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OFFICIAL MEXICO GUIDED TOURS AN UNDER-THE-RADAR GEM

Amid the constant blare of car horns in southern Mexico City, it’s hard to imagine that Cuicuilco was once the heart of a thriving ancient civilization. Yet atop its circular pyramid, now surrounded by buildings and a shopping centre, a pre-Hispanic fire god was revered.

HIGHER COSTS EQUALS TRAVEL TRADE-OFFS

Rising travel costs across key segments of the industry are reshaping how North Americans plan, book and prioritize trips, according to research from Internova Travel Group (ITG), one of the world’s largest travel services companies, which includes Travel Leaders Network in its portfolio.

CANADA COMPASS: New indigenous experiences for 2026

As interest and the demand for authentic Indigenous experiences across the country continues to rise, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has created a list of new and notable experiences where visitors can discover the resilience and vibrancy of Indigenous cultures and communities through events range from revitalized traditions and sustainable stays to culinary storytelling and community-led adventures.

REEF TO RUNWAY: Hawaiian airports to benefit from airline investment plan

Hawaii’s airports are slated to get a fresh look as part of Hawaiian Airlines’ newly announced investment plan of more than US$600 million over the next five years, designed to comprehensively enhance the experience for guests travelling to, from, and within the islands.

WISHLIST ’26: Secret towns of the Algarve

Portugal’s Algarve is by no means unknown to world travellers, but the southern region of the country still allows for unspoiled experiences, with Visit Algarve touting to visitors the authentic beauty of its lesser-known towns, scenic trails and nature.

FLYWAY TO HELL: A Maritime traveller’s ‘ridiculous’ journey home

By Sean Ridgeley/ Kaylee Clarke was making her way back to school in Truro, N.S. from Newfoundland after the holidays when it quickly became clear it was not going to be a straightforward trip. Ultimately, a journey that should have taken a few hours took a few days, hampered by airline delays and reroutes, damaged luggage, and 14 hours just to get back where she started.

WESTJET BOSS TRIED CONTROVERSIAL SEATS

Last November, WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech stepped onto a plane bound for Toronto along with five other executives, the chairman of the board and several union representatives to try out the airline’s new compacted seating at the back of the cabin.

FOR LAUDERDALE ROLLS OUT WELCOME MAT FOR IPW: No. 1 Canadian trade invited

By Michael Baginski/ U.S. Travel’s signature inbound travel trade show IPW – running since 1969 – is set to take place for the first time ever in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and organizers are putting out the welcome mat for Canadians for an event that organizers promise will be like none before.

HOLY MOLY, ROME JUBILEE ATTRACTS OVER 33 MILLION

As the final pilgrims of the 2025 Holy Year passed through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome last week, the Vatican claimed success after more than 33 million people participated in what was the rarest of Jubilees: opened by one pope and closed by another.

ROUND-UP: Jan. 5-9, 2026

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.

RED MENACE: Life-threatening storm wallops England, headed for continent

A rare “weather bomb” swept across Britain overnight with warnings of life-threatening winds, rains and snowfall and major travel disruptions as it headed in from the southwest of England during what already has been one of the country’s worst cold snaps in years.

STUDY FLAGS INFLIGHT WATER WORRIES

An excuse to have another beer or glass of wine when flying? A new study emanating from south of the border warns travellers not to drink tea, coffee, or unbottled water on flights, load up on ice, or even clean their hands in washrooms, due to potentially unhealthy water used on board many aircraft.

THE ART OF LUXURY TRAVEL: Where elegance meets the Earth

By Cindy-Lou Dale/ A quiet shift is reshaping what luxury means. Once, it was measured in exclusivity – fine linens, private jets, and polished isolation. Now, it’s measured in connection: to nature, to people, and to place.

U.S. EXPANDS BONDS FOR VISAS LIST

The Trump administration has added seven countries, including five in Africa, to the list of nations whose passport holders are required to post bonds of up to $15,000 to apply to enter the United States.

GAIL LEA TIPPED FOR TAAP ROLE IN CANADA

Expedia TAAP has announced the appointment of Gail Lea as Business Development Manager and Account Manager for Canada. With more than 20 years of experience in tourism marketing, destination development, and front-line travel advising, Lea brings a strong combination of industry insight, strategic capability, and relationship-driven leadership.

NO PLACE LIKE ROAM: Tauck launches new brand in 2026

Tauck has introduced its newest brand, Roam by Tauck. Designed for travellers in their 40s and 50s, the premium, flexible small group division of the still evolving 100-year-old tour operator will feature five itineraries in its first year, expanding to a dozen in 2027.

FROM BEST FRIENDS TO ELBOWS UP: Tourism leaders offer blueprint to end Canada-U.S. travel meltdown 

By Shannon Stowell/ Remember when Canadians and Americans mostly argued about who invented basketball and who should have won the Stanley Cup or World Series? The Beyond Borders Tourism Coalition (BBTC) is now staring at a border relationship so strained that empty hotel rooms, quiet main streets and $100 park surcharges are doing the talking – and none of it is good for tourism. 

TRANSAT PILOTS RATIFY DECEMBER DEAL

Air Transat pilots have overwhelmingly ratified a new five-year employment contract, according to the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA). Of the 98% of 750 eligible pilots who cast ballots, 91% voted in favour of the deal, negotiated in December, which offered a wage hike of more than 50% on average over five years.

RETAIL ROUND-UP: Agent news, fams & incentives

This week: Travel Master advisors visited Mexico; Total Advantage Travel & Tours has a launched a host agency; TDC held its Sales Academy at Sea; Kensington goes corporate; an incentive from Quark Expeditions, and Atlas Ocean Voyages has a new website for agents.

MOSQUITO THREAT DIMINISHING, SAYS CUBA

Citing the successful implementation of comprehensive prevention and control measures across the country, the Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto is reporting a sustained downward trend in arbovirus cases in the destination, including dengue, chikungunya, and Oropouche.

WISHLIST ’26: Inspiring Scotland on screen

According to the latest Scotland Visitor Survey, one in five visitors (19%) said film, TV or literature inspired their trip – a figure that rises to 37% for long-haul travellers.

UNPACKING THE YEAR AHEAD: Seven trends that will shape 2026

From sports you’ve never heard of to book club retreats, salvaged hotels to farm stays, new trends in 2026 will flip the script on traditional getaways, predicts Expedia in its annual ‘Unpack’ report, which highlights shifts in traveller behaviour and the destinations set to dominate itineraries in the coming year, including several Canadian destinations and activities spotlighted throughout.  

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