In this week’s retail news, Flight Centres takes it “slow,” Trevello has had an uplifting experience, Travel Leaders Network mixed it up in Moncton and Halifax, and The Travel Agent Next Door welcomes a new marketing manager.
As “revenge travel” continues, hotel guests should expect to pay increasingly higher room rates in 2024, according to a new report from American Express Global Business Travel, which says the rate spike follows large price jumps in 2022 and 2023. In Canada, the Hotel Monitor 2024 study forecasts record-breaking rates in Canada including percentage increases of 8.9, 8.3 and 6.7 percent in Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto respectively.
Canada’s largest private sector union has released its own Air Transportation Workers’ Charter of Rights asserting that the actions taken by the federal government and airport authorities to solve travel chaos are not enough to solve the root of the problem – inadequate working conditions.
Add “author” to the list of accomplishments of Edmund Bartlett. It’s a natural evolution for Jamaica’s thoughtful and eloquent tourism minister, who has written a book examining and detailing his passion and advocacy for tourism resilience in the face of disasters and challenges both natural and manmade – from hurricanes to artificial intelligence, and, of course, plagues.
From max relaxers to adventure hunters, Canadians have distinct preferences when it comes to maximizing their vacations, according to a new survey from Sunwing. And with this in mind, the tour company has launched a winter campaign that reflects these diverse travel styles and preferences, encouraging clients to see their next holiday “in a new light.”
The area around the Maui town largely destroyed by wildfire began welcoming back travel this week – two months after the wildfire that killed at least 98 people and destroyed more than 2,000 structures. Five hotels in West Maui were accepting reservations again, according to their websites and the Maui Hotel and Lodging Association.
Collette, the oldest tour operator in the US, has announced the succession of Jaclyn Leibl-Cote to Chief Executive Officer of the organization, only the fourth CEO in the 106-year history, and its first woman. She is also the third generation of the Sullivan family to transition into the role.
US federal customs agents pooh-poohed the plans of an Iowa woman who wanted to make jewellery from giraffe feces she picked up on a trip to Kenya and brought back to the US in her luggage. The woman, who was not identified, told officials she planned to use the waste to make a necklace, as she had done in the past with moose poop.
Major airlines including Air Canada have suspended flights in and out of Israel after the nation declared war following a massive attack by Hamas. Israel hit more than 1,000 targets in Gaza and Palestinian militants continued firing barrages of rockets, setting off air raid sirens in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Video posted online appeared to show a plume of smoke near a terminal at Ben Gurion International Airport.
For over 50 years, Goway has showcased Australia and New Zealand – destinations renowned for their dynamic natural landscapes, ancient cultures, and wealth of activity options. There are a million things a traveller can do Downunder, but where to start? Luckily, travel advisors don’t have to go it alone when planning a trip to Australia and New Zealand.
Reflecting a “significant recovery” in air travel by Canadians – particularly to destinations South and to Europe, Air Transat has revealed its 2024 summer flight program from Toronto. In 2024, the airline is offering six more weekly flights to Europe and seven more weekly flights to the South.
Sydney is blessed with one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world, but it’s only a fraction of the wonder that a traveller can experience in Australia. Goway has been planning tailor-made trips to Australia for over 50 years and is constantly finding new ways to showcase the nation’s blend of natural landmarks, world-class cities, and ancient cultures.
Sandals Resorts’ newest all-inclusive resort is now open for reservations. Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines will mark the ninth Caribbean destination and 18th Sandals resort for Sandals Resorts International (SRI) when it welcomes its first guests on March 27, 2024.
Few, if any, countries can match the natural beauty of New Zealand. It’s a veritable paradise – arguably the most beautiful country in the world – and one that Goway is dedicated to helping travellers explore, from its towering mountains to pastoral grasslands, winding coastlines, verdant wine regions, and attractive cities.
The week’s round-up news includes WestJet taking a winter break on YYZ-YUL flights and revealing its Sunwing integration date; Porter Airlines California-bound; and Saudia returning to Canada. Non-airline highlights” TICO released its long-awaited reform proposals – including fee changes for members, Royal Caribbean revealed the name of its newest ship, and an Ontario hotel earned a singular honour.
