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
Air Canada said it has reached a tentative collective agreement with Unifor, representing approximately 6,000 contact centre, customer relations, concierge, airport in-terminal and customer journey management employees at Air Canada. Terms of the new agreement will remain confidential pending a ratification vote by the membership, expected to be completed over the next month, and approval by the Air Canada Board of Directors.
Prince Edward Island’s main airport is being renamed to pay tribute to the province’s longest-serving premier. Charlottetown Alexander B. Campbell Airport honours the Liberal premier, who served from 1966 to 1978.
About 300 flights per day are being cut from the schedule at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on the busiest days this summer in an effort to reduce flight delays and curb “unrealistic” expansion. O’Hare has the most flights of any U.S. airport, and it already had one of the worst records for flight delays nationwide last year. The flight limits will continue through Oct. 24. American Airlines said that once implemented, the FAA’s order will improve reliability and reduce delays for customers traveling through O’Hare this summer.
BY THE NUMBERS
Orlando welcomed 76.7 million visitors in 2025, over one million of them from Canada. The total was the highest ever for the theme park mecca and represented a 1.8% increase over 2024. Canadian visitations, however, declined by 13.3%, but still remained Orlando’s top international market.
AIR
Air Transat has announced the addition of a new destination to its winter 2026-27 program: Spain’s Canary Islands from both Montreal and Toronto. The seasonal flights to Las Palmas (LPA) will start Dec. 12, continuing weekly through April 4, 2027, with Saturday departures from Montreal and Sunday departures from Toronto.
Deutsche Lufthansa AG will exercise its option to acquire a majority stake in ITA Airways in June. This will increase its stake from 41 to 90%.
Montreal Metropolitan Airport (YHU) is set to welcome its first flights on June 15 at a new passenger terminal that will serve 25 destinations across Canada. With a focus on community engagement and sustainability, the airport is located on Montréal’s south shore just 15 kilometres from the downtown core. The nine-gate terminal designed for domestic flights aims to offer travellers a modern, accessible, and efficient experience while integrating environmentally friendly practices at every level of its operations.
DEALS
This summer, the Cayman Islands ‘Free Night on Us’ campaign offers limited-time incentives, including complimentary nights, exclusive savings and added perks that make it easier for clients to stay longer and experience more of the destination. Deals are available at participating properties for bookings made by July 13 for travel between June 1 and Oct. 15. Full details at visitcaymanislands.com .
Hard Rock Hotels recently launched a high-value promotion for its all-inclusive properties in Mexico and the Caribbean. Designed for couples, families, and groups, the offer includes up to 55% off stays; kids and teens stay free; $200 daily hotel credit; round-trip airport transfers (for two); and early check-in and late checkout (subject to availability). The booking deadline is July 31 for travel between June 1 and Sept. 30 (two-night minimum).
TOURS
Intrepid Travel has launched ‘Stay Intrepid,’ a new brand extension featuring a curated collection of six properties that offer experience-led, community-driven stays. The range includes five signature properties across Australia, as well as a riad in Morocco, with plans to grow into new destinations in the coming years. The accommodation, which can be booked independent of Intrepid tours, are distinct in character but united by Intrepid’s locally led, responsible travel ethos.
Contiki is expanding its Asia portfolio with the launch of two new small-group adventures: Ride Vietnam and Ride Cambodia. Moving beyond traditional coach tours, the new ride itineraries offer a more immersive way to experience Southeast Asia on the backs of Vespas, motorbikes, and tuk tuks, taking travelers through cities, coastlines, and countryside with expert local drivers and every detail handled along the way.
HOTELS & RESORTS
The Westin Playa Vallarta has officially opened as Westin’s first all-inclusive property in Mexico. Located along the shores of Banderas Bay, the resort has undergone an extensive, multi-million-dollar transformation spanning its guest rooms and new adults-only swim-up suites, dining venues, wellness spaces, and more. Guests can also enjoy immersive cultural experiences in the destination, including curated tours of La Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta’s charming cobblestone quarter filled with local art boutiques, restaurants, and music venues.
