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 preparing to spend a record amount on travel this year, according to Allianz Global Assistance Canada’s (Allianz) latest Vacation Confidence Index Study. Total vacation spending is projected to reach an unprecedented $47.6 billion in 2026, a 22% increase over last year, signalling a resilient desire to travel despite financial headwinds. The average Canadian’s vacation budget continues to rise, now sitting at $4,169 for 2026.
UN Tourism reports that international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) grew by 4% in 2025, as most destinations worldwide posted solid results. According to the first World Tourism Barometer of the year, an estimated 1.52 billion international tourists were recorded globally in 2025, almost 60 million more than in 2024. These numbers reflect a return to pre-pandemic growth trends, closer to the 5% average increase per year between 2009 and 2019.
AIR
Porter Airlines inaugurated nonstop flights between Montreal-Trudeau International Airport and Nassau, Bahamas, marking the airline’s first Caribbean service from Montreal. The winter seasonal service will operate up to three times weekly and complement existing service from Toronto Pearson and Ottawa. Meanwhile, On Feb. 2, Porter Airlines launched nonstop service between Vancouver and Phoenix, the carrier’s first transborder route from Western Canada. Flights will operate daily until April 19. And as of Feb. 7, Phoenix is also accessible from Ottawa with three times weekly flights.
In Canada and the U.S., Discover the World has been named official sales representation partner for AEGEAN Airlines, Greece’s largest carrier. Under this agreement, Discover the World will support AEGEAN Airlines’ commercial growth in North America by strengthening trade engagement, increasing market visibility, and driving demand across both leisure and corporate segments.
Virgin Atlantic has launched High Five, a new Flying Club initiative that rewards loyalty program members for choosing the airline over five different years. Eligible Flying Club members will receive the reward today, with flight tracking backdated to Jan. 1, 2021. Eligible members will receive 12,000 Virgin Points, with 10% bonus points on all future flights for Red Tier members.
BY THE NUMBERS
Vancouver International Airport reports it saw a record 26.9 million travellers in 2025, a 2.7% year-over-year increase. The previous record of 26.3 million passengers was set in 2019. Domestic travel was up 3.8%, while Asia Pacific passenger volumes rose 15.6% year-over-year. The number of passengers travelling between Vancouver and U.S. destinations fell 7.1%.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Now open, the Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel commands a prime waterfront location on the scenic Intracoastal Waterway. Part of the Broward County Convention Center District, the hotel provides direct access to the convention centre and is minutes from pristine beaches, Port Everglades Cruise Terminal, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The hotel features 801 elegantly appointed guest rooms, including 82 suites, seven distinctive dining venues, a full-service Mokara Spa and fitness centre, over 11,000 sq. m., and an expansive panoramic pool deck.
Arriving this Spring, a new era begins for The Westin Playa Vallarta on the coastline of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, as it transitions to an all-inclusive resort. The renovated property will feature 281 redesigned suites – some with swim-up or private plunge pools – blending Westin’s signature wellness-focused hospitality with the added ease of an all-inclusive experience.
TOURS
Continuing through Feb. 28, TravelBrands’ ‘Europe: We’ve Got It All’ campaign brings together exclusive savings, product-specific incentives, and enhanced Loyalty Rewards Points across TravelBrands’ Europe portfolio. The campaign delivers a range of Europe offers and agent incentives, including: TravelGenie Packages – Save up to 40% plus receive a $50 Add-Ons Credit (agents earn 5X Loyalty Rewards Points); Encore Cruises – Receive a $100 Onboard Credit on select 2026 Europe sailings (2500 Loyalty Rewards Points); Exotik Journeys – Receive up to $300 off p.p. when you book a 3-week Long Stay in Calella, Spain (2X points); Car Rentals – Agents earn 2X Loyalty Rewards Points on eligible Europe bookings.
Globus family of brands is channelling its role as a long-standing partner to the advisor community to launch the comprehensive ‘Start Strong: Ultimate Guide for New Travel Advisors’ publication to help newer sellers build confidence, capabilities and sustainable businesses from day one. Available online, check out the Ultimate Guide here.
