Sunwing’s Vacation Van is back in action. Following its launch in Toronto last fall, the van has gone international, making the journey to Montego Bay, Jamaica, for an activation starring Canadian game show host, Adam Growe (“Cash Cab”).
Some US embassies in European nations are taking to social media with pointed warnings to would-be visitors: Watch your step. Embassies in at least 17 countries have put up posts featuring images of administration figures, including Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, warning those seeking visas that engaging in behaviour deemed harmful by the government could get deported.
The Federal Court of Appeal is upholding a decision by the country’s transport regulator that aims to boost accessibility for air travellers living with a disability. A judicial tribunal has dismissed an appeal by Air Canada that sought to overturn a requirement to fully accommodate passengers whose wheelchairs are too large to fit through the cargo doors of some aircraft.
Gen Z is eager to embrace the bounce-back in business travel, but younger travellers are also more likely to feel stressed, experience disruption, and lack clarity on the support their employer provides.
The Las Vegas Visitor and Convention Authority (LVCVA) is visiting Canada this week, with its Eastern Canada mission concluding in Winnipeg Thursday, following gala events in Montreal and Toronto earlier in the week,
Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) is hosting its national leadership conference at Club Med Marbella on Spain’s Costa del Sol this week, with the key theme of personalized development. On hand are owners and managers of franchised and affiliated agencies of the TDC network, regional managers of Transat/Travel agencies, members of the TDC management team, as well as a host of preferred partners.
When travellers think of beach getaways, their first thought may be to spend their days relaxing under the sun, and while white-sand lounging certainly has a place on tropical vacations, it’s not the only way to experience the sands of paradise. With dozens of beaches to explore in Aruba, there’s no limit to what vacationers can do, from ocean exploration to enjoying the lively nightlife.
Tariffs, Trump, an election – 2025 has has gotten off to a tumultuous start as Canadians face an uncertain political and economic future. But, according to Flight Centre, Canadians are still eager to travel – albeit with a new priority: simplicity, connection and escape from the relentless news cycle and pace of modern life. Or put another way, “prioritizing peace over politics.”
The union representing WestJet pilots is asking a judge to quash federal approval of temporary foreign workers in the cockpit. In an application it says was filed Monday, the Air Line Pilots Association petitioned the Federal Court to declare invalid a government decision green-lighting temporary work permits at WestJet Encore earlier this month.
Mayor Tom Ross opens his laptop. He navigates through his email inbox, double-clicks on a message and turns the screen. A long paragraph is titled “Regretful cancelling visits to Minot.” The email is addressed to the mayor of the North Dakota town and extends four or five lines.
This week: The Travel Agent Next Door was recognized by Air Canada; FCM Travel appointments; Good deeds from First in Travel (F1S); an Ontario travel agency closure; and a Fort Lauderdale incentive for travel advisors.
A ‘transformative’ Singapore is on track to smash its all-time international arrivals record this year, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council, which forecasts that Thailand – fuelled by the White Lotus effect – is similarly on pace to break all records with 5% growth.
Women over 50 are the fastest-growing travel demographic, according to a ground-breaking study by Intrepid Travel, in partnership with JourneyWoman. With more women living longer and wanting to travel independently, the segment is expected to drive CAD$746 billion in spending by 2035.
WestJet will launch new service between Halifax and Barcelona, Spain, beginning June 27. The seasonal route will operate four times per week as part of WestJet’s summer 2025 schedule, offering Atlantic Canadians a direct connection to what the airline says is one of its most sought-after European destinations.
Mexico City lawmakers have voted overwhelmingly to ban violent bullfighting, triggering outrage from aficionados and celebration from animal rights advocates. The legislation, approved by a 61-1 vote, prohibits the killing of bulls and the use of sharp objects that could injure the animals.
Canadians are now facing updated travel advisories to the world’s two largest economies after Ottawa warned travellers who stay in the United States for more than 30 days to make sure they register as required. At the same time, Canadians with dual citizenship have been warned to use Canadian credentials when presenting to Chinese authorities.
London Heathrow Airport said it was “fully operational” on Saturday, after an almost daylong closure sparked by an electrical substation fire. But thousands of passengers remained stuck, and airlines warned that severe disruption will last for days as they scramble to relocate planes and crews and get travellers to their destinations.
Airplanes with standing sections. An extra fee for boarding charged at airport terminals. Even smaller carry-on luggage allowances. These are a few of the features offered by ‘Unfair Canada,’ a fictional airline (based on a real one) with the slogan “where we can’t take you!” and which runs a scrolling banner on its website proclaiming “all flights cancelled because we feel like it.”
By Michael Baginski/ Tiny Anguilla has a big heart. So says Kimberly King of the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB), who visited Toronto and Montreal last week to update the trade on the most recent developments on the Caribbean island. “(Anguillans) are very, very friendly and offer warm hospitality,” she said. “(Visiting) us is a very authentic experience.”
Club Med has named Natasha George as Business Development Manager for Ontario and Western Canada, reporting to Jacinda Lowry, Associate VP of Sales, Canada. She will officially start her role on April 22.
Malaysia’s government has given final approval for a Texas-based marine robotics company to renew the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which is believed to have crashed in the southern Indian Ocean more than a decade ago.
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.
A preliminary report into a plane crash at Toronto’s Pearson airport last month says the aircraft’s alert system issued a warning about the descent rate less than three seconds before touchdown. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada released its report Thursday morning as it continues to investigate the Feb. 17 crash landing that sent 21 people to hospital, noting that it’s too early to draw any conclusions.
The boss of under-fire Amtrak abruptly resigned from his top post at the US passenger railroad with Stephen Gardner stating that he was said stepping down “to ensure that Amtrak continues to enjoy the full faith and confidence of this administration.”
“Take me out to the yakyuu game… buy me some kimchi and dumplings…” Sports is a major driver of tourism and with the Major League Baseball season having opened this week in Japan with the Dodgers and Cubs kicking off in Tokyo, early morning TV viewers got a rare glimpse of the game far from the fields – and culture – of North America.
A thief who swiped a golden toilet – after using it – from an English palace that is popular with tourists has been convicted along with an accomplice who helped cash in on the spoils of the 18-carat work of art insured for nearly £5 million (more than CDN$9.3 million).
As the world’s weather increasingly shapes the dynamics of travel and tourism in a myriad of ways (and everyday lives beyond our industry, of course), the World Meteorological Organization has laid bare all the markings of an increasingly warming world – with oceans at record high temperatures, sea levels rising, and glaciers retreating at record speed.
Fuelled by growing crime rates, Peru’s government declared a state of emergency in Lima Monday, with military announcing that it would deploy 1,000 soldiers in the capital to patrol key areas such as train stations, and support local police.
Porter Airlines is expanding its VIPorter loyalty program, giving members more ways to earn and redeem points for travel. For the first time, members can redeem VIPorter points for flights with partner airlines, starting with Air Transat and Alaska Airlines. Over 2,000 routes are now available for reward travel.
Anja Brokjans has assumed the role of Director of Public Relations for VoX as of January 2025.