CABIN FEVER: Rouge remake highlights Air Canada renewal program

A new look and feel Rouge product will be welcomed by travellers as Air Canada embarks on what the company calls its “most comprehensive” cabin renewal program ever. The refit will also extend to the mainline fleet and Air Canada Express (Jazz) with the multi-year investment earmarked to include new interiors, next-gen technology, and details that reflect the input of both customers and.

SABRE AI SOLUTION A BIG LEAP – FOR CONSUMERS

Sabre has launched SabreMosaic Concierge IQ for airlines, an all-in-one generative AI chat solution that helps travellers plan, book, and manage trips in one seamless conversation. Moreover, according to the travel technology giant, it does so with the “same empathy and judgement as a skilled human agent” while accomplishing what otherwise would be hours-long work in seconds.

WHAT CANADIAN TRAVELLERS ARE BUYING ON BLACK FRIDAY

With Black Friday here (Nov. 28), global travel app Skyscanner has released new insights into Canadian travel patterns and pricing for one of travel’s busiest savings periods of the year. This year’s analysis uncovers destinations with the most significant flight price drops.

STAYING IN TUNE WITH HARMONIOUS DOMINICA

By Michael Baginski/ As Dominica’s game-changing cable car – the longest detachable cable car in the world at 6.6 km. – prepares to open in December, the Caribbean island continues to aim high when it comes to tourism and punch above its weight with respect to its tiny size.

GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS OPEN WITH CHEER AND FEAR

Traditional Christmas markets opened across Germany on Monday, drawing revellers to their wooden stands with mulled wine, grilled sausages, potato pancakes or caramelized apples. And with memories of two deadly attacks on Christmas markets still fresh for many Germans, amid increased security.

SUNWING VACATIONS BRINGS BACK FREE CHECKED BAGS

Starting today (Nov. 25) first checked bags are free with Sunwing Vacations all-inclusive package bookings. Following feedback from travel partners and customers, the tour company says it is including the amenity, plus one free carry-on bag per person, on both new and existing bookings. 

JTB TO HOST JAMAICA BENEFIT CONCERT DEC. 10

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is inviting the trade – and all Jamaica lovers – to a special benefit concert in support of recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa in Toronto on Dec. 10. The event, which promises to bring tother “music, community, and passion” to assist those affected by the hurricane will take place at the Meridien Arts Centre in North York, starting at 7 p.m. with a reception to follow.

WASN’T THAT A PARTY: Agents dance the day away with Viva Resorts, Sunwing

By Michael Baginski/ I went to a travel presentation and a dance party broke out. But that was sort of the point, Viva by Wyndham Resorts VP of sales and marketing Amanda Santana told close to 125 travel advisors at the Sunwing Vacations-organized lunch event north of Toronto on Friday. “I’m not here to give a big presentation, you have to dance,” she laughed.

TRANSAT TALKS TURKEY, GOING TO GHANA

A new interline agreement between Air Transat and Turkish Airlines is now in effect, the airlines have announced. The partnership enables travellers to book itineraries combining flights from both airlines, enhancing connectivity between Canada and Türkiye, and key destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

AIRLINES CANCEL FLIGHTS TO VENEZUELA AFTER FAA WARNING

International airlines increasingly cancelled flights to Venezuela on Sunday after t he U.S. Federal Aviation Administration warned pilots to use caution when flying in the country’s airspace because of worsening security and heightened military activity.

ROUND-UP: Nov. 17-24, 2025

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.

‘ESSENTIAL’ BRAND USA GETS POSSIBLE LIFELINE

Brand USA, which saw its funding cut by 80% earlier this summer, has received a possible lifeline with the introduction of the VISIT USA Act, a bipartisan effort designed to fully fund the nation’s public-private destination marketing organization, thereby restoring its capacity to attract international visitors.

AVOIDING PASSPORTS PITFALLS

Forgetting to renew one’s passport before travelling may just be the ultimate faux pas before heading off on holiday. But according to travel search engine and fare aggregator Skyscanner, this is just one of many passport problems Canadians have experienced – often turning travel excitement into last-minute stress. 

OCEANIA TEASES A PEEK AT ITS SHIP OF THE FUTURE

By Wallace Immen/ Oceania Cruises has pulled back the curtain on Oceania Sonata, the first in a new class of ship it calls a ‘New Era of Luxury at Sea.’ Set to debut in 2027, the vessel will be the first of four 1,390-guest luxury ships in a new Sonata Class.

