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 Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) is accelerating its growth strategy in the North American market with the appointment of Fever Pitch Marketing Communications as its new Canadian agency of record. Located in Toronto and Vancouver, Fever Pitch will now lead public relations strategy and MICE efforts for Bermuda in Canada, continuing to position the island as the premier destination of choice among leisure and business travellers. For more visit feverpitchcommunications.com.
With the launch of a new route this winter, Air Transat, will be the first airline to offer a direct connection between Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) and Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF). The weekly flight, which is now available for booking, will operate on Sundays from Dec. 14 to April 26, 2026.
AIR
Free Wi-Fi for Aeroplan members took off last week on Air Canada’s flights across North America and to-and-from Sun destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean. Sponsored by Bell, the new service means customers can access streaming video services and gaming on their personal devices and makes Air Canada a leader in connectivity. Wi-Fi is now available on 88% of Air Canada’s fleet, with the remaining installations to be completed by early 2026.
Starting in August, Cathay Pacific will offer full seatback inflight entertainment and high-speed inflight connectivity across its fleet and in every cabin on every route.
Upon completing induction into the Star Alliance network in early 2026, Italy’s ITA Airways will increase the alliance to 26 member airlines, offering over 18,000 daily flights connecting 192 countries. ITA Airways will become the fifth hub airline of the Lufthansa Group to join Star Alliance.
TOURS
For travellers with an eye for Arctic exploration, Aurora Expeditions offers two small-ship itineraries operating round-trip from Canada: The 13-day ‘Wild Landscapes of West Greenland’ – offered round-trip from Toronto – takes travellers deep into Greenland’s untouched fjords, towering glaciers, and Inuit communities aboard the aboard the Sylvia Earle. And ‘Northwest Passage’ is a 17-day journey from Toronto to Calgary aboard the Greg Mortimer takes expeditioners through the historic Arctic waterway, following the path of early explorers.
Goway is raising the curtain on its first Micro Film Festival, and travel advisors are being invited to contribute – with the winning entrant earning a prize package that includes attendance at a gala screening event in Los Angeles. Submissions of only 55 seconds (representing Goway’s 55th anniversary) should feature inspirational travel experiences across Goway’s 115 countries on all seven continents and “showcase the variety and excitement that comes with a life of tailor-made travel.” Deadline is Aug. 15, full details at: www.gowaypro.com/microfilmfestival.
CRUISE
Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has unveiled Explora Club, its new guest loyalty program. Structured in five levels – Classic, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond – repeat guests can earn an incremental suite of benefits, ranging from priority access and bespoke events to personalized gifts and exclusive savings designed to enhance their time both on board and ashore. By July, members will have access to a personalized ‘My Explora’ area, where benefits and level status will be visible. Past journeys will also be recognized and factored into each member’s level.
Small-ship cruise line Azamara is taking immersive travel to the next level with ‘Destination Immersion Elevated,’ and initiative designed to bring each port to life like never before through new programming surrounding destination expansion, authentic local cuisine, cultural engagement, and elevated excursions. Azamara Cruises’ new initiative will more than triple its specialty voyages from six to 22, including introduction of 3 Solar Eclipse cruises in 2026. In addition, Azamara will offer 33 Country-Intensive voyages and 25 new ports in 2025-26, 50% of time in port being late nights or overnights.
DEALS
Sunwing Vacations‘ Partner of the Month for May, Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection, is offering travellers rate reductions and kids stay free, plus a chance to win a seven-night all inclusive vacation package for two at Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun in Mexico. The incentive offer is for travel by Oct. 31.
MSC Group’s luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand Explora Journeys is offering guests savings of up to EUR 2,000 – EUR 1,000 savings p.p. – to offset their air travel arrangements, applicable to the first and second guests in each suite. The offer is available across a selected number of Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Grand Journeys sailings aboard EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, departing between June and December 2025 when booked by May 14.
