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 Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and surrounding area is set to undergo a $10-billion transformation over the next decade. Aéroports de Montréal says renovations will increase capacity to handle the expected rise in passenger volume to 28 million by 2028 and up to 35 million by 2035 and work will include a complete reconfiguration of the road network leading to the airport to reduce traffic, and the demolition of the multi-level parking garage for a new, larger parking facility. The airport authority also plans to build a new building that will connect the terminal to the future light rail station, expected to be operational by 2027.
American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) has released its annual forecast of global car rental prices, with rate increases expected to stay broadly in line with inflation across most regions – including Canada (+2.5% to +3.0%) – according to the Ground Monitor 2025-26 report. Global rental car prices started to stabilize last year following a period of upheaval; demand and supply began to find equilibrium and supply chain issues that pushed up prices receded.
Cabin crew at Porter Airlines have filed a union certification application with the Canada Industrial Relations Board. The union would represent about 1,200 cabin crew at the airline. CUPE already represents 18,500 cabin crew at other airlines across the country including Air Canada and WestJet.
BY THE NUMBERS
Nearly half of global consumers (44%) lack confidence in the travel industry’s ability to protect them from AI-powered fraud, including identity theft and account takeover fraud, according to a recent study. Commissioned by U.S.-based Jumio, a leader in AI-powered identity intelligence, the study of 8,001 global consumers recorded sentiments that trend alongside broader global distrust in digital spaces, with close to 7 out of 10 respondents saying AI-powered fraud now poses a greater threat to personal security than traditional forms of identity theft.
AIR
Air Canada and Italian airline ITA Airways have signed a new codeshare agreement. Air Canada will place its AC code on select routes operated by ITA Airways from Rome. The flights include five destinations in Italy, three in Africa as well as Tirana, Albania, and Tel Aviv. ITA Airways will place its AZ code on selected routes operated by Air Canada from YYZ to Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and St. John’s, N.L. as well as selected to the U.S. Sales of codeshare tickets begin July 21.
Vancouver International Airport is the first airport in North America to welcome regular service from South Korean airline T’way Air. The inaugural flight on Saturday kicked off four-times weekly, year-round service between Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul and YVR.
Established in 2010, T’way Air is a low-cost carrier serving more than 40 destinations domestically in South Korea and around the globe including Europe, Asia, Australia, and now North America with the introduction of service to YVR.
Aeromexico and WestJet have expanded their codeshare partnership, offering guests on both sides of the continent enhanced access to a broader network of destinations in the two countries with the ease of a single booking. Guests now have streamlined access to more than 30 destinations across Mexico, in addition to existing service to major Mexican cities such as Guadalajara and Monterrey.
DEALS
Sunwing Vacations is offering “partner of the month” deals with Meliá Resorts throughout July. The limited time offer is available on bookings at participating properties in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Cuba made by July 31 for travel taken by Dec. 20. Incentives include reduced rates, resort credits and spa discounts, kids stay free in Mexico and the DR, while Canadians who secure their getaways at Meliá Cuba properties can take advantage of reduced rates, room upgrades, no single supplement fees and first child stays free.
Until July 27, Transat is offering deals on South packages with savings of up to 45% on select packages and a 25% discount on Option Flex, for more flexibility when changing plans. In addition, a free checked bag is included with all Transat package bookings. Discounts apply to individual bookings made between July 15 and 27, for travel by Dec. 17.
With the brand’s “Black Friday in July” sale, Sandals guests can enjoy up to $1,850 in booking credit across 17 beachfront resorts at the all-inclusive resort chain. Available to book through July 28, (for travel through Dec. 25, 2026) the sale rewards extended escapes with tiered perks across Sandals’ Caribbean portfolio. In addition to enjoying 65% off rates and up to $1,500 in instant booking credit, guests staying five nights or more will receive a $175 spa credit, while those who stay seven nights or longer will unlock an additional $175 in tour credits with award-winning adventure company, Island Routes.
Through July 30, Windstar Cruises’ “Christmas in July” sale offers clients $50 p.p. deposits and complimentary All-Inclusive upgrades on voyages sailing through March 31, 2026. The complimentary All-Inclusive upgrade includes unlimited select beer, wine and cocktails, Wi-Fi throughout the voyage, and prepaid gratuities – worth up to $1,350 per couple on a 7-night cruise.
