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
Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed last week that changes to visa rules for travel to European countries are a “possibility.” Speaking ahead of his trip to France to address to the European Parliament, the prime minister said travel visas amount to just one element of ongoing talks on deepening ties with the European Union.
Canadian passport holders will continue to enjoy visa-free entry to Thailand for tourism stays of up to 30 days under an updated entry framework that came into effect last week, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The new rules end the previous temporary 60-day visa exemption and replace it with a clearer, modernized framework offering 30-day visa-free entry, 15-day visa-free entry, or Visa on Arrival, depending on nationality. Canadians visiting Thailand for holidays of up to 30 days require no advance visa. Travellers planning longer stays, or visiting for purposes other than tourism, should apply for the appropriate visa in advance through Thailand’s official e-Visa portal, thaievisa.go.th.
After the incredible success of its recent charity golf tournament, which raised more than $644,000 in support of SickKids Foundation, travelbrands its continuing its philanthropic efforts with the launch of its annual Holiday Toy Drive for the hospital. Agents/agencies can drop off new, unused toys to the travel company’s head offices in Toronto or Montreal, or make a donation to a BDM during a visit.
BY THE NUMBERS
Cuba’s tourism declined by 62% from January to July of this year compared to the same period in 2025, according to official figures that highlighted the enormous drop in the island’s strategic sector. A report published by the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) indicates that 419,000 visitors have arrived in Cuba so far in 2026, compared to 1.1 million during the same period in 2025. Cuba received approximately 4.3 million tourists in 2019.
AIR
Tim Hortons‘ coffee is cleared for takeoff. Starting Nov. 30, a special in-flight brew from the café giant will be available on board WestJet’s flights as part of a partnership between the two brands that will later include a loyalty program collaboration. Dubbed the “flight roast,” Tim Hortons says the coffee features a unique blend specifically designed for passengers’ tastebuds at high altitudes.
Jazz Aviation LP says it has reached a new tentative contract with the union representing its flight attendants. The subsidiary of Chorus Aviation Inc. operates Air Canada Express flights for Air Canada to 65 destinations across North America. The agreement must still be ratified.
The federal government has approved $76 million in emergency aid for Flair Airlines as the high price of jet fuel continues to bleed money from carriers. Flair CEO Len Corrado said in an interview the financial lifeline shows that government officials “recognize the severity of the problem” and want to keep the industry competitive. The Crown corporation says the loan must be repaid within four years, with interest that sits below market rates.
British Columbia seaplane operator Harbour Air is buying Pacific Coastal Airlines, forming a new regional airline group that will fly to 25 destinations. The agreement will combine Harbour Air’s fleet of 40 float planes with Pacific Coastal’s 19 wheeled aircraft. Both airlines were founded in Richmond, B.C., in the 1980s, and Harbour Air says the acquisition will preserve both brands while protecting and growing local jobs and keeping both under Canadian ownership.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Niagara’s newest hotel is now open. The Clayfield, a new boutique property (room photo above) in the heart of Niagara wine country is part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt – the second in Canada – and is the architectural centrepiece of Clayfield Commons, a new mixed-use neighbourhood that brings together a curated collection of independent retailers, makers and creators, restaurants, cafés, and a landscaped public green, home to a seasonal Farmers’ Market. Two introductory offers apply to reservations made through Oct. 31 (valid for stay to April 30, 2027): guests staying two nights or more can choose The Collector’s Stay, offering 2,500 Bonus World of Hyatt points per night, or Savour the Stay, which includes a $100 dining credit at Terrain.
WestJet Vacations has expanded expands its Punta Cana portfolio with three distinct Lopesan resort experiences within the brand’s expansive Punta Cana complex: Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino, Lopesan Serenity Cove and Lopesan Caoba Lagoon, all set on the white-sand shores of Playa Bávaro. Also joining the WestJet Vacations portfolio is the highly anticipated Moon Palace The Grand – Punta Cana, a new all-inclusive resort offering an elevated getaway for guests of all ages.
TOURS
Intrepid Travel’s small-group adventure trips are now available through Air Canada Vacations‘ booking platform and website. With eight Canadian itineraries on offer at launch. For Intrepid, the relationship is expected to create an important new distribution channel and introduce more Canadians to small-group adventure through ACV’s established vacation booking platform and its network of travel advisors.
CIE Tours’ latest 2-for-1 airfare offer, one of the tour operator’s most in-demand annual promotions, is now live. The 2-for-1 airfare offer is available on 32 guided tours across Ireland, Britain, Iceland, Italy, Spain and Portugal, as well as qualifying Custom Private Driver vacations. When two travellers book an eligible vacation and airfare through CIE Tours, the second travellers’ airfare is free, including taxes and fees. A 10% land-only discount is also available on the same qualifying trips. The sale is valid for new bookings made Sept. 1-30 for travel between Jan. 1 and Aug. 31, 2027.