DEALS
Throughout February, the Viking Savings Event offers travellers up 35% off river and ocean cruises and 20% off expedition cruises, plus free international airfare and a $25 deposit. The promotion applies to a wide range of global itineraries through 2028.
CRUISE
Now open for bookings, Oceania Cruises’ forthcoming 1,390-guest Oceania Sonata‘s (photo above) inaugural season features 22 sailings from August 2027 through April 2028, spanning more than 90 destinations on voyages ranging from seven to 16 days. The ship will trace a sweeping route through the capitals and coastal towns of Europe to ports across the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America – offering elaborate shore excursions, overnight port stays and longer days ashore.
MSC Cruises has committed its year-round operation from a brand-new homeport in La Romana, in the south of the Dominican Republic – the first time the cruise line has offered year-round sailings in the Southern Caribbean. Starting Nov. 16, MSC Opera will operate a brand-new itinerary, operating weekly departures, and guests can opt to book a seven-night sailing or extend their cruise to a back-to-back 14-night ‘butterfly’ cruise. A cruise highlight is a call to Catalina Island, offering guests an exclusive nature reserve experience.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Agents can earn a $1,000 bonus when booking custom group vacations to New Zealand by June 30 with Goway.
Travel advisors who book their clients’ through Sunwing Vacations at participating Royalton and Blue Diamond properties by Feb. 28 (for travel through Oct. 31) can earn up to 6X STAR Points on eligible reservations, while offering their clients reduced rates, room upgrades, spa credits and more perks at select resorts. Every eligible booking is also an entry for a chance to win one of four seven-night stays for two people to: Starfish Varadero, Resonance Musique Santa Maria, Sanctuary At Grand Memories Holguin, or Royalton CHIC Punta Cana. For full details, go to the Sunwing Travel Agent portal.
EVENTS
A monthly Dubai webinar series, held on the second Tuesday of every month, begins on Feb. 10 at 3 p.m. EST. Each session will focus on a different theme, giving timely insights, product updates, and selling tips to help agents confidently promote Dubai year-round – plus giveaways. Register at Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams.
On Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. EST, the Las Vegas Visitors and Convention Authority will host a webinar offering fresh insights, selling tips, and ideas to position Las Vegas for clients seeking “energy, entertainment, and memorable experiences,” plus a chance to win a giveaway. Register at Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams.
Golf galore: Save dates have been revealed for two major industry tournaments this summer. ACTA will host is gala event at Royal Ontario (Milton) on Thurs. July 9, while Skal International Toronto has planned its annual festivities for Thurs. Aug. 13 at Royal Woodbine (Toronto airport). Stay tuned for more details for both.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Sunwing Vacations Group has a new president: Marek Andryszak. Effective March 16, the travel industry veteran (banner photo) will take the reigns from the retiring Andrew Dawson, the WestJet Group announced Thursday. Andryszak brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience in the tour operator sector, having held executive roles at DSR Hotel Holding and TUI Group.
DESTINATIONS
St. Kitts closed out 2025 with strong tourism performance, recording a total of 168,838 arrivals in 2025, which represented a 6% increase compared to 2024. Performance was particularly strong in the first four months of the year, with January through April outperforming expectations and signalling sustained demand across key source markets. Total air capacity also increased year over year, reflecting growing confidence in the destination and expanded opportunities for travellers to access the island.
The now annual culinary month in Antigua and Barbuda is set to take place in May, featuring local food and chefs alongside guest chefs who are exclusively of Caribbean heritage. During the monthlong celebration, food lovers can discover local cuisine through the Eat Like A Local campaign, enjoy islandwide prix-fixe menus during a two week-long Restaurant Week and explore Antiguan culinary traditions at the signature FAB (Food, Art & Beverage) Fest.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1982, Laker Airways, which had provided “no frills” service across the Atlantic, declared bankruptcy.
Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com
If you enjoyed or found this story useful, we’d appreciate if you would forward it to a colleague or friend who may also enjoy it. If, on the other hand, a friend shared it with you, welcome! You can get all the latest travel news and reviews from Travel Industry by simply clicking HERE.