A round-up of 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
Hailing the ranking as a “major milestone in operational excellence,” WestJet reports it has earned a place among the world’s most on-time airlines in the latest Cirium On-Time Performance Report. The respected document shows WestJet operating nearly 86% of all flights in May on time, ranking first in North America, seventh globally – and the only Canadian carrier in the top 10.
As part of an unprecedented emergency economic package designed to open up Cuba’s struggling economy, the Cuban government has announced the rollout of a historic package of 176 free-market reforms designed to completely revitalize the island’s travel sector. By rolling back state dominance and enacting sweeping structural changes, the economic pivot is meant to directly empower travel sector key players and global investors.
WestJet Airlines reduced its levy on companion vouchers to $40 from $60 per round trip or one-way fare. The Calgary-based carrier joined Porter Airlines, which earlier this week cut the fuel surcharge for new reward flight bookings by half to $20, and says it will make further adjustments as conditions change.
BY THE NUMBERS
France recorded its hottest day ever on June 23 as an early heat wave gripped Europe, prompting the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum to restrict visiting hours and disrupting school and transportation schedules in multiple countries. The record of 29.8 C (85.6 F) exceeded France’s previous hottest days recorded during heat waves of August 2003 and July 2019, with an average temperature of 29.4 C (84.9 F). Daytime highs climbed well above 40 C (104 F) at some individual weather stations.
AIR
With WestJetters (some shown above), Toronto Blue Jays representatives – including legendary players Pat Borders and Edwin Encarnacion – and community members in attendance, WestJet celebrated the renewal of its long-standing partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays last week by unveiling a new co-branded plane that will take the iconic Jays logo to 35,000 feet, and wherever the plane flies.
Porter Airlines inaugurated service between Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM) on June 22, offering travellers a new non-stop option between the nation’s capital and the heart of Southern Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe region.
Also new, Transat launched non-stop service between Toronto and Tirana on June 18. The first flight (TS422) represented the first air link between Canada and Albania. Flights will operate weekly, every Thursday, through Oct. 8 as part of Air Transat’s Summer 2026 program.
DEALS
Concluding on June 30, Sunwing Vacations clients booking participating Hyatt Inclusive Collection resorts in Caribbean, Mexico and Central America will benefit from reduced rates, no single supplement fees at select properties, spa discounts of up to 30% at participating resorts and up to two kids staying free at select family-friendly properties. Travel window is through Dec. 22. Some restrictions apply.
Guests on Norwegian Cruise Line can take advantage of 50% off summer cruises from 15 of its homeports across the continental U.S. and Canada paired with NCL’s popular Free at Sea program, offering potential savings of over $2,000 on such amenities including unlimited open bar, specialty dining, shore excursion and Wi-Fi. Additionally, on select sailings, kids sail free.
TOURS
Intrepid Travel has released a new range of day tours in Barcelona, Paris and Venice, offering alternative experiences away from tourist hotspots. Developed by Intrepid’s local teams, the new ‘Uncommon Day Tours’ have been designed to meet growing visitor demand while highlighting that responsible visitation is still possible amid overtourism pressures. The launch comes as European destinations continue to face record visitor numbers, rising pressure on infrastructure, and increasing concern from local communities about the impact of tourism in major urban centres.
RateHawk, a B2B booking platform for travel professionals, has launched car rentals for all partners in the US and Canada. Now travel advisors can offer clients a complete travel experience, meeting growing demand for flexible transportation. Alongside hotels, travel agents can now book cars for travellers in over 160 countries with access to more than 400 car rental companies. A wide range of vehicles is available, including different types and classes, as well as electric cars. Filtering options help identify the most suitable car class based on clients’ needs, while a user-friendly interactive map makes it easy to find convenient pick-up locations.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Sandals and Beaches resorts have unveiled a refreshed loyalty program. Effective July 1, the Island Insiders Club replaces the long-running Sandals Select Rewards program with elevated guest experiences, awards and recognition. Current members will retain their status and benefits with no reset. For more info: www.sandals.com/islandinsidersclub .
Hotel Trinity, an Autograph Collection Hotel, will open in late 2026 at 311 E. Fifth St. in downtown Austin, Texas. The hotel will feature The Yacht Club, its signature fine-dining seafood restaurant, and Sundeck Social, a guest-only rooftop pool and social club.
