EGYPT HOPES NEW FINDS WILL FUEL TOURISM

Archaeologists have unearthed a set of ancient artifacts in Egypt including Pharaonic funerary furniture, remains of a Roman basilica and a marble head of Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty.

WAR WIDENS: Israel, Gulf states targeted, threatened

Israel’s military says Iran has launched missiles toward neighbouring Jordan and warned that fire could spill over across its borders. The military warned people Sunday to expect the first air raid sirens in weeks. It said Iran launched missiles toward the nearby Jordanian port city of Aqaba.

WISH YOU WERE HERE – GRENADA

By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Grenada was recently ranking the No. 2 ‘Best Island in the Caribbean, Bermuda and The Bahamas’ by Travel + Leisure in its ‘World’s Best Awards 2026,’ marking a major rise for the Spice Island in one of the travel industry’s most respected reader-voted rankings. Not only that, but the delightful destination was also named the No. 15 Best Island in the World.

AIR CANADA UPS ANTE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Launching across all its cabins beginning this month, Air Canada is introducing a new collection of premium bedding and amenities designed to elevate rest and comfort for customers on international flights.

LAST WEEK THIS MORNING: July 13-17, 2026

A round-up of 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.

THE GREAT SIGH: Vancouver tourism takes stock after World Cup

As the FIFA banners come down across Vancouver and barriers are removed from BC Place, Destination Vancouver’s CEO Royce Chwin says the city is working to avoid what he calls “the great sigh.” That’s the lull in tourism that can follow a major event, with Chwin citing the quiet year that came after Vancouver hosted the Olympics in 2010.

CAN’T BEAT THE HEAT: Travellers put record temperatures in context

Despite another summer marked by record-breaking temperatures and increasingly severe weather events worldwide, most experienced international travellers are not overly concerned about extreme heat or weather-related health risks when planning trips abroad, according to the latest Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. 

EMERALD GETS READY FOR INVASION OF NORMANDY

By WALLACE IMMEN/ Emerald Cruises & Tours celebrated the ceremonial launch of Emerald Lumi, a ship designed specifically to cruise the Seine River and sail right into the heart of Paris. The new ship measures just 110 metres in length, designed to navigate where few other river ships can reach. 

LISTENING IN: Remembering Bonnie Tyler

Bonnie Tyler, the gravelly voiced, Grammy-nominated Welsh pop star whose 1983 chart-topping power ballad “Total Eclipse of the Heart” enchanted succeeding generations with its bombastic charms during solar and lunar eclipses, has died. She was 75.

WESTJET FLIGHT ATTENDANTS VOTE TO STRIKE

WestJet flight attendants have overwhelmingly authorized a strike that could see thousands of workers walk off the job in fewer than three weeks (Aug. 2) if they are unable to reach a new deal on contract demands.

PILOTS AT FLAIR WILL STAY IN THE AIR

In a bit of good labour news at the other end of the runway from WestJet, Flair Airlines pilots voted overwhelmingly to ratify their tentative agreement reached with company management.

AIR CANADA, HYATT LINK LOYALTY PROGRAMS

Air Canada’s Aeroplan and World of Hyatt have announced a collaboration that will give loyalty plan members more ways to earn and redeem rewards. The collaboration expands member benefits across a combined network of more than 1,300 destinations and 1,500 hotels.

‘LIKE A FAIRYTALE’: Innovative CopenPay tourist rewards program goes global

Copenhagen’s tourist reward scheme has been made a permanent, year-round platform, allowing visitors to the Danish city to earn rewards for positive actions. And the success of the innovative sustainable tourism program is expanding as destinations across Europe, North America, and Australia adopt the concept.

BRAND USA TO BRING ‘TRAVEL WEEK’ TO CANADA

Whatever rhetoric has emanated from the political class south of the border, Brand USA has steadfastly maintained its support for and willingness to remain connected to Canadians and the travel trade here that serves them. To that end, the U.S. DMO has announced it will hold Brand USA Travel Week Canada in the country this Fall.

RETAIL ROUND-UP: Agent news, fams & incentives

This week: Following the success of its Rookie Camp, Transat launched Group Camp to attendees help further their business in that segment; BermudAir makes a “pledge” to Canadian travel advisors; Roam by Tauck partners with Approach Guides; and St. Kitts & Nevis launches the SKY incentive program, and TICO names its industry advisory council members.

THE NATURE OF THINGS: Dominica makes it easy with curated itineraries

The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) has launched “Summer the Nature Island Way,” a new seasonal travel initiative under its ‘Nature of Love’ destination campaign. The initiative features eight curated itineraries designed to help visitors explore Dominica through adventure, wellness, culture, and nature-based experiences.

CONTRAILS CONUNDRUM: AA, Google test reducing harmful jet trails

Say goodbye to contrails, the symbolic, sometimes beautiful, markers of travel dreams. American Airlines and Google say they have significantly reduced the climate impact of some of the airline’s flights using an AI-based forecasting tool to help prevent the iconic condensation trails.

AIR CANADA LAUNCHES MONTREAL-YUL SHUTTLE

Air Canada has launched the Air Canada City Shuttle, an expansion of its multi-modal partnership with The Landline Company. Now operating, the new service provides a fast, frequent and direct motorcoach connection for Air Canada customers between the Palais des congrès de Montréal and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) for $9 one way, plus applicable taxes.

DESTINY AWAITS: Carnival introduce new ship

Carnival Cruise Line marked a major milestone with the traditional steel-cutting ceremony for its newest ship, Carnival Destiny – arriving in summer 2029 as the first of three vessels in its next-generation of ships, officially named Ace Class.

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