CRUISE
A first look at MSC Cruises’ new beach destination on Catalina Island, just off the coast of La Romana, Dominican Republic has been revealed (photo above). Operated in partnership with CTL Maritime and Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, Catalina Sugar Beach is receiving significant enhancements ahead of its opening in November. The destination can be enjoyed by cruise ship guests, including those sailings with MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, as well as guests staying at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. MSC Cruises commences weekly sailings from its new La Romana homeport in November, with MSC Opera calling at the new Sugar Beach destination on every itinerary.
UnCruise Adventures is more than doubling capacity on its popular Aleutian Islands Adventure with Dutch Harbor & Kodiak itinerary in 2028, shifting from the 36-guest yacht Safari Explorer to the 74-guest Wilderness Explorer due to strong booking demand. From June 2 – Aug. 15, 2028, Wilderness Explorer will operate eight 10-night cruises between Seward and Dutch Harbor, Alaska (and reverse) in this rarely visited region. Along the way, guests will explore Kenai Fjords National Park, Katmai National Park, Ugashik National Wildlife Refuge, Aniakchak National Monument, Shumagin Islands and Akutan Village. Guests who book a cruise by Oct. 31, 2026 can take advantage of the 2028 Aleutian Islands Early Booking Savings Offer which saves $350 p.p. on all 2028 departures.
DEALS
Collette’s latest sale features stackable savings of up to $1,500 per couple on travel through Dec. 31, 2027 when booked by Sept. 30. The offer can also be combined with any loyalty credits available to travellers through mycollette.com.
Through Sept. 30, travellers can save up to 35% at participating Hyatt Inclusive Collection resorts for minimum three-night stays between December and March 2027. World of Hyatt members receive savings of up to 35%, while non-members can save up to 25%.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
With the development of Timber Summit, a brand-new ski sector featuring eight trails and a new high-speed chairlift for the 2027-28 winter season, along with a new beginner learning area at Versant Soleil opening in 2026-27, Tremblant resort in Quebec will increase its hourly lift capacity by 10%. Representing a $42.5 million investment, the project reflects Tremblant’s long-term commitment to growth and enhancing the mountain experience.
EVENTS
Indus Travels and VisitBritain will host a webinar designed to “help sell Britain differently” on Sept. 23 at 2:30 p.m. EDT. Topics include what’s new across Britain’s diverse nations and regions; how Indus how Indus Travels manages all complex on-ground logistics and delivers end-to-end group tour support; exclusive access to a webinar-only group package at special promotional rates; prizes, and more.
https://meeting.zoho.com/meeting/register?sessionId=1075873479
INCENTIVES
travelbrands is giving Canadian travel advisors a chance to win 1,000,000 Loyalty REWARDS POINTS. Running through March 31, 2027, every eligible booking made during the promotional period will automatically give travel advisors one entry into the grand prize draw. The promotion applies across a wide range of travelbrands products, including TravelGenie Packages, Hotel-Only, Add-Ons, Car Rentals, Encore Cruises, Intair Flights, Exotik Journeys and Sunquest, giving advisors the opportunity to earn entries across their everyday business. For more, visit www.travelbrandsaccess.com.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
After 27 years of dedicated service to the Canadian travel industry, Christine James, Vice President, Canada Travel Leaders Network, has announced her retirement, with her final day being Oct. 30. Over nearly three decades, James has become a familiar and trusted voice within Canadian travel, working closely with travel advisors, agencies, suppliers, industry organizations and travel trade media and has been a valuable source of insight, context and commentary on the issues and opportunities shaping the industry.
travelbrands has introduced Nicole Mathias as its new Business Development Manager for the GTA to Fort Erie, Southwestern Ontario, and Atlantic Canada. She brings nearly two decades of travel industry experience to the role. Mathias began her career in 2007 as an in-store travel advisor before going on to operate her own independent agency. Well respected within the travel community, she has also mentored and supported fellow advisors as they built and grew their businesses. She can be reached at Nicole.Mathias@travelbrands.com.
Air France-KLM has announced the appointment of Eugénie Audebert as Country Manager for Canada. She becomes the 19th person to lead the Group’s Canadian organization, established in 1950, the year Air France launched its first service between Montréal and Paris. Audebert brings nearly 20 years of experience within the Air France-KLM Group to the Canadian market.
DESTINATIONS
In Munich, Oktoberfest kicked off on Sept. 19 and runs through to Oct. 4. Held on the Theresienwiese, the 191st edition of the festival brings together Bavarian traditions, regional food, music, parades, fairground rides and, of course, beer. The festivities began with the traditional tapping of the first keg, launching 16 days of celebrations.
Taste of Bermuda returns from Oct. 8 to 11, transforming the island into a veritable feast of culinary delights for food and drink fans. The four-day festival spotlights the island’s rich gastronomic heritage and world-class culinary talents, with a program that includes immersive events, cocktail competitions and guest-chef dinners.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1983, the Federal Court of Appeal ruled that Air Canada‘s policy of forcing pilots to retire at age 60 was not discriminatory.
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