U.S. COMPETES WITH CHINA OVER PROPOSED SRI LANKA PORT

The US announced a $553- million project Wednesday to build a new, deep-water shipping container terminal in the Port of Colombo, in Sri Lanka, as it competes with China in international development financing. The project, financed with private loans, is billed as providing critical infrastructure for the South Asian nation with the potential to “transform Colombo into a world-class logistics hub at the intersection of major shipping routes and emerging markets,” according to the US International Development Finance Corp.

AIR CANADA BECOMES FIRST AIRLINE TO OFFER DISNEY+ ORIGINALS ONBOARD

Air Canada has became the first airline globally to bring Disney+ Originals to the skies through its in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. The airline’s latest collaboration with Disney, offers customers opportunities to enjoy original programming for all ages while onboard. It also marks Air Canada’s most recent investment in its family-focused travel experience, adding critically-acclaimed and exclusive Disney+ Originals such as the first three episodes of Loki Season 1 and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

TRAVELLING PONO: And 3 ways to malama Hawaii

As Maui recovers from devastating wildfires, travelling to Hawaii for many has become more purposeful. While surf, sand and sun are definitely still on the itinerary, there are many experiences waiting for visitors that reflect the importance and meaning of life that can’t be found in all the guidebooks just yet.

HOW TO SKIP THE CROWDS AND FIND THE REAL PORTUGAL

Time away is precious and no one wants to wait in line, be lost in a crowd, or stuck at a touristy eatery. In the last 10 years Portugal has burst onto the world stage as a major travel destination, but as a new destination, folks typically go to what they know: Lisbon, Lagos, and Porto.

WHY GUESTS OF ALL AGES LOVE GRAND PALLADIUM

Parents, teens, and kids alike can have the all-inclusive vacation of their dreams with Grand Palladium Hotels and Resorts, according to Sunwing Vacations. Set on some of the most sought-after shores of the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Jamaica, these beautiful destinations are simply a bonus – the real fun is found on site.

SAGA AT SEA: 100 people reportedly injured in rough seas

A Saga cruise ship has docked back in the UK with a reported 100 people injured when the boat veered dramatically during a safety manoeuvre on Saturday. Passengers on the Spirit of Discovery have described a state of fear on board the cruise ship after it was hit by a storm in the Bay of Biscay. Most of the injuries were described as minor by cruise company Saga, but five people were taken to hospital when the ship docked in Portsmouth on Monday.

CANADA SCORES HIGH ON REMOTE WORK: But European countries dominate list

Last year, cybersecurity company NordLayer created the Global Remote Work Index (GRWI), which reveals the best and worst countries to work remotely in terms of four different criteria: cyber safety, economic safety, digital and physical infrastructure, and social safety. Canada ranks two places lower compared to last year’s data and stands at 14 as the best country for remote work, according to new research

BRAND EVOLUTION: IHG embraces future of luxury travel

InterContinental Hotels and Resorts (IHG) says it is embarking an extensive brand evolution designed to lead it into the future through cutting-edge technology, innovative design, and elevated service, while maintaining a “harmonious balance between freedom and familiarity” for guests.

ENDURING, CONSCIOUS, DIGITIZED: Keeping up with changing travellers

Leading hotel commerce platform SiteMinder, has released the 2023 edition of what it says is the world’s largest consumer research on accommodation. Among its notable findings are the continued dependence of travellers on both new and familiar technologies (and devices) – from artificial intelligence to social media and the Web – in the travel planning and booking process.

DIGITAL DIGEST: Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are among the most frequently used phrases in business today. In simple terms, machine learning entails a machine or system using processes and algorithms to learn a solution to a problem, while AI mimics human intelligence to do the same. It’s more complex than this explanation but adopting some of these technologies today will give your business the early-mover advantage with years of benefits.

PRINCESS LOOKS AHEAD TO MED ANNIVERSARY IN 2025

Princess Cruises will celebrate its 40th anniversary sailing the Mediterranean by featuring two of its newest and largest ships there in 2025 – Star Princess and Sun Princess. In total six Princess ships will offer cruise tours in the regions, with departures now on sale.

ALONE AND AWAY: Mother at a loss to locate unaccompanied minors

Amber Vencill, a Florida mother, alleges her 12 and 10-year-old sons who were travelling alone, were left without food, water, blankets or pillows after their flight was cancelled. She also claims she was given conflicting information on the boys’ rescheduled flight and was unable to speak with them for hours.

TEAM PLAYERS: Sports travel a big hit for Canadians

Almost half of Canadian sports fans (42%) are more likely to travel and see a game on the road rather than attending a game at home or in their closest sports city, according to a new study by Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo. The Sports Travel Road Game Report also found that the average fan takes approximately three sports trips per year, and that 80 percent of fans are looking to take either the same or more trips in the upcoming year than they did the previous year.

TOO MANY CLOSE CALLS: FAA widens investigation

This August, US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it was holding meetings at 90 airports after the National Transportation Safety Board said it was investigating seven runway incursion events since January, including some that were potentially catastrophic. The FAA announced yesterday that runway 16 additional airports have been added to the list and will be investigated in the coming weeks after a series of troubling close-call aviation incidents.

