By Michael Baginski/ Many Caribbean nations are looking further north than usual for visitors as economic turmoil threatens the United States and wary (and aggrieved) Canadians look for alternative destinations to the U.S. for their summer holidays.
Five United States senators were in Ottawa late last week to meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney and underscore the long-standing relationship between the two countries, at the same time stressing the hope that Canadians will continue to visit the U.S. despite the currently fractious relationship between the two countries.
Rendez-vous Canada (RVC), Canada’s largest tourism tradeshow, kicks off today (May 27) in Winnipeg, bringing together 500 Canadian tourism businesses and more than 400 buyers from 22 international markets – including Destination Canada’s nine key markets – to showcase Canada to the world for the rest of the week. The event is expected to generate tens of millions in sales.
Air Transat continues to explore new horizons in South America with the launch of an exclusive new route between Toronto (YYZ) and Medellín (MDE), via Cartagena (CTG). The carrier is also extending service to both Bordeaux, France, and Valencia, Spain, next winter.
The underground tunnels in Canada’s most notorious city have always been open to Americans, including rumoured hotshot gangsters – and they want to keep it that way. The Tunnels of Moose Jaw, along with other businesses in the Saskatchewan city say they’re in line with a new campaign to welcome U.S. visitors at a time when tariffs have pushed elbows up. “Forget about annexation, come for relaxation,” the city’s mayor says in a cheeky promotional video.
Sunwing Vacations’ annual ‘Sun Week’ week-long saving event runs though June 1 with daily deals on resorts resorts across Cuba, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, plus excursion discounts and the chance to win private transfers, vacations and more.
As summer approaches, a new global survey reveals what young travellers are really dreaming about and – spoiler alert – it’s not just ice cream and cartoons. From friendship quests to superhero adventures, today’s young adventurers have spoken, and they’re bringing big imagination to their travel wish lists.
Globus says exotic travel is taking off this year with the travel company reporting record-breaking growth across its “farthest-flung touring destinations” – from the Great Wall of China to the Great Migration in East Africa. Indeed, Global notes that 90% of its departures to exotic destinations this year are already guaranteed to operate.
Skal Toronto reminds that early bird rates expire on May 30 for one of the summer’s top travel events. The 69th Annual Skål Toronto Golf Tournament will take place at the Royal Woodbine Golf Club on Wednesday, Aug. 20. Open to all, not just Skålleagues, the event attracts tourism, hospitality and travel industry executives from across the travel industry for a day of networking, exercise and fun.
ITA Airways has officially received begun integrating into Star Alliance following a verdict by the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB). Building on its induction into the Lufthansa Group earlier this year, this decision paves the way for its entry into the world’s largest airline alliance, which notably includes Air Canada.
Streamlining the guest experience for cruisers joining excursions ashore, Carnival Cruise Line announced plans today to bring an innovative digital platform to its tour operator partners that eliminates physical tickets and provides enhanced functionality.
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.
While solo travel remains popular and empowering for many, safety remains a top concern – especially when choosing destinations and accommodations The survey revealed that nearly one in three travellers (33%) have been victims of theft, scams or other crimes while abroad.
A Spanish High Court judge ruled in March that an agreement over salaries between the union CCOO and Ryanair last year was not valid after rival union USO contested it in January. Now Irish airline Ryanair has asked some flight attendants in Spain to pay back thousands of euros in raises they have received since last year as part of the union deal later struck down in court.
Cannabis lounges were once seen as a promising new frontier in Nevada’s legal marijuana industry – the bedrock of a new Amsterdam-like weed tourism district in a Sin City on the cutting edge of hospitality innovation.
Even as Cuba struggles with power outages and technological scarcity, Havana’s Doña Alicia restaurant has leaped into the 21st century with digital menus, Alexa-enabled assistance, touchless bathrooms and even a food-delivering robot.
While the United States was once a top travel destination for Canadians looking for sunshine, shopping, and seasonal escapes, those travel patterns are changing. According to Laurie Leonard, a senior corporate travel agent with Enjoy Travel in Timmins, American destinations just aren’t drawing the same crowds anymore.
By Suzanne Sangiovese/ AI is no longer just an emerging trend in travel – it’s a driving force behind smarter, more seamless experiences. It’s proving valuable in destination research and itinerary optimization, as well as transforming how businesses and travellers engage with services. From tailored trip planning to streamlined customer support, intelligent solutions are redefining how the industry operates and meets diverse travel needs.
WestJet has launched its participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, which allows guests with non-visible disabilities to discreetly signal that they may require more assistance while travelling, including extra time, patience and support.
Canadian arrivals in Los Cabos have jumped over 12% in the first two months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, making Canada the fastest-growing international market for the Pacific Mexican destination.
Québec’s country roads are brimming with regional flavours, scenic landscapes and local culture. Here are four signature tourist routes and itineraries that encourage visitors to chart a course by car (or bike) and discover the sights and flavours of the province.
“Out of Many, One People” isn’t just a motto in Jamaica, it perfectly describes this vibrant yet laidback country at its core. Influenced by far-flung destinations such as Africa, Europe and Asia, the destination has a culture that is truly unlike any other. These influences are put on display at various events throughout the year, allowing vacationers to get a firsthand look at Jamaica’s colourful culture and the magic that one can find there.
By Michael Baginski/ Travel remains strong in 2025, according to a new survey of Nexion Travel Group (NTG) members in Canada, who report that factors such as global uncertainty, political tensions between the U.S. and Canada, as well as a weaker loonie and economic distrust, have affected where – but not whether – Canadians are travelling this year.
Emirates and MSC Cruises have extended their long-term strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the air-sea traveller experience, supporting Dubai’s cruise ambitions to become a major cruise hub, and exploring future opportunities for joint growth across the airline’s extensive network.
This week: Travel Oregon host Brand USA FAM winners; Virtuoso and Uniglobe Travel Canada members gathered in exotic locals; First in Service enhanced support for members; and a Toronto TRAVELSAVERS advisor received a uniquely prestigious award.
Toronto-based Skyroute Travel Group has partnered with travel technology provider Farenexus Group to launch NetFaresHub, a next-generation, intelligent booking platform designed to empower travel agencies across the Canadian market.
The travel trade is being invited to discover Sri Lanka at a unique event taking place May 31 as part of the World Travel Expo at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Supported by the Sri Lanka High Commission, the event is being hosted by Prestige Discoveries in partnership with the Global Tourism Film Festival, and will feature the documentary film ‘Realm of Paradise,’ by filmmaker and avid traveller Anna Leonti.
By Michael Baginski/ With Canadian visitations rebounding and a continued strong interest from the U.S., the Caribbean tourism sector is continuing robust recovery and expansion, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).
Travellers like to get their bags. So declares the International Air Transport Association, which has launched a Global Baggage Roadmap to modernize baggage operations. To be developed with airlines, airports, and industry partners over a mere 10-year timeframe, the roadmap sets a clear path, says IATA, to improve both operational efficiency and traveller satisfaction
From Harry Potter to Super Mario Bros. to Frankenstein’s monster, Universal Orlando Resort is pulling out all the pop culture stops at its newest and largest theme park in Florida – the multibillion-dollar Universal Epic Universe, opens this week (May 22) with five distinctively themed sections and a 500-room hotel.