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 airports warned travellers that NEXUS and Global Entry pre-clearance programs for U.S.-bound flights have been suspended due to the partial U.S. government shutdown. Airports in Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto advised passengers travelling through U.S. Customs to allow for extra time to pass through security checks.
Canada announced it is sending $8 million in food aid to people in Cuba, where a U.S. oil blockade has triggered a humanitarian crisis. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and MP Randeep Sarai, says the funding is aimed at addressing urgent needs and will be delivered through United Nations agencies instead of the Cuban government.
ACTA says it will now recognize select travel advisor certifications from other jurisdictions and organizations as equivalent to its CTC and CTM designations, subject to established equivalency requirements. This new pathway allows individuals who hold recognized equivalent credentials, including the U.S.-based Travel Institute’s CTA or CTC, to apply toward ACTA’s certifcation without duplicating coursework, thereby reducing barriers and supporting adoption of ACTA professional designations.
BY THE NUMBERS
According to the latest Longwoods International tracking study, 59% of Canadian travellers say U.S. government policies, trade practices and political statements make them less likely to travel to the U.S. in the next 12 months – up from 53% last October, but down from a peak of 63% in July 2025. At the same time, 45% say they plan to visit the U.S. in 2026 with 23% of those undeterred at all by politics.
AIR
Air Canada and Turkish-based Pegasus Airlines announced a new interline agreement that will enable Air Canada passengers flying through Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Munich, Geneva, Vienna, Zurich and Athens to seamlessly connect onwards to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, and from Frankfurt to İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport. In addition to increased flying options, customers will have the benefits of a single itinerary and the convenience of through-checked baggage.
On Feb. 18 with a trio of Transat seasonal sun routes took flight from eastern Canada, including non-stop flights from Quebec City to Guadeloupe, and Charlottetown and Fredericton to Cancun.
Porter Airlines is adding two airports and three routes to its growing North American network. In Canada, new seasonal service between Ottawa and Deer Lake (YDF) begins June 10. And expanding Porter’s U.S. network are year-round flights between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Toronto Pearson, beginning May 21; and on Sept. 1, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) service to Chicago is moving from Midway (MDW) to O’Hare (ORD).
TOURS
Collette reports that its Canada business achieved its best year ever in 2025, marking a milestone for the Rhode Island-based company’s long‑standing commitment to this market.
The record year was fuelled by strong demand for immersive cultural experiences, renewed interest in European travel, and travellers’ growing preference for having a dedicated tour manager,” said Christian Leibl‑Cote, Executive VP of Global Sales at Collette. “As a Canadian traveller myself,” he added, “I am excited about the growth ahead and the incredible selection of tours for travellers.”
Citing strong demand for France, Avalon Waterways, has announced a strategic refinement to its France river cruise portfolio, confirming that the Avalon Artistry II will reposition to the Seine River beginning in 2027, following the completion of Bordeaux sailings through the 2026 season. The move strengthens capacity in one of Europe’s highest-demand river corridors, where Paris and Normandy sailings remain among Avalon’s strongest performers.
DEALS
In March, Viking’s ‘Spring Sale’ offers guests up to free international airfare, reduced fares & $25 deposit on sailing this year and beyond on river, ocean and expedition voyages.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Marriott continues to expand its luxury collection portfolio with the addition of JW Marriott All-Inclusive Costa Elena, Costa Rica this Fall. Marking the brand’s global all-inclusive debut, the 451-room resort will introduce JW Marriott’s signature elevated service and refined touchpoints, set against sweeping ocean views and Costa Rica’s lush jungle landscape.
CRUISE
Academy Award-winning actor Robert Downey Jr. (“Iron Man”) has been named godparent for the Disney Adventure, the newest and largest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. The vessel’s maiden voyage will take place next month out of its home port in Singapore. A video revealing Robert Downey Jr. as the Disney Adventure’s godparent can be viewed and reshared on Youtube.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Through March 15, Carnival Cruise Line’s “Funnel Faves Wave Arcade” booking promotion invites agents to participate in an arcade-style experience where bookings, games and trivia translate into ticket-earning points and prizes, including a grand prize cruise for two. To qualify Travel Advisors can enter bookings in the Loyalty Rocks Rewards program and earn 100 arcade tickets, for every reward point earned; the daily Sea-Ball game allows advisors to earn tickets; more tickets can be earned in a trivia game. From March 23 to April 6 advisors will be able to redeem their tickets for gifts, bonus Loyalty Rocks points and additional tickets toward the grand prize. Visit: FunnelFavesArcade.com.
EVENTS
Next year’s Florida Huddle and Encounter will take place Jan. 24-26, 2027, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee. Florida Huddle is Visit Florida’s Official Travel Trade Show, showcasing the best of the state to international and domestic tour operators, wholesalers and media with one-on-one-appointments and networking. Florida partners that typically attend include destination, accommodation and attraction businesses. For details: www.floridahuddle.com.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
ACTA announced the promotion of Lesley Berry, CTC, to Membership Manager. Most recently, she served as Interim Manager, Meetings and Events, stepping into the role during a maternity leave and ensuring the continued success of ACTA’s international, national and regional events.
The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) reports the appointment by the Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement of Andrew Gibbons as its incoming Chair of its Board of Directors. He assumed the role on Feb. 25, succeeding Michael Levinson, whose term concluded following nearly five years of leadership of TICO’s Board.
DESTINATIONS
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the City of Chicago will formally recognize Navy Pier as the starting point of the iconic roadway. The dedication ceremony celebrating the new starting point of the route and its enduring role in American history, culture, and adventure will take place on March 25. In 2009, the endpoint of Route 66 was moved one mile west to the Santa Monica Pier. With the starting point moving to Chicago’s Navy Pier, the road, and its travellers, will now run “pier to Pier.”
Czechia now holds 10 Michelin stars in a new guide that covers the entire country (in addition to Prague). Papilio restaurant in Vysoký Újezd has been awarded the country’s first two-star designation. Eight others received a coveted star, including four in Prague and four more scattered across the eastern region of Moravia. There are also four Green Stars, 18 Bib Gourmand, and 52 Michelin-recommended restaurants.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1977, Parliament created Via Rail Canada to operate the country’s passenger rail service.
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.