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
Canadians are feeling optimistic about travel in 2026, according to Allianz Global Assistance Canada (Allianz). In its 9th annual Vacation Confidence Index Study, the insurance provider revealed that seven in Canadians say they are confident they will take a vacation this year, marking a significant nine-point increase from last year. Among the over 2,000 Canadians surveyed, confidence was strongest among families with children (77%) and high-income earners ($100K+, 85%), as well as younger generations, with 71% of Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X planning trips compared to 63% of Boomers. At the same time, 70% of Canadians believe annual vacations are important for their wellbeing.
The CEO of a planned high-speed rail project between Toronto and Quebec City says construction on the eastern and western parts of the line is expected to begin by 2032. Construction of the first phase, set to kick off in 2029 or 2030, would link Montreal and Ottawa and act as a test case for a multibillion-dollar infrastructure project intended to transform rail travel in Canada’s most densely populated region.
BY THE NUMBERS
Nearly seven in 10 believe doctors should be able to prescribe vacations, according to a survey of over 1,000 Canadians conducted on behalf of Flight Centre by YouGov. Eight in 10 (82%) of Canadians view vacations as essential to their health and wellbeing, not a luxury.
AIR
Air Canada is set to launch a third weekly flight to Grenada in the Caribbean on Thursday (Jan. 22). Operating seasonally through April 23, the additional frequency reflects strong demand from this country and Canada’s status as one of Grenada’s fastest-growing source markets.
The Lufthansa Group will equip all of the Group’s approximately 850 aircraft with high-speed broadband internet access from 2026 onwards. This will occur within the existing fleet, as well as on all new aircraft. The new internet service will be free-of-charge for all status customers and Travel ID users – across all travel classes.
With ‘Sales Fest,’ Canadian travellers with Turkish Airlines, which boasts three gateways in Canada, can take advantage of this limited-seat, round-trip flights starting at $1,099. Bookings must be made by Jan. 26 for travel through April 30.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is now accepting reservations for a collection of 20 Rondoval Butler Villas with Private Pools, set to welcome guests Nov. 1. This expansion brings Sandals’ signature round-shaped villa-style accommodations to the brand’s newest resort in the Eastern Caribbean, complete with private pools and rooftop terraces. Through Feb. 2 (and for travel until Dec. 25), the ‘Winter Blues Sale’ offers instant credits, spa credits and additional benefits based on length of stay.
DEALS
TravelBrands Encore Cruises’ ‘Europe Extravaganza’ 2026 Wave Season cruise incentive includes include both air savings for travellers and Loyalty Rewards incentives for agents on qualifying bookings. Travellers can receive up to $200 in air discounts per person, depending on stateroom category, while agents earn 2,500 Loyalty Rewards Points on eligible bookings. In effect through Jan. 30, the campaign applies to European cruise sailings of six nights or longer across TravelBrands’ full cruise portfolio.
Through Feb. 2, the G Adventures Great Adventure Sale offers savings of up to 25% on hundreds of trips across G’s various travel styles in 2026.
TOURS
Balancing unprecedented demand for travel to Japan and demands of overtourism, Goway is expanding its product line in the Asian destination with off- the-beaten-path experiences on the southern island of Kyushu and Shizuoka region near Mt. Fuji – regions that traditionally see far fewer international visitors, while still showcasing the nation’s culture, history, and scenery. The three new tours are a perfect opportunity (or compliment) for the increasing number of clients enquiring about opportunities beyond Tokyo and Kyoto, says Goway.
Tauck has opened bookings for its full 2027 Global Journeys & Safaris portfolio of land, safari, river, and small ship ocean journeys. Building on the company’s 25th anniversary of safaris in 2026, Tauck continues to expand its collection of shorter-format safaris – an approach the company says has resonated strongly with both new and returning guests. The collection of three shorter (nine and 10-day) African safaris complement Tauck’s existing portfolio of 11 safari itineraries. Beyond Africa, Tauck is applying this same shorter-format approach across its global journeys portfolio.
CRUISE
Windstar Cruises debuted its newest all-suite yacht, Star Seeker (image above) with a splash at its Miami Christening Event on Jan. 15. Following the ceremony, the vessel departed on an eight-night Star Seeker Christening Sailing from Miami to San Juan, with stops in the Dominican Republic and the British Virgin Islands. In 2026, Star Seeker will explore the Caribbean and Alaska before sailing to Japan and Southeast Asia, with an emphasis on immersive travel in Thailand and Vietnam.
