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 phenomenal growth of Porter Airlines is set to take another giant step with the launch of the carrier’s first sun destination flights to Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica this winter. Porter supporters will be able to choose from five destinations and 13 routes originating from Toronto Pearson, Ottawa, and Hamilton, Ont. International Airport. They include Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Nassau, The Bahamas, Grand Cayman, and Liberia, Costa Rica, with service ranging from two to seven times weekly, and beginning in November and December.
Air India is facing disruptions – including temporary service cuts to Canada – following the airline’s recent fatal crash. Additional safety inspections on its Dreamliner fleet have also led to flight delays and cancellations. Among the routes affected (through July 15) are Delhi-Toronto: Reduced from 13x weekly to 7x weekly; and Delhi-Vancouver: Reduced from 7x weekly to 5x weekly.
CRUISE
Carnival Cruise Line will launch a new loyalty program in June 2026, adding new features, new ways to earn status, and new reward categories. Carnival Rewards will introduce a dual-earning structure where guests accumulate both points that can be redeemed on Carnival purchases and status qualifying stars that will determine a guest’s tier status. Instead of focusing solely on the number of nights guests sail, status levels will be based on spend, including cruise fare and onboard activities.
AIR
New year-round non-stop service between Toronto and Istanbul from Air Transat will start Dec. 6, operating twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Air Transat and Turkish Airlines have also established an interline partnership aimed at strengthening air service between Canada and Türkiye, while offering travel options to destinations across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Porter Airlines has launched a new summer seasonal route between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) operating three times weekly through September.
DEALS
In celebration of its 185th anniversary, Cunard has launched a 185th Anniversary Sale” featuring fares starting at US$899 p.p. plus $185 in Onboard Credit per stateroom, available across 185 voyages. The sale concludes July 9.
Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has a limited-time offer of up to a US$1,000 Journey Experience Credit (JEC) per suite for all new bookings made between June 23 and July 15.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Royalton Luxury Resorts will launch a new adults-oriented brand in Barbados next year –Royalton Vessence. The first property will be Royalton Vessence Barbados, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, located on the island’s Platinum Coast and set to debut in Summer 2026 with a promise of “reimagining the all-inclusive experience” and catering to “the calm and modern traveller, inviting a deeper connection to the destination through art, local flavour, and the senses.”
TOURS
Ahead of Canada Day, G Adventures is launching nine new adventures Canadian itineraries. Spanning six provinces, the trips are designed to highlight the best in landscapes, wildlife, culture and community experiences across the country. Covering Classic, Active and Marine travel styles, the new trips will take travellers from the Rockies to the colourful fishing villages of the East Coast, and the fjords and national parks of Northern Québec. Check the website for full tour details.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Air Canada Vacations is inviting travel advsiors to help its golden anniversary with a special destination celebration in Cancún, Nov. 4-7. “More than a FAM,” the gathering will bring together agents from across the country for a few days of connection, learning, and celebration. Priced at $499 p.p. (double), taxes and fees included, the trip includes air from Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver, three nights accommodation, training session and hosted lunch, evening event at Grand Velas Riviera Maya resort, and free time to explore. Registration is now open, and space is limited:
- Register – Toronto
https://aircanadavacations.formstack.com/forms/cunfam2025yyz
- Register – Montreal
https://aircanadavacations.formstack.com/forms/cunfam2025yul
- Register – Vancouver
https://aircanadavacations.formstack.com/forms/cunfam2025yvr
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Reflecting the company’s continued growth in its 55th year, Toronto-based Goway Travel has announced the appointment of three new vice presidents overseeing key destination markets across the globe: Bronwyn Hodge assumes the role of VP Africa & the Middle East, while Goway’s rapidly growing Europe division will be overseen by Marc Sison (VP Europe North) and Reesa Avelino (VP Europe South). They join VPs specializing in Asia (Moira Smith), the Americas (Sean Hebert), Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific (Anthony Saba), giving each Goway division its own dedicated VP.
DESTINATIONS
Barbados’ Crop Over festival starts on July 5 and runs through Aug. 5. Historically celebrating the island’s sugarcane harvest, the uniquely Barbadian event takes place across the island with the Carnival atmosphere of Grand Kadooment wrapping up the festival on Aug. 4. Visitors can expect lots of fishcakes, pudding and souse, macaroni pie, and Bajan pepperpot. Next up is the Barbados Food and Rum festival, Nov. 6-9.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 2007, the Rideau Canal, which stretches from Ottawa to Kingston, was confirmed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, joining more than 800 sites on the list of international cultural treasures.
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