B.V.I. PREMIER AND PORTS DIRECTOR CAUGHT IN DRUG STING
The premier of the British Virgin Islands appeared in federal court in Miami on Friday after his arrest on cocaine-smuggling charges, while Britain's governor of the Caribbean territory announced that a corruption inquiry found ample reason to suspend the islands' elected government. MORE
RIDING HIGH
Coast to coast coasters coming in 2022
Thrill-seekers will be riding high this year with the debut of no less than four major new attractions in the US, spanning the country from coast to coast. Busch Gardens will unveil Iron Gwazi in Tampa, while SeaWorld breaks the ice with a new ride in Orlando and California’s fastest, tallest, and longest dive coaster in San Diego. There’s also something for swingers in San Antonio. Here’s a look: MORE
KEY WEST’S FANTASY FEST BEGINS
Fantasy Fest has begun in Key West, despite the cancellation nearly two months ago of its iconic Duval Street parade and other large-crowd highlights to protect against the potential spread of COVID-19. (Video) MORE
ANTIGEN TESTS WORK CONCLUDES WESTJET-YVR STUDY
WestJet and the Vancouver Airport Authority (VAA) say that the results of their high-profile COVID-19 Testing Study at YVR, now concluded, prove that antigen testing is an “effective, acceptable, and cost-efficient method for screening travellers” that can contribute to “safer and healthier air travel.” MORE
UN SEEKS HELP FOR ST. VINCENT
Devastating impact as volcanic eruptions continue to threaten
The United Nations announced Tuesday that it is seeking US $29.2 million to help St. Vincent recover from ongoing volcanic eruptions that have destroyed homes and crops, contaminated water supplies and displaced up to 20% of people on the eastern Caribbean island. MORE
VIRTUALLY THERE
Getting the goods on groups at TTC
As travel begins to rebound, group sales are destined to be an important revenue driver for travel counsellors. The Travel Corporation (TTC), whose brands include Trafalgar, Costsaver, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold and Contiki is planning a two-part webinar series, starting later this week, to help agents “prepare for a most successful comeback.” MORE
A BLOW TO RYANAIR
EU court approves state help measures
A top court has ruled that measures introduced by France and Sweden to help some airlines weather the fallout of coronavirus restrictions are compatible with European Union law, dealing a major blow to low-cost carrier Ryanair which challenged them as unfair. MORE
Some of last week’s notable news includes federal approval for Air Canada’s Transat takeover; Sunwing and Marriott playing let’s make a deal; and new flights for Flair. MORE
AROUND THE WORLD IN ONE DAY
Oceania 2023 journey sells out in 24 hours
Oceania Cruises says its 2023 “Around the World in 180 Days” voyage sold out within one day of opening for sale to the general, prompting company execs to state that “travellers are clearly bullish on the future (of cruising).” MORE
Jan. 25, 2020: A Toronto man in his 50s who returned from the Chinese city of Wuhan - the initial epicentre of the outbreak - becomes the first presumptive case of the novel coronavirus in Canada. The man is placed in isolation in Toronto's Sunnybrook Hospital. MORE
LOVE HURTS
Cruise line sells Pacific Princess
This one hurts. Princess Cruises says it’s selling Pacific Princess – the vessel most closely identified as being the famed “Love Boat.” Of course, like most love stories, it’s a little complicated. The ship that still inspires fond memories of Captain Stubing, Julie, Isaac, Gopher, Doc, plus hundreds of beloved guest stars, in the 1970/80s TV show “The Love Boat” is in fact the second iteration of the Pacific Princess, which took the reigns, er ropes, of the original in 2003. MORE
The Canada-US border will stay closed for at least another month; Royal Caribbean is selling Azamara; and the 737 Max is finally on the move. MORE
HARD NOT TO SPEAK ILL
Good Samaritan shows symptoms after helping passenger with virus
An emergency medical technician said he has COVID-19 symptoms after performing CPR on a man infected with the coronavirus who later died after going into cardiac arrest during a United Airlines flight. MORE
B.C. BOOSTS TOURISM SECTOR SUPPORT
The British Columbia government has added $55 million to a grant relief fund to help tourism businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism Minister Melanie Mark said Thursday the additional cash follows recommendations of a task force report to immediately launch a $105-million fund to help the tourism sector. MORE
WAS IT COVID
CDC looks into death of man on flight from Florida
United Airlines has given information about other passengers to federal health officials after a man who possibly had coronavirus-like symptoms died shortly after being on a flight Monday from Orlando, Florida, to Los Angeles. MORE
COVID-19 vaccinations began at last in Canada; Ontario plans a tourism tax credit; and Air Canada has a new COO. MORE
IT PAYS TO VACATION IN ONTARIO
Province plans travel tax credit for tourism
