SEAWORLD OPENS IN ABU DHABI
SeaWorld has opened a massive new aquatic life park in the United Arab Emirates, its first outside the United States. The US$1.2-billion venture features the world’s largest aquarium and a cylindrical LED screen.
News
ROUND-UP: June 12-16, 2023
In last week’s news, Air Canada announced a return to Singapore after more than 30 years, also a new NDC deal with Sabre; Amex GBT reveals some interesting fare facts; there’s new rail booking platform in Canada; and Vancouver is set to get a swank new hotel.
CHIPS AHOY: Billion-dollar casino resort set to open in Toronto
Heralding a new entertainment district for the GTA, a much anticipated billion-dollar resort located near Toronto airport is set to open next week with a modern Vegas-style casino, hotel, live entertainment venue, and multiple on-site dining options.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ROUND-THE-WORLD
The oneworld airline alliance says it has completed initial trials of a state-of-the-art booking tool that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to help users navigate the complex process of planning a “Round the World” ticket.
‘LITTLE TENNESEE’ BRINGS SOUTHERN FLAVOUR TO TORONTO
Launching ‘Little Tennessee’ at The Drake Hotel Toronto are (l-r) Charmaine Singh, Reach Global; state tourist development commissioner Mark Ezell; singer-songwriters Eric Arjes and Jimmy Robbins; Deana Ivy, president of Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp.; and state tourism assistant commissioner of marketing Debra Smith.
BEVERLY HILLS ESCAPE: Mariah Carey curates one-time vacation rental package
Booking.com and Mariah Carey are offering travellers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to vacation just like Mimi this summer, with a special overnight trip package at the singer’s favourite Beverly Hills vacation rental on Booking.com, where she’s been living it up for the past three months. And it will only cost $6.21.
PUBS, PATIOS & BARS: New rooftop bar an oasis in L.A.
La Lo La Rooftop is an ethereal, sophisticated oasis high above the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Located on the 34th floor of the recently debuted AC Hotel Downtown LA, the expansive wraparound rooftop, which spans almost 410 sq. m., provides an intimate setting for both visitors and locals.
CRUISES LAUNCH ON A NEW RIVER: THE TENNESSEE
You’ve probably danced the Tennessee Waltz, but it’s not likely you’ve ever had a chance to sail the Tennessee River. American Cruise Lines is inaugurating eight-day cruises on a river seldom explored with new eight-day Tennessee River cruises between Nashville and Chattanooga. Guests will visit towns in the winding Tennessee Valley through the Appalachian Mountains.
LISTENING IN: Cool song a hot hit for Blake Shelton
Blake Shelton isn’t from Tennessee, but with a nod to the state’s unique music-oriented promotional event in Toronto this week (see story above), we’ll feature a song co-written by talented Nashville songwriter Jimmy Robbins, who performed for media at the ‘Little Tennessee’ launch Wednesday at The Drake Hotel.
BACK IN THE SLING OF THINGS: Air Canada to return to Singapore
Air Canada is returning to Singapore after more than three decades, launching new service from Vancouver, effective April 3, 2024. Operating four times a week, flights will be the only non-stops from Canada to the southeast Asian city-state, and will offer a further gateway to Southeast Asia, Southern India and Western Australia via Singapore’s Changi International.
A PLACE TO GROW: Ontario tourism benefits from consumer concerns
Ontario leisure travel growth prospects look bright despite new challenges, a new survey suggests, with tourism in the province set to continue growing as travellers reassess their holiday plans in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.
NEW RAIL BOOKING PLATORM LAUNCHES IN CANADA
International rail ticketing platform Rail Online has officially launched in North America with the promise of “fairer fares for American and Canadian passengers,” as well as carrier fare price matching, instant refunds on e-tickets, no foreign currency transaction fees, and customers able to book in Canadian dollars.
PILOT TERROR: FAA requires second cockpit barrier
U.S. officials says they will require new airline planes to have a second barrier to make it harder for passengers to break into the cockpit when the main door is open. The Federal Aviation Administration rule will apply to commercial planes made after mid-2025.
ACTA WEBINARS TAKE AIM AT NDC CONFUSION
Citing “significant confusion” among travel advisors, ACTA is hosting two webinars – one with Air Canada and one with Amadeus – to help explain the impact of Air Canada’s New Distribution Technology (NDC).
