CANADA COMPASS: Iconic Alberta attraction not going extinct
A structural checkup on Tyra the Dinosaur has determined she’s retaining water, has breathing issues, a fever and wrinkles – but is otherwise far from extinct.
‘A VERY BUMPY ROAD’: Check insurance and ‘leave some leeway’ for summer travel, say experts
With airline tickets growing more expensive and customers facing the risk of cancelled flights, insurance experts are advising those with summer travel plans to stay on their toes.
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…
BHUTAN ‘BELIEVES’ IN TOURISM: Himalayan nation to host first travel trade show
The Kingdom of Bhutan will host its first-ever travel exhibition June 11-13 at Zhichenkhar, Thimphu, designed to facilitate tourism to the emerging “Thunder Dragon Kingdom.”
‘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?”
‘PLUGGING HOLES’: Nav Canada manages air traffic controller shortage ahead of busy summer
Nav Canada’s head of operations says the country continues to face a dearth of air traffic controllers as the busy summer travel season kicks off, but stresses the organization has put a raft of measures in place to plug the holes.
RECORD RENDEZ-VOUS: Canada’s top tourism trade show kicks off in Toronto
Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) kicks off today in Toronto with Canada’s largest international tourism trade show set to welcome a record number of international travel buyers and Canadian tourism sellers over the next three days.
WISH YOU WERE HERE: The Azores, a Portuguese paradise
With vibrant greenery, blooming flowers and dramatic Atlantic views around every turn, islands across the Atlantic archipelago offer a sensory escape unlike anywhere else in Europe.
THE PRICE AIN’T RIGHT: Yet Vancouver hotels complain they aren’t full for World Cup
The British Columbia Hotel Association is blaming what is it says is flawed “messaging” for vacancies heading into next month’s FIFA World Cup that has left tourists with the false impression no rooms are available.
TOO SOON FOR THE MOON: Travellers remain hesitant about space travel despite Artemis II
Travellers remain hesitant about space tourism despite the successful return of NASA’s Artemis II mission, according to new data from the Global Rescue Spring 2026 Traveller Sentiment and Safety Survey.
A ‘BAD IDEA’: U.S. Homeland secretary threatens sanctuary city airports
The travel industry is on edge after U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin reiterated his threat to withdraw U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from airports in so-called “sanctuary cities” in a move that could jeopardize international flights.
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.
KEEPING AN EYE EBOLA: Canada urged to be vigilant with World Cup on the way
An expert on public health and communicable diseases says Canada should remain vigilant about an Ebola outbreak in Africa, with the FIFA men’s World Cup coming to Toronto and Vancouver in two weeks.
LIKE SIX SUPER BOWLS: Toronto Tourism primed for massive World Cup boost
Hotel industry and tourism groups in Toronto are optimistic that FIFA World Cup matches will bring many people to the city and boost the local economy despite a lack of surge in hotel bookings and high ticket prices.
‘THE NEXT CHAPTER’: Flair appoints Fox to focus on travel trade
Flair Airlines has brought former Air Canada exec Jamie Fox onboard as Director, Agency Sales and Partnerships, a newly created role designed to further the discount airline’s growth by engaging the travel trade.
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.”
SHORT MEMORIES: Illness outbreaks unlikely to curb cruise enthusiasm
While a pair of high-profile outbreaks on cruises might have a temporary chilling effect, those in the industry predict the ships’ siren song will lure travellers back in short order.
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS: How to make the most of accessible travel
For people living with disabilities, barriers to tourism can range from the obvious – such as an out-of-service elevator – to the unseen, like an outing that’s too long or a setting that’s too loud.
U.S. INDICTS RAUL CASTRO: Former Cuban president indicted on murder and conspiracy charges
The US Justice Department announced a criminal case Wednesday against former Cuban President Raúl Castro as the Trump administration escalates pressure on the socialist government, according to two people familiar with the matter.
INTREPID BRAND EVOLVES: Offers properties with purpose
Intrepid Travel has launched ‘Stay Intrepid,’ a new brand extension featuring a curated collection of six properties that offer experience-led, community-driven stays. The range includes five signature properties across Australia, as well as a riad in Morocco, with plans to grow into new destinations in the coming years.
THAT’S A KICK IN THE TEETH: Cost, travel fears, dampen demand for World Cup in U.S.
The promised economic boon from the World Cup hasn’t matched expectations, at least not yet, for U.S. hotels. Room bookings have been lighter than expected in most of the 11 U.S. cities hosting the world’s most watched sporting event, according to an April survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association.