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 Attendants at WestJet, represented by CUPE 8125, have issued a formal notice of dispute following more than seven months of ongoing negotiations that the union says has not produced sufficient progress on key issues, including unpaid work and overall compensation. The declaration triggers a process that will last over three months before a strike or lockout can be declared if bargaining remains unsuccessful.
Air Canada reported that its Flight Operations Crew Schedulers and its In-Flight Crew Schedulers approved a new collective agreement between the airline and the Unifor union. The four-year collective agreements are in effect until May 22, 2029. Flight Operations Crew Schedulers and In-Flight Crew Schedulers are responsible for the logistics of scheduling flight crews and cabin crews respectively to ensure appropriate staffing of all Air Canada mainline and Air Canada Rouge flights, managing crew rosters and arranging accommodations and transportation.
Nominations are now open for the annual 2026 ACTA Awards, recognizing outstanding travel professionals and industry leaders from coast to coast. A new category is the new Travel Manager Award, recognizing a manager in either corporate or leisure travel who demonstrates outstanding leadership, versatility, and innovation while delivering exceptional service to both clients and their teams. Detailed criteria for each award category and nomination form can be found at https://www.acta.ca/awards-criteria.php/ .
AIR
oneworld has welcomed Hawaiian Airlines as its newest member, becoming the third US-based carrier alongside Alaska Airlines and American Airlines and adding Honolulu as a global hub. Hawaiian Airlines guests will now have access to almost 1,000 global destinations across the oneworld network, while the airline’s top tier guests will gain access to oneworld Priority benefits.
Air Canada took delivery in Hamburg of its first Airbus A321XLR, a next-generation single-aisle aircraft designed to fly longer routes efficiently and with greater passenger comfort. The company says the arrival of the aircraft marks an important milestone in its fleet renewal and growth strategy, with a total of 30 A321XLRs expected to enter the fleet over the coming years.
Air Transat has begun unveiling its 2026-27 winter program with its “first wave” of announcements that include four new routes from four different Canadian gateways; the expansion of two of its flagship routes – Toronto-Paris and Montreal-Barcelona – to year-round service; and the return of Florida flights after a summer pause. This first phase highlights the launch of Quebec City-San José, Costa Rica (from Dec. 15); Toronto-Fort-de-France, Martinique (Dec. 19); London-Puerto Plata, DR (Dec. 15); and Charlottetown-Punta Cana, DR (Dec. 16), flights.
WestJet has hiked baggage fees amid soaring jet fuel prices, marking its third increase in two-and-a-half years. Customers will pay an extra $5 each for the first and second bag checked in advance, and an extra $10 each for the first and second bag checked at the airport. Passengers with overweight or oversized luggage will also pay $50 more than before. The move mimics recent fee hikes by Air Canada.
The German company that owns Lufthansa Airlines and other European carriers says that it will cut 20,000 short-haul flights through October as the Iran war drives up oil prices and deepens worries that some countries may run low on jet fuel.
The first direct commercial flight between the U.S. and Venezuela took place, seven years after the U.S. Homeland Security Department ordered an indefinite suspension, citing security concerns. The resumption of a commercial flight between the two countries comes months after the U.S. capture of then President Nicolás Maduro in a stunning nighttime raid on his residence in Caracas in early January.
DEALS
The Spring Sale by Viking continues through May 31, offering travellers compelling value across river, ocean, and expedition voyages. Guests can take advantage of up to free international airfare, special reduced fares, and a low $25 deposit.
TOURS
TravelBrands has announced a new partnership with Intrepid Travel, strengthening its specialty tour offering through Exotik Journeys (a TravelBrands company) to bring premium, small-group travel experiences to Canadian advisors. Intrepid’s globally recognized itineraries are now available through the TravelBrands network, further expanding the range of experience-led travel options for advisors and their clients.
Goway reports that its Road Trips product line now features over 80 sample itineraries. Offering an ideal starting point for travel advisors to customize authentic travel experiences for independent-minded travellers, the collection capitalizes on “the freedom of the open road and the endless possibilities that await travellers in iconic destinations worldwide.” Sample packages, such the 14-day “Lord of the Rings Road Trip” in New Zealand and 11-day “Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip” in Ireland, include a rental car, accommodation, and curated touring, but also the flexibility to customize according to the unique interests of clients.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Debuting June 1, Royalton Hotels & Resorts unveils an elevated new concept with the opening of Royalton Vessence Barbados (photo above) an adults-only retreat set along the island’s Platinum Coast. Just 30 minutes from Grantley Adams International Airport, the 220-room resort marks a new direction for the portfolio, centered on personal enrichment, elevated service, and a more intentional guest experience.
The legendary Badru ’s Palace Hotel in St. Moritz, Switzerland, will begin its summer season earlier than usual in 2026, opening on June 5. The early opening allows guests to experience the Engadine at the start of summer, when the valley offers fresh alpine air, long daylight hours and a quieter atmosphere. From the first day of the season, visitors can enjoy the hotel’s wellness facilities, outdoor activities and culinary offerings.
CRUISE
A revised deployment for the upcoming Winter 2026/27 season has been announced by MSC Cruises. Originally scheduled to sail in the Middle East from November 2026 to April 2027, MSC World Europa will now operate 7- and 14- night itineraries with embarkation in Fort‑de‑France (Martinique), Pointe‑à‑Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Bridgetown (Barbados) as well as calls to Castries (Saint Lucia) and Saint George (Grenada), Philipsburg (St. Maarten/ Netherlands Antilles), St. John (Antigua and Barbuda), Basseterre (Saint Kitts and Nevis) and Roseau (Dominica), Kingstown (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines).
Explora Journeys has confirmed that EXPLORA II will operate from November 2026 to March 2027 exclusively in the Mediterranean with the originally planned Middle East deployment no longer taking place.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Every booking to Australia made until May 31 with Goway enters agents for the chance to win a trip to Australia on the G’day Australia FAM in Darwin this October, as well as $50 bonus rewards.
EVENTS
Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation (HHJF) is celebrating its 20th anniversary of the Jam-walk 5k Walk and Brunch this year. Participants are invited to lace up their walking shoes and join HHJF for the annual island-inspired fundraiser on Sat., May 30, at the Palais Royale covered patio in Toronto. The event combines community spirit, philanthropy, music, and Jamaican hospitality while raising funds to improve access to education for children and youth in Jamaica.
To register or to get involved in Jam-walk, click HERE.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Canadian travel industry veteran and, until recently, president of Sunwing Vacations Group Andrew Dawson, has joined Royalton Hotels International as Chief Financial Officer. The Canadian-based all-inclusive hospitality brand operates more than two dozen luxury properties across the Caribbean and Mexico. At the end of March, Dawson, stepped down from WestJet/Sunwing. He rejoins, original Sunwing owners, the Hunter family at Royalton.
DESTINATIONS
The German National Tourist Organization is returning to Canada – less than two years after closing its doors on Dec. 31, 2024, amidst budget cuts that also shuttered five other GNTO global offices. The tourist board will once again be represented by Toronto-based VoX International, with Anja Brokjans returning as Canadian director.
Visitors to Switzerland can stroll through sun-drenched vineyards at the Caves Ouvertes Vaudoises, where local winemakers open their doors each spring on May 23-24 to share their finest vintages. Set across the rolling hills of the canton and along Lake Geneva, the event invites visitors to explore cellars, taste regional wines, and experience the region’s wine culture at its source. The relaxed and scenic atmosphere makes it a perfect moment to discover Vaud’s vineyards.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1986, Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, officially opened Expo ’86 in Vancouver. The world’s fair ran until Oct. 13th.
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