China’s ambassador in Ottawa said late last week that Prime Minister Mark Carney’s claim that Beijing is about to lift its visa requirement for Canadians is not yet official, suggesting the move is still under consideration.
By Michael Baginski/ It’s a love affair that’s been going on for 65 years. That’s how long Myrtle Beach has been hosting – and Canadians attending – Can-Am Days in the coastal South Carolina city. Of, course, Canadians were acquainted with the Grand Strand long before the 1961 festival launched, but that’s when the relationship got serious.
Goway is leaning into excitement for the FIFA World Cup this summer and consumer demand for special event experiences with new packages that combine a U.K. Premier League football (soccer) match with a theatrical show in London’s West End.
Long lines beneath I.M. Pei’s glass pyramid in Paris have become as much a part of the experience as the “Mona Lisa” itself. Now the Louvre has put a higher price on that pilgrimage, raising admission prices for most non-European visitors by nearly half last week as it tries to shore up finances after repeated strikes, chronic overcrowding – and a brazen French Crown Jewels heist that shook the institution.
While much of the country has been hit with bone-chilling cold, Toronto was seeing heavy snowfall Sunday into Monday morning, causing severe flight chaos at both of the city’s airports. Up to 40 cm (16 inches) of snow were forecast for some areas of the GTA.
While Prime Minister Mark Carney continues to make entreaties with the rest of the world, it seems Canadian travellers are as well, with Statistics Canada reporting that Canadian residents returning from overseas in November rose 13.6% compared with the year before to 1,099,750.
Outraged critics accused U.S. President Donald Trump of “whitewashing history” on Friday after the National Park Service removed an exhibit on slavery at Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park in response to his executive order “restoring truth and sanity to American history” at the nation’s museums, parks and landmarks.
Sunwing Vacations is extending its “heartfelt thanks” to travel agents across the country for their exceptional commitment and support, which made possible a $210,000 donation to aid communities in Jamaica impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
American rock climber Alex Honnold ascended the Taipei 101 skyscraper on Sunday without any ropes or protective equipment. The daring ascent was livestreamed on Netflix, and was sanctioned by the tower as well as Taiwanese officials, who revelled in the exposure it provided for the destination.
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.
As Ontarians prepare for their own winter wallop on the weekend, millions of Americans from New Mexico to the Carolinas are bracing for a potentially catastrophic ice storm that could crush trees and power lines and knock out power for days, while extreme snow is forecast to make travel very difficult or nearly impossible in cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York and Boston.
By Ed Smith/ When Laura Edell entered “Havana” into Toronto Dominion Bank’s (TD) Expedia-powered travel booking portal, the response was not a warning, a policy notice or legal explanation. Instead, the screen displayed a single message: “Sorry, it seems we have taken a wrong turn.”
Calling Elon Musk an “idiot” and X a “cesspool,” the CEO of Ryanair on Wednesday dismissed Musk’s idea of buying the budget airline and shrugged off insults from the billionaire, in a war of words that erupted over installing Starlink systems on aircraft.
Weddings are meant to be celebrations of love. They also may require invited guests to make a financial commitment that brings them stress. Whether it’s paying for hotels and flights to attend a destination wedding or different outfits and gifts for multiple pre-wedding events, friends and extended family often feel pressure to spend a large amount of money before the couple gets married.
Travel search engine Kayak has dropped its 2026 ‘What the Future’ Report – cheekily dubbed “WTF,” though more seriously offering a look at the destinations and travel behaviours that will shape the year ahead for Canadians.
Air Canada has announced the only non-stop flights from North America to Sapporo, Japan, will begin in December – just in time for travellers to take advantage of a wide range activities in the well-known cold-weather hotspot, which came to prominence after hosting the Winter Olympics in 1972.
From local roundtables to its golf summer tournament, and cross-country Summits to the annual international destination conference, ACTA has released its 2026 calendar of events, while encouraging members to save the date(s) for the association’s busy roster of educational and networking activities.
The sudden closure of a major ski resort because of a labour dispute has thrown Quebec’s Charlevoix region into uncertainty. Le Massif is a major draw for skiers and a key economic engine for the region northeast of Quebec City.
A former flight attendant for a “Toronto-based airline” posed as a commercial pilot and as a current flight attendant to obtain hundreds of free flights from U.S. airlines, authorities said.
This year will bring a standout slate of hotel openings, from restored heritage properties in the Alps and new city addresses in London to modern mountain retreats in Aspen and ultra-private villa estates in the Seychelles.
By Michael Baginski/ Some Canadians are rethinking plans to visit parts of the Caribbean in the wake of military action and threats from the United States in the region. Among the affected destinations are Aruba and Curaçao, two islands off the coast of Venezuela, where the U.S. launched a strike and captured its president about two weeks ago.
Starting this fall, WestJet will offer the only non-stop flight between Western Canada and South America, operating three times weekly between Calgary and São Paulo, Brazil. The service to the vibrant city – dubbed “the New York of South America” – and a gateway to iconic Brazilian landmarks such the Amazon Rainforest, Patagonia and the Iguaçu Falls, marks the airline’s 100th destination from YYC Calgary Airport.
Air Canada and its flight attendants have begun an arbitration process to settle wages under their deal reached last year to end a strike that halted flights around the world.
The Sandman Hotel Group has unveiled the transformation of its popular West Georgia Street hotel, officially reintroducing the property as Sandman Signature Vancouver Downtown Hotel following a comprehensive, full-property reimagining.
The Granite Travel Trade Expos are set to return in 2026, kicking off in Ontario in April and return to the Maritimes in May, before visiting western Canada in October and concluding in Ontario again in November.
A 145-km (90-mile) section of California’s Highway 1 along the famous Big Sur coast has fully reopened after three years of closures and repairs following a series of landslides and a roadway collapse that hampered tourism on the scenic route.
A handful of platforms now specialize in pairing sellers who have to call off non-refundable trips with buyers eager for a bargain and willing to reserve last-minute. But are they safe?
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on Friday urged aircraft operators to “exercise caution” when flying over the eastern Pacific Ocean near Mexico, Central America and parts of South America, citing “military activities” and possible satellite navigation interference.
ACTA has a launched a new referral program for 2026 in where one lucky travel advisor or agency will win a once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic expedition courtesy of ACTA partner, Aurora Expeditions (banner photo).
Air Transat has announced plans to start a new loyalty program with Desjardins Group and Visa. The launch, planned for the second half of this year, will offer travellers exclusive benefits and an improved experience, the airline said.