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
A new report from ACTA has produced a definitive (well, sort of) number of Canadian travel advisors: 21,400 agency employees, plus, about 5,400 independents (ITAs) – the latter considered to be an absolute minimum, as many ITAs are not captured in government data due to inclusion criteria such as minimum earnings, dominant income source, etc. At the same item ACTA’s latest State of the Industry Report says Canada’s retail travel industry saw an impressive 12% revenue growth to $2.8 billion in 2023 versus 2019 – surpassing pre-pandemic levels and “showcasing the sector’s vital role in Canada’s economic recovery.”
The BC Supreme Court has certified a class-action lawsuit against Airbnb that alleges the short-term rental company has breached provincial consumer protection laws by offering unlicensed real estate brokerage and travel agent services. Justice Elizabeth McDonald said in a decision posted online that lead plaintiff Margo Ware’s lawsuit against Airbnb meets the test as a class action on behalf of consumers who paid fees or commissions when booking accommodations.
The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) in Canada is closing on Dec. 31 due to significant budget cuts impacting the German National Tourist Board’s (GNTB) operations in 2025. The decision involves the closure of the GNTO office in Canada. GNTO Canada says it sincerely appreciates the support and collaboration of the trade, adding “Thank you for being such wonderful partners.”
BY THE NUMBERS
A new survey by TRAVELSAVERS Canada says travel advisor perceptions of artificial intelligence are increasingly positive with 27% now saying it’s a great tool, compared to 11% last year. Negative sentiment is at 7%, a slight rise from last year’s 6%. And 32% say they’re still not familiar enough with it. Use of the tool remains flat, with 11% now using it frequently – unchanged from last year; and 9% say they don’t and won’t use it, down from 12% last year.
AIR
New service from Qatar Airways to Toronto touched down at Pearson airport Dec. 11 (photo), officially marking the launch of three weekly non-stop flights from Hamad International Airport (DOH). Toronto is Qatar Airways’ second destination in Canada, in addition to Montreal.
Flair is now flying to Orlando, with service to MCO from Toronto Pearson having started on Dec. 16. In addition to Toronto, Flair Airlines is also launching new routes from Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF), London (YXU), and Saint John (YSJ) to Orlando, providing more Canadians to get to the most popular destination in the US. The carrier has also introduced Flex Pay, enabling travellers to spread the cost of their trips over time.
The inaugural flight between Toronto Pearson and Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA) in Grenada arrived Dec. 15. The seasonal service will operate through April 27.
British Airways has suspended all flights to Abu Dhabi from London Heathrow, citing issues with the delivery of engine parts from Rolls-Royce. The service disruption is expected to last from March 30 to Oct. 25.
DEALS
An end-of-year sale from Transat and Air Transat features discounts on flights to all Air Transat destinations and on Transat South packages. Deals are available for travel between Jan. 7 and Oct. 31 when booked by Dec. 23. Travel advisors can also benefit from a 3X BONBON bonus on bookings of select South packages, equivalent to $15 per booking.
TTC Tour Brands, which includes Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Brendan Vacations, Costsaver and Contiki has launched its ‘2025 Big Tour Sale’ with savings up to CAD$2,500 per couple across the portfolio of tour brands. The sale begins Dec. 26 and runs through Feb. 20, with early access for travel advisors available now.
In Nassau, Bahamas, Atlantis Paradise Island is offering a ‘January Sale’ of up to 30% for stays from Jan. 2 through Nov. 25, in The Coral, The Royal, The Cove, Harborside and The Reef Towers. Full details AtlantisBahamas.com or by calling 888-877-7525.
TOURS
For the fifth consecutive year, TravelBrands donated $10,000 donation to Food Banks Canada, reinforcing, the company says, its commitment to addressing food insecurity and supporting Canadians in need. This year, TravelBrands also expanded its efforts with a food drive, heldeld during the annual holiday party, which saw over 500 attendees contribute to 15 boxes of non-perishable goods for Food Banks Canada.
In 2025, G Adventures will have over 200 new trips – its biggest product launch in the company’s history – and representing a 50% increase in departures. They will include new destinations, including Pakistan and the Balkans as well as lesser-visited regions of destinations including Japan and South Africa/
CRUISE
Reflecting enhancements at Half Moon Cay, Holland America and Carnival Cruise Line have renamed their Caribbean island destination ‘RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.’ Besides the name, changes include more beachfront, lunch venues, and a variety of bars. Plus, a newly constructed pier on the north side will allow ships to dock, including Carnival’s Excel class ships that will be able to visit the island for the first time.