TOURS
WestJet Vacations has launched a new resource portal dedicated to supporting travel advisors. The new centralized hub “for all things WestJet” offers an improved experience that’s more user friendly and “makes it easier for our partners to search and access the tools and information they need to serve our mutual guests as best as possible,” says the company. The new portal includes the latest sales, deals and offers; helpful information and FAQs; webinar and training links; destination and collection information, and more. The new WestJet Vacations Agent Portal can be found at Agents.WestJetVacations.com, and is also accessible through SunwingAgents.ca.
Goway is expanding its Northern Europe offerings with the launch of a dedicated Greenland product line that features four immersive, small-group, and independent trips that highlight the country’s dramatic landscapes, rich Inuit culture, and unique Arctic experiences. There are also 11 add-on excursions. Among Goway’s new Greenland packages is a long weekend itinerary in Ilulissat with airfare from Reykjavik, Iceland. United Airlines currently offers direct service from Newark to Nuuk twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays through September 2025.
HOTELS & RESORTS
A new hotel for Sunwing set along the pristine shores of Cayo Guillermo in Cayo Coco, Playa Luxury Cayo Guillermo (above) is the only resort in Cuba to feature overwater bungalows. Additional highlights include and open-air beach bar; sauna, yoga and meditation classes (and one complimentary massage); range of restaurants and bars; and accommodations with plunge pools and stocked bars, and the exclusive Luxury Water Villa with direct sea access.
Opening this month, Hotel SonLux is Montréal’s first hotel to boast an immersive sound and light experience. This futuristic project in Old Montréal will blend transformative acoustics and experimental video art in several areas of the hotel. Also new for the tour operator is Playa Pesquero Resort Suites and Spa in Holguin, located on a white-sand beach near Bahia de Naranjo National Park.
CRUISE
After nearly two years of construction in Turku, Finland, Star of the Seas was officially handed over to Royal Caribbean ahead of its August debut in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Fla., where it will sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.
Carnival Liberty is back in service and sailing from New Orleans following a comprehensive dry dock that added new features to the ship. Among the additions is a new Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, enhanced WaterWorks aqua park, new mini golf course, revitalized spa and fitness centre, and more.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
In London, One Aldwych is offering travel advisors 15% commission for the remainder of 2025 (the property is also currently running a ‘3 for two’ offer Sept. 14). The independent, luxury hotel, is located in the West End theatre district near Covent Garden and Leicester Square/Picadilly.
EVENTS
With the first of its three regional Canadian Travel Industry Summits now less than two months away, ACTA has announced its keynote speakers for events in Toronto (Sept. 11), Montreal (Sept. 18) and Vancouver (Oct. 1). They include, in Toronto: Michael Drever, CEO of BranchUp – “The Forecast for Travel Advisors in an AI World: Bright and Sunny!” and Beverly Beuermann-King – “Building Resilience and Overcoming Burnout.” In Vancouver: Kerianne Wilson, Director of Customer Accessibility, Air Canada – “Enhancing Accessibility in Travel.” And in Montreal – David Tanguay, head of global sales for Aurora Expeditions – “Edge of the Map: Redefining Adventure with Expedition Cruises.” Register on ACTA’s website.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Mary Jean Tully, Founder & CEO of Mississauga-based Tully Luxury Travel, has been recognized as a Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist for the 26th consecutive year. TLT is a respected names in bespoke travel, known for its high-touch service, deep destination knowledge, and exceptional access to the world’s top cruise lines, safari lodges, and private experiences.
DESTINATIONS
Choose Chicago, in partnership with more than 25 local pizza spots, has launched the Chicago Pizza Pass. This new program gives pass holders access to exclusive discounts and deals at participating restaurants as well as the opportunity to win special prizes. For $15, pizza fans can sign up today at chipizzapass.com chipizzapass.com and get access to deals until the end of the year – no apps or downloads required. Deals vary by restaurant and range from free slices to discounted pies to buy-one-get-one free deals. The full list of participating restaurants, which includes 27 different locations representing 19 unique eateries, can be found on the Choose Chicago website.
The Inverness Castle Experience will be a new visitor attraction in the heart of Inverness, Scotland, celebrating the spirit of the Highlands’ past, present and future. The existing castle buildings and esplanade gardens are being transformed from their original use as the home of Inverness’ prison and courts into a celebration of what makes the Highlands of Scotland a special place to live, work and visit.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1938, pilot Douglas Corrigan took off from New York for a flight to California. He landed in Dublin, Ireland, and earned the nickname “Wrong-way Corrigan.”
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