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
According to the latest Longwoods International tracking study of Canadian travellers, 28% of them visited the U.S. in the past six months, up from 23% a year ago. And 49% intend to visit the U.S. in the next 12 months, up from 43% in April. Similarly, 51% of Canadian travellers did not travel to the U.S. in the past six months and had no intention to do so, down from 60% in July of 2025.
Air Canada announced it would sell a quarter of its Aeroplan loyalty program to Blackstone and a trio of Canadian pension funds for $2.5 billion in a bid to bolster its balance sheet. The sale marks a windfall for the airline just as high jet fuel prices caused by the Middle East war deliver a half-billion-dollar hit to its earnings this year.
More than 10,000 hotels across Europe have joined a landmark European class-action lawsuit, against Booking.com. significantly expanding a case against the hotel booking company that could ultimately involve claims worth several billion euros. The lawsuits cites anti-competitive price parity clauses that prevent them from offering lower room rates or better booking conditions through other sales channels, restricting competition and limiting their pricing freedom.
BY THE NUMBERS
So far, 2026 is only the third-hottest year, behind 2024 and 2025, climate statistics show. But because of a one-two punch of accelerated human-caused global warming and a supersized El Nino, scientists say there’s a 35% chance that 2026 will pass 2024 as the hottest year on record the odds nearly every month – up from only 7% in March.
AIR
Porter Airlines has launched The Little Things Blind Boxes, a limited-edition 20th birthday collection of five “little things” passengers love about Porter – including the aircraft, complimentary drinks in glassware and “Mr. Porter” himself— with a 1-in-500 chance to find a Golden Porter Pass, redeemable for 20 free flights to any Porter destination. Each blind box retails for $30 and is available now for presale while quantities last at porter20.com.
Canada has announced an expanded air transport agreement with Nigeria that allows for direct flights between Canada and Nigeria for the first time. With the news, Air Canada immediately announced that it intends to launch flights to the African country in 2027.
In it’s weekly update, the Canadian Transportation Agency has issued Air Transat licenses to operate (through codesharing), scheduled international service to Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Thailand, while WestJet has similarly been given the green light to operate to Qatar.
DEALS
A solo supplement of just $99 on 10 Intrepid Travel Original and Comfort Morocco itineraries is available on new bookings made through Nov. 3 for departures through Dec. 31, 2028. No promo code needed – the discount applies automatically on Intrepid’s website for eligible trips.
Bahia Principe’s properties are having a promotion with families and multi-generational travellers in mind. Through Sept. 30, exclusive savings are available across a selection of Bahia Principe Explore properties in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, with travel available through Dec. 20 (depending on the property). Participating properties include Explore Tulum and Explore Coba in Mexico, as well as Explore Esmeralda, Explore Punta Cana, Explore Turquesa, Explore La Romana and Explore Legend in the D.R.
TOURS
Intrepid Travel has launched an emergency appeal through its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, to support impacted communities in Western Colombia after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the region on Aug. 11. All funds raised through the appeal will go directly to impacted communities, providing essential medical supplies for emergency care, food and lodging for volunteer medical staff and airplane fuel to transport volunteers and supplies to where it is needed most. Donate HERE.
Tauck has announced the ms Harmonie, the newest riverboat joining its fleet in France and a sister ship to the ms Lumière on the Rhône. Shaped in part by feedback from Tauck’s river cruising guests, the new vessel carries forward the design of the ms Lumière. The ms Harmonie is part of a multi-phase investment in Tauck’s river fleet, broadening where and how guests can cruise. Between 2026 and 2028, Tauck is introducing five new riverboats. The program adds new capacity while retiring two older vessels. The Rhône has become one of Tauck’s most in-demand river destinations, pacing nearly 30% ahead of 2025 even before the current expansion began and sailing alongside the ms Lumière, the ms Harmonie will double Tauck’s capacity on the river.
HOTELS & RESORTS
RIU Hotels & Resorts has reopened the Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula in Cancun, Mexico, following an ambitious comprehensive renovation. Since its debut in 2012, the property has established itself as one of the most iconic landmarks in the Hotel Zone and, undoubtedly, the most renowned RIU property in Cancun due to its distinctive architecture. Having undergone such a profound transformation, the hotel now returns to the market as an entirely new product. Among the many new features is the Elite Club, offering an array of exclusive products including a restaurant, a bar, and a swimming pool.