Believed to be an industry first, and building on the success of its Summer Season Pass, Virgin Voyages, has introduced a year-long pass that allows clients to hop onto any ship, anytime, from anywhere – for an entire calendar year. The pass provides includes a spot in a Sea Terrace cabin, featuring balcony views. With start dates on the first of the month from Jan. to April, the pass is valid for one year from the selected date. The base far is US$120,000 excluding taxes and fees and must be booked by March 31.
RESORTS
RIU Hotels & Resorts recently finished the refurbishment of the Riu Negril, the all-inclusive resort that was built in 2004 on the beachfront resort that was built in 2004 on the beachfront on the beachfront at Bloody Bay in Negril, Jamaica. The five-star hotel now has 600 fully refurbished rooms and new services such as the “American Country” themed restaurant and RIU Party events.
Sandals Resorts is introducing several new suite options at various properties in its all-inclusive Caribbean collection of resorts, including four-bedroom butler villas (Sandals Ocho Rios); Skypool Suites with rooftop terraces (Sandals Royal Caribbean); as well as additional Rondoval Villas (Sandals Regency Le Toc, Sandals Royal Curacao); and reimagined beachfront (Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals South Coast), and bluff view rooms (Regency Le Toc and Sandals Negril). All can be booked now.
HOTELS
Located in the heart of Whistler, BC, the Listel Whistler has opened its doors as a Coast Hotel. Guests at the 98-room boutique property are just steps from gondolas to Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Amenities include a Grey Goose Ice Room and Champagne for après ski activities.
The new W Prague marks the brand’s entry into the Czech Republic and the start of a new chapter for the former Grand Hotel Evropa, a historic and renowned Art Nouveau-style property. Located on Wenceslas Square, the hotel offers 161 stylishly appointed guestrooms and suites and features a rooftop bar with sweeping cityscape views.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
The new Island Tower addition at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is now open. Located on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon at Walt Disney World Resort, the new tower is inspired by the spirit and cultures of the Polynesian Islands. The waterfront retreat adds 268 rooms to the resort, offering a unique variety of accommodations for Disney Vacation Club members and guests.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Spreading a little holiday cheer, TravelBrands is offering an incentive on car rental booking through Jan. 3. The promotion is valid on rentals from leading brands, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, Enterprise, Alamo, and National and offers 3X Loyalty Rewards points on every booking; a $25 gas card from three or more booking; and three chances to win your rental back (three lucky winners). More info at www.travelbrandsaccess.com.
French Polynesian specialist Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering guests extra savings of up to US$2,900 per guest on a wide selection of seven- to 20-night voyages in 2025. These are in addition to the up to 30% Bonus Savings already included in published fares. Travel advisors receive a gift too, earning up to a $250 gift card for each newly deposited booking aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin. The ‘Best Gift, Ever’ offer is available through Jan. 3, 2025.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Canadian travel industry veteran Sue Urie died unexpectedly of natural causes on Dec. 13, at age 70. She was Business Solutions Manager for Travel Leaders Network in Western Canada, having joined the organization in 2006. Christine James, VP Canada of Travel Leaders Network, said, “Sue’s unwavering commitment to her members was evident to all who knew her. Sue was passionate about her work and proud of her career spanning almost two decades… There’s no doubt that Sue will be missed by all her colleagues and friends.”
DESTINATIONS
While preparing for the big day on Dec. 25, Santa took time to hop a flight between Munich and Rovaniemi in northern Finnish Lapland about the Norwegian airline Norwegian, which offers flights between the two cities. Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle is considered the “official” hometown of Santa Claus and is home to the popular Santa Claus Village – a year-round highlight for children and adults alike.
The world’s second Sphere is being planned in the capital of the United Arab Emirates following the opening of the first in Las Vegas. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism and Sphere Entertainment Co. says the attraction will be located in a prime spot in the city and echo the scale of the Sphere in the US. The venue is expected to be a major year-round draw for both residents and visitors from around the world.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1920, the first plane crash during a scheduled commercial flight took place in a London suburb. It killed eight of the 12 passengers on the Handley Page Continental Air Services plane, which was heading for Paris. The four survivors jumped clear just before impact.
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