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GOWAY PLANS UNIQUE BEACH VACATIONS TO THAILAND

Few things beat a warm, sunny beach in the midst of winter, but your clients shouldn’t go just anywhere warm when the weather gets cool at home. Thailand offers sandy beaches and a friendly welcome, as well as the opportunity to transform a beach escape into an unforgettable dream vacation. It’s about the beach and so much more.
Goway has been planning tailor-made trips for globetrotters since 1970. Goway’s team of Destination Specialists are the experts on all-things Thailand, from the best way to plan an itinerary to insider advice on great places to eat or hidden gems to add to the trip. If your clients want to head on a beach escape to Thailand, plan with Goway. Learn more on Goway’s website

DISCOVER THE HISTORY & CULTURE OF THAILAND WITH GOWAY

Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. It’s one of the friendliest and most welcoming countries in the world. It’s also a place of vast history and exciting cultural opportunities. If your clients want to discover ancient history, meet friendly people, and savour some of the best food in the world, they should plan a tailor-made trip to Thailand.

ACTA PLEA TO ONT. AGENTS – USE YOUR WORDS!

ACTA says it is meeting with Ontario government officials on Nov. 30 to make its case for reform of the funding framework for the Travel Industry Council of Ontario, and member fees in the province. But in the meantime, the association is urging members to make their voices heard – no later than Mon. Nov. 27 – over changes to a model it says is inherently broken.

SAVOUR THE FLAVOURS OF THAILAND WITH GOWAY

Thai cuisine is one of the most succulent, delectable, all-around delicious cuisines in the world. Feasting on pad thai, khao soi, satay, and other Thai treats is one of the highlights of a trip to Thailand. But these dishes are only the first course of flavour that a traveller can enjoy in Thailand.

AROUND THE WORLD IN 140 DAYS: Silversea maps 2026 World Cruise

Ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea is promising the “most diverse and immersive voyage” in its history when ‘Silver Dawn’ sets sail from Fort Lauderdale on a 140-day world cruise on Jan. 6, 2026. Dubbed ‘The Curious and the Sea,’” the cruise will visit 70 destinations in 37 countries – the most ever on a Silversea World Cruise.

ICELAND ON ALERT: Fears over new volcanic eruption

Residents in southwestern Iceland left their homes on the weekend after increasing concern about a potential volcanic eruption caused civil defense authorities to declare a state of emergency in the region. Earlier, the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa – one of Iceland’s biggest tourist attractions – closed temporarily as a swarm of earthquakes put the island nation’s most populated region on alert.

ALL BUSINESS AGAIN FOR TRAVEL AT WTM LONDON 2023

WTM London 2023 (World Travel Market) wrapped up last week with the world’s largest English-language trade show giving all appearances of being its first to truly take place in a post-pandemic world. While the P word was still prevalent, the W word (war) carried more resonance, not least due to the not-surprising absence of Israel tourism delegates.

VISIT BRITAIN BOOSTS CANADA: Creates director role, names Cathy Stapells

Reflecting it’s recognition of the importance of the Canadian market, VisitBritain has created a new director position in the country, naming veteran staff member Cathy Stapells to the role. Stapells was previously Senior Marketing & Communications Manager Canada. The well-known Lynda Falcone continues as National Travel Trade Manager Canada.

RCMP INVESTIGATING AIR INDIA ‘THREAT’

An investigation is underway into what Canada’s transport minister and the RCMP call “threats” against Air India, after an online video warns people not to fly on the airline on Sunday, Nov. 19. Pablo Rodriguez says Canada and its security partners are investigating “recent threats circulating online,” referring to comments about Air India.

‘GAPING HOLES’: Accessibility advocates blame lax rules

Accessibility advocates are speaking out about unreliable assistance in air travel, pointing to regulatory gaps and scattershot enforcement that can leave travellers with disabilities injured, stranded, or demeaned. And the problem, they say, goes beyond a single airline.

ROUND-UP: Nov. 6-10, 2023

Airline accessibility took the spotlight last week, as did a host of other airline news, including new Lynx service to Tampa. Other round-up items feature Florida rail service Brightline announcing commissions for agents, Sandals preparing for its last masterclass of the year, and a visit by Martinique Tourism officials ahead of the island’s forthcoming and much-anticipated Air Canada service from Toronto.

WINDOW PAIN: Close call as damaged plane returns to London

A charter flight flying from London to Orlando was forced to land after the crew realized it had reached 14,000 feet with two window panes missing. The Titan Airways plane, which was previously used by King Charles and UK prime minister Rishi Sunak, took off from London’s Stansted Airport on October 4 before the crew realized the windows had been damaged during a film shoot the previous day.

AIR CANADA SPEEDS UP ACCESSIBILITY PLAN

Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau apologized for the airline’s accessibility shortfalls and rolling out new measures to improve the travel experience for hundreds of thousands of passengers living with a disability.

TIPS, TRICKS AND PITFALLS: How to do right when driving on the left side of the road

Driving in a foreign country can be a challenge for North Americans visiting destinations where driving on the other side of the road is standard. It can be especially challenging when many rental cars feature manual transmission, a gear-shifting system rejected by the overwhelming majority of Canadian and American drivers.

