FLIGHT ATTENDANTS CRY FOUL

Canada’s main flight attendants union is crying foul on airline submissions to the federal government for its probe into unpaid work in the sector. In a letter, the head of the union’s airline division says the self-audits on wages that airlines provided to authorities this month rely on a narrow and “misleading” definition of what constitutes work in order to show that cabin crew are paid fairly.

CANADIANS HELP FUEL BRAZIL BOOM: Best-ever arrivals part of historic results

In the first four months of 2026, Embratur says Brazil achieved the best results in the history of international tourist arrivals from 10 of the main source markets to the country. In April alone, Colombia, China, Mexico, Portugal, Peru, Canada, the UK, Chile, Australia and Uruguay sent together more than 1.1 million visitors to Brazilian destinations. The total number of arrivals in the first four months of 2026, was 4,333,423.

THE RISE OF ‘GRANDMA TOURISM’

As travellers seek more meaningful and immersive ways to explore the world, a new global report reveals how “Grandma Tourism” is moving into the mainstream with experiences led by older local guides reshaping the way people travel. 

JUST THE FACTS: Brand USA initiative aims to ease travel fears

By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States, has launched a new initiative to encourage travel to the country while at the same combatting “misperceptions” that may give potential visitors pause.

TEMPERATURES TOPPLED IN EUROPE: Early heat wave shatters records

Temperature records toppled as a spring heat wave continued to scorch parts of Western Europe on Tuesday, triggering government warnings about risks to life. Several drownings were reported in Britain and France as people tried to cool down.

RETAIL ROUND-UP: Agent news, fams & incentives

This week: ACTA opens summit registrations; TTAND is tops with Travel Leaders; appointments at Trevello and Flight Centre Canada; Canada; Amex GBT is plugged in; and Collette adds to its training program…

‘SUN WEEK’ SAVINGS FROM SUNWING VACATIONS

Travel advisors can unlock limited-time resort deals, added-value excursions and prizes for their clients until May 31 with the return of Sunwing Vacations’ ‘Sun Week’ event.

U.S. TRAVEL FACES ITS TROUBLING CANADA QUESTION

By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Last year at IPW, the U.S. Travel Association ducked “the Canadian question.” In fact, it ducked the media altogether. But this year, full marks to the organization (and Brand USA) for facing the music and comprehensively answering the question that Travel Industry Today asked on behalf of all Canadians and the Canadian travel industry: “Where does Canadian travel to the U.S. stand at this moment and what do you have to say to Canadians that might make a difference?”

FORT LAUDERDALE ROLLS UP RED CARPET AFTER SUCCESSFUL IPW

By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Even as U.S. Homeland was threatening travel chaos by withdrawing U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from airports in U.S. “sanctuary cities, the U.S. Travel Association’s signature annual travel trade show IPW 2026 wrapped up on Friday, having drawn nearly 5,000 delegates from over 60 countries, including Canada, over the event’s four full days last week in South Florida.

LAST WEEK THIS MORNING: Round-Up May 18-22, 2026

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.

LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP: Canadians sour on social media, but continue to use

Once hailed as the future and saviour of communication for society, the ills of social media have become readily apparent to many Canadians, even as they continue to like, share, and scroll. New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds that Canadians are still overwhelmingly enmeshed in the social media environment, but that many aren’t sure about the impact it’s having on them, personally, and on broader society.

WHERE IS THE WORLD’S BEST BEACH?

As the self-proclaimed “ultimate global authority on beaches,” The World’s 50 Best Beaches has revealed its annual rankings for 2026. Driven by The World’s 50 Best Beaches team’s first-hand, year-round exploration as well as collaboration with over 1,000 elite travel professionals worldwide, the list highlights the planet’s most spectacular beaches.

WHERE’S THE BEEF? At the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, of course

By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ The Big Texan Steak Ranch and Brewery Is more than a restaurant, it’s an empire. The family-owned establishment in Amarillo serves over 600,000 lbs of beef a year to more than 600,000 guests and ranks as arguably the top attraction in the Texas Panhandle city that is also home to the famed Cadillac Ranch art installation immortalized in song by Bruce Springsteen.

WHY SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL ISN’T TAKING ROOT: Cost and convenience trump conscience

New insights reveal into how sustainability is shaping travel decisions worldwide, according to data from the Holafly eSIM & Travel Report, which says 42% of travellers surveyed say they actively take steps to travel more responsibly, highlighting a growing awareness of environmental impact among global explorers. However, the data also reveals a clear hierarchy between intention and decision-making.

7 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW NOW ABOUT CELEBRITY ASCENT.

Has Celebrity Cruises evolved to the point where the ship can be the destination? We’re about to find out on a cruise aboard the Celebrity Ascent, which offers a range of daily activities for every age and interest. But is it right for you? Here’s a look at the ups (and some downs) on the recent addition to Celebrity’s Edge Class of ships:

LISTENING IN – RANDY MEISNER’S SOARING EAGLES HIT

By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ The Eagles were blessed with three great singer-songwriters: Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Joe Walsh. And then there as Randy Meisner, who quietly penned, or contributed to some memorable efforts, not least one of the band’s signature hits, “Take It to the Limit.”

Scroll to Top