THE REALITY OF TODAY’S RENTAL CAR MARKET

When Enterprise started to see automobile supply problems after the pandemic hit in 2020, the car and truck rental, fleet management and mobility company decided to cater to its long-term customers. Chrissy Taylor, CEO of the newly renamed Enterprise Mobility, emphasized rentals to businesses and insurance companies with clients whose cars were damaged in crashes.

BRIGHTLINE OFFERS COMMISSIONABLE FARES

Brightline, Florida’s intercity passenger rail connecting Miami to Orlando – having recently extended service to the theme park capital – has announced a new travel professional program that includes commissionable bookings for travel advisors, including those in Canada.

NEW ORLEANS FAM MONTH: Celebrate the holidays in the Big Easy with special rates

During the month of December travel advisors can take advantage of special hotel rates and exclusive offers courtesy of New Orleans & Company’s Holiday Travel Advisors independent familiarization trip. The annual program, which has been running for over a decade, enables travel advisors to opportunity to experience the city firsthand, while enhancing the city’s visibility and accessibility, and benefiting the travel industry.

CRYSTAL’S VISION FOR 2025

Crystal has announced its lineup of 2025 itineraries onboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Following the brand’s acquisition by the A&K Travel Group, the cruise line will offer 144 new destinations, ranging from far-flung destinations such as the Faroe Islands, to Shanghai. And cruises will be timed to match notable events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco and the Northern Lights in Norway.

ON THE GROUND AT WORLD TRAVEL MARKET

World Travel Market London kicks off today in the British capital with the annual event expected to be 20% larger than last year as the industry continues its surging post-pandemic recovery. Travel Industry Today is onsite at the ExCel venue in east London and will offer coverage in the days, weeks, and months to come, reflecting the always overwhelming amount of information disseminated at the world’s largest English language travel and tourism trade fair.

BRAZIL TO MILITARIZE KEY AIRPORTS, BORDERS TO FIGHT CRIME

Brazil’s is sending the armed forces to boost security at some of the country’s most important airports, ports, and international borders as part of a renewed effort to tackle organized crime in Latin America’s largest nation.

AIR CANADA ADDS STOCKHOLM IN 2024

Starting in June 2024, Air Canada will offer new summer seasonal service to Stockholm, with three weekly flights from Montreal and two weekly flights from Toronto. The strategic expansion of its route network in Scandinavia will also see increased capacity on its year-round Copenhagen flights from Toronto and an earlier seasonal start from Montreal.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE SALUTES MIAMI VETERANS

In celebration of Veterans Day yesterday (November 05), Carnival Cruise Line welcomed approximately 200 local Miami-Dade veterans for a special military tribute event and appreciation luncheon aboard Carnival Horizon at PortMiami. Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy presented a 15-passenger van to the Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare System to assist with transportation of veterans participating in its programs and services.

SUNNY DAYS: Register for Orlando Canadian trade mission

Visit Orlando, along with theme park, hotel, transportation, and attraction partners, will host a series of training and marketplace events in Calgary, Toronto, and Halifax from Dec. 3 to 8. The “Orlando Canadian Sunshine Tour” marks the return of Visit Orlando to both Calgary and Halifax, which have new airlift to Orlando.

ROUND-UP: Oct. 30-Nov. 3, 2023

Last week, WestJet said so long to Swoop while Air Canada hello to Dubai (from YVR); in other round-up news, Viking is seeking reimbursement for its COVID refunds, CATO continued to question TICO’s review in Ontario, and G Adventures launched its “biggest, boldest,” sale of the year.

THE REAL THING: There’s no AI in I at Travel Industry Today

We don’t use AI. Indeed, Travel Industry Today produces content the old-fashioned way – by real people, who really travel, and through travel industry sources cultivated literally for decades. I mention this because a just-released survey by The Canadian Journalism Foundation reports that fully one-half of Canadians admit they are not confident in their ability to distinguish between fake news generated by AI and human-produced content.

UK, WESTERN EUROPE WHIPPED BY MASSIVE STORM

Recording-breaking winds up to 190 kph – some of the highest in decades – slammed France’s Atlantic coast Thursday as Storm Ciaran lashed the UK and countries around western Europe, cancelling flights and trains, uprooting trees, blowing out windows and causing travel mayhem around the region.

YOU GOTTA EAT HERE: Air Canada unveils top new restaurants for 2023

The 2023 Canada’s Best New Restaurants Top 10 have been unveiled by Air Canada, with Toronto restaurant Kappo Sato taking the coveted top spot. In it’s 22nd year, the list is the longest running and most respected Canadian restaurant ranking. More than 30 restaurants across the country were visited by a single anonymous reviewer in determining the rankings.

HOW SAFE ARE COCKPITS?

The recent attempt by an off-duty pilot to shut down the engines of a US airliner in midflight highlights the threat that insiders pose to aviation safety with their ability to go where passengers are prohibited. Events like the one on Horizon Air jetliner are very rare, but they are potentially devastating.

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