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
Flight reductions at 40 major U.S. airports will remain at 6% – albeit instead of rising to an “extraordinary” 10% – because more air traffic controllers are coming to work, U.S. officials said as Congress took steps to end the longest American government shutdown in history after the president signed a funding bill to end the closure.
The chief executive of Air Canada Michael Rousseau said the airline is seeing good booking momentum in the fourth quarter and early positive indicators into the first quarter of 2026. He added that the airline’s transborder business trends are largely stable and on par with the first half of 2025.
A new international airport in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, is expected to begin operating in December after the facility’s recent official inauguration. Navi Mumbai International Airport will make Mumbai the only metropolitan area in the world’s most populous country to have a second international airport.
BY THE NUMBERS
Despite falling short in the World Series in dramatic fashion, the Blue Jays hit a home run for Toronto, giving the city a big economic boost, with more visitors and more spending at local businesses. According to Destination Toronto, the four home games of the Series saw a 15% average increase in hotel demand compared to the same nights last year, adding a total of more than 11,000 room nights. The Jays full post-season run saw an 11% average increase in hotel demand compared to the same nights in 2024, adding more than 20,000 room nights.
AIR
Transat celebrated its 38th anniversary and four new destinations for 2025 – Rio de Janeiro, Istanbul, Medellín (Colombia), and Georgetown (Guyana) – at an event in Toronto last week. Destination VIPs were on hand to provide updates, while guests enjoy live music, entertainment (above) authentic food – pepper pot lamb sliders from Guyana courtesy of a local chef, amongst others – and prizes! The airline also announced the frequency of service to Berlin and Lima.
Porter Airlines began roundtrip service between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Puerto Vallarta (PVR), Mexico on Friday, marking the latest expansion of the carrier’s sun network. Seasonal service features three weekly roundtrip flights, increasing to five weekly beginning Dec. 14. Nonstop flights from Hamilton and Ottawa to Puerto Vallarta launch in December.
Hong Kong Airlines and Etihad Airways have relaunched of their codeshare partnership, alongside the signing of their first-ever loyalty programme reciprocity agreement. The renewed alliance further strengthens the strategic ties between the two carriers, offering travellers an even broader and more flexible range of travel options.
DEALS
The Globus family of brands: The “From Here to Anywhere Sale” includes Black Friday deals at Avalon Waterways, Globus, and Cosmos through Dec. 10 for select 2026 (and early 2027) vacations. Offers vary and can be viewed at www.traveladvisorportal.ca.
Small-ship adventure travel company Aurora Expeditions ‘Beyond Borders Sale’ gives travellers the chance to save up to 25%, plus receive a bonus US$2,500 p.p. air credit per person on select 2026 voyages booked by Dec. 31. Destinations range from Greenland to Iceland, and Madrid to Marrakech. See the website for details.
TOURS
Collette has launched its latest ‘Explorations’ brochure, showcasing over 50 small group tours crafted for culturally curious travellers seeking deeper connections and more relaxed pacing. More than 10 new itineraries join the lineup, spanning Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa. Travel advisors can send a copy of the new Explorations brochure to their clients with their own Call to Action for free via Collette Connection. Request the brochure in Collette’s Travel Advsior Portal or via a Collette BDM.
Up to 30% in savings are available for bookings on over 400 G Adventures trips made through Nov. 30 with departures before April 30, 2026. Beyond that, from May 1 to Aug. 30, clients will save 10%.
HOTELS & RESORTS
The Hampton by Hilton St. Thomas has officially opened its doors, marking the brand’s debut in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the first newbuild hotel in St. Thomas in decades. The 126-room hotel, located near the Havensight Mall and facing Long Bay, offers amenities such as a pool, bar and lounge, and the brand’s signature complimentary hot breakfast. Meanwhile, The Saint is the U.S. Virgin Islands’ newest oasis of adult-only luxury and wellness, nestled just steps from Cruz Bay yet quietly tucked away to feel exclusive. The resort offers elevated dining at Aerial, perched above the pool with sweeping sunset views, plus energizing live performances from fire dancers and a soothing floating sound-bath class.
From Jan. 18 to Feb. 14, 2026, Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda in Michès, Dominican Republic will host its first Wellness Fusion Retreat: a four-week immersive program dedicated to self-care, holistic health, and renewal. Nestled between palm groves, mountains, and 600 m. of secluded beach, the venue offers a natural environment designed to support reflection, rest, and reconnection. The retreat will include more than 20 internationally recognized wellness practitioners leading workshops, treetop yoga, guided cold plunges, sound healing, nutrition and longevity sessions, movement and meditation activities, and more.
CRUISE
The name of Crystal’s new ship is Crystal Grace. This is the first ocean new-build for the brand in 25 years and under the ownership of AKTG (Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group), the vessel is scheduled for delivery in May 2028 ahead of her inaugural voyage on June 11, 2028, following a series of preview sailings.
Carnival Cruise Line announced its next wave of 2027/28 deployments, including the return of year-round cruises from Mobile, Alabama. Beginning May 15, 2027, Carnival Valor will begin offering a variety of six- to eight-day sailings from the home port visiting The Bahamas, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key. Before making her transition, Carnival Valor will finish her deployment in New Orleans with a five-day sailing on May 1, and two four-day cruises to Mexico on May 6 and 10.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
New multi-day tickets at Universal Orlando Resort (photo above) include 3-Day, 4-Day and 5-Day tickets for visits in 2026 that give access to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal Epic Universe, with upgrade options available that include Universal Volcano Bay water theme park. Options include park-to-park access, which allows them to bounce between each park on the same day, or a 3-day base ticket that allows them to visit a park per day.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Black Friday offerings from Intrepid also extend to travel advisors, who can take advantage of a month-long incentive program packed with prizes including free trips, FAM spots, and more. Visit Intrepid’s Agent Hub for more.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Shaikha Al Nowais has been confirmed as the new Secretary-General of UN Tourism. Al Nowais will be the first woman to lead the United Nations Specialized Agency for tourism in its 50-year history. She will begin her term at the start of 2026, having gained significant experience in the private sector, most notably as Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels. She also chairs the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Tourism Working Group and serves on the boards of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and Les Roches Hospitality Academy.
TravelBrands has elevated Donna Engler to Business Development Manager for Alberta and Saskatchewan, effective Dec. 1. Engler spent the past two years at Exotik Journeys, a TravelBrands company, where she served as a planning Coordinator and product specialist. In her new role, she will work closely with travel agent partners across the province, looking to bring added value and growth to the region. In the meantime, advisors seeking sales support can reach the TravelBrands team at sales@travelbrands.com.
DESTINATIONS
Boston’s annual Christmas tree, a heartfelt gift from Nova Scotia, symbolizes over a century of friendship and gratitude. Each year, a magnificent white spruce, carefully selected from Nova Scotia’s forests, is sent to Boston to thank the city for its vital emergency aid after the 1917 Halifax Explosion. The 54th tree will be honoured on Dec. 4 on the Boston Common with special ceremonies and strong community engagement on both sides, highlighting the enduring spirit of generosity and friendship.
In May 2026, the VieVinum International Wine Festival will take over the historic Hofburg Palace in Vienna. This biennial event, widely regarded as Austria’s largest wine gathering, will feature around 550 exhibitors, including top wine producers, importers, and distributors. The festival highlights Austrian wines, particularly those from the Vienna region, alongside a curated selection of international offerings, making it a must-visit for both wine enthusiasts and casual wine lovers.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 2001, Canada 3000, the country’s second-largest airline, ceased operations and cancelled its flights after being granted bankruptcy protection from creditors. It went bankrupt three days later.
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