In Greece, the Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos is now open and welcoming guests for its inaugural summer season. Set above Kalo Livadi Bay, the hotel features contemporary design, a private beach, dining with sea views and immersive island experiences. A selection of 94 rooms, suites and villas with plunge pools offer guests the ability to experience a chic beach getaway with locally inspired elements like the island’s signature whitewashed exteriors and minimalist design.
CRUISE
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced plans to reimagine accommodations across its Explorer Class fleet, introducing larger suites, a new suite category, and reduced guest capacity to deliver an even more spacious luxury experience at sea. Following planned dry docks in 2027 and 2028, Seven Seas Explorer (photo above), Seven Seas Splendor, and Seven Seas Grandeur will each feature just 344 suites, while redesigned Veranda Suites will become the largest entry-level suites in the ultra-luxury cruise industry. The enhancements will also introduce the new Horizon Penthouse Suite category and three additional Distinctive Suites on each ship.
Viking has taken delivery of the Viking Dagur, the, the company’s newest Longship. The 190-guest vessel joins the company’s growing fleet of state-of-the-art sister ships and will sail Viking’s popular itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. Hosting 190 guests in 95 staterooms, the Viking Dagur features elegant Scandinavian design and the industry-leading innovations for which Viking is known, including the patented square bow that enables three full decks, the indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace and the proprietary asymmetric corridor layout that allows for true two-room suites.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
Following its acquisition by Pocket Planet earlier this year, Little Canada is officially becoming Pocket Planet Canada, reflecting its evolution from an award-winning Canadian attraction into part of a growing global entertainment brand. The transition marks a significant international investment in Canadian tourism while preserving the craftsmanship and guest experience that have made the attraction a Toronto favourite, says the company.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Agents can benefit from exclusive Sunwing Partner of the Month incentives throughout August with every eligible booking made at Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts earning advisors a ballot for the chance to win one of two seven-night hotel stays, including a stay at Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa in Montego Bay, Jamaica, or Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Advisors can also earn STAR points on eligible bookings in accordance with the Sunwing STAR Program terms and conditions.
EVENTS
travelbrands is inviting travel advisors to come together for its annual SickKids Walk Fundraiser returns on Tuesday, Aug. 25 in support of SickKids Foundation. This year, the walk will take place simultaneously at travelbrands’ Toronto and Montreal offices where participants will walk from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by lunch at both offices and an opportunity to connect with colleagues and friends from across the industry. Participants are asked to raise a minimum of $25 in support of SickKids Foundation. Register HERE.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Starting a “new chapter” in this country, TM Americas has been appointed as the official representative of the Jordan Tourism Board in Canada with Cinthia Vázquez to serve as Canadian Trade Representative. Known for her work with Visit Central Florida, another destination represented by New York-based TM Americas, Vázquez says her role will include working closely with travel advisors and tour operators across the country. Shecan be reached at sales.canada@tm-americas.com.
DESTINATIONS
Egypt has implemented a new Digital Visa-on-Arrival System, a key step forward in modernizing entry procedures for international travellers. The pilot phase of the new system began Aug. 1 at Cairo International Airport (all arrival terminals), the first of a nationwide rollout to other airports. The system replaces the traditional paper visa sticker with a Visa QR Code, which travellers can get via the official online portal, the dedicated official mobile application, or self-service machines at Cairo Airport’s arrival halls. The code can be generated before departure, mid-flight, or after landing, by the traveller or a travel agency. Cost is US$36.
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining runs through Sept. 30 featuring a record 188 participating restaurants, including 38 new and 16 MICHELIN Guide-recognized establishments. Restaurants will offer three-course, prix-fixe menus for $40 or $60, plus tax and gratuity. Menus are now live on OrlandoMagicalDining.com. At the same time, the companion program, Visit Orlando’s Magical Nights sees dozens of hotels offering special rates or packages, giving guests the convenience of bundling prix-fixe dining, accommodations and resort amenities. Properties include Evermore Orlando Resort, Grande Lakes Orlando, Hilton Orlando, and Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1949, the first commercial jet plane to fly in the Western Hemisphere made its maiden flight over the Malton airport (now Pearson International) outside Toronto. The Jetliner C-102 was designed in Canada by an Englishman, James Floyd, and built by Avro of Toronto. It was never produced commercially.
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