LIVING THE HIGH LIFE: Four Seasons private jet itineraries live for ‘25

Today’s luxury travellers are looking to see and do it all – and to do so exceptionally. With this in mind, Four Seasons has rolled out the first of its new series of private jet experiences for 2025. The all-encompassing itineraries introduce some of the world’s most popular destinations in new and unexpected ways – as planned by Four Seasons experts.

DISCOVERY CASTS MONA LISA IN A NEW LIGHT

The next time you’re gazing at the “Mona Lisa” at the Louvre in Paris, consider that beneath the subject’s exquisitely enigmatic smile, a new secret has been uncovered about the Leonardo de Vinci masterpiece.

PUBS, PATIOS & BARS: Guinness set to open site in London Covent Garden

Guinness will soon have a new home in the heart of London. Work is underway at ‘Guinness at Old Brewer’s Yard,’ which is located near Neal Street in Covent Garden. The 4,600-sq.-metre microbrewery will build on the success of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin and the opening of Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh in 2021.

JIMMY’S GONE, BUT KEY WEST JUST KEEPS ON PARTYING

It’s Five O’clock Somewhere and even though it may only be 11 a.m. in Key West, the crowds at Margaritaville and Sloppy Joes have A Lot of Drink About. Florida’s furthest-south island, that attracted Hemingway and Harry Truman and whole generations of sons of sons of sailors is still partying heartily.

LISTENING IN: The story of ‘Come on Eileen’

I’d been mulling over this song for awhile, but when the opening violin intro came on at a wedding reception I attended recently caused a rush to the dance floor I accepted it as a sign, and immediately headed for YouTube. Dexys Midnight Runners are considered a one-hit wonder and even Homer Simpson joked in an episode, “You haven’t heard the last of them!”

UNWTO NAMES BEST TOURISM VILLAGES FOR 2023

As travellers increasingly look to get off the beaten track and explore places less prone to over-tourism, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has announced its list of Best Tourism Villages 2023. The accolade recognizes villages that are leading in nurturing rural areas and preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions – all contributing to the notion of harnessing tourism “as a catalyst for their development and well-being.”

U.S. COMPETES WITH CHINA OVER PROPOSED SRI LANKA PORT

The US announced a $553- million project Wednesday to build a new, deep-water shipping container terminal in the Port of Colombo, in Sri Lanka, as it competes with China in international development financing. The project, financed with private loans, is billed as providing critical infrastructure for the South Asian nation with the potential to “transform Colombo into a world-class logistics hub at the intersection of major shipping routes and emerging markets,” according to the US International Development Finance Corp.

AIR CANADA BECOMES FIRST AIRLINE TO OFFER DISNEY+ ORIGINALS ONBOARD

Air Canada has became the first airline globally to bring Disney+ Originals to the skies through its in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. The airline’s latest collaboration with Disney, offers customers opportunities to enjoy original programming for all ages while onboard. It also marks Air Canada’s most recent investment in its family-focused travel experience, adding critically-acclaimed and exclusive Disney+ Originals such as the first three episodes of Loki Season 1 and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

TRAVELLING PONO: And 3 ways to malama Hawaii

As Maui recovers from devastating wildfires, travelling to Hawaii for many has become more purposeful. While surf, sand and sun are definitely still on the itinerary, there are many experiences waiting for visitors that reflect the importance and meaning of life that can’t be found in all the guidebooks just yet.

HOW TO SKIP THE CROWDS AND FIND THE REAL PORTUGAL

Time away is precious and no one wants to wait in line, be lost in a crowd, or stuck at a touristy eatery. In the last 10 years Portugal has burst onto the world stage as a major travel destination, but as a new destination, folks typically go to what they know: Lisbon, Lagos, and Porto.

WHY GUESTS OF ALL AGES LOVE GRAND PALLADIUM

Parents, teens, and kids alike can have the all-inclusive vacation of their dreams with Grand Palladium Hotels and Resorts, according to Sunwing Vacations. Set on some of the most sought-after shores of the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Jamaica, these beautiful destinations are simply a bonus – the real fun is found on site.

SAGA AT SEA: 100 people reportedly injured in rough seas

A Saga cruise ship has docked back in the UK with a reported 100 people injured when the boat veered dramatically during a safety manoeuvre on Saturday. Passengers on the Spirit of Discovery have described a state of fear on board the cruise ship after it was hit by a storm in the Bay of Biscay. Most of the injuries were described as minor by cruise company Saga, but five people were taken to hospital when the ship docked in Portsmouth on Monday.

CANADA SCORES HIGH ON REMOTE WORK: But European countries dominate list

Last year, cybersecurity company NordLayer created the Global Remote Work Index (GRWI), which reveals the best and worst countries to work remotely in terms of four different criteria: cyber safety, economic safety, digital and physical infrastructure, and social safety. Canada ranks two places lower compared to last year’s data and stands at 14 as the best country for remote work, according to new research

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