Dolly Parton‘s SongTeller Hotel will open in June in Nashville, as the beloved singer’s own personal love letter to Music City. The property will feature 245 uniquely designed rooms and will also host Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum – the most comprehensive exhibition dedicated to her life and career. New Porter Airlines nonstop service between Toronto and Nashville serves the cities.
CRUISE
Luxury cruise brand Cunard is flagging a landmark moment when all four of its ships will come together in Liverpool (photo above) for the first time. On May 16, 2028, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Anne will unite on the River Mersey, in the company says will be one of the most memorable occasions in Cunard’s modern history. The event will mark the first time the full fleet of four has ever assembled, and it will do so in Liverpool, Cunard’s spiritual home, where the company was founded in 1840. It offers a rare opportunity to see all four Queens together in one place.
Oceania Cruises will eliminate Non‑Commissionable Cruise Fares (NCFs) on all newly launched sailings covering the 2028 Summer and 2028-2029 Winter seasons and 2028 and 2029 Around the World voyages. Published commission rates will apply to the full commissionable cruise fares, enabling travel advisors to earn more commission on every booking.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
All new Sandals Resorts bookings (six nights or longer) at five featured resorts made by May 31 via taportal.sandals.com or with the Unique Vacations Canada reservations team will qualify for enhanced cash bonuses: US$150 for Butler Suites; US$100 for Club and Concierge level rooms; and US$30 for Luxury and Deluxe accommodations. Featured resorts include Sandals Royal Curaçao – for travel through Dec. 25; Sandals South Coast (Nov. 18-Dec. 25, 2027); Sandals Montego Bay (Dec. 18, 2016-Dec. 25, 2027); Sandals Royal Caribbean (Dec. 18, 2026-Dec. 25, 2027); and Beaches Turks and Caicos, June 1-Sept. 30, 2026. Some conditions apply.
Until June 15, new certified Utah Specialists will receive an entry into a draw for a chance to win one of two spots on a Utah Office of Tourism FAM to be held between Sept. 1-Dec. 31. At the same time, existing Utah Specialists are invited to submit a short application on why they would like to host the FAM and where they want to travel to. One host application will be selected to self-drive the Utah Specialist FAM on their preferred Utah itinerary.
EVENTS
The Bahamas has been chosen to host the Global Sustainable Tourism Council 2027 Conference, a historic selection that establishes the destination as a regional pioneer in sustainable tourism, environmental stewardship, and long-term economic resilience.
Set to take place from May 18-21, 2027, at the British Colonial Nassau and Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau, the GSTC conference is where The Bahamas will share the practical initiatives in ecosystem restoration, nature-based tourism and destination resilience that have earned it a reputation as an emerging leader in sustainable tourism.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
The Hong Kong Tourism Board has introduced a new Director for Canada. Based in her home city, Toronto native Beverly Cheng brings a global perspective to the HKTB, shaped by more than a decade living and working in Hong Kong. Cheng began her career in Hong Kong as an arts journalist and later held senior communications roles with global hospitality brands, including Marriott International, where she led communications for a portfolio of 16 hotel brands across Asia Pacific. Most recently, she served as Head of Marketing, Communications and Visitor Experience at The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery in Toronto.
DESTINATIONS
One of the newest and fastest-growing carnivals in the world (started in 2015), Carnival in Bermuda will take place June 10-15. One of the island’s biggest celebrations, the family-friendly event features local cuisine, fetes, Soca music, ‘raft up’ boat parties, and a grand Revel de Road finale that features Mas (mascarade) bands parading through the streets of Hamilton decked out in their most incredible outfits. The compact island makes it easy for party-hopping throughout the six-day Carnival festivities, and visitors can explore the island’s historic sites and cultural attractions in between the revelry.
Each June, Art Basel transforms Basel into a global hub of contemporary art, with the 2026 edition taking place from June 18-21, across multiple venues in the Swiss city. Galleries, collectors, and artists from around the world gather to present cutting-edge works across Basel venues throughout the city. Throughout the event period, Basel becomes a vibrant stage for artistic exchange and cultural discovery turning the city into a meeting point for the global art scene.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1977, the original “Orient Express” luxury train began its final Paris-to-Istanbul trip after 94 years of service.
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