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
WestJet said it had returned to normal operations as of Wednesday as it continued to re-book travellers whose flights were cancelled due to a work stoppage on the weekend. Data from aviation analytics company Cirium showed no WestJet flights had been cancelled Wednesday after more than 900 were grounded between Saturday and Tuesday. The striking flight attendants union said the company offered a 18% wage hike over three years, as well as a new “duty period premium” that adds compensation for work done on the ground.
Toronto Pearson airport has announced a $1.5-billion investment to launch the Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 Revitalization Program, which will modernize aging infrastructure and feature expanded terminal spaces, refreshed lounges, expanded in-terminal charging stations, improved baggage processing, modernized check-in areas, and advanced security screening. The construction will be delivered in stages, ensuring that the airport continues to operate safely and efficiently while minimizing disruptions for passengers and airline partners.
Commercial flights to and from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., are one step closer to reality, after the Niagara District Airport secured $9.7 million from the province for the project. With this funding acquired, the airport will now start laying out what its major expansion will look like. The design work will take about a year and a half (18 to 20 months) and will help nail down how much the airport’s full upgrade, currently estimated at $200 million, will actually cost before the airport seeks further investment for construction.
AIR
Porter Airlines is elevating its economy travel experience with a comprehensive cabin refresh across its De Havilland Dash 8-400 fleet. All 29 aircraft are being upgraded with the latest generation of Expliseat’s TiSeat 2V, the world’s lightest aircraft seat in its category, alongside a series of cabin enhancements designed to improve passenger comfort and modernize the onboard environment. The first refreshed aircraft are already in service, with the full fleet expected to be completed this fall.
Flair Airlines expanded its relationship with, global payments provider Elavon through the adoption of Elavon’s managed chargeback services across Flair’s payments environment. Elavon will provide comprehensive dispute and chargeback management services across multiple payment acquirers, helping streamline processes, improve consistency, and strengthen Flair’s ability to manage disputes efficiently and in accordance with evolving industry and card network standards. Prior to the expanded engagement, Elavon worked closely with Flair Airlines to help reduce fraud and chargeback exposure through proactive operational guidance and dispute management support.
BermudAir will launch weekly Saturday service to Anguilla from Toronto Pearson International Airport beginning Dec. 19, via Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Southbound flights depart Toronto at 10:30 a.m. and arrive in Anguilla at 6:05 p.m. Return flights arrive in Toronto at 3 p.m. Service runs through May 1, 2027.
DEALS
Available through Aug. 31, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises (photo above) has launched a new Complimentary Land Offer, where select 2027 sailings include pre- or post-cruise hotel stays at no additional cost, bringing fares in line with cruise-only pricing. the offer applies to select 2027 departures on Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valleyl Slovenia, Venice & Jewels of Venetol Delightful Danube & Prague; Danube Grandeur & Prague; Vienna & Capital Cities of the Danube; and Vineyards & Palaces along the Danube & Prague
Windstar Cruises is introducing ‘More Reasons to Say Yes’ – a new promotion available on bookings made through Nov. 17 that combines a complimentary All-Inclusive upgrade worth more than $1,300 for two, reduced deposits, and additional Yacht Club Member savings across select global voyages.
BY THE NUMBERS
Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s exclusive destination on Grand Bahama celebrated its first anniversary on July 19 after welcoming 2.4 million guests over the course of the year. Some numbers from the first year of operation: 500,000+ thrill-seekers raced down the destination’s waterslides; 400,000+ treats were served by Mini Donut King; 100,000+ Piña Coladas were consumed; and hundreds of Junkanoo parades brought the energy and music of The Bahamas directly to guests.
TOURS
Air Canada Vacations is now the exclusive tour operator in Canada offering The Excellence Collection, becoming the exclusive Canadian tour operator partner for the brand’s portfolio of luxury all-inclusive resorts. The Caribbean Collection includes couples-only Beloved Hotels, adults-only Excellence Resorts, and an all-ages Finest Resorts.
Globus is expanding its Asia and Africa portfolio for 2027 with a line-up of new Small Group Discovery tours, alongside more than two dozen new itinerary variations featuring city stays, beach escapes and destination extensions across many of its most popular Asia and Africa vacations. Headlining the 2027 lineup are three new 13-day and one 12-day itineraries: Legacy of Japan with Hokkaido; Kenya & Tanzania Safari Expedition; Namibia: Land of Contrasts with Johannesburg; and Sri Lanka: Ancient Capitals & Wild Kingdoms (12 days). Cosmos is also expanding its Asia and Africa portfolio for 2027 with two all-new tours – Essential China and an optional Hong Kong extension; while new tour variations add Seoul to Classic Japan, Goa or Sri Lanika to a refreshed Best of India and Nairobi and Mombasa to On Safari in Kenya.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Beaches Resorts is expanding the lineup for Fall Fam Jam 2026, its annual celebration of family travel running from September through October. The festivities kick off Sept. 1 with all-new Sesame Street experiences and immersive programming designed for every generation. From Sept. 16-21, viral toddler techno sensation Lenny Pearce brings a series of special performances to Beaches Turks and Caicos. Then, Oct. 1-5, global music phenomenon KIDZ BOP (photo above) joins the celebration with live performances and family-friendly entertainment at Beaches Resorts in Turks and Caicos and Jamaica.
