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
Airlines across the globe have started to hike fares and fuel surcharges in response to surging oil prices sparked by the war in Iran, and Canada is no exception. Several carriers indicated last week that higher ticket prices are likely – or already a reality – thanks to cost pressures caused by fallout from the conflict, which enters its 17th day today (March 16)
Long-awaited, much anticipated U.S. preclearance operations opened at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility allows travellers to complete U.S. immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections before departure resulting in a faster, more seamless arrival in the United States. All passengers flying to the United States will go through preclearance.
The U.S. Global Entry program was reinstated Wednesday amidst public and travel industry backlash. U.S. customs and immigration clearance program for pre-approved, low-risk travellers entering the United States was suspended by the Department of Homeland Security on Feb. 22 amidst the U.S. government shutdown.
BY THE NUMBERS
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that the escalating conflict in Iran is impacting the Travel & Tourism sector across the Middle East by at least US$600 million per day in international visitor spending, as disruptions to air travel, traveller confidence and regional connectivity affect demand. The Middle East plays a vital role in global travel with the region accounting for 5% of global international arrivals and 14% of global international transit traffic, says the Council.
AIR
Transat A.T. Inc. shareholders rejected media magnate Pierre Karl Péladeau’s bid to seize effective control of the company’s board, opting instead to stay the course. At the travel company’s annual meeting in downtown Montreal, the Quebecor CEO proved unable to convince fellow shareholders to back his proposal to install himself and two associates on a slimmed-down board where they would comprise half of the directors. The company reported higher passenger numbers that boosted first-quarter revenues by 5% year-over-year to $870.7 million. Yield – a metric gauging the average revenue an airline garners per paying passenger for each mile flown – also ticked up for the sixth straight quarter.
Stay tuned: The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has approved WestJet’s application to operate codeshare service to Fiji and New Zealand. Similarly, Transat’s requests to operate to both Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates on a codeshare basis have been approved
American Airlines has received approval to become the first U.S. airline to resume flights to Venezuela. Even though the State Department continues to warn Americans not to travel to the South American country, the government cleared the way for the airline to begin scheduling flights there. Details of the flight schedule are not yet available.
DEALS
Explora Journeys is offering the “An Invitation to Explora” booking incentive on new reservations made through March 31, with savings of up to 30% plus a 10% reduced deposit, making it easier for advisors to close high-value luxury sailings while lowering upfront commitment for clients.
The new “Yours to Explore Event” from Seabourn offers a complimentary two-category Veranda Suite upgrade and shipboard credit of up to US$1,000 (depending on length of cruise) for guests booking select 2026 and beyond ocean and expedition voyages. Available through May 5.
TOURS
In recognition of National Wildlife Day, Collette says it is reaffirming its commitment to responsible, ethical, and conservation‑minded travel experiences with the launch of its updated Animal Welfare Policy and a new Animal Welfare Toolkit designed to guide all teams across the organization. The enhanced policy ensures that every animal-related experience offered on tour aligns with the highest standards of safety, respect, and responsible tourism.
Recognizing an innovative approach to a tour or stay in France marketed in Canada, and promoting a more sustainable way of travelling, Atout France’s Destination France 2026 award (chosen by advisors through an online vote) has been given to Kensington Tours for its 10 day-cruise “Northern France Gems: Castles and Coastlines,” visiting Paris, Cheverny, Dinard, and Honfleur. The immersive journey through northern France invites travellers to engage deeply with the country’s heritage while supporting regional communities along the way. tour and painting workshop led by a local artist. The award is sponsored by Air Transat.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Beaches Resorts has officially opened the doors to Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos (photo above), a US $150-million expansion on the west end of the resort’s property. Set along the world-renowned Grace Bay Beach, the new oceanfront village adds a new dimension to the Beaches Turks and Caicos experience with 101 multi-bedroom suites and an all-new collection of dining concepts and experiences, including a 15,000-sq.-ft. lagoon-style pool with three whirlpools. A waterslide and splash zone cater to younger guests, while a swim-up bar offers a gathering place for all ages.
