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 National Travel Agent Survey will now be closing on Sunday, Feb. 15, and a last call is being made this week for participants. Conducted by Rob Glennie Consulting of Winnipeg, the survey is designed to obtain invaluable insights into the industry and travel agents across Canada. Agents are eligible for prizes for completing the survey. The grand prize of $300 was won by Jane Vogel, Manager, Expedia Cruises, but there are three more $100 prizes that will be drawn when the survey closes. Take the survey HERE.
After being charged by the Travel Industry Council of Ontario, TICO reports that Holy Destinations Travel Inc. pleaded guilty to several dozen provincial violations. The Islamic pilgrimage specialist had been registered as a travel agency in Ontario from 2019 until TICO revoked its registration on July 26, 2023, after receiving consumer complaints alleging that the travel agency collected consumer payments without providing the travel services consumers had purchased. In total, there were 41 affected consumers who engaged TICO, with losses totalling $436,500. In some instances, the Travel Industry Compensation Fund reimbursed consumer complainants for a portion of their losses, totalling $142,000.
Federal tourism minister Soraya Martinez-Ferrada says she will not seek re-election and instead is looking to become mayor of Montreal. Martinez-Ferrada posted a video on social media Thursday announcing her candidacy to lead the municipal party Ensemble Montreal.
BY THE NUMBERS
Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest for international travel, saw a record 92.3 million passengers pass through its terminals in 2024, officials announced
AIR
In what Hamilton, Ont.’s mayor called a “major win” for the city, Porter Airlines is bringing new air service to John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM) starting on June. They include Hamilton to Halifax and Vancouver starting June 3; and to Edmonton and Calgary on June 11. At the same time, Porter’s Ottawa network continues to grow with the addition of a new nonstop route to Western Canada. Starting May 15, service YOW and Victoria International Airport (YYJ) will operate for the summer season with up to four weekly roundtrip flights.
United Airlines says it will restart New York/Newark to Tel Aviv service on March 15, with a second daily flight planned to begin March 29. The flights will be operated on Boeing 787-10s.
Saudi startup airline Riyadh Air has ordered 60 Airbus aircraft. Riyadh Air plans to begin passenger flights next summer and has placed an order for 60 A321neo planes, the largest among Airbus’ best-selling A320neo family.
DEALS
Clients can save up to 30% per person on some of Uniworld’s most popular itineraries. The “Sail into Savings” event is valid on new bookings made now through Feb. 28, 2025, for travel on select itineraries through the end of the year.
Through March 16, Swan Hellenic is offering 50% off the fares of stateroom travel companions on “almost all” sailings of its 2025 cultural expedition cruises.
Luxury cruise line Cunard is offering two Wave Season promotions (through March 26). “Treat yourself, on us” is available on most voyages between June 2025 and March 2027 across Cunard’s fleet and includes an onboard credit up to US$800 per stateroom ($400 p.p. in a Queens Grill Suite for voyages sailing 10 to 20 nights); and for $60 p.p. per day, the “Enjoy it all” package offers unlimited Wi-Fi, the ‘Beers, Wine, and Spirits’ Drinks Package (21+), and Alternative Dining or Champagne Afternoon Tea. The offer is available to bookings in Balcony, Oceanview, and Inside staterooms on select Alaska, Caribbean, and Panama Canal voyages sailing on Queen Elizabeth.
TOURS
Sunwing is doubling down on is extensive Cuba portfolio by introducing a three-tier system and dedicated resource on its agent portal. The Cuba Collection includes: “Cuba Core” for budget-conscious vacationers; “Cuba Classic” for value-oriented families and adults and groups in need of some extra variety with off-property; and “Cuba Comfort” for travellers seeking an upgraded Cuban experience, including couples and honeymooners celebrating special occasions. Additionally, the “Travel Advisor Guide: Cuba Tiers” packet includes further details that will aid advisors in selling Cuba to their clients. Visit www.sunwingagents.ca.
