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
Air Canada is once again scaling back flights to the U.S. amid high jet fuel costs and lower demand for trips south of the border. Schedule changes by the country’s largest carrier show it is halting or delaying eight transborder routes starting this fall. Three routes from Toronto and Montreal to cities in America’s Midwest will be cancelled for the second winter in a row, while three seasonal routes from Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City to Florida will start in December rather than October. Two previously suspended routes from Montreal and Toronto to New York City’s JFK airport also will not be returning this winter.
WestJet Mainline flight attendants have officially opened a strike vote that could precipitate a work action as early as Aug. 2. Voting continues until July 15 as the union seeks a strong mandate from members to support its position at the bargaining table as negotiations continue.
The Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA) is no longer represented in Canada, having ended it’s 11-year collaboration with Toronto-based VoX International at the end of June. Canada is Hawaii’s second largest international market and VoX says the move is “purely a budget decision,” and adds, “the intention is to let a US based team handle Canada although no definitive decisions have been made.”
BY THE NUMBERS
New research from Skyscanner‘s OnePoll reveals that more than half (53%) of Canadians would rather visit an alternative, quieter destination than a popular tourist hotspot this summer. In fact, 43% say concerns about crowds are directly influencing their travel plans, with many planning to choose less crowded destinations altogether. Additionally, 34% say they are very open to selecting a lesser-known destination over an overly popular one.
DEALS
Following the launch of its summer offer, Transat is now extending its promotion of complimentary Option Flex Standard on South packages to the winter season. Until Aug. 2, travellers who make a new individual booking for a South package departing between Sept. 1 and April 30, 2027, will receive this protection at no additional cost. The offer applies to new individual bookings only and excludes group reservations.
Available through July 27, Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts annual “Black Friday in July” Sale offers travellers up to 65% off, up to $1,650 in resort credits, up to $750 in air credits, spa perks, 0% Flex Pay and more, across the brands’ 19 resorts throughout the Caribbean – with select booking incentives available during different travel periods, all the way up to December 2028. Canadian travel advisors can book through their preferred Canadian tour operator (instant savings are based on the tour operator’s product line-up) or with Unique Vacations Canada at 1-800-545-8283 or via taportal.sandals.com.
Turkish Airlines, the airline flying to more countries than any other, invites travellers in Canada to discover inspiring destinations across Türkiye and around the world through its extensive global network with special July sales campaigns available until July 27. Round-trip fares start at CAD$1049 for travels between Sept. 7 and Feb. 28, 2027, originating in Canada and destined for Türkiye or onward destinations.
CRUISE
Norwegian Cruise Line is holding its first-ever Semi-Annual Sale offering travellers 50% off all cruises, and free pre-paid gratuities on select sailings when booked by July 16. The Semi-Annual Sale is also combinable with NCL’s Free at Sea package, which gives travellers the flexibility to customize their trips with amenities such as unlimited open bar, specialty dining, shore excursion credits and Wi-Fi.
Aman at Sea is has announced the first chapter of Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean voyages, a collection of Autumn journeys to be introduced in late 2027. Following the unveiling of its maiden Mediterranean season next summer, Amangati will chart a new course across the Atlantic and arrive in Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda – the port from which the Caribbean voyages depart. The Autumn season will be comprised of a collection of five- to eight-night journeys, sailing through the storied harbours and pristine archipelagos of the Leeward Islands, the Windward Islands and the Dutch Caribbean, from Nov. 21, 2027, through Jan. 2, 2028.
AIR
Qantas will launch its world-first non-stop services between Sydney and London from October 2027, the first time the Kangaroo Route has ever been flown without stops from Australia’s east coast. The announcement comes as the national carrier unveiled its first Airbus A350-1000ULR in Qantas livery at Airbus’ manufacturing facility in Toulouse, France. Qantas has been flying between Sydney and London since 1947, when the original Kangaroo Route took four days with seven stops in Darwin, Singapore, Calcutta, Karachi, Cairo, Castel Benito and Rome, on its way to the UK. The new non-stop flights will cut up to four hours off the travel time compared to current one-stop services.
Turkish Airlines has continued the restoration of its Middle East network following a temporary suspension of services, resuming flights to Abu Dhabi on July 1, Dammam July 10, Kuwait July 11, and Bahrain starting July 16. These resumptions follow the restart of Dubai operations on June 9.
Aeroplan and Club Avolta are launching a new collaboration giving members more ways to earn points throughout their travel journey. Aeroplan Members who link their Aeroplan and Club Avolta accounts through the Club Avolta app will be able to earn Aeroplan points on eligible purchases at more than 900 Avolta airport and travel retail locations.
TOURS
After a three-month pause due to the conflict in the Middle East, G Adventures is resuming operations in Jordan following the relaxation of Canadian travel advisories to the region. Departures recommence from Aug. 1. “We’ve always been quick to return to destinations as soon as it is safe to do so,” says G Adventures COO Michelle Hudema, adding, “Jordan holds a special place for us. Following our GX Summit in September 2025, we welcomed new communities and local partners into our tours and supply chain, and we’re eager to continue creating opportunities through the power of sustainable travel.”
