A round-up of 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.
NEWS
A weeklong contract ratification vote by flight attendants at WestJet is set to wrap up on this afternoon (Monday). The tentative deal reached with the airline after a one-day strike earlier this summer includes a more than 18% wage hike over three years, as well as a new duty period premium that adds compensation for work done on the ground.
Flight attendants and pilots are at the highest risk of dying from radiation-related cancers – even more than people who work with radioactive materials, according to a new study. Among more than 500 occupations, flight attendants had the highest percentage of deaths from radiation-related cancers, and pilots were second, the researchers found. For those two occupations, the odds of dying were unusually high for each type of radiation-related cancer.
A two-year comparative survey by ITB Berlin highlights new developments in perceived safety for queer travellers worldwide. Among them: Canada, along with The Netherlands are the highest rated countries in the world, while perception of the U.S. continues to drop.
BY THE NUMBERS
Virgin Voyages reports that it recorded the biggest revenue day in company history on Aug. 13, surpassing its previous Black Friday 2025 record. The record day – 45% over the year previous – was fueled by extraordinary demand for the launch of Virgin Voyages’ first Scandinavia and Baltics season, with five new itineraries sailing from Amsterdam aboard Valiant Lady in summer 2028. Within hours of opening, demand reached record levels, with every available cabin selling out shortly after launch. The Northern Europe season alone accounted for more than half of the day’s total revenue, nearly two years before Valiant Lady even arrives in the region.
AIR
With the airline set to operate up to 1,252 weekly flights on 88 unique non-stop routes between Canada and Latin America and the Caribbean this winter, WestJet says it will offer its most extensive schedule to Latin America and the Caribbean yet, growing year-over-year (YOY) capacity by 12%. Moreover, WestJet says it is building on its position as Canada’s largest airline to four countries famous for their sun and sand including Mexico, Belize, Honduras and Aruba. The growth is a result of increased flight frequencies, the use of larger aircraft and new routes.
Beginning in December, Air Canada will launch new weekly year-round service between Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and Guatemala City (GUA), which, together with existing Montreal service, will provide more opportunity for Canadians to discover Guatemala’s rich culture, colonial Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Tikal’s ancient Maya temples, and more.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Grand Cayman Marriott Resort (above) is entering a new chapter with a multi-million-dollar investment that will restore its shoreline and introduce a refreshed identity as Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort. For years, natural coastal changes have reshaped sections of Seven Mile Beach, one of the Caribbean’s most iconic shorelines. The government approved restoration project will replenish the resort’s beachfront with carefully sourced sand and introduce low-profile rock structures designed to stabilize the shoreline over time. The beach restoration is expected to finish early September and will be open to the public and may serve as a model for future coastal restoration efforts across the island.
Uber is officially rolling out Hotels on Uber in Canada, making it the second market globally after the US to get the feature. Through a partnership with Expedia Group, Canadians can now search, book, and secure rides to a wide selection of hotels, which will ultimately grow to more than 700,000 properties in destinations around the globe without leaving the Uber app.
Uber One members get an added incentive: 10% back in Uber credits on hotel bookings, plus savings on a curated selection of 10,000+ hotels.
DEALS
Through Aug. 31, Transat’s new summer promotion offers discounts of up to 45% on a selection of vacation packages to Jamaica, departing from Montreal, Toronto, and Halifax. In addition, travellers will receive the Option Flex Standard, free of charge, providing added peace of mind. Travel must take place by April 30, 2027.
TOURS
WestJet Vacations’ new self-serve cancellation feature for travel advisors makes it easier to manage eligible vacation package bookings directly through the WestJet Vacations Agent Portal. Available through Manage my bookings, the new functionality allows advisors to cancel eligible client bookings online using the guest’s last name, booking number, email address and payment details.
National Geographic Signature with G Adventures is expanding its fast-growing high-end collection of expeditions with 17 new itineraries, with the latest addition bringing the total number of trips that enable guests to “see the world though National Geographic’s iconic lense” to 67 across 48 destinations. Building on Signature’s philosophy of “redefining luxury travel through deeper, more immersive experiences in some of the world’s most fascinating destinations,” G Adventures says it is responding to growing demand for travel that combines rare access, expert insight and meaningful connections with local communities.
