News nuggets, airlines, hotels/resorts, cruising, tours, events, FAMS/incentives, deals, destinations and more are covered in our weekly round-up of travel industry news you may have missed.
NEWS
The Canadian dollar fell to its lowest level since May 2020 after Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian goods shipped to the United States once he takes office in January.
A weak Canadian dollar typically affects the tourism industry as consumers face higher costs abroad in destinations where rates and goods are priced and/or paid for in US dollars.
Airfares are forecast to see modest increases across most regions globally in 2025 as airline capacity continues to rise, according to American Express Global Business Travel’s (Amex GBT) latest Air Monitor 2025. The report anticipates that, after a period of sharp fluctuations, airfare prices are starting to stabilize globally, marking a shift from the more volatile pricing patterns of previous years. However, the underlying cost of air travel is likely to remain high. In 2025, business-class fares within North America are expected to rise by 2.7% year over year, while economy-class fares will increase by 2.8%, according to the report.
ACTA is encouraging travel advisors to earn Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC) or Certified Travel Manager (CTM) status and is offering a 30% discount off registration fees this fall to help them do so. The CTC and CTM certifications are the only designations recognized nationwide in Canada. Valid until Dec. 13, use the promotion code PROMO2025 to enrol HERE.
BY THE NUMBERS
As Vancouver prepares to welcome the arrival of the recording breaking Taylor Swift concert tour for three dates Dec. 6-8, the city is forecast to get nearly $160 million in economic impact including $97 million in direct spending on items including accommodation, food and transport as 150,000 Swifties descend on BC Place, according to Destination Vancouver. Moreover, more than 82,000 rooms have been booked across the region.
AIR
A new route between Montreal and Valencia, Spain, highlights Air Transat’s just-released 2025 summer schedule, which in sum will include 275 weekly non-stop flights to over 40 destinations from Montreal, Toronto and Quebec City. Valencia will be the airline’s fourth destination in the Iberian nation along with Barcelona, Madrid, and Malaga. Service will operate once a week, on Fridays, from June 20 to Oct. 3, 2025.
WestJet will launch new nonstop service connecting Vancouver and Austin, Texas, next spring. The three-times-weekly flights will commence May 11. Earlier this month, the airline also announced new seasonal routes to Boston and Tampa beginning in June. Overall. WestJet seat capacity from Vancouver by will increase by 12%, including 13% growth in domestic seat capacity.
Icelandair has signed two codeshare agreements with Air Greenland and Atlantic Airways. With these agreements, the airlines will provide great connections between Greenland and the Faroe Islands on one hand and North America and Europe on the other hand, in one ticket through Iceland, Icelandair’s hub and home. The codeshare flights are expected to be fully implemented in the first quarter 2025 for Icelandair and Atlantic Airways and in the middle of next year for Icelandair and Air Greenland.
DEALS
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises are offering savings of up to 35% off on select journeys through Dec. 4. All offers are listed online. Book through ExpressBook or call book with offer code SAVEBLKFRI. Offer ends Dec. 4.
A “BOGO” (buy one get one free) off from Viva Resorts by Wyndham runs through Dec. 8. The offer applies to stays of three nights or more, with travel dates available throughout 2025.
TOURS
Celtic specialist, Brendan Vacations has announced new guided and FIT itineraries including new rail vacations, private chauffeur itineraries and small group guided tours in Ireland and Scotland. Aligning with 2025 travel trends, particularly the rise of multi-generational travel, advisors can also take advantage of an exclusive bonus commission offer on scheduled group bookings of 10 or more travellers. Brendan is part of TTC Tour Brands.
Thanks to an expanded partnership with SBB national rail, travellers can now easily reach four new destinations in Graubünden, Switzerland – Chur, Davos, Klosters, and St. Moritz – through seamless flight and rail connections. The SWISS Air Rail network now includes 21 destinations. Passengers enjoy guaranteed connections in case of delays, and all boarding passes are issued directly by SWISS for a smooth travel experience.
EVENTS
A Manchester City FC tour, boasting three of its trophies from last season and two former player ambassadors rolled through Toronto Friday with a special reception at the home of the British consul general. Among the travel industry reps on hand (photo above) for the elegant affair were (l-r) Mike Baginski of Travel Industry Today; Lynda Falcone, Visit Britain; and Ian and Conor Duffy, RIT Vacations.
