By JOE KONECNY/ If everything goes as planned, St. Thomas, Ont., world traveller Syed Hasan will be in Nigeria now, beginning a six-country solo tour of the African continent, on his way to increasing his lifetime total for independent nations visited to 193.
By WALLACE IMMEN/ Oceania Cruises plans a transformation of its classic ship Oceania Marina. In a dry dock in October 2026, every stateroom will be redesigned, along with enhancements across all public spaces, ensuring that the ship reflects Oceania Cruises’ signature blend of residential luxury understated elegance.
By Michael Baginski/ The song is over a decade old, but there’s something that just seems very current about The Record Company’s “Hard Day Coming Down.”
In the survey of 112 travel companies worldwide conducted by Responsible Travel, almost 80% (79.5%) of respondents reported a drop in holiday enquiries since the start of the Iran war, with 56% reporting ‘no sign’ of improvement.
WestJet guests now have the ability to book interline itineraries comprised of both WestJet and interline partner segments through the airline’s website and contact centre. The “significant enhancement” for bookings is “in addition to existing options through our travel trade partners,” says the airline.
By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Virtuoso On Tour Canada events concluded Wednesday in Toronto, with the leading luxury network welcoming member agencies, advisors and preferred partners over two days at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. The gathering followed a similar event in Vancouver at the Fairmont Pacific Rim March 31-April 1. Together, 180 advisors and 135 partners took part.
Air Canada has launched an alternative process to resolve compensation claims in a pilot project that seeks to avert the massive backlog at the country’s transport regulator.
Flight Centre Canada has strengthened its leadership team with two strategic appointments as the business continues a period of sustained growth. Angela Bokma joins the business as Director of Marketing, while David Ardagh steps into the role of Commercial Financial Manager, transitioning from his previous position as Senior Financial Analyst within Flight Centre Travel Group.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Alberta is enjoying a recent uptick in interest spurred by a random shout out on a popular American television show – and its head of marketing hopes that curiosity translates into a bustling summer season.
The number of safety incidents on Canadian runways is on the rise, having reached new highs in recent years even as the tally of extremely close calls seems to be levelling off. Data from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada shows that so-called runway incursions – when a plane, vehicle or person winds up on or near a runway when they shouldn’t be – hit a record 639 in 2024, the latest full year for which the watchdog has statistics.
By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ In late March, the Guadeloupe Tourism Committee (GTC) hosted five accomplished travel advisors from Ontario to help them get to know the Caribbean islands intimately and in person – and to share what they learned as the French-Caribbean destination continues to make inroads in English-speaking Canada.
Citing new research from MMGY Travel shows that small group touring is the most appealing travel style for 55% of travellers, Globus is shining a spotlight on its expansion of Small Group Discovery tours, which reflect travellers’ growing appetite for experiences that feel more personal, flexible and immersive.
This week: Canadians agents were treated to a Transat FAM to Rio; ACTA and Los Cabos announce an upcoming Destination Learning Experience; Ensemble has a new Make A Wish partner; Collette updates its learning platform, the Jamaica Tourist Board raises the curtain on a cinematic incentive, and Rocky Mountaineer and Trafalgar offer agent rates.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines celebrated the 40th anniversary of its service connecting Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) on April 2.
Newfoundlanders were having a chuckle on Monday over international media reports saying passengers on a British Airways flight diverted to St. John’s last week were stranded on a frozen island somewhere in Canada.
WestJet says it will be introducing a temporary $60 surcharge for certain bookings and has consolidated numerous flights due to skyrocketing fuel prices. The moves come as some U.S. carriers have also announced higher checked baggage fees to cover the increasing fuel costs.
Air Canada will fly to several new destinations for the Winter 2026-27 season, including the only non-stop flights from North America to Tenerife in the Canary Islands (beginning Oct. 25 and 31 respectively from Toronto and Montreal). The flights will operate seasonally.
By ROBIN LAWTHER/ Soccer isn’t just a game – it’s a global movement that mobilizes millions and reshapes travel patterns every four years. In 2026, the world’s biggest soccer event will make history: 48 teams, 16 cities, and three countries – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – hosting an event that transcends the sport and becomes a cultural phenomenon.
Brand USA has announced the appointment of Marion Certain as Trade Manager for Canada, notably filling a position that had been vacant since the death last May of Casey Canevari.
Thirty passengers were evacuated from a cruise ship that ran aground on a reef in Fiji, the ship’s owner said Monday. The MV Fiji Princess, operated by Blue Lagoon Cruises, ran aground Saturday near Monuriki Island, scene of the 2000 movie starring Tom Hanks “Cast Away,” the Fiji-based tourism company said in a statement.
The Cayman Islands welcomed over 49,000 stayover visitors in February, representing a 10.1% increase year over year and marking the second-strongest February on record. Canada led February’s performance and continued its record-setting momentum with double-digit percentage increases in stayover visitation for the fourth consecutive month.
Caribbean tourism continued its expansion in 2025, recording a 2.5% increase in international stay-over arrivals to an estimated 35 million visits, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). However, a decline in Canadian arrivals tempered the gains.
Russia plans to send a second oil tanker to Cuba, the country’s energy minister said late last week citing the island’s ongoing energy blockade and reiterating Russia’s solidarity with the troubled Caribbean nation. Donald Trump countered with “Cuba’s finished!”
Citing unpaid work as a key issue, the union representing approximately 360 WestJet Encore cabin crew members, has officially served Notice to Bargain a new Collective Agreement.
By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ May will see the return of Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month, a tourism initiative that continues to grow with a focus on local Antiguan and Barbudan food and chefs alongside guest chefs who are exclusively of Caribbean heritage.
G Adventures marked the first ‘Jane Goodall Day’ – April 3, on what would have been the late pioneering British primatologist, ethologist, and conservationist’s 92 birthday – with the news that it has renewed its partnership the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada for an additional 10 years.
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.
Grenada may be known for its beaches, but the island’s natural side is what makes it unforgettable. Travellers can step away from the coast and discover a greener landscape where waterfalls tumble into natural pools, crater lakes sit quietly in the hills and hiking trails lead you to sweeping rainforest views. Back at the shore, vibrant dive sites add a whole new dimension to the experience. With a welcoming atmosphere and easy-to-reach coastal and inland adventures, it’s a destination that truly offers something for everyone, above and below its sparkling waters.
Grenada delivers the beach escape vacationers picture when they think of the Caribbean, with a safe, welcoming atmosphere and enough variety to keep every day feeling exciting. The island’s coastline ranges from iconic, postcard-worthy stretches to quieter and secluded bays with warm water and laid-back energy that makes it easy to stay a while. Whether you want lively atmosphere, calm water for an easy swim or a more peaceful setting where you can fully switch off, Grenada makes it simple to choose your spot and settle into island time.
Grenada pairs classic Caribbean beauty with a safe, welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy for travellers to settle in and explore. Known for its relaxed pace and varied landscapes, the island offers a seamless blend of coastal calm, nature and light adventure. From soft-sand shores to forested hills, memorable experiences are always close at hand.