The federal government has rejected Ontario’s plan to expand Toronto’s Billy Bishop airport to accommodate jets on a longer runway. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said public consultations on the future of the island airport got feedback on a range of issues including transportation, noise, environmental impacts and quality of life. The government received more than 87,000 responses, he said.
New U.S. Travel Association polling shows the FIFA World Cup tournament underscored that a majority of Americans recognize the unique role international tourism plays in strengthening America’s image and building global allies.
WestJet is offering customers set to fly ahead of a possible strike by the airline’s flight attendants this summer a chance to make one-time changes to their bookings without fees. The airline says the flexible travel policy applies to those planning to travel between July 30 and Aug. 4.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Saadia Zahidi has been appointed by IATA’s Board of Directors to the position of Director General starting Nov. 1. She will be IATA’s ninth Director General and the first woman appointed to hold the position.
Designed for guests looking to elevate their journey, Sunwing Vacations is introducing premium cabin on eligible seven-night vacation packages. Available for departures beginning Oct. 1, premium cabin offers enhanced amenities and services in a dedicated cabin at the front of the aircraft.
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.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels said they attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea on Thursday, potentially widening the Iran war as international oil topped $100 a barrel.
Air Canada says workers in its technical operations, maintenance and operational support group have ratified their new contract. The airline says it now has new collective agreements with all of its major unions following the expiration of the previous long-term contracts.
With summer travel and long-haul flights picking up, many passengers are preparing for airport delays, packed cabins, and hours in cramped seats. But one travel issue often gets ignored until arrival: aching legs, stiff hips, swollen feet, and post-flight soreness.
Visitors to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s hometown can see the composer – and his dog – in miniature as Salzburg celebrates the 270th anniversary of his birth. But they shouldn’t wait too long, as the statues are already being swiped.
By WALLACE IMMEN/ Soaring temperatures and drought in Europe are forcing cruise lines to adapt, with what some guests are calling “magical mystery cruises.” While the worst of the heat wave appears to be subsiding, an extended drought and wildfires are forcing changes in itineraries and excursions.
By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Last Sunday (July 19) was national ice cream day – hope you had a cone or two to celebrate the “holiday.” The occasion brought to mind the cool Van Halen song, “Ice Cream Man,” a rocked-up version of a tune written and originally recorded by the Chicago blues musician John Brim in 1953.
It’s complicated. Air travel up, car travel down. And vice-versa. Big drops, steady gains. Anecdotal evidence, statistical counterpoint. So, where exactly does Canadian travel to the U.S. stand – where has it been (down, we know, but how much) and where is it headed? Statistics Canada tells all in a “year in review” report, which we present here.
For years, the world’s business travel map was largely defined by financial centres and corporate headquarters. Today, professionals are increasingly drawn to destinations that combine economic relevance with lifestyle appeal.
Travel Leaders Network will launch a dedicated two-day conference created exclusively for Canadian travel advisors and preferred partners this fall. Set to take place on both sides of the country, ELEVATE Canada will be held at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown on Oct. 20-21 and at the Pearson Convention Centre in Toronto on Oct. 28-29.
WestJet has appointed Todd Lindey Director, Sales. Reporting to Amanda Ierfino, Vice President, Sales & Cargo, Lindey will lead the Corporate, Agency, Specialty and International Sales teams, along with Sales Operations & Performance and Sales Planning & Governance.
Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality, Inc. today announced it has acquired Eagle Wing Tours, a Victoria, BC-based whale watching and marine wildlife experience, expanding its portfolio into one of Canada’s most visited and resilient tourism destinations and advancing its strategy of investing in iconic experiences in markets with strong long-term demand.
Boeing has been cleared once again to take responsibility for certifying all of its 737 Max and 787 planes. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration says that after months of review the agency decided that Boeing’s final safety checks on its planes are good enough to ensure they are airworthy.
A new category of luxury travel is forming at sea, and it is not coming from the cruise industry. According to new 2026 booking data from Global Travel Collection (GTC), part of the Internova Travel Group, iconic hotel and hospitality brands now account for 5% of all future cruise bookings, with the average branded voyage priced at US$40,000. That is four times the cost of a traditional ocean cruise.
Effective Friday (July 24) Meliá Hotels International says it will terminate all operations in Cuba. The Spanish hotel chain’s portfolio consisted of 34 hotels on the island, some of which had already closed (or transferred to Cuban operators) as part of a partial withdrawal announced in June.
Customers paid a lot more for travel services last month, particularly in Toronto and Vancouver – the country’s host cities for the World Cup – Statistics Canada says. The cost of traveller accommodation in June rose 10% overall, and about 20% year-over-year in Ontario and British Columbia. Combined, their two biggest cities played host to 10 FIFA games in a 15-day span that month, plus three more in July.
Five new routes and expanded vacation offerings will highlight WestJet’s offering this winter, including first-time flights from Calgary to Mérida, Mexico, as well as new non-stop connections between Belize City, Belize (BZE) and Winnipeg (YWG); Punta Cana, D.R. (PUJ) and Winnipeg; San José del Cabo, Mexico (SJD) and Regina (YQR); as well as Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR) and Ottawa (YOW).
The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) has launched a new initiative designed to shorten the runway for advisors with 10 or more years experience to earn Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC) or Certified Travel Manager (CTM) designation.
A man stabbed and wounded two tourists Tuesday morning near the ancient Acropolis in Athens, Greece’s top tourist attraction, police said.
Bargaining between WestJet and the union representing its flight attendants was due to resume Monday after the 4,400 members of CUPE 8125 voted 99% in favour of authorizing a strike if they are unable to reach a new deal on contract demands. A question mark dangling over the ongoing WestJet talks is how Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government might intervene.
Even as the United States and Iran inch closer to all-out war, glimmers of hope appeared on the diplomatic front, as two regional officials said Iran’s interior minister was expected to arrive late Monday for a two-day visit in Pakistan, which is a key mediator in the conflict.
Those of us who knew Brian Brodber know that the industry lost a valuable member, a helpful and supportive co-worker and an all around great guy. His years at Sunquest/Alba Tours/MyTravel/Thomas Cook and his more recent creative work with The Travel Agent Next Door kept him kept him busy but still left him time to enjoy his talents as a musician. Brian, sadly is no longer with us, but his friends are gathering next Monday to celebrate his life and lift a glass in his honour.
Air Canada and Airbus will invest nearly $14 million to support a commercial-scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) industry in Canada. The companies say the jointly funded Sustainability Co-Investment Platform reflects their shared commitment to aviation decarbonization and desire to “lead the way” in advancing these goals.
With the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games kicking off Thursday (July 23), Scotland’s largest city is set to shine on the global stage again following its standout success in 2014.
A surge in premium-class travel highlights the findings from IATA’s just-released World Air Transport Statistics (WATS), which provides comprehensive statistical data on the global aviation industry through to 2025.