By Michael Baginski/When Rockin’1000 says it’s the Biggest Rock Band on Earth, it ain’t kidding – it’s a group comprised of 1,000 members – singers, drummers, and guitarists – that astonishingly come together in unison to play rock anthems at mega stadium concerts around the world.
In its 2026 Virtuoso Luxe Report, the travel agency network concludes that modern luxury travellers are no longer satisfied with luxury for its own sake. Rather, they are pursuing exotic encounters, slowing down to savour each moment, and curating journeys that are meaningful, restorative and deeply personal. And they need a travel advisor to help do it (better).
Jamaica’s minister of tourism has set bold new targets for the Canadian market, aiming to welcome 600,000 Canadian visitors annually and generate US$750 million in tourism earnings by 2030. This ambitious goal comes as the destination experiences a significant 22% increase in Canadian airlift capacity for the upcoming winter season.
In the latest sign of the times, Virgin Voyages and Google Cloud have announced a strategic partnership to embed generative AI across the cruise line’s business, with more than 50 specialized AI “agents” on Gemini Enterprise now deployed company-wide. “Email Ellie,” the first agent from this collaboration, has already driven significant business impact, contributing to a record-breaking sales month and validating the company’s ambitious AI strategy, says the cruise line.
India’s prime minister inaugurated a new international airport in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, last week, marking a step forward in expansion of the country’s fast-growing aviation network. Navi Mumbai International Airport is expected to begin operating in December and will make Mumbai the only metropolitan area in the world’s most populous country to have a second international airport.
Whether by car, coach or luxury train, experiencing the lochs and glens and cultural highlights of Scotland has long been celebrated as one of Europe’s most stunning touring adventures. From the Edinburgh Festivals and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to community and Highland Games events, summer in Scotland is never short of great events and experiences.
Independent rail vacation provider Railbookers has unveiled a new and expanded collection of itineraries that celebrate travelling around the world by luxury train. The 2026 collection includes four new itineraries ranging from 29 to 48 days aboard some of the world’s most desired trains.
Whether booking a stay inspired by a favourite novel, or flying across the world for a viral snack, Canadians are seeking experiences that reflect their identities, according a new 2026 travel trends report by global travel platform Skyscanner, which declares, “This marks the year where travel becomes more personal than ever.”
The opportunity to open new markets is just one reason Air Canada network planners are eagerly anticipating the arrival into its fleet of the airline’s first Airbus A321XLR in 2026. While the first delivery of the aircraft is “on the horizon,” logistically it won’t likely be drafted into service before next summer, says the company.
ACTA is launching a special Accessible Travel Advisor Directory, a first-of-its-kind resource designed to connect Canadians with travel advisors specializing in accessible travel for both visible and non-visible disabilities. Agents are now able to apply for inclusion in the guide.
This week: Direct Travel realigned its management structure (banner photo); Voyzant and Ensemble named new VPs; and Travelport-connected agencies now have full access to Air Canada NDC content; and agents will find themselves in a fine pickle with Sandals’ new incentive.
With St. Vincent and the Grenadines proving to be one the fastest-growing destinations in the Caribbean, the islands’ government has announced the injection of some USD$20 million on the upgrade and development of new tourism sites and four new hotels – one of them being a new Beaches resort that represents the largest single tourism development in the nation’s history.
Léonardo Fiori has been appointed as Transat’s account manager for the territories of Montréal, Laval, Lanaudière, Laurentides, and Abitibi. Fiori has held several positions at Transat Tours Canada, including Special Groups and Events Coordinator, Group Agent, and Reservations Agent.
As summer comes to an end, Myrtle Beach is the ultimate place to keep the season alive with a nostalgic autumn escape. Golden sunshine, gentle breezes and 100 km of shoreline set the stage for a second summer that pairs seaside traditions with modern experiences, making it easy to have seasonal fun in the South Carolina destination.