RESORTS
Sandals and Beaches Black Friday sale, continuing through Dec. 3, offers up to 65% off and up to a $1,500 booking credit, plus one night free on select room categories. The offer includes a flex pay 0% financing option for 12 months, for travel through Dec. 3, 2025. To celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the brands’ philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation, Sandals and Beaches will donate $15 for every booking made from Nov. 29 to Dec. 3 to help support conservation in the region.
The Grand Palladium Select Collection represents a new level in premium travel experiences from Palladium Hotel Group. With the Junior Suite as the base room category, the collection will offer enhanced services and privileged facilities, and a top-tier culinary offering. Grand Palladium Select Collection will debut in Costa Mujeres (Mexico) in January, followed by Ibiza (Spain) in March and Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) in December.
HOTELS
Now open in Barcelona, Spain, is Palladium Hotel Group’s 45 Times Barcelona Hotel, which after conversion will operate under the BLESS Collection Hotels portfolio. The building’s neoclassical architecture and unique décor combine elements that authentically represent Barcelona’s cosmopolitan and varied style, including a mural by the urban art collective Boamistura. The hotel will maintain the services and facilities of the current establishment, including its popular rooftop with a swimming pool and bar, offering magnificent views over the city.
Determined to challenge the perception that Iceland is a budget-breaking destination, urban lifestyle hotel brand CityHub has brought its signature blend of cutting-edge technology and sustainable design to the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik. Having officially opened in the heart of the Hverfisgata district on Nov. 16, with bookings available through its website, CityHub Reykjavik offers 89 pod-style “hubs” and four accessible rooms equipped with smart techno. Amenities include a rooftop hot tub.
CRUISE
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is launching its ‘12 Days of Christmas Event’ on Black Friday with daily savings and surprises ranging from 50% off popular cruises to free trip extensions, waived solo traveller supplements, and more. Uniworld will also be offering special deals for wine lovers and discounts on exotic destinations. A new offer for select 2025 sailings will be unveiled each weekday for 12 days, with the first deal unveiled on Nov. 29. Visit https://www.uniworld.com/ca/12days.
Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has announced that access to the exclusive Formula 1 Paddock Club is now available to book for guests staying in Ocean Residences and Penthouses on board EXPLORA II during the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco 2025, taking place May 22-25. Explora Journeys will be the only luxury ocean travel brand with a ship docked in Monaco during race days with guests just 150 metres from the track. Paddock Club offers guests gourmet dining, premium beverages, and up-close access to teams, drivers, and race cars.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
EDUCATION
Visit Orlando, has launched a new Outdoor Adventures Specialization module within its Orlando Travel Academy (orlandotravelacademy.com). The Outdoor Adventures Specialization is designed to provide travel advisors with detailed information about the vast outdoor experiences Orlando has to offer, highlighting specific attractions throughout Orlando with engaging content, empowering them to create specialized, nature-filled itineraries for their clients.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Through Dec. 31, 2024, travel advisors participating in TTC Tour Brands’ Travel Advisor Discount Program (TADP) can also earn up to an additional CAD$1,500 in bonus commission with $0 deposit when booking groups with a minimum of 10 travellers on new scheduled guided tour group bookings. For the full list of eligible itineraries, travel advisors can check the TTC Tour Brands Travel Advisor Portal (TAP): https://agents.ttc.com/login .
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Yuka Suzuki has been named Executive Director of the Japan National Tourism Organization office in Toronto. The veteran tourism professional, who has previously worked for Destination British Columbia in Tokyo, has a “strong passion” for both Canada and Japan, and has dedicated much of her career to fostering stronger connections between the two, making her uniquely qualified for the position, according to the JNTO.
DESTINATIONS
The newest tram in Budapest has been unveiled: a full-size rail vehicle made of 1.8 million colourful LEGO blocks, the first of its kind in the world (photo). The six-ton, 11.5-m.-long LEGO tram, which was unveiled the Hungarian capital last week, took 90 people nearly 7,000 hours to build over two months.
Québec is the next stop for the MICHELIN Guide in its cross-country tour, following in the footsteps of Toronto and Vancouver. The first MICHELIN Guide Quebec selections will be revealed in 2025, and will highlight culinary gems throughout the province, including Montréal. The iconic MICHELIN Stars are awarded to restaurants delivering unparalleled cuisine and hospitality, while MICHELIN’s signature Bib Gourmand designation celebrates establishments that offer great quality food at good prices.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 2007, the Canadian cruise ship “The Explorer” sank in the Antarctic after hitting an iceberg. All 154 passengers and crew were rescued by a passing ship.
In 1976, the first commercial flight landed at Mirabel International Airport.
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