After conducting a comprehensive funding framework review, including the Compensation Fund, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) has released its proposals for a future funding model. They include lower annual fees for most members (but higher for some others), the removal of end-supplier coverage of airlines and cruise ships, and – controversially – no consumer pay model.
From inflation to labour shortages, political discord to war in Ukraine, and even train and plane failures, it’s of little surprise that Canadians want to get away from it all – a notion reflected in a recent survey by Air Transat that shows nearly 50 percent of respondents indicate that relaxation is their main reason for travel.
Vancouver International Airport welcomed more than 7.1 million passengers from July through September, a 21.7 percent increase over the same period last year and on par with 2019, reports YVR’s airport authority. August was YVR’s busiest month of the summer, with the BC Day weekend seeing the most passengers—328,422 passengers from Aug. 4 to 7.
First-time and experienced cruisers alike may be surprised to know some of the everyday items that are prohibited onboard the most popular cruise ships. From irons to homemade food, helium balloons, and even young babies, some things are best left behind before setting sail.
Andrea Nissen is trying to prepare her 65-year-old husband, who has Alzheimer’s disease, for a solo flight to visit family. She worries about travellers and airport officials misinterpreting his forgetfulness or habit of getting in people’s personal space, and feels guilty about not being able to accompany him.
Are you ready for an adventure that will make history? We’re about to sail across the top of the world, to explore the fabled Northwest Passage and set foot on places few people have ever been. For decades, Canada’s high Arctic remained terra incognita, a fascinatingly dangerous obsession that drove explorers to commit to three years of hardship on wooden ships with icy decks in an environment that could break ships as well as the resolve of even the most resolute sailors.
We’ve done this song before, but let’s be honest, you really can’t hear “Take Me Home Country Roads” too many times. Especially when it’s continually interpreted in so many amazing, creative (sometimes globalized) ways, not least from Izzy Kamakawiwo’ole’s Hawaiian take on a ukelele to Toots & the Maytals plaintiff “almost heaven, West Jamaica.”
WestJet is halting flights between Toronto and Montreal for the winter in a continuation of its retreat from short-haul routes in Eastern Canada to retrench in the West. The route will be suspended for six months, starting late October and resuming in late April.
On a day on which Ontario’s cottage country was actually hotter than Las Vegas, it seemed only fitting that a team of suppliers and tourism officials from the latter city met with a group of Canadian trade representatives in Muskoka to talk travel. The two-day retreat early this week at the JW Marriott on Lake Rosseau was also meant to symbolize Sin City’s current tagline: “Las Vegas Unplugged.”
Residents from fire-stricken Lahaina have asked Hawaii Governor Josh Green to delay plans to reopen a portion of West Maui, saying the grieving community is not ready to welcome back visitors. Tourists had been invited back starting this weekend (Oct. 8).
Unique Vacations Canada has announced the appointment of Jordon McGrowder to the position of Business Development Manager, Alberta, Manitoba, and Northwest Territories. He joins the Sandals/Beaches team as the second BDM in western Canada and replaces Donné Nixon, who is moving to Toronto to become Human Resources Manager at UVC headquarters.
The Travel Industry Council of Ontario has re-launched its industry director voting process with registrations required by Oct. 6 at 10 a.m. The re-vote follows a technical glitch at TICO’s recent Sept. 26 AGM that limited members ability to vote for two directors in the organization’s restructuring process.
Parents, teens, and kids alike can have the all-inclusive vacation of their dreams with Grand Palladium Hotels and Resorts, says Sunwing. Set on some of the most sought-after shores of the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Jamaica, the paradise destinations are simply a bonus – the real fun is found on site!
Following Transat Distribution Canada’s annual conference in Toronto, we had an opportunity to ask General Manager Karine Gagnon some questions about the company’s ongoing developments, operations, team, and outlook for the future.
Tropical storm Philippe dropped heavy rains in the northeast Caribbean on Tuesday, forcing governments to close schools in the region as forecasters warned of flash flooding. The storm was located about 70 miles (115 kilometers) northwest of Anguilla on Tuesday morning and had winds of up to 45 mph (75 kph). It was moving northwest at 10 mph (17 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.