Ontario is creating a travel tax credit to help reinvigorate the province's tourism industry when COVID-19 restrictions are eased. Tourism Minister Lisa MacLeod said Thursday that the credit will allow for a 20 percent return on every dollar spent, and noted that the government has set aside $150 million for it. MORE
TOP NOTCH
Green light for gondola, and other Swiss news
A trip to the “Top of the Europe” in Switzerland will be quicker than ever thanks to a new gondola opening this week, with the Eiger Express set to shave about 45 minutes off the journey to popular “Jungfraujoch.” MORE
NOT JUST HANGING LOOSE
Hawaii as a remote workplace with a view
Software engineer Raymond Berger begins his work day at 5 am., before the sun comes up over Hawaii. Rising early is necessary because the company he works for is in New York City, five hours ahead of Maui, where he is renting a home with a backyard that's near the beach. MORE
Air Canada and Shoppers Drug Mart have partnered for COVID testing; Air France returns to YVR; Cyber Monday deals, and more: MORE
B.V.I. PREMIER AND PORTS DIRECTOR CAUGHT IN DRUG STING
The premier of the British Virgin Islands appeared in federal court in Miami on Friday after his arrest on cocaine-smuggling charges, while Britain's governor of the Caribbean territory announced that a corruption inquiry found ample reason to suspend the islands' elected government. MORE
RIDING HIGH
Coast to coast coasters coming in 2022
Thrill-seekers will be riding high this year with the debut of no less than four major new attractions in the US, spanning the country from coast to coast. Busch Gardens will unveil Iron Gwazi in Tampa, while SeaWorld breaks the ice with a new ride in Orlando and California’s fastest, tallest, and longest dive coaster in San Diego. There’s also something for swingers in San Antonio. Here’s a look: MORE
KEY WEST’S FANTASY FEST BEGINS
Fantasy Fest has begun in Key West, despite the cancellation nearly two months ago of its iconic Duval Street parade and other large-crowd highlights to protect against the potential spread of COVID-19. (Video) MORE
ANTIGEN TESTS WORK CONCLUDES WESTJET-YVR STUDY
WestJet and the Vancouver Airport Authority (VAA) say that the results of their high-profile COVID-19 Testing Study at YVR, now concluded, prove that antigen testing is an “effective, acceptable, and cost-efficient method for screening travellers” that can contribute to “safer and healthier air travel.” MORE
UN SEEKS HELP FOR ST. VINCENT
Devastating impact as volcanic eruptions continue to threaten
The United Nations announced Tuesday that it is seeking US $29.2 million to help St. Vincent recover from ongoing volcanic eruptions that have destroyed homes and crops, contaminated water supplies and displaced up to 20% of people on the eastern Caribbean island. MORE
VIRTUALLY THERE
Getting the goods on groups at TTC
As travel begins to rebound, group sales are destined to be an important revenue driver for travel counsellors. The Travel Corporation (TTC), whose brands include Trafalgar, Costsaver, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold and Contiki is planning a two-part webinar series, starting later this week, to help agents “prepare for a most successful comeback.” MORE
A BLOW TO RYANAIR
EU court approves state help measures
A top court has ruled that measures introduced by France and Sweden to help some airlines weather the fallout of coronavirus restrictions are compatible with European Union law, dealing a major blow to low-cost carrier Ryanair which challenged them as unfair. MORE
Some of last week’s notable news includes federal approval for Air Canada’s Transat takeover; Sunwing and Marriott playing let’s make a deal; and new flights for Flair. MORE
AROUND THE WORLD IN ONE DAY
Oceania 2023 journey sells out in 24 hours
Oceania Cruises says its 2023 “Around the World in 180 Days” voyage sold out within one day of opening for sale to the general, prompting company execs to state that “travellers are clearly bullish on the future (of cruising).” MORE
Jan. 25, 2020: A Toronto man in his 50s who returned from the Chinese city of Wuhan - the initial epicentre of the outbreak - becomes the first presumptive case of the novel coronavirus in Canada. The man is placed in isolation in Toronto's Sunnybrook Hospital. MORE
LOVE HURTS
Cruise line sells Pacific Princess
This one hurts. Princess Cruises says it’s selling Pacific Princess – the vessel most closely identified as being the famed “Love Boat.” Of course, like most love stories, it’s a little complicated. The ship that still inspires fond memories of Captain Stubing, Julie, Isaac, Gopher, Doc, plus hundreds of beloved guest stars, in the 1970/80s TV show “The Love Boat” is in fact the second iteration of the Pacific Princess, which took the reigns, er ropes, of the original in 2003. MORE
The Canada-US border will stay closed for at least another month; Royal Caribbean is selling Azamara; and the 737 Max is finally on the move. MORE
HARD NOT TO SPEAK ILL
Good Samaritan shows symptoms after helping passenger with virus
An emergency medical technician said he has COVID-19 symptoms after performing CPR on a man infected with the coronavirus who later died after going into cardiac arrest during a United Airlines flight. MORE
