CANADIAN KILLED IN MEXICO

An armed man standing atop one of the historic Teotihuacán pyramids opened fire on tourists Monday, killing one Canadian and leaving at least 13 people injured at the archeological site north of Mexico’s capital, authorities said.  The shooter was identified as 27-year-old Julio Cesar Jasso of Mexico, a state official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about the case.

SUSTAINABILITY AS A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

Internova Travel Group says its approach to sustainability-minded travel is translating into stronger advisor engagement and measurable commercial momentum. Through its Green Circle eco-luxe sustainability initiative, the company says it is equipping travel advisors with the knowledge and experiences needed to confidently sell sustainability-minded travel with the strategy already translating into stronger advisor engagement and measurable commercial momentum.

FLOATING HOTEL SPARKS VANCOUVER WATERFRONT WORRIES

Vancouver’s council has approved a 250-room floating hotel on the city’s waterfront that proponents say would bring more accommodation capacity and generate economic activity, despite concerns that it would mar water and mountain views. 

RETAIL ROUND-UP: Agent news, fams & incentives

This week: Transat Distribution Canada takes on AI; TRAVELSAVERS Canada members convened in Toronto; RIU Hotels & Resorts launched a new mobile app for RIU Partner Club for retail travel agents; Kensington commits to the Canadian travel trade; and Flight Hub has a new content hub.

THE RISE OF THE CULINARY SAFARI: And what it means for the travel trade

By CINDY-LOU DALE/ Safari cuisine was once the weakest link in an otherwise extraordinary experience. Lodges typically relied on colonial-era menus, imported ingredients, and dishes that bore little connection to the landscapes in which they were served. But across Africa, that model is being rapidly replaced. A new generation of chefs and lodge operators are reshaping bush dining by embracing indigenous produce, heritage recipes, and hyper-local sourcing.

FAIRMONT UNVEILS NEW ‘SPECIAL HAPPENS’ EXPERIENCES

From a private helicopter tour of the Great Wall of China to an Indigenous Foraging Culinary Experience in Jasper, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has unveiled the debut of six new bookable experiences in its new “Special Happens…” series, designed to showcase new ‘must try’ experiences across its global portfolio.

EIGHT TIPS TO MITIGATE SOARING AIRFARES

As the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran squeezes global oil supplies, travellers have valid reasons to worry about the cost and availability of flights as they plan their late spring and summer trips.

GRAVY PLANE

‘The people don’t want it,’ Doug Ford says about the decision to sell his new plane just days after purchase. The Ontario Premier says he listened to the taxpayers who told him over the weekend he needed to reverse his decision to buy a used $29-million private jet for his use.

SLAINTÉ TO IRELAND: Tourist board, partners celebrate Canada, trade

By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Ireland’s tourist board and a host of road show partners wrapped a successful week-long “whistle stop tour” of Eastern Canada at an elegant reception at the Residence of Ireland Toronto Friday after stops in St. John’s, Halifax, Moncton, and Montreal.

UNPAID WORK STILL RANKLES FLIGHT ATTENDANTS

Eight months into Ottawa’s investigation into flight attendants’ allegations that they’re forced to do unpaid work, the union is raising concerns that it won’t result in any change.

FUEL DUMP: Air Canada suspends six routes, including JFK service

Air Canada will suspend service to New York’s JFK International airport from Toronto and Montreal over the summer as the war in Iran creates jet fuel shortages that have sent prices soaring. It will, however, continue to offer 34 flights a day to LaGuardia and Newark from six Canadian cities.

TRANSAT UNVEILS NEW WINTER WAVE: New flights, expanded service, and a return to Florida

Air Transat has begun unveiling its 2026-27 winter program with its “first wave” of announcements that include four new routes from four different Canadian gateways; the expansion of two of its flagship routes – Toronto-Paris and Montreal-Barcelona – to year-round service; and the return of Florida flights after a summer pause.

‘ALWAYS EVOLVING’ FLORIDA STILL FOND OF CANADIAN FRIENDS

By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ With new VISIT FLORIDA president and CEO Bryan Griffen headed to Canada for his first official visit in the coming days, the tourism organization’s annual media mission called ahead in Vancouver and Toronto last week to assure that the sun is still shining in the state and that Canadians are still most welcome to come to visit – when they’re ready.

OVERSERVED PASSENGER COSTS CARNIVAL $300,000

Carnival Cruise Line must pay $300,000 to a former passenger after a federal jury in South Florida found that the company was negligent in serving the woman more than a dozen shots of tequila before she fell down some stairs and suffered a possible traumatic brain injury.

ROUND-UP: April 13-17, 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.

AIR CANADA REVEALS DESIGN FUTURE

Air Canada raised the curtain on its new long-haul cabin designs at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany, this week. The first major expression of its new ‘Glowing Hearted’ standard design aims to deliver a distinctly Canadian experience, and is the culmination of what the company says its “most significant” cabin investment.“This investment is about fundamentally redefining the experience of flying with Air Canada. From the moment of stepping on board, we’re setting a new standard for how Canadians and the world connect with our brand,” said Mark Nasr, Executive VP & Chief Operations Officer at Air Canada.

SO BAD THEY’RE GOOD: Icelandair seeks awful photographer to shoot new campaign

Battered camera phone from 2003? Your thumb appears in every shot? Photos that are somehow ALWAYS slightly out of focus? Decapitate your subjects with terrible composition? If any of this sounds familiar, consider that Icelandair is on the hunt for people with a very specific skill: the ability to take absolutely terrible photos. And it’s willing to pay someone US$50,000 to try to do so.

CRUISE EXECS CONFIDENT IN LOOMING CHALLENGES

By WALLACE IMMEN/ With a war going on, fuel prices spiking and even some ships stuck in port, it’s a challenging moment, but cruise leaders remain optimistic about long-term growth.

LISTENING IN: Cool Jools makes Charlie smile

By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Charlie Watts had a life beyond his day job – keeping time for The Rolling Stones. In fact, the late Watts was a dedicated jazz drummer, who led his own band, The Charlie Watts Quintet.

UNLOCKING EUROPE IN THE OFF SEASON: Europe eyes Canadian market for growth

Canada represents a high-value long-haul market and a strategic source of demand beyond Europe’s peak summer months, particularly during the shoulder season, according to a new study, presented during European Tourism Association (ETOA) webinar series on North America outbound markets.

SUNWING CANCELS SUMMER IN CUBA

Sunwing Vacations Group is extending its pause of operations to Cuba for the summer season to include Varadero (VRA) and Cayo Coco (CCC). As such, all operations in Cuba have been cancelled from June 20 through Oct. 9, 2026 (inclusive) for all gateways/airports across its three brands: Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations and Vacances WestJet Quebec.

TRAFALGAR SAILS INTO NEW CHAPTER: Trade joins first river cruise departures

Trafalgar officially debuted its new river cruise offering on the weekend with inaugural sailings aboard the Trafalgar Verity on the Rhine and Trafalgar Reverie on the Danube, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s evolution as it extends its guided travel expertise beyond land. 

PATA HOPING FOR THE BEST: But prepared for the worst

Pacific-Asian inbound travel is poised to exceed pre-pandemic levels starting this year, and reach 761.2 million visitors by 2028, according to the latest forecast from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

HYATT TAKES PLUNGE IN NIAGARA FALLS

The new Hyatt Regency Niagara Falls Fallsview is the first Hyatt hotel in city and is the closest Canadian hotel to the Falls. The former Embassy Suites property features newly renovated rooms and suites and panoramic views of the famous Falls

GRENADA IN FOCUS: A getaway that fits your pace

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.

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