LISTENING IN: Shortsighted decision will make Holly fans cry

Fans of the Buddy Holly crosswalk in his hometown of Lubbock, Texas, with a painted depiction of the rock and roll legend’s iconic glasses, will soon have to say goodbye to it thanks to a directive from the Trump administration. That’ll be a day that may make them cry.

COULD BE WORSE: Snowbird grounding less than expected

It depends on how you look at it: According to a new survey from Snowbird Advisor, the number of Canadians who intend to head stateside this year fell 12% from 2024. On the other hand, some seven in 10 respondents still expect to go to the U.S., which represents a much smaller decline than other travel segments to the U.S. have reported.

AIR CANADA, EMIRATES ENHANCE PARTNERSHIP

Air Canada and Emirates – the world’s largest international airline – have signed a memorandum of understanding to extend their reciprocal codeshare and loyalty partnership until Dec. 31, 2032. The renewed agreement will deepen their cooperation, lead to enhanced services for customers and cargo shippers, and create the potential for new gateways within Canada in the codeshare network.

THE LATEST DEALS: Black Friday supplier offerings

As Black Friday approaches, travel companies continue to drop their annual sales events, most of which extend to dates both before and after the actual day. Here are some of the latest and ongoing offers. New entries include ACTA, Sunwing, Transat, Collette, Expedia TAAP, Hyatt, and more.

RECORD-BREAKING DUBAI FLYING HIGH

Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, has had 70.1 million passengers already this year and is on track to break its own records again, officials said Wednesday. The rapid growth of passengers at the airport underscores Dubai as a key hub for East-West travel in global aviation and the need for its $35-billion project to build a massive, five-runway airport at Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central.

HEALING IS THE NEW LUXURY: Thailand unveils latest travel vision

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a new tourism campaign, redefining luxury through the lens of personal healing, sustainability, and cultural connections for a new generation of travellers. With the “Unforgettable Experience: Healing is the New Luxury” campaign, TAT aims to position the Asian destination a place where travellers can slow down, recharge, and reconnect with themselves and nature in a world where speed, stress and uncertainty dominate daily life.

CUBA IN FOCUS: Three beaches that redefine paradise

Cuba’s shores offers some of the Caribbean’s most spectacular and diverse beaches, each with its own distinct character and endless opportunities for exploration. From incredibly clear waters teeming with marine life to secluded stretches of shore that inspired literary legends, the island presents remarkable adventures for travellers seeking authentic Caribbean beauty.

BEST CRUISE LINES NAMED FOR 2026

U.S. News & World Report, publisher of the Best Hotels, Best Vacations and Best Travel Rewards Programs has released its 2026 Best Cruise Lines rankings. The prestigious 12th installment of the Best Cruise Lines rankings expands to highlight 19 of the most popular ocean cruise lines across 10 categories catering to cruise interests. Notably, one cruise line (Viking) scored four firsts – 40% of the top accolades.

THE ROLE WE INHERITED: And the one we’re growing into

By Mike Foster/ If you’ve been in the travel industry long enough, you know what it feels like to carry out a role that keeps growing in every direction. One moment you’re unravelling a schedule change, then answering a late-night text, then explaining a loyalty perk, then reviewing cancellation terms, then sourcing a boutique hotel that still has the right room type in the right week.

FIRST SOUTH AMERICAN NON-STOP FOR WESTJET: And other summer 2026 highlights

WestJet has revealed five new seasonal international destinations from Toronto, three new transatlantic destinations from Halifax, as well as new domestic and Nordic connections from Western Canada as part of its summer 2026 schedule. Headlining the route roster is WestJet’s first South American non-stop connection from Toronto: Medellín, Colombia.

TRANSAT PILOTS BEGIN STRIKE VOTE

Hundreds of Air Transat pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), conducted informational picketing Monday in three key locations, the same day that the pilots began voting on a strike authorization ballot. 

CITY TOURISM ON THE RISE: The busy get even busier

Cities are seeing particularly strong growth for international tourism – reversing a shift to more rural destinations during and following the pandemic, says a new report released at WTM London (World Travel Market).

STORM-CATION: Faroe Islands – where the weather always wins

The tiny Faroe Islands in the north Atlantic could be a poor choice for travellers with vertigo, seasickness or a fear of enclosed spaces. There are crumbling cliffs, sudden gale-force winds and hillsides so steep that even the sheep can tumble.

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