TOP FEATURE STORY 2025: NYC & Me – Why I’d go back to the Big Apple in a New York minute

By Michael Baginski/ I recently spent a minute (several, in fact) in New York – a visit that transpired during the nascent times of tariffs and the 51st state. Perhaps not surprisingly, I was asked by some why I went, and what my experience was like. Simply put, it was New York – no more, no less. Frenetic, mesmerizing, limitless, a world unto itself. And utterly unconcerned, even oblivious of my Canadianness and critical gaze.

TOP COLUMN 2025: A day in the life 2026 – Travel advisors at a crossroads

As we dive deeper into the themes introduced in my last column (and series opener), I want to share a practical vision of the near future. We are standing at a crossroads: AI is already part of our daily lives, and by 2026 it will be far more ubiquitous in the workflows of travel professionals.

TOP LISTENING IN 2025: Our most viewed music video of the year

Listening In is without a doubt one of the most popular features in Travel Industry Today. There’s rarely an industry function or gathering that goes by without someone mentioning it, not to mention all the emails, texts – and suggestions. With this in mind, we offer a year-end reprise of our most viewed video of 2025 – the incomparable Israel Kamakawiwoʻole and his Polynesian mash-up of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World.”

CLEAR SAILING FOR CRUISE PAX TAX IN HAWAII

A U.S. District Judge’s ruling has cleared the way for Hawaii to include cruise ship passengers in a new tourist tax to help cope with climate change, a levy set to go into effect at the start of 2026. The decision denied a request that sought to stop officials from enforcing the new law on cruises.

THE STUFF OF DREAMS: Air Canada Foundation continues to help kids

Dreams Take Flight, Air Canada and The Air Canada Foundation celebrated another successful year of heartfelt journeys to theme parks in Florida and California. This year, more than a thousand children across Canada got to experience a day full of rides, magic and laughter.

MEET THE MEGAHUBS: Ranking the world’s most connected airports

London Heathrow (LHR) has retained its title as the world’s most connected airport for the third consecutive year in 2025, offering over 59,000 possible connections to 226 destinations on the busiest day. Two Canadian airports made the annual top 50 ‘Megahubs’ list by global aviation data platform leader OAG: Toronto Pearson at 26, and Vancouver, 46.

DITCHING NIGHTFLIFE FOR NATURE

New Year’s Eve notwithstanding, travellers are increasingly prioritizing authenticity, nature and mindfulness over partying and nightlife according to Global Rescue Traveller Sentiment and Safety Survey. 

THE YEAR OF HAPPINESS: Where to travel your heart out in 2026

Each year, G Adventures releases its annual ‘Where to Travel’ list, looking at hot destinations for the upcoming year. But, this year, the travel company is doing things differently, focussing on how travel can change people, and its power to create lasting happiness. 

U.S. VISITS TO CANADA RISING

Trips by Americans to Canada rose for the first time in eight months in October, Statistics Canada reports. The number of trips to Canada by U.S. residents in October totalled 1,814,406, up 3% compared with 1,760,987 the same month last year.

PRETZELS OR COOKIES?: WestJet solves age-old mystery

As 2025 comes to a close, WestJet has revealed a list of some of its quirkiest and most critical stats of the year – such as the most-watched movies at 35,000 feet and whether guests consumed more cookies or pretzels.

WHERE ART MEETS ICE: Amazing ICEHOTEL boasts Canadian touch

Sweden’s ICEHOTEL – the world’s first (since 1989) – has opened in doors for the season, inviting guests to sleep surrounded by shimmering art made of ice and snow created by 33 artists from 12 countries, including Canada. A highlight this year is a grand piano – a full-scale piano made of ice – which will be played during the winter season.

ROUND-UP: Dec. 22-26, 2025

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.

CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE: Windsor puts on its holiday best

Tis the season: Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in Britain, is always a holiday delight, bedecked in seasonal décor and offering visitors a festive experience steeped in royal history. For those who can’t be there in Christmas morning, here’s a wee peek at what the royal family will wake up to.

LISTENING IN: Keen listeners will remember this twisted Christmas tune

By Michael Baginski/ Robert Earl Keen may not be as famous as his old college roommate Lyle Lovett, but he’s no less accomplished. A consummate storyteller, the Texas troubadour suitably has a keen sense of humour, as evidenced by his holiday classic, “Merry Christmas from the Family.”

COULD ‘HOME ALONE’ TRAVEL CHAOS HAPPEN TODAY?

Panic erupts in the McCallister household as soon as the day begins. The parents’ alarm clock never rings, bags and coats spill across the floor, and the family barrels out the door to catch a flight to Florida in “Home Alone 2.” The pandemonium intensifies at the airport.

FAM FRENZY: TTC Tour Brands, Intrepid, and Quark Expeditions launch agent offers

In the spirit of the season, several tour operators are launching (or relaunching) extensive FAM trip and/or prize opportunities that will enable travel advisors to experience some new or favourite destinations, and, at the same time, gain hands-on experience with a supplier that will help build their business.

BALKANS BONANZA: Air Transat taps into Albania, and beyond

Direct flights from Canada to Albania? Credit Air Transat for tapping into the Balkan country’s growing reputation among savvy travellers as an up-and-coming travel destination that is off the mainstream track in Europe but not lacking in amenities or charm.

TOY STORY: Sandals Foundation brings cheer during holidays

This holiday season, the simple joy of opening a new toy is reaching tens of thousands of children across the Caribbean through an annual toy drive led by the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

OUTSET COLLECTION: Hilton adds to growing lifestyle brand

Hilton has launched the Outset Collection by Hilton, the company’s 25th brand and eighth in its growing Lifestyle portfolio. The new brand underscores Hilton’s dramatic growth trajectory and focus on offerings for customers in the fastest-growing segments, particularly the collection and lifestyle spaces.

WHEN ‘NOT HOT’ IS COOL: Intrepid list looks ahead to ‘26

Intrepid Travel’s annual ‘Not Hot List’ showcases 10 lesser-known destinations ready to welcome more visitors in 2026. The list is designed to direct curious, conscientious travellers towards regions where their presence can have an outsized positive impact.

GOING SOLO: Goway launches new travel line for women

Goway’s new Solo Women Travel Line is designed to offer female travellers an opportunity to explore the world on their own, with five classic trips featuring Dubai, Egypt, India, Jordan, and Thailand. Every trip prioritizes safety and features single rate pricing and women-focused activities.

AN ICELANDIC CHRISTMAS: 6 traditions that make yule cool in Nordic nation

Many Christmas holiday traditions in Iceland will be familiar to North American and European travellers, such as the Christmas trees that dress their living rooms, the large family gatherings that take place, and the singing of yuletide carols. However, there are some aspects of Christmas in Iceland that set it apart, giving the occasion its own unique charm…

ODDLEIFSON NAMED VP AT VOX

VoX International is enhancing its leadership team with the promotion of Erin Oddleifson to Vice President. Oddleifson was previously Director, overseeing administration, public relations, marketing, sales, operations and human resources.

ROUND-UP: Dec. 15-19, 2025

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.

WHAT TRANSAT PILOTS WILL EARN WITH NEW DEAL

Air Transat pilots begin voting today (Dec. 19) on a tentative deal with the company that would see raises of well over 50%, boosting the salary for most senior pilots to nearly $388,000 a year by May 2029.

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