CRUISE
Scenic Group has unveiled its new 2028-29 collection of Scenic Eclipse II voyages and handcrafted land journeys across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the South Pacific, marking the Discovery Yacht’s return to the region following her successful 2024 and ‘25 seasons. From the Kimberley region (photo above) and Tasmania, to New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines and the islands of the South Pacific, this collection combines iconic cities with some of the region’s unique coastlines.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (Aug. 27-Nov. 21) is one of Orlando’s most popular annual events that invites visitors to sample global cuisine, specialty beverages and live entertainment throughout EPCOT. Running through November, the festival remains a major draw for food-focused travellers looking to pair culinary experiences with a theme park vacation. FusionFest (end of Nov.) celebrates Orlando’s global cultures. This free multicultural festival brings together cuisine, music, dance, art and traditions from around the world, showcasing the diversity that shapes Orlando.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Through Sept. 30, travelbrands’ “Book your GROUP with us for a chance to WIN IT BACK!” promotion spans FIT Groups, Encore Cruises Groups, Exotik Journeys Groups and Intair Flights Groups, and includes group getaways and cruises to custom itineraries to flights. To participate, advisors simply need to make an eligible group booking during the promotional period. Each qualifying booking provides a chance to win back the value of the group. Visit www.travelbrandsaccess.com.
EVENTS
Collette invites travel advisors to join a special virtual event, Through “Their Eyes: Experiencing Sicily & Its Isles with Collette” to gain firsthand insights from a traveller who recently explored the Italian destination with Collette. The virtual event will be hosted by Collette Product Marketing Manager Rachel Jordan and Kelsie Marchetti, Head of Virtual Events, and will take place on Aug. 27 at 12 noon. Together, they will offer advisors an in-depth look at what sets Sicily apart, highlighting the experiences, local connections, and immersive moments that resonate most with travellers today. Register HERE for the event. Access to an on-demand version will be available for those that register but are unable to attend the live event.
Unique Vacations Canada has opened registration for the final five Sandals Masterclass online sessions in 2026, taking place in September and October. Participants must be certified as a Sandals Elite Advisor to register. For those who are not, they can visit taportal.sandals.com and complete the online, module-based training at their own pace. Dates for the series take place 10 a.m. – noon local time as follows: Sept. 2 – 10 a.m. CST – Saskatchewan; Sept. 3 – 10 a.m. PDT – B.C.; Oct. 1 – 10 a.m. EDT – Ontario; Oct. 14 – 10 a.m. MDT – Alberta; Oct. 15 – 10 a.m. CDT – Manitoba. Register HERE.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Trevello Travel Group has announced the promotion of Susan Lawson to Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Partnerships. Previously Director of Engagement, Lawson will lead sales, marketing, supplier partnerships, events, training and mentorship at the Canadian-based host agency.
Intrepid Travel has appointed Brian McLaren as Head of Sales for North America, based in Toronto. McLaren brings more than 20 years of travel industry experience to the role, most recently serving as EVP & General Manager of Flight Centre Canada.
DESTINATIONS
Jamaica is poised for significant expansion of airlift from the Canadian market this winter, with 400,000 seats available to the Caribbean island from its second largest market. The increase is driven by expanded service from long-standing airline partners Air Canada and WestJet-Sunwing, together with new non-stop service from Porter Airlines, according the Jamaica Tourist Board and further moves the needle together the JTB’s goal of reaching 600,000 annual visitor arrivals from Canada and US$750 million in tourism earnings from the market by 2030.
The Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) has appointed Jesson & Company Communications Inc. as its Public Relations, Sales & Marketing Agency of Record in Canada, effective as of July 1, 2026. The partnership will support ATB’s efforts to strengthen destination awareness, travel trade engagements and media relations. In Anguilla’s second-largest source market, Jesson & Company Communications will support the ATB’s efforts to strengthen destination awareness, building on Anguilla’s existing brand visibility with incisive narrative strategy and inspired media outreach, sales initiatives, trade engagements and marketing activities.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1914, the first ship passed through the Panama Canal.
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