RailGroupEasy from Rail Europe simplifies group train bookings for travel advisors booking groups of 25 or more. Designed to enable agents and clients to easily manage group itineraries, the platform offers a range of services, including luggage porters, catering, welcome services, and customizable branding options, help of a support team, and more. For more: groups_re@raileurope.com.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Sunwing reports that Riu Negril is officially open for business again after refurbishment. Originally built in 2004 on Bloody Bay, Jamaica’s beachfront, the five-star all inclusive resort now comes equipped with new services, three new restaurants (eight total) and 600 renovated rooms and suites, including 28 swim-out rooms for guests looking for added privacy. Amenities also include five refitted and three new pickleball courts. A new addition is RIU’s infamous Neon Party and White Party every Thursday in the hotel theatre.
CRUISE
Citing “unprecedented demand” for its 2026 sailings in Japan aboard its newest ship Star Seeker, which joins the small ship company’s fleet in December of 2025, Windstar Cruises has opened up spring 2027 bookings for Japan earlier than planned, and added an extra fall date, in order to meet customers’ requests for more bookable sailings in this booming region. Travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto, Windstar’s 10-night Grand Japan itinerary packs in a variety of the country’s highlights (plus a stop in Busan, South Korea) on an intimate cruise.
Holland America Line is expanding and enhancing its popular Denali Lodge as well as its land-and-sea cruisetours with a US$70-million capital investment that will roll out over the next three seasons. Highlights include adding 120 suite and standard rooms, remodelling 48 others, as well as a main lodge renovation that will include a new restaurant concept and lobby bar, plus enhancements to the riverside interpretive trail with scenic viewpoints, improved on-site wayfinding, and more.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
The Big Bad Wolf is returning to Busch Gardens Williamsburg. A popular attraction at the Virginia theme park from 1984 to 2009, the re-imagined ride will be back as “The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge,” an all-new family inverted coaster that dashes through the German countryside across more than 760 m. feet of track at speeds up to 65 kph.
EVENTS
Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours are hosting 22 information sessions across Western and Eastern Canada this February and March, tailored for both travellers and travel agents. For full details of locations and times, and to RSVP, visit emeraldcruises.ca/riverevents and/or scenic.ca/riverevents respectively.
Both Skål Toronto clubs are officially uniting after 20 years of operating as separate entities and to celebrate this merger, Skål Toronto is hosting an event under their joint banner on Feb. 25, hosted and sponsored by Little Canada, 10 Dundas St. E. A special Skål member rate of $99 is available, with a guest rate of $120 to anyone interested in attending. There is also a special room rate available at the Chelsea Hotel. To RSVP, click HERE.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Lynda Falcone is retiring after an unbelievable 48 years in the travel business. Having served for the past 17 years as national travel trade manager for VisitBritain, Falcone plans to say cheerio in April (date TBA). Falcone started her impressive career as tour guide in Ottawa while still a student and went on to count Wardair, Contiki, Visit Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Kenya, Puerto Rico, and Transat amongst varied postings over the decades. In the immediate future, Falcone says she plans to refresh some of her foreign language skills and take up golf – perhaps even turning up at some industry tournaments this summer to see old friends.
The Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau has engaged Toronto-based VoX International for Canadian representation. VoX will be providing a range of public relations, trade, consumer, and MICE activities, including media and trade outreach, destination training, FAM trips and co-op marketing campaigns. Contact Daytonabeach@VoXInternational.com .
DESTINATIONS
- Netflix House is set to open a massive 9,200-sq.-m. location at Galleria Dallas. The venue will offer fans the chance to immerse themselves in popular Netflix shows like Stranger Things, Bridgerton, and Squid Game. The Dallas location will feature rotating interactive experiences, themed merchandise, and food and drink offerings inspired by Netflix’s top series, creating a unique space for fans to engage with their favorite content beyond the screen.
By fall, Copenhagen‘s first light rail line will connect the suburbs to the city centre, with a new stretch from Ishøj station to Rødovre Nord featuring 12 stops. This green public transit option will provide easy access to attractions in Greater Copenhagen, making it ideal for visitors who want to explore beyond the city. As Denmark prioritizes sustainable transport, the light rail will make Copenhagen’s eco-friendly transit network even more accessible.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1982, Laker Airways, which had provided “no frills” service across the Atlantic, declared bankruptcy.
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