By Michael Baginski/ A day of celebrating with industry was hardly enough to contain 25th anniversary celebrations for RIT Royal Irish Tours and the company’s affable founder Ian Duffy, who started the suburban Toronto-based tour operator in the tumultuous days after 9/11, but nevertheless saw the business thrive and grow, and is now looking to the next a quarter century with a second generation of Duffys in the fold.
Canadians notably know Myrtle Beach in the Spring when the city’s iconic Can-Am Days come to life. In 2026, the 65th annual event will take place from March 13 to 22 with a celebration of the friendship between the South Carolina destination and Canada, and where visitors from north of the border are “welcomed, expected, appreciated and embraced” and offered a comprehensive program of activities and deep discounts on accommodations, attractions, shopping and more.
Air Canada resumed flights to Israel late last week (Oct. 9), the latest carrier to return to Israel following similar moves by United and Delta. The Canadian carrier had been scheduled to resume service to Tel Aviv (TLV) on Sept. 8 but postponed implementation by a month due to what it called “geopolitical uncertainly in the region.”
While Myrtle Beach has only been officially around since the early 20th century, there is a good bit of Revolutionary War history that can be found along the Grand Strand. History aficionados, and even the mildly curious, can easily hop in their car and check out the following locations for a fascinating window into the region’s past.
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.
Starting Sunday, travellers – including Canadians – heading to Europe’s Schengen zone countries’ will face new entry protocols. However, even though it may seem like acronym hell, the new EES (Entry/Exit System) should cause little sweat, and ought not be confused with what will be the more cumbersome – and costly – ETIAS (European Travel Information & Authorization System), which is coming (supposedly) next year.
Staffing shortages have led to more flight delays at airports across the U.S. as the federal government shutdown stretches into its second week, while union leaders for air traffic controllers and airport security screeners warned the situation is likely to get worse.
VisitBritain, in partnership with key Canadian tour operators and airlines, is hosting travel agent workshops in Calgary, Edmonton and Mississauga in October – starting next week – and reports that space is still available. Travel advisors will be able to learn more about products and itineraries available for clients wishing to England, Scotland and Wales in 2026 and beyond.
By David Koo/ When most people picture an emergency medical evacuation, they imagine flashing lights, sirens and helicopters landing on a hospital rooftop. That’s the Hollywood version. In reality, the farther you travel from civilization, the stranger – and more inventive – an emergency medical rescue becomes.
By Wallace Immen/ Dressing up for dinner is something that’s always been special about cruising. Ships are their own floating worlds and every night can be a party where people are dressed in their best. Now, even the most upscale ships are relaxing dress codes into “suggestions.”
By Michael Baginski/ Rory Gallagher is having a moment, seemingly all over the Internet these days. “The greatest guitarist you’ve never heard” was considered Ireland’s first rock star in the early ‘70s and influenced a who’s who of subsequent guitar gods, from the Edge to Slash and even Canada’s own Alex Lifeson (Rush), plus many others.
Amidst a “rebellion” by Canadian travellers against travelling to the U.S., Donald Trump is predicting that Canadians will travel south of the border again after a trade deal between the two countries is ultimately reached.
Air Transat has begun its summer 2026 route roll-out with the announcement of new international routes and annualization of several southern services from Montreal, Quebec City and Toronto – with “further developments” to follow in the coming weeks.
By Michael Baginski/ Coinciding with new flights from Toronto, the Guadeloupe Islands are upping the ante in Canada with the appointment of Toronto-based representation firm VoX International to promote the appeal of the French Caribbean archipelago in this country. And the first order of business was a trade event in Toronto on Tuesday evening hosted by the islands’ tourist board.
ACTA has launched its 2026 membership drive with the organization inviting members of the travel trade to not only support their national trade association, but be part of a community with a powerful voice that is committed to advocating for travel agencies and travel advisors across Canada.
ADM Aéroports de Montréal is advising passengers that its multi-level P5 parking lot located in front of the YUL terminal will be closing to the public on Oct. 15 and from that date users will need to choose a different parking lot on the airport site. Moreover, with fewer spaces available – especially during peak periods during the week – travellers who wish to drive to the airport are strongly advised to reserve their parking space online or, better still, use public transportation.