DUTCH TREAT: St. Maarten appoints VoX in Canada
Toronto-based destination marketing firm VoX International has been appointed to represent the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau in Canada.
A STICKY SITUATION: Monet painting latest attack target
A painting by French artist Claude Monet was defaced at Sweden’s National Museum in Stockholm Wednesday after two women threw paint at it and then glued themselves to the frame. The painting, “The Artist’s Garden at Giverny,” was on display as part of an exhibition at the museum.
GO WEST – THE FLIGHTS ARE CHEAPER
Overall, flying will be far more expensive this summer, according to corporate travel manager American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), which analyzed tens of thousands of client transactions on flights to and from Canadian destinations. However, amid the soaring prices, flights to Western Canada are bucking the trend.
SABRE RATTLING: Long-term Air Canada deal to boost agents
Sabre and Air Canada have announced the completion of a new multi-year distribution agreement that provides Sabre-connected agencies with long-term access to Air Canada’s full content via NDC channels.
LOS CABOS CALLING: And Canadians getting the message
Canadians’ love affair with Los Cabos is continuing as arrivals to the Mexican tourism hotspot have increased close to 13% in the first half of the year – and that’s having already reached pre-pandemic figures over the winter.
CHANGE IS IN THE WIND: U.S. considering aviation revamp
Lawmakers south of the border are considering rolling back an Obama-era rule that requires airlines to show the total price of a ticket upfront in advertising, while also tweaking training requirements for airline pilots and making other changes in a massive bill covering the Federal Aviation Administration.
A FIRST GLIMPSE OF CELEBRITY ASCENT
Celebrity Cruises has unveiled for the first details about what travellers can experience on board the brand’s newest resort at sea, Celebrity Ascent, when it sets sail this December out of Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
ST. REGIS CHICAGO HITS UNPRECEDENTED HEIGHTS
Physically towering over the city of Chicago, and inspirationally across the globe, the long-awaited St. Regis Chicago has opened its doors to guests. The 101-storey tower is notably the tallest building in the world designed by a female architect, American Jeanne Gang.
STAR ALLIANCE NAMES NEW CEO
Star Alliance, the world’s largest global airline alliance, and which includes Air Canada, has announced that Theo Panagiotoulias has been chosen to become its next CEO, succeeding Charlotta Wieland, who has been interim CEO since January.
GAME CHANGER: Expedia CEO talks travel, prices and the OTA’s latest twist
In a move the company’s CEO calls a “game changer,” the Expedia Group is set to launch a rewards program that will tie together its disparate brands including Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo, which competes with Airbnb.
STRATEGIC THINKING: Canada creates tourism routes to inspire visitors
A new pilot project from Destination Canada is creating new tourism routes across the country with the aim of focussing visitor interest in distinct aspects of the Canadian experience and giving both international and domestic tourists “more reasons to travel” here.
U.S. REJOINS UNESCO
United Nations cultural and scientific agency UNESCO, which notably administers the World Heritage program – a significant driver of tourism interest – announced Monday that the United States plans to rejoin, and pay more than US$600 million in back dues.
CANCUN CONVERSION: Marriott to introduce first branded all-inclusive
Marriott International is developing its first-ever Marriott-branded all-inclusive property at the site of the former Marriott Cancun Resort, which closed its doors last March to undergo an extensive renovation for its conversion.
TICO TALK: Virtual AGM date set, convictions, and more
The Travel Industry Council of Ontario is advising that its annual meeting of members will take place virtually on Sept. 26 at 5 p.m.
MICHAEL SCOTT NAMED WESTJET VP, CFO
The WestJet Group today announced Michael (Mike) Scott to the role of WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. The 30-year aviation industry veteran will start with the airline’s executive team on June 13.
TOWERING ACHIEVEMENT: Jerusalem landmark re-opens after makeover
Jerusalem’s iconic citadel has opened its revamped museum after a three-year, US$50-million makeover that included a restoration of its signature minaret. The Tower of David, the ancient fortress on the western edge of the Old City, contains remnants of successive fortifications built one atop the other dating back over two millennia.