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
Health authorities across four continents scrambled to track down and monitor passengers who disembarked a hantavirus-stricken cruise ship before its deadly outbreak was detected, while trying to trace others who may have come into contact with them since then. That includes Canadian consular officials, who flew to the Canary Islands to meet with four Canadians on board the ship as it docked on the weekend in Granadilla, Tenerife. The federal government said three people with connections to the MV Hondius are isolating at home in Ontario and Quebec, but they aren’t showing symptoms.
Ultra low-cost Spirit Airlines has gone out of business after 34 years. In Ontario, TICO has directed agents and consumer https://www.spiritrestructuring.com, adding that consumers who purchased Spirit Airlines travel services through a TICO-registered travel agency or booking website, and do not receive a refund through Spirit Airlines or the travel agency, may have an eligible claim through the Ontario Travel Industry Compensation Fund (deadline to file Nov. 3).
French adventure travel company Altaï Group has been acquired by Intrepid Travel, growing the company’s strategic footprint into France, one of the largest adventure travel markets in Europe, and positioning it as the company’s fourth-largest market globally. “Canada is now Intrepid’s fastest-growing market,” said Christian Wolters, GM for Canda, Intrepid. “This acquisition gives us the capability to expand our operations and better serve travellers in French-speaking Quebec, which represents a quarter of the Canadian population and billions in adventure travel spend.”
BY THE NUMBERS
Statistics Canada has confirmed what most of us already know: that airfares are rising. Triggered by energy shocks resulting from the warn in Iran, the agency says ticket prices not only rose 2.9% compared with March 2025, but marked a reversal in the nearly two-year trend of annual decreases in airfares. March fares also rose nearly 5% on a month-to-month basis, bucking their typical seasonal trend.
AIR
On May 4, Finnair celebrated the inauguration of a new direct flight from Toronto to Helsinki with the arrival of Finnair flight AY 31. The service marks a return of Finland’s national carrier to Canada after an 11-year absence. It will operate with A330 aircraft three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays until the end of August. The oneworld carrier also enjoys a domestic partnership with WestJet, extending connections throughout Canada beyond Toronto.
Porter Airlines is flying south next winter to four new destinations. In addition to new sun routes from Eastern Canada, the carrier will introduce its first international flights from Alberta. This includes over 40 warm-weather routes for the 2026-27 season. In total, Porter will operate nearly 5,000 flights to sun destinations for the upcoming winter season, which represents an increase of greater than 150% compared to the previous year.
A new interline partnership between WestJet and Air India will enhance connectivity between India and North America beyond Toronto and Vancouver. The partnership enables single-ticket itineraries combining Air India and WestJet flights, offering smoother journeys, coordinated baggage handling, and simplified journeys for travellers. Through this partnership, Air India guests travelling to Toronto or Vancouver can take onward connections on WestJet to 17 Canadian cities and 14 U.S. cities, plus select European cities.
DEALS
Limited-time deals on select European river cruises, including waived or reduced single supplements for solo travellers and €1,000 per cabin shipboard credits on Suite Stateroom bookings are available from Trafalgar. Savings are available on a wide range of 2026 and 2027 departures while inventory lasts.
Collette is kicking off the season with a strong offer designed to be simple. Through June 1, travellers can save up to $1,500 per couple on all tours worldwide with the SPRING26 code – giving advisors a powerful message during the industry’s most competitive booking season.
TOURS
Starting, Nov. 1, Transat is launching packages that combine Porter Airlines non-stop flights to Nassau, Grand Cayman, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. Packages feature a curated selection of hotels in each destination, with a mix of all-inclusive and European Plan offerings depending on the property. For some popular destinations served by both carriers, such as Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, packages will now feature expanded flight options operated by either Porter or Transat, offering travellers greater flexibility and convenience.
National Geographic Signature with G Adventures have added 17 new itineraries to the recently launched collection of community tourism-forward, trips. Building on the positive reception for the initial 32 trips included in January’s debut, this latest release of Signature itineraries expands into new terrain across multiple destinations including Spain, Bhutan and the Canadian Rockies. With the addition of these 17 new trips, there are now 49 trips spanning 44 destinations in the Signature collection.
This week is ‘Rail Week’ at Railbookers and Amtrak Vacations, with savings on nearly every independent rail vacation that the company offers. Rail Week is part of the wider promotion of Rail Month.
CRUISE
MSC Group’s Cruise Division has revealed details of Sandy Cay (rendering above) – a new luxury private island destination located adjacent to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas due to open in 2028. Designed for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests, the new island will
complement Ocean Cay, offering a more secluded, elemental escape.
Discover the World Canada reports the opening for agency registrations for nicko cruises through the Travel Agency Booking Hub. This dedicated platform allows agents to select sailings and book preferred cabins through live availability. The nicko cruises’ five-day booking option allows agents to hold cabins without payment. A 20% deposit (if booked more than 35 days prior to departure) will be due if the booking becomes firm and final payment is collected 30 days prior to departure. The nicko cruises river fleet is modern and spacious consisting of 21 ships in the four- and five-star category sailing the Duoro, Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Saone and Seine. Register HERE.