TravelBrands Encore Cruises has announced a new cruise partnership with Celestyal, further expanding its European cruise portfolio and providing Canadian travel agents with access to culturally immersive, destination-focused itineraries across the Mediterranean that feature differentiated product designed around deeper destination engagement, longer port stays, and itineraries that balance iconic European destinations with lesser-known ports.
Travel marketing firm Discover the World has been named nicko cruises’ sales and marketing agent in Canada, supporting the brand’s strategic expansion into the Canadian market. Based in Germany and in business for 30 years, nicko cruises, is known for its extensive river cruise program across Europe that features destination-rich itineraries, personalized service, and a relaxed onboard atmosphere, Discover the World will provide Canadian travel advisors with an online booking engine, sales support, product training, marketing assets, and regular updates on itineraries, promotions, and product news.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Agents are invited to “get on track” to becoming a Brightline Travel Advisor, which comes with unique perks for you clients booking the Florida train. Agents will earn commission; access the lowest published fares available; be able to book direct anytime at BrightlineTravelAdvisors.com; access best offers; and coming soon, access via Amadeus. Agents also have a chance to be eligible to win a $500 online shopping gift card or 2 premium class tickets as follow: Opt-in to the promotion – 1 entry; make a booking – 10 entries; view the webinar – 10 entries; play the daily quiz game –1 entry. To do so, click Brightline Digital Promotion.
Through Feb. 13, every confirmed booking with Intrepid Travel brings advisors closer to winning one of over $30,000 in prizes, including free Small Group Adventures. And for the first time, Intrepid is doubling the number of winners with separate weekly and grand prizes for North American travel advisors. Grand prizes include FOC Intrepid Tour to Peru up to CDN$3,500 + Companion (or single supplement of equal value); FOC Short Break up to $3,000; and FOC Premium Walking & Trekking up to $4,000. Weekly smaller prizes include a Free Urban Adventure + 1 Companion, $200/pax and copy of Intrepid List Book (with option to gift to client). Weekly prize winners will be drawn at random from advisors who made a booking each week. Full details available on the Agent Hub and Intrepid’s Facebook agent community page.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA) has announced the promotion of Fiona Bowen to Senior Manager Membership, recognizing her outstanding contributions and more than 30 years of experience in the travel industry. In her new role, Bowen continues to focus on empowering travel advisors to succeed and grow their businesses. Known for her collaborative approach and genuine passion for elevating the profession, she remains a trusted resource for ACTA members and a driving force behind initiatives that strengthen and advance the industry.
Siba Hasna has joined Toronto’s Zebrano Travel as VP Client Experience. With a background in private aviation, Hasna excels in client relationship management, logistics, coordination, and project leadership, says agency owner Anna Judek. In her role, Hasan will steward the sales pipeline, oversee client management, and direct all operational initiatives at Zebrano Travel.
Aurora Expeditions has appointed Sue Haefner as Director of Trade Marketing, North America, strengthening the company’s trade marketing and advisor engagement capabilities across the region. In her new role, she will focus on strengthening relationships with travel advisors, supporting education and engagement initiatives, and delivering targeted trade marketing programs to drive awareness and demand for Aurora Expeditions across North America.
She can be contacted at shaefner@aurora-expeditions.com.
DESTINATIONS
After 32 years, the New York subway’s ubiquitous gold-hued fare card (and its notoriously finicky magnetic strip) have been retired (the last day to buy or refill a MetroCard was Dec. 31, 2025), as the transit system fully transitions to OMNY, a contactless payment system that allows riders to tap their credit card, phone or other smart device to pay fares, much like they do for other everyday purchases.
David Bowie’s bedroom could soon be London’s newest tourist attraction. The house where the musician grew from suburban schoolboy to rock ‘n’ roll starman has been bought by a charity that plans to open it to the public. The Heritage of London Trust said that the 19th-century railway worker’s cottage in the south London suburb of Bromley will be restored to its 1960s decor and open to the public next year. Bowie, born David Jones, lived in the house from 1955, when he was eight, until 1967, when he was a 20-year-old working musician hungry for fame.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1935, Amelia Earhart Putnam set a record of 18 hours, 16 minutes on a solo flight of 3,860 km., from Honolulu to California.
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