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
Canadian permanent residents must now pay a US$250 “visa integrity fee” to enter the U.S. as part of the government’s new “Big Beautiful Bill” legislation, which in part aims to tighten and secure border security. While most Canadians will not be affected by the visa integrity fee, it applies broadly to non-immigrant visa holders, which includes permanent residents of Canada.
Information and enforcement timeline are still vague, but VisaVerge.ca says the new rules took effect July 18. Forbes, however, reports the fee will take effect on Oct. 1 and will be added to existing visa fees.
Jasper marked one year since a wildlife devasted the town and forced thousands to flee on one road out in the dark of night. The Alberta town lost 20% of its accommodations in the fire, but its tourism agency says Jasper hotels and homes have been almost full since the May long weekend.
Singapore holds the crown as the world’s most powerful passport, with visa-free access to 193 destinations out of 227 globally, according to the latest Henley Passport Index. Canada dropped one place on the list, holding relatively steady at eighth globally in 2025 and sitting only nine countries behind the leader (and five out of third place).
BY THE NUMBERS
According to a FlightHub survey, younger Canadians are more likely to spend a greater percentage of their revenue on their yearly adventures, with around a third of Gen Z (34%) and Millennials (30%) saying they dedicate between 11 to 25% of their disposable income to travels. Additionally, many (61%) agreed that they have been adapting the way they travel with 67% saying they are taking advantage of discounts; over half (54%) are changing travel dates; and 42% opting for alternative destinations for a trip on the dime.
AIR
WestJet and Kenya Airways have announced a new interline partnership agreement that will enable WestJet guests to seamlessly travel to Nairobi, and beyond, with expanded access to 35 destinations across Africa. With new single-point connection access via Paris, Amsterdam, London (Gatwick), London (Heathrow) and New York (JFK) to Nairobi, WestJet guests can now book a single ticket with a connected itinerary between WestJet and Kenya Airways’ networks with single point check-in and through-checked bags.
Porter Airlines has secured a sale and leaseback agreement for four Embraer E195-E2 aircraft to be delivered in 2025. Porter Airlines is the world’s largest E195-E2 operator and 46 E195-E2s have been delivered to Porter from a total of 75 confirmed orders, with an additional 25 remaining purchase options.
Virgin Atlantic is the first UK airline to announce plans to introduce Starlink in-flight connectivity. The airline will begin installing streaming-quality Wi-Fi on its Boeing 787s, Airbus A350s, and A330neos from Q3 2026, with the installation expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Antigua’s Carlisle Bay has launched a multimillion-dollar renovation project, with all phases expected to be completed by November 2027. A five-star resort and member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Carlisle Bay will unveil the first phase of its transformation this year. The full evolution – encompassing guest suites, public areas, dining venues, and enhancements to its signature spa – will unfold over the next three years, aligned with the resort’s annual seasonal closure periods. For more, contact the resort’s Canadian representative at (416) 471-8422 or elaine@canlinktravel.com.
Element Vancouver Metrotown, located in Burnaby’s business and shopping hub, about 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, has completed a top-to-bottom transformation of its public spaces and a refresh of its guest rooms as the hotel celebrates its 10-year anniversary. The renovation incorporates clever use of space, smart, fresh thinking, and a design reflecting the Element brand’s approach to sustainable, whole living.
TOURS
Citing record-breaking demand, new tours to Japan, India and Thailand are being introduced by Globus and Cosmos. They include “Japan Escape,” “Heritage of India & the Ganges River,” “Colours of India’s Golden Triangle & Rajasthan,” and “Enchanting Thailand.” At the same time, the company is also refreshing its “Visions of Japan” tour to shift time from Tokyo to a new overnight in the Mt. Fuji area.
Lindblad Expeditions has expanded its partnership with Approach Guides to provide travel advisors with more sales tools, including new customized content experiences and a personalized, conversion-optimized website. The new website seamlessly connects advisors’ Approach Guides with a personalized, trade-friendly version of the company’s consumer-facing website, www.expeditions.com. The integration allows travel advisors to share any National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions webpage with clients –complete with real-time pricing, availability, and full personalization – while ensuring that all leads are sent directly and privately to the advisor.
DEALS
Sunwing Vacations’ reoccurring “Flynancial Flash Sales” will offer savings on resort packages from gateways across Canada for a booking window of 72 hours. Each sale spotlights a different resort and includes roundtrip airfare with WestJet, accommodations, and in-destination transfers. Unlike traditional flash sales, travellers have three full days to book. The first sale features Punta Cana with up to 40% off select gateways booked from July 30 to Aug. 1.