HOTELS & RESORTS
In Vancouver, the Fairmont Waterfront has completed the first phase of its comprehensive, multi-year renovation. The initial phase marks the transformation of 96 guest rooms across the hotel’s top four floors, introducing a refined design that reimagines the property’s signature Pure Coastal Luxury identity. The full renovation, scheduled for completion by the end of 2029.
Hilton has announced an agreement with YOTEL that will see the UK-based hotel chain known for it’s tech-centric urban vibe become the first the first brand in the newly established Select by Hilton portfolio. YOTEL will continue to independently manage and license its brand at 23 hotels across 10 countries, with a goal of more than tripling its portfolio in the coming years.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
Orlando’s all-inclusive day resort Discovery Cove, known for its tranquil beaches and immersive animal encounters, is launching Paradise Nights, a limited-capacity summer evening dining experience that brings guests together for cocktails, all-you-care-to-eat Caribbean dinner, and live performances after the park closes for the day. The separately ticketed event will be held Friday and Saturday evenings from June 5 to Aug. 8 with special pre-sale tickets priced at US$117 for adults and $53 for children 3-9 now on sale.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Advisors are invited to explore WestJet’s updated advisor hub throughout May for a chance to win Canadian-inspired prizes. By spotting illustrated “hidden gems” featuring members of WestJet’s Agency Sales team, advisors can earn multiple contest entries and increase their chances of winning one of three prizes, including a grand prize Canadian Rockies experience provided by Pursuit Collection, featuring round‑trip airfare for two to Calgary, a four-night stay at the Mount Royal Hotel in Banff, $200 dining credit and multiple attractions tickets. Second prize is 50,000 WestJet points and third prize, a $350 WestJet Gift Card. https://westjettravelagents.com/thank-you/
TravelBrands’ ‘Japan: One Destination, Endless Journeys,’ campaign delivering a suite of limited-time offers designed to help Canadian travel advisors drive bookings, increase earnings, and unlock greater value for their clients. For bookings made in May, the campaign features bonus commission and loyalty points, hotel savings, rate discounts and additional credits selectively across TravelGenie packages, Encore Cruises and Exotic Journey.
EVENTS
Small, everyday decisions can quietly expose travel advisory businesses to costly legal risk over time. To help advisors stay ahead of those risks, travel professionals are invited to attend “Selling Strategies: A Legal Checkup for Travel Advisors,” a virtual event hosted by Collette, focused on the most common legal pressure points in the industry. The event takes place May 12 at noon EST. Register HERE.
The Jamaica Tourist Board is hosting the free Jamaica Spring Business Development Academy: a complimentary virtual event designed to help advisors strengthen their business performance. Taking place on May 13 from 1:30 to 4 p.m., the session will bring together travel advisors for destination updates, peer networking, and expert-led business development sessions. The program features industry speakers offering content focused on practical strategies advisors can apply to drive growth. We’ve included an event schedule below for your reference. Register at www.visitjamaica.com/canada/events.
Transat Distribution Canada is offering travel professionals from all networks a complimentary wellness break amid their busy schedules, in the form of a free live webcast led by health and wellness expert Scott Simons. Entitled From Reactive to Proactive in 61 Minutes, it will take place on May 14 at 10 a.m. EST (French) and 2 p.m. (English). To register, click https://shorturl.at/iUCG3 .
To mark its 70th anniversary in 2026, Skål Toronto will host a special anniversary luncheon on May 26 at the Boulevard Club in Toronto. The organization is inviting former members, industry colleagues, and friends to join in the special occasion. In addition, the club is seeking photos, memorabilia, and historical items from past members to showcase during the event and help tell the story of its enduring legacy. Registration details: https://square.link/u/99IfCDjq for members, and https://square.link/u/d7tcfaFN for guests.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Industry veteran and former long-time Transat executive Nicole Bursey has been named president of Flair Vacations, the holiday division of Flair Airlines. The company calls the appointment a significant development in its growth.
Giselle Williams is the new Marketing Manager, Canada for the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA). She arrives with more than eight years of experience in destination marketing, business development, and travel trade engagement in the Canadian market having held senior roles with organizations including Unique Vacations Canada and a leading Caribbean Tourism Authority. In her new role, Williams will lead SLTA’s marketing and trade development initiatives in Canada, strengthen relationships with tour operators, airlines, and travel advisors, and execute targeted campaigns to increase visitor arrivals.
DESTINATIONS
Key West, Fla.’s popular Hemingway Days festival will take place July 22-26. Ernest Hemingway look-alikes, writers, anglers, and fans of the late author’s work gather annually in Key West for the celebration honouring the legacy of the American literary giant who lived and wrote on the island for most of the 1930s. Scores of stocky, bearded men resembling Ernest are to compete in the annual Hemingway Look-Alike Contest at Sloppy Joe’s Bar (photo above), while other festival events include the wacky “Running of the Bulls,” a presentation on 1930s Key West, a commemoration of the 126th anniversary of Ernest’s July 21 birth, a three-day marlin tournament recalling his passion for deep-sea angling, literary readings, and more.
Visit California has launched a new content hub for those heading to the Golden State for the FIFA World Cup this summer completely turnkey. The resources that have been made available include a consumer land page and custom itineraries. Trade resources are also available and can be found HERE.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1836, Europe’s first railway began operating in Belgium.
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