CRUISE
Disney Cruise Line welcomed the Disney Adventure to its rapidly expanding fleet in a dazzling entertainment showcase in Singapore. The vessel is the cruise line’s first ever ship to sail in Southeast Asia and is DCL’s eighth ship and its largest to date. The ship embarked on its maiden voyage on March 10 and will sail an inaugural season of three- and four-night itineraries at sea. Five more ships are planned to join the fleet by 2031.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) took delivery of Norwegian Luna, the 21st ship in its fleet from the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. Following a transatlantic crossing from Rome (Civitavecchia), the vessel will arrive to the U.S. on March 23, marking her grand debut in Miami, where she will be christened on March 27 at PortMiami.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
This summer, Universal Volcano Bay Nights returns to Universal Orlando Resort on select nights from May 3 through Aug. 21 – inviting guests and clients to enjoy an exclusive party after dark at the water theme park, complete with special in-park experiences, an exclusive menu, access to Volcano Bay’s most popular attractions, and more. The limited-capacity, after-hours event will
will take place May 3, 10, 17, 22 and 31; June 5, 12, 18 and 25; July 10 and 17; Aug. 7, 14 and 21, starting at 7 p.m., but guests can arrive as early as 4 to use the park. For info, go to www.UniversalTravelAdvisors.com.
INCENTIVES
ACTA, in partnership with Atlantis Bahamas Resorts and Auto Europe, is launching the CTC & CTM Bursary Program, where 27 bursaries will be awarded to encourage ACTA travel advisors to pursue and achieve the Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC) and Certified Travel Manager (CTM) designations. ACTA members can qualify for a bursary through one of two pathways: the Webinar & Specialist Program Track or ACTA’s Educational Events Track. Members are only required to complete the requirements of one track to be eligible. For full details, visit the members area at www.acta.ca.
EVENTS
Goway has hit the road across Canada for several evenings of business development, networking, and trends forecasting. The free events feature insightful discussions with leading travel experts; practical tools on how to grow your FIT and custom groups business; networking opportunities with Goway’s team and fellow travel professionals; and complimentary appetizers and drinks. For info and registration for the remaining events, click the following links:
- Monday, March 23 in Halifax at Good Robot Brewing
- Tuesday, March 24 in Ottawa at Beyond the Pale Byward Taproom
- Wednesday, March 25 in Barrie at Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery
- Thursday, March 26 in Winnipeg at Barn Hammer Brewing
All events are from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Registration is free for certified travel advisors.
Collette is inviting travel advisors across North America to a special virtual event designed to help them better understand and sell to one of the most rapidly expanding segments in travel: solo travellers. The session will be held on March 19 at noon ET, and advisors are encouraged to register with their clients. Advisors who are interested in registering for the event can do so here. Access to an on-demand version will be available for those that register but are unable to attend the live event.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) Canada office is strengthening its presence in the Quebec and Ottawa markets with the appointment of Sylvie Madore, President and CEO of La Tribu Gourmande, and Danièle Bouchard, Marketing Consultant, effective immediately. The new representation reflects ABTA’s strategic investment in the French-speaking Canadian market, with a focused mandate to grow visits to the destination, deepen travel advisor engagement, and expand consumer awareness across Quebec and Ottawa. Contact them at yul-anu@visitaandb.com or call the Toronto office at 416-975-1268.
DESTINATIONS
Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment” (photo above), the imposing fresco of heaven and hell which dominates the Sistine Chapel in Rome, is undergoing its first major restoration in three decades. The chapel remains open to visitors during the three-month cleaning, albeit with scaffolding partially obstructing the view of the fresco, the Vatican Museums says. The cleaning, the first major restoration since 1994, will remove microparticle buildup on the plaster from the more than 6 million visitors.
Grenada has officially launched its Online Embarkation/ Disembarkation (ED) Card Platform, designed to streamline the arrival experience for visitors while advancing the country’s border processing system. The new program went into effect March 2. Visitors to the “Spice Island” in the southern Caribbean can complete their ED Card online prior to arrival by visiting edcard.gov.gd. The digital system eliminates the need for paper forms and is best completed the day before travel or before departing the traveller’s port of embarkation.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1908, Canadian Frederick Baldwin became the first British subject to fly an airplane. It crashed in Lake Keuka, N.Y.
In 2003, The World Health Organization issued a global alert following the spread of SARS at hospitals in Hong Kong and Hanoi.
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