Through Sept. 23, Seabourn’s ‘Sail into Savings’ event allows guests to choose from two special offers on select 2025-27 ocean and expedition voyages. Client can save up to 15% on select expeditions to Antarctica, Asia, the Caribbean, and more; or, receive a two-category Veranda Suite upgrade and up to US$2,000 per suite shipboard credit on select 2026-27 cruises and expeditions to Alaska, Europe, the Arctic, and more.
The “Travel is Better When You’re All In” promotion for Windstar Cruises provides a complimentary all-inclusive upgrade on select voyages through March 31, 2026. Available to book through Sept. 30 the upgrade covers beverages, gratuities and Wi-Fi, valued at US$99 p.p. per night on all Windstar vessels.
CRUISE
Viking has announced its first river voyages in India on the Viking Brahmaputra, a new 80-guest vessel designed specifically for the Brahmaputra River (rendering above). Currently under construction and scheduled to debut in late 2027, the ship will sail between Guwahati and Nimati Ghat in the northeastern state of Assam as part of Viking’s new 15-day itinerary, ‘Wonders of India.’ In addition to an eight-day river voyage, the itinerary includes a fully guided land program with overnights in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
MSC Book, dedicated online booking platform for travel agents for MSC Cruises, is now fully available in both French and English, thereby better supporting French-speaking advisors. In addition to the bilingual platform, MSC Cruises Canada provides fully bilingual support through its call centre, as well as dedicated sales and group support teams tailored to both English and French-speaking travel professionals. Find it at https://www.mscbook.com/ca-fr/welcome .
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
Disneyland Resort is officially celebrating 70 years since it first opened in Anaheim, Ca., on July 17, 1955. The occasion is being commemorated with special ticket and hotel offers for guests as well as a new attraction based on Walt Disney’s life and other tributes to Disney heritage. The limited-time Disneyland Anniversary Ticket Offer is available to purchase for visits through Aug. 14 and guests can make reservations with limited-time savings up to 20% on select stays of three or more nights at Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel from Aug. 17-Dec. 19, subject to availability and restrictions.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Sandals and Beaches Resorts is extending an exclusive travel advisor Incentive for all new bookings made with Unique Vacations Canada through Aug. 3. For eligible stays of six nights or longer for travel taking place through March 31, 2026, travel advisors can earn US$100 booking bonus plus 4% bonus commission on Butler Suites; US$75 plus 3% bonus commission on Club Sandals/Concierge rooms and US$50 plus 2% bonus on Luxury/Deluxe rooms. And for travel beginning April 1, 2026, and beyond (with a minimum stay of six nights), advisors will receive US$85 plus 3% bonus on Butler Suites; US$60 plus 2% bonus on Club Sandals/Concierge rooms; and US$30 plus 1% bonus on Luxury/Deluxe rooms
EVENTS
Billed as “the first and largest AI summit for the travel industry,” the Travel Trends
Podcast (TTP) will return Oct. 28-29 for its second edition. Early bird pricing is available until July 31 for the global event, which is held in partnership with TourRadar. The fully virtual event will bring together industry leaders, tech innovators, entrepreneurs, and executives to showcase how AI is transforming every aspect of the travel industry. The early bird discount offers $100 discount off the regular price. For info, contact katherine@traveltrendspodcast.com or visit https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/travel-trends-ai-summit-2025.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Visit Seattle has announced the three Canadian travel advisors who have won a spot an upcoming FAM trip to the Emerald City in October. By registering and completing the new Seattle specialist program by the July 1 deadline, all “Seattle Certified” agents were entered into a draw to win one of three spots. The winners were Christine Moore of Voyages AquaTerra; Lydia Della Rocca, Fare Connect Travel; and Melissa Valentine, AMA Travel.
Brightline and Discover the World have announced a global strategic partnership aimed at expanding travel trade opportunities for Brightline’s high-speed rail service in Florida, while also showcasing Brightline’s service for visitors to the Sunshine State. As part of the partnership, the Discover team will educate trade partners about Brightline’s product, develop effective trade strategies, and grow sales across North America, Latin America, and key European markets. The service connects Orlando and Miami with downtown stops in key cities West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Aventura, creating a major connection for tourism and commerce.
DESTINATIONS
Visit Scotland has recently updated its travel trade website, traveltrade.visitscotland.org, with new resources and content to support travel professionals. These include the latest Meaningful Travel itineraries, which promote authentic and socially responsible experiences across Scotland. Additionally, new content focusing on the East of Scotland highlights the region’s striking natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and range of outdoor activities.
Brazil’s National Museum in Rio de Janeiro has re-opened seven years after being destroyed by fire. Full renovations are expected to be completed in 2027. The venue boasts a collection of 20 million artifacts.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1988, nine-year-old Emma Houlston of Medicine Hat, Alta., became the youngest pilot to fly across Canada when she landed her single-engine plane in St. John’s, Nfld. Emma and her father had left Victoria two weeks earlier.
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