Through its annual Christmas Miracle, WestJet is again delivering joy to families with critically sick and injured children staying at Ronald McDonald House locations across Canada. For 13 years, WestJetters have embraced the spirit of giving, volunteering their time and hearts to spread holiday magic both on and off the aircraft and maintaining a tradition that reflects WestJet’s deep connection with Ronald McDonald House Canada, which began in 2007.

By Michael Baginski/ For the 11th consecutive year, Sunwing and RIU Hotels & Resorts hosted their annual holiday season partners trade lunch last week, combining a chance to share the latest news from the popular resort chain with an opportunity to enjoy some exquisite (and way too much) food, while schmoozing with colleagues and starting (or furthering) this season’s holiday spirit.

To celebrate launch of its new and upgraded website, Goway has launched a contest for travel advisors where every quote and booking gives them the chance to win a complete Passport to a Free FAM. 

Transat says that an “orderly suspension of operations” will begin today (Monday) after the airline’s pilots said they are prepared to strike as early as 3 a.m. Wednesday morning if a labour agreement between the sides is not reached. A complete suspension of flights will be in effect by Dec. 9, the company said.

With an Air Transat labour disruption potentially starting today (Monday), the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO), has shared information for consumers in the province who booked travel services either directly or through a TICO-registered travel retailer (including TICO-registered online booking websites).

The National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) has announced that its member airlines – Air Canada, Air Transat, Jazz Aviation LP, and WestJet – have jointly adopted a common air travel requirements form for passengers with complex health needs. The move was welcomed by ACTA, which said, “This is a significant step forward in enhancing the travel experience for Canadians who live with complex health needs.”

With the hopes of making the wonderful time of the year even more wonderful for travel advisors, Air Canada Vacations is introducing its first-ever 12 Days of Festive Holiday Offers with deals for both travel advisors and their clients. Starting today (Dec. 8), the promotion features savings, exclusive rewards, and special gifts – all available exclusively when booking through a travel advisor.

Four protesters were arrested Saturday after splattering food on the case of a priceless diamond-encrusted crown at the Tower of London. The Crown Jewels display was closed after members of a group called Take Back Power smeared apple crumble and poured yellow custard on the display case containing the Imperial State Crown worn by King Charles III during his coronation in 2023.

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.

Travel advisors are entering 2026 confident of growing sales and their professional value – even amid some challenging headwinds on the horizon, according to a new survey of advisors affiliated with TRAVELSAVERS Canada. In fact, the survey reports that seven in 10 agencies (71%) expect revenue growth in the year ahead.

Calling Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International “not a good airport,” Donald Trump says that his administration will embark on a reconstruction of the northern Virginia facility – one of the three U.S. capital-area airports whose quality is a hotly debated topic among Washingtonians.

More than a decade ago, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 vanished without a trace, sparking one of aviation’s most baffling mysteries. Despite years of multinational searches, investigators still do not know exactly what happened to the plane or its 239 passengers and crew, which included two Canadians. Now the search, which was abandoned in 2018, will begin again.

The union representing Air Transat pilots says an overwhelming mandate of 99% has been given for a strike if the company fails to deliver what it deems a “modern contract.” The earliest a strike is legally permitted to be declared is Dec. 10 – just in time for the holidays.

Close to 450 travel advisors joined Air Canada Vacations for the tour company’s annual ACV@HOME Virtual Holiday Cheer on Tuesday. The 30-minute celebration featured interactive games, prizes, and a heartfelt moment of recognition through a photo collage showcasing memorable highlights from 2025.

The Travel Agent Next Door has entered into an equity partnership with UK-based Travel Counsellors effective Dec. 2. Vitruvian-backed Travel Counsellors is the UK’s largest and fast-growing technology platform for travel entrepreneurs that connects over 2,200 independent business owners, ultimately enabling them to deliver exceptional levels of customer service.

This week: Trevello talks Turkey, Travel Leaders Network takes stock at year-end, Air Canada Vacations’ groups loyalty program gets going, and Kensington reminds travel advisors there’s still time to earn 2025 bonuses.