Insight Vacations has expanded its portfolio with the launch of its Small Group Tours collection with 35 itineraries spanning five continents, most capped at just 24 guests, with select Africa tours limited to 18. Now available to book for 2027 travel, the collection features hand-selected hotels, elevated dining, luxury coaches and itineraries built around experiences that larger groups may not be able to access as easily.
HOTELS & RESORTS
This summer, Margaritaville is turning up the volume across its hotels, resorts, and destinations with the debut of Summer of Music, a celebration of live entertainment and the brand’s signature laid-back lifestyle. Throughout the season, participating properties will feature an expanded lineup of live performances and music-driven experiences, including sets from local artists, rooftop DJ sessions, themed events, and poolside parties.
The Bermudiana Wing at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club: Bermuda’s Pink Palace has completed a $15-million renovation of its Bermudian Wing. The refreshed wing is now home to the exclusive Fairmont Gold Signature one- and two-bedroom suites, signature pool side rooms, and Fairmont luxury rooms — all appointed with thoughtful design details inspired by the colours and textures of Bermuda’s calming shores.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
The “Happiest Place on Earth” welcomed its one billionth guest on July 3, with Andres Robles, celebrating his 8th birthday, and his parents Alejandra and Jose of Arizona entering Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Ca. Occurring during the theme park’s 70th year, the unsuspecting family were treated to a VIP day at the including a ceremony to updated sign that reads “Population 1,000,000,000.”
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Saint Lucia’s Serenity at Coconut Bay and Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa have unveiled enhanced booking incentives for Canadian travel advisors and a new “Summer of Adventure” offer for their clients. For registered bookings through Aug. 31 for travel through June 30, 2027, advisors can earn Double Bonus Rewards at both resorts – up to $140 per seven-night booking, at CBBR and $60, $120 or $180 per seven-night booking at Serenity (depending on accommodation category). Bookings must be registered at CBAYREWARDS.COM through the
the resorts’ CBAYREWARD$ advisor program, which also features a Best Rate Guarantee and client savings of up to 55%. The promotion offers seven-night all-inclusive packages with Air Canada Vacations including roundtrip flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport starting from CAD$3,329 p.p. double, and agents can earn additional perks from the tour operator as well.
EVENTS
“Sandals and Beaches Resorts….in 10 Minutes” – the popular, bite-sized, live training sessions developed exclusively for the Canadian market by Unique Vacations Canada – is back with a special summer edition on July 17 1 p.m. EST featuring Beaches Negril. Canadian travel agents are invited to join host Lorna Richards, National Training Manager, and her special guest, Lancelot Lebert, GM of Beaches Negril update the resort’s accommodations, dining options and family-friendly programming, including Beaches Resorts’ designation as an Advanced Certified Autism Center. Register HERE.
Skal’s 70th annual golf tournament will take place 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
Air Canada has named Scandinavian Airlines head Anko Van der Werff as the Canadian airline’s next chief executive. The airline says Van der Werff will assume the job and join Air Canada’s board of directors by the end of January 2027. Van der Werff succeeds Michael Rousseau, who is set to retire effective Aug. 31 after 19 years with the airline and five as its CEO. Before joining SAS in 2021, Van der Werff was chief executive of Avianca. He also was chief commercial officer at Aeromexico and held senior leadership positions at Qatar Airways in addition to a number of management roles at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
Visit California has retained Zeno Group Canada as its agency of record in Canada for another five years. The renewal extends a partnership that began in 2022, with Zeno continuing to lead integrated communications, travel trade engagement, partnerships and content development for the destination marketing organization in Canada.
DESTINATIONS
A magnificent royal garden beneath the famous east façade of Windsor Castle in the U.K. has been transformed according to the King’s vision and will open to visitors for the summer, July 16-Sept. 13. Formerly known as the East Terrace Garden, the newly renamed and redesigned Venus Garden (photo above) will become part of a standard visit to Windsor Castle, marking the first opportunity to experience this historic space as inspired by Charles III’s passion for patterns in nature. The garden opening gives visitors the rare opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the Castle’s east façade – seldom seen as part of the usual visitor route – and to spend time in an outdoor space within the walls of the 1,000-year-old Castle.
Lollapalooza is returning to Grant Park in Chicago from July 30 to Aug. 2. The four-day festival draws global headliners and massive crowds to the downtown lakefront, blending rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic acts against the city skyline. Beyond the music, it anchors a full weekend of energy across Chicago, with pop-ups, parties, and neighbourhood activations throughout the city.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1989, Ottawa sold its remaining 57% interest in Air Canada, completing privatization of the airline. Air Canada’s new issue of 41.1 million shares was an immediate sellout. Ottawa had begun its sale of the Crown corporation in October. The Tories had sold 12 Crown corporations since coming to power in 1984.
Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com
If you enjoyed or found this story useful, we’d appreciate if you would forward it to a colleague or friend who may also enjoy it. If, on the other hand, a friend shared it with you, welcome! You can get all the latest travel news and reviews from Travel Industry by simply clicking HERE.