CRUISE
Scenic Group has announced the expansion of its luxury river cruise and land touring portfolio with the deployment of Scenic Aura (photo above) to the Hooghly River in India. Launching in October 2027, the boutique ship will introduce an exclusive collection of newly curated itineraries across India and Sri Lanka, including the cultural heartland of West Bengal. The newly released itineraries feature a unique collection of Scenic Freechoice excursions and exclusive Scenic Enrich events to showcase the vibrant cities, sacred sites and riverside villages, complemented by curated land journeys.
Driven by strong demand for Asia voyages, Windstar Cruises says it is expanding its presence in the region with the launch of its 2028/29 Asia season aboard the 112-suite Star Seeker. As of June 2026, bookings for Star Seeker’s 2027 Asia voyages have nearly doubled ahead of the same time last year, says the cruise line. The new season will sail through Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore, combining overnight stays, extended Cruise Tours and access to destinations larger ships cannot reach. EBBs are in effect through July 31.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
This summer, Universal Orlando Resort is introducing a new nighttime spectacular at Universal Epic Universe theme park. Universal Celestial Goodnight will run nightly starting July 7, enveloping all of Celestial Park into a captivating display of dancing fountains, breathtaking lighting effects, and a spectacular fireworks finale that will illuminate the nighttime sky.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Canadian advisors who book clients on eligible Trafalgar river cruise sailings through July 31 can earn a 150 e-gift card per qualifying passenger on new bookings. Bookings must be made, deposited, and submitted with promo code TR26EARN. Earning is uncapped, allowing advisors to accumulate the incentive across multiple qualifying bookings. And the top-selling advisor in North America during the incentive period, with a minimum of five qualifying passenger bookings, will win an air-inclusive trip on the inaugural sailing for Trafalgar Dreamer, formerly known as Trafalgar Harmonie, on the Best of the Seine with Paris & Normandy sailing, departing April 18, 2027.
Intrepid Travel is giving registered travel advisors in the U.S. and Canada the chance to win a free trip to Peru, worth up to CAD$4,900, by sharing their personal “Intrepid Effect” moment. The giveaway runs through July 31, and entry is simple: advisors fill out a short form sharing their story for a chance to win. Advisors can enter here: https://forms.office.com/r/tPvk3EbFi0
EVENTS
Time is ticking! Early Bird rates expire June 30 for Skal’s 70th annual golf tournament at Royal Woodbine in Toronto and players and industry friends are invited to join alone or with a foursome, or to attend the post event lunch reception (without golfing). Sponsorship opportunities are also still available, and prize donations are welcome. For details, contact Kimberly Hartley at kimberly@hartleymarketing.ca or register HERE.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Swan Hellenic has named Jennifer Zammit as Senior Director, Canada Sales. She joins from Rocky Mountaineer, where she served as Key Account Manager for Canada, and has previously held commercial roles at Huntington Travel Group and Globus Family of Brands. Her role will be to strengthen the company’s presence in the Canadian market and developing strategic partnerships with the travel trade.
DESTINATIONS
Known in Barbados as “the sweetest summer festival,” Crop Over runs begins July 3 and continues to Aug. 4. The six-week celebration combines music, food, art, culture and world-famous fetes, creating one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant experiences and celebrates more than 200 years of Bajan culture, culminating in the spectacular Grand Kadooment parade. Later in the year, the Barbados Food and Rum Festival (Nov. 5-8), takes centre stage with visitors invited to experience authentic local food culture through experiences such as Oistins Fish Fry, rum shops and ‘Dine With A Bajan.’
In celebration of Route 66‘s 100th anniversary, the City of Chicago has formally designated Navy Pier as the roadway’s new eastern starting point. A permanent Route 66 sign now marks the beginning of the 2,448-mile journey from Lake Michigan to the Pacific Ocean, creating a symbolic “Pier-to-Pier” connection with Santa Monica. The designation reinforces Chicago’s historic role as the origin of the iconic American highway.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 2018, in a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld President Donald Trump’s ban on travel from several mostly Muslim countries, rejecting a challenge that it discriminated against Muslims or exceeded his authority.
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