Railbookers Group, home of Railbookers and Amtrak Vacations, is holding its biggest sale of the year through May 10 with every trip and every destination on sale by up to $800 per couple, depending on trip length. Beyond the discount, the Rail Week sale will also include extra savings on select luxury itineraries. Guests who book a 7-night or longer trip during Rail Week on the following trains will receive an additional $600 off per couple.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Club Med Phuket in Thailand has introduced a new ‘Family Oasis’ (photo above) featuring a splash park for toddlers and young children, along with slides, water canons, waterspouts and sprays, giant splash buckets, and more. Users also have access to lounge chairs and a poolside snack bar. The resort company says the Oasis is its first dedicated family space in the Asia-Pacific region and complements its recent family-oriented renovations, which include family-themed rooms, activities and Kids Club.
Playa Hotels & Resorts has completed transformative renovations at Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. The US$20 million refit includes enhanced accommodations, revitalized culinary scene, and new entertainment spaces.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
The new, interactive New Orleans Storyville Museum, located at 1010 Conti St. in the French Quarter, gives visitors unique insight into the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans and its infamous red-light district Storyville. Museum highlights include immersive sets, engaging videos and hyper-realistic holograms created by local artists and theatre professionals, as well as a dedicated section on the early history of early jazz and a gallery featuring poignant photographs of the prostitutes that worked in Storyville.
BY THE NUMBERS
SeaWorld Orlando recently reached a historic milestone – 1,000 manatee rescues – marking a significant step in the ongoing fight to protect the vulnerable species. In 2024 alone, SeaWorld Orlando rescued 61 manatees and was able to rehabilitate and return 38 manatees.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours are offering 2% bonus commission to Canadian travel agents on 2026 Europe River Cruise reservations that are booked during the company’s Launch Bonus Savings Sale. This offer is available through June 30 and applies to both brands’ European river itineraries, apart from Douro River Cruises.
The Palladium Hotel Group has revamped its loyalty program for travel professionals with the launch of Palladium PRO, an innovative rewards program designed for travel agents, wedding planners, meeting and event organizers, by offering generous rewards and exclusive benefits, including individual stays. It also includes useful educational materials aimed to help the sales process. More details HERE.
EVENTS
Registration is now open for Sandals’ annual 2025 Masterclass training series. Designed exclusively for the Canadian market, the sessions will feature both in-person sessions across the country and online events, led by national training manager Lorna Richards. Taking place from May through October, space is limited for the six two-hour live sessions, so advisors are encouraged to register early. The live series (all times 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. local include Wed. May 28 – St. John’s – Courtyard St. John’s Newfoundland, 131 Duckworth St.; Tues. June 17 – Ottawa – Sandman Signature Ottawa Airport, 250 W. Hunt Club Rd.; Wed. June 25 – Langley, BC – Sandman Signature Langley Hotel, 8828 201st St.; Thurs, Sept. 4 – Calgary – Location TBA; Wed. Sept. 10 – Winnipeg – Location TBA; Thurs. Sept. 18 – Oakville, Ont. – Location TBA. The full roster, including online classes can be found HERE.
Virtuoso will host its inaugural Impact Summit, from June 2-5 at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Lake Louise, Atla, bringing together the network’s most engaged members and partners devoted to responsible tourism.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
The Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) has appointed former director of tourism Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch as Chair of the ATB’s Board of Directors. Vanterpool-Kubisch began her career in Anguilla’s public tourism sector in 1978 as the first employee of the newly established Tourism Offices.
DESTINATIONS
Québec’s gastronomic offerings will be in the spotlight on May 15 when the MICHELIN Guide reveals its inaugural 2025 selection for the province. The full lineup of regional restaurants that have been awarded MICHELIN Stars and Bib Gourmand distinctions will be posted on the official guide.michelin.com website.
The Schilthorn Switzerland, is now open 365 days a year, offering year-round access to breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. The world’s steepest cable car, Stechelberg-Mürren, with a 159.4% gradient, is part of this stunning journey and is included in the Swiss Travel Pass. Additionally, the new aerial cableway between Birg and Schilthorn began operation on March 15, alongside the reopening of the 360° Restaurant Piz Gloria.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1919, airline passenger service was inaugurated when Robert Hewitt flew two women from New York to Atlantic City, N.J.
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