience to the role, plans to focus on people, technology, and strengthening ties with other sectors of the Caribbean economy. He replaces outgoing president Nicola Madden-Greig.
Quark Expeditions has named David Marathakis as its the new Director of Sales, Americas. His career in the travel industry began as a trip manager with Contiki Holidays in Europe and after relocating to North America, he advanced through various roles within The Travel Corporation (TTC), ultimately becoming Director of Sales for its Touring Brands. Most recently, David served as the country manager for Canada at RateHawk, a prominent hotel consolidator.
DESTINATIONS
The US will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution officially in 2026, but with the Boston Tea Party having occurred over two years earlier, events marking the historic event have already begun in Massachusetts and will continue for the better part of three years. The program, dubbed MA250, will include various exhibits, tours, trails, and reenactments.
The shuttered Kansas prison where the killers chronicled in Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood” were executed is now a tourist attraction. Former wardens and corrections officers lead two-hour tours of the stone-walled building in Lansing that first began housing inmates in the 1860s.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1967, the transatlantic British liner “Queen Mary” docked – for the last time – at Long Beach, Calif., and became a floating hotel and museum.
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