Radisson Hotel Group has launched an AI-powered real-time hotel price matching technology that aims to redefine how travellers book direct online. The new feature automatically detects lower publicly available rates for Radisson Hotel Group properties on third-party booking platforms and instantly matches them on RadissonHotels.com – removing the need for guests to submit claims, screenshots, or wait for manual approval.
CRUISE
Blending new concepts with fan favourites, Celebrity Cruises is reimagining one of its most beloved ships, and the transformation is significant. The newly modernized Celebrity Reflection launches in March 2027 with 13 new spaces – from a three-story Grand Plaza entertainment hub to two first-to-fleet experiences concepts that are redefining poolside and rooftop dining at sea. Year-round Caribbean sailings will take place from Fort Lauderdale.
Virgin Voyages is going somewhere it has never gone: 71° North, above the Arctic Circle, under a sun that refuses to set. In summer 2028, Valiant Lady debuts from Amsterdam, a new homeport for the brand’s first-ever Scandinavia & Baltic season. Highlights include six itineraries – every voyage with a maiden call – capped by a marquee Arctic Circle crossing with a midnight sun deck party under 24-hour daylight.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has opened its new Lion & Hyena Ridge. Part of a US$200 million planned five-year investment, the habitat is one of the world’s most immersive animal habitats and features five lions and two hyenas in a 38,000 sq.-ft. space designed to transport guests to the heart of Africa with immersive viewing areas and naturalistic environments, while supporting the well-being of the two of Africa’s most iconic species.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
In advance of the reopening of three Sandals Resorts in Jamaica later this year following a US$200 million transformation, advisors have the chance to earn extra cash bonus of up to US$100 and extra bonus commission of up to 4% per booking (six nights or longer) to Sandals South Coast, Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Caribbean Cay (formerly Sandals Royal Caribbean). Booking deadline is Aug. 31 via taportal.sandals.com or with the Unique Vacations Canada res team, for travel Nov. 18, 2026-Dec. 25, 2027, at Sandals South Coast; and Dec. 18, 2026-Dec. 25, 2027, at the others. Bonus incentives are not applicable on contracted Groups, Loyalty, cobranded or Military/First Responder bookings.
EVENT
Collette is inviting travel advisors to join “Kelsie’s Office Hours: Behind the Login,” a guided tour of the Collette Advisor Toolbox taking place on Aug. 13 at 1 p.m. Based on advisor request, this virtual event will cover tips for making the most out of tools like MyCollette, marketing resources, the Travel Advisor Portal, e-brochures, AI tools, workflow tips, and so much more.
Register HERE.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Transat has announced the appointment of Dima Fahed as Manager of Sales, Ontario and Atlantic Canada, effective Aug. 3. A Transat team member for the past 19 years, Fahed will lead Transat’s sales efforts across Ontario and Atlantic Canada in her new role, working closely with travel agency partners and internal teams to support the company’s commercial objectives and enhance the advisor experience. Additionally, Transat announced the appointment of Niary Iskander as Account Manager, Eastern Ontario, effective Aug. 3. Since joining Transat in 2010, Iskander has held a variety of roles across the organization, most recently serving as Groups Sales Coordinator.
Flair Vacations has made several key leadership appointments ahead of its plan to enter the Canadian vacation market this fall. Joining the company are Lindsay Watkinson as Director of Commercial Operations, Nadia Granata as Director of Marketing and Rares Dumitru as Director of Business Development & Partnerships. “As we prepare to launch Flair Vacations, we’re building a leadership team with deep industry expertise and strong relationships,” said Nicole Bursey, President of Flair Vacations. “The team brings the experience, credibility and commercial leadership that will help us establish Flair Vacations as a trusted choice for Canadian travellers and travel advisors.”
DESTINATIONS
New York City Tourism + Conventions has announced a summer travel incentive inviting Canadians to enjoy 30% off at participating tourism and hospitality businesses from Aug. 18 through Sept. 7, helping offset the currency exchange rate. NYC’s “Northern Neighbour Deal” features discounts at more than 85 hotels, Broadway shows, attractions, restaurants, museums and more. For more details, go to nyctourism.com/northernneighbour.
MICHELIN Guide has entered New Zealand, recognizing 110 restaurants across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. Winners included 14 One MICHELIN-Star restaurants, 35 Bib Gourmand recipients, and 50 restaurants that made the official Guide selection. Essence in Queenstown, led by Executive Chef Paul Froggatt, was the only restaurant awarded Two MICHELIN Stars.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1927, the International Peace Bridge between Fort Erie, Ont., and Buffalo, N.Y., was dedicated.
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