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IT’S TIME FOR CIRIUM’S MOST PUNCTUAL PERFORMERS LIST

Aeromexico maintained a 90.02% on-time performance to claim the world’s most on-time global airline title for the second consecutive year, according to Cirium’s 2025 On-Time Performance Review, released on Jan. 2.

TICO LAUNCHES ENHANCED CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) has launched a new, enhanced Certification Program and exam for individuals aspiring to become Travel Counsellors and agency Supervisors/Managers.

G-WHIZ: Incentive offers agents chance to $10,000 top prize, and more

‘G-Normous’ is back. The four-month competition from G Adventures is designed to supercharge advisor sales while giving agents across the country a chance to compete for a ‘G Dollar’ grand prize worth $10,000, which can be used to book any G Adventures trip globally. In total there are more than $45,000 in prizes to be won during the incentive period.

CANADA COMPASS: Edmonton prepares lively ‘winterruption’

As it does every year, Edmonton is preparing to make the most of Central Alberta’s typically frosty winter weather with a host of activities and events in the New Year that will bring a city alive with light, music, and outdoor celebration.

TURBULENCE AHEAD: More labour uncertainty for Canadian airlines in 2026

After several years of labour unrest in transport, Canadian travellers face more potential airline disruptions in 2026. The slew of work stoppages has left many wondering whether the coming year will be more peaceful on the aviation front – or if they still need to book with caution.

HAWAII CRUISE TAX BLOCKED: Reprieve for island-bound passengers

Just days after being given the go-ahead by a U.S. district court judge, a federal appeals court ruling on New Year’s Eve blocked Hawaii from enforcing a climate change tourist tax on cruise ships passengers, a levy that was set to go into effect at the start of 2026.

ROUND-UP: Dec. 29-Jan. 2, 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.

CLEAR SAILING FOR CRUISE PAX TAX IN HAWAII

A U.S. District Judge’s ruling has cleared the way for Hawaii to include cruise ship passengers in a new tourist tax to help cope with climate change, a levy set to go into effect at the start of 2026. The decision denied a request that sought to stop officials from enforcing the new law on cruises.

THE STUFF OF DREAMS: Air Canada Foundation continues to help kids

Dreams Take Flight, Air Canada and The Air Canada Foundation celebrated another successful year of heartfelt journeys to theme parks in Florida and California. This year, more than a thousand children across Canada got to experience a day full of rides, magic and laughter.

MEET THE MEGAHUBS: Ranking the world’s most connected airports

London Heathrow (LHR) has retained its title as the world’s most connected airport for the third consecutive year in 2025, offering over 59,000 possible connections to 226 destinations on the busiest day. Two Canadian airports made the annual top 50 ‘Megahubs’ list by global aviation data platform leader OAG: Toronto Pearson at 26, and Vancouver, 46.

DITCHING NIGHTFLIFE FOR NATURE

New Year’s Eve notwithstanding, travellers are increasingly prioritizing authenticity, nature and mindfulness over partying and nightlife according to Global Rescue Traveller Sentiment and Safety Survey. 

THE YEAR OF HAPPINESS: Where to travel your heart out in 2026

Each year, G Adventures releases its annual ‘Where to Travel’ list, looking at hot destinations for the upcoming year. But, this year, the travel company is doing things differently, focussing on how travel can change people, and its power to create lasting happiness. 

U.S. VISITS TO CANADA RISING

Trips by Americans to Canada rose for the first time in eight months in October, Statistics Canada reports. The number of trips to Canada by U.S. residents in October totalled 1,814,406, up 3% compared with 1,760,987 the same month last year.

PRETZELS OR COOKIES?: WestJet solves age-old mystery

As 2025 comes to a close, WestJet has revealed a list of some of its quirkiest and most critical stats of the year – such as the most-watched movies at 35,000 feet and whether guests consumed more cookies or pretzels.

WHERE ART MEETS ICE: Amazing ICEHOTEL boasts Canadian touch

Sweden’s ICEHOTEL – the world’s first (since 1989) – has opened in doors for the season, inviting guests to sleep surrounded by shimmering art made of ice and snow created by 33 artists from 12 countries, including Canada. A highlight this year is a grand piano – a full-scale piano made of ice – which will be played during the winter season.

ROUND-UP: Dec. 22-26, 2025

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.

FAM FRENZY: TTC Tour Brands, Intrepid, and Quark Expeditions launch agent offers

In the spirit of the season, several tour operators are launching (or relaunching) extensive FAM trip and/or prize opportunities that will enable travel advisors to experience some new or favourite destinations, and, at the same time, gain hands-on experience with a supplier that will help build their business.

BALKANS BONANZA: Air Transat taps into Albania, and beyond

Direct flights from Canada to Albania? Credit Air Transat for tapping into the Balkan country’s growing reputation among savvy travellers as an up-and-coming travel destination that is off the mainstream track in Europe but not lacking in amenities or charm.

TOY STORY: Sandals Foundation brings cheer during holidays

This holiday season, the simple joy of opening a new toy is reaching tens of thousands of children across the Caribbean through an annual toy drive led by the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

OUTSET COLLECTION: Hilton adds to growing lifestyle brand

Hilton has launched the Outset Collection by Hilton, the company’s 25th brand and eighth in its growing Lifestyle portfolio. The new brand underscores Hilton’s dramatic growth trajectory and focus on offerings for customers in the fastest-growing segments, particularly the collection and lifestyle spaces.

WHEN ‘NOT HOT’ IS COOL: Intrepid list looks ahead to ‘26

Intrepid Travel’s annual ‘Not Hot List’ showcases 10 lesser-known destinations ready to welcome more visitors in 2026. The list is designed to direct curious, conscientious travellers towards regions where their presence can have an outsized positive impact.

GOING SOLO: Goway launches new travel line for women

Goway’s new Solo Women Travel Line is designed to offer female travellers an opportunity to explore the world on their own, with five classic trips featuring Dubai, Egypt, India, Jordan, and Thailand. Every trip prioritizes safety and features single rate pricing and women-focused activities.

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