B.C. BOOSTS TOURISM SECTOR SUPPORT
The British Columbia government has added $55 million to a grant relief fund to help tourism businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism Minister Melanie Mark said Thursday the additional cash follows recommendations of a task force report to immediately launch a $105-million fund to help the tourism sector. MORE
WAS IT COVID
CDC looks into death of man on flight from Florida
United Airlines has given information about other passengers to federal health officials after a man who possibly had coronavirus-like symptoms died shortly after being on a flight Monday from Orlando, Florida, to Los Angeles. MORE
COVID-19 vaccinations began at last in Canada; Ontario plans a tourism tax credit; and Air Canada has a new COO. MORE
IT PAYS TO VACATION IN ONTARIO
Province plans travel tax credit for tourism
Ontario is creating a travel tax credit to help reinvigorate the province's tourism industry when COVID-19 restrictions are eased. Tourism Minister Lisa MacLeod said Thursday that the credit will allow for a 20 percent return on every dollar spent, and noted that the government has set aside $150 million for it. MORE
TOP NOTCH
Green light for gondola, and other Swiss news
A trip to the “Top of the Europe” in Switzerland will be quicker than ever thanks to a new gondola opening this week, with the Eiger Express set to shave about 45 minutes off the journey to popular “Jungfraujoch.” MORE
NOT JUST HANGING LOOSE
Hawaii as a remote workplace with a view
Software engineer Raymond Berger begins his work day at 5 am., before the sun comes up over Hawaii. Rising early is necessary because the company he works for is in New York City, five hours ahead of Maui, where he is renting a home with a backyard that's near the beach. MORE
Air Canada and Shoppers Drug Mart have partnered for COVID testing; Air France returns to YVR; Cyber Monday deals, and more: MORE
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AND IF YOU MISSED YESTERDAY’S NEWS… CHECK OUT THESE STORIES
AT IPW
Los Angeles welcomes the world at ‘watershed’ moment
IPW kicked off on the weekend with Los Angeles welcoming 5,700 delegates at the California city’s latest incarnation of US Travel’s largest inbound travel show, though first in 12 years. A delegation of over 100 Canadian trade and media (including Travel Industry Today) began trickling in late last week for weekend events and Saturday’s opening night gala at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. MORE
WESTJET SCHEDULES COULD BE REDUCED
Issues 72-hour lockout notice to mechanics union
WestJet has issued a 72-hour lockout notice to the union representing its mechanics, and warns a work stoppage could happen as early as Tuesday. The Calgary-based airline says in a statement that the decision follows an announcement of a strike vote by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, which represents approximately 670 aircraft maintenance engineers and skilled trade groups with the carrier. MORE
A UNITED VISION FOR NATURE
Tourism organizations launch ‘historic’ nature-positive partnership
The leading players of Travel & Tourism globally have published a landmark joint report setting out their joint plan to help halt and reverse biodiversity loss. The project marks a new collaborative era in the sector says the partner, which launched "Nature Positive Travel & Tourism in Action" in April in conjunction with Earth Month. MORE
SOUTHWEST WANTS LESS QUIRK, MORE CASH
Southwest Airlines is studying changes to its quirky boarding and seating policies as it searches for ways to raise more revenue. Airline officials say they are studying possible changes but won’t have anything to announce until September. That tease is leading to speculation about whether Southwest might ditch some longstanding traditions, including the practice of passengers picking their own seats only after they board a plane. MORE
CATALONIA WEIGHS WATER RESTRICTIONS FOR TOURISTS
As jurisdictions like Venice increasingly look to regulate visitors to help solve local problems, Spain’s drought-stricken Catalonia is considering imposing water restrictions on tourists in the driest parts of the region if domestic consumption is not curtailed. The restriction of 100 litres per tourist per day for hotels would go into effect if a municipality fails to keep domestic water use by residents below established limits for three consecutive months under the current “drought emergency” for the northeastern region. MORE
NO BIGGER CELEBRATION
Madonna transforms Rio’s Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans. It was the last show of The Celebration Tour, her first retrospective, which kicked off in October in London. MORE
Air Canada dropped new seat selection fees (for now), ACTA opened nominations for its annual awards and Dubai announced it is planning a $35-billion airport and urban growth project. In other round-up from last week, food service workers went back to work at Pearson, but Transat flight dispatchers voted for a strike mandate. Meanwhile, travel advisors received the seal of approval from CLIA for their outsized influence in cruise bookings. MORE
