Steven Larkin is returning to Intrepid Travel. Formerly President of Intrepid Canada from 2008 to 2014, the Canadian industry veteran will take on the new role of SVP Global Sales & Partnerships, North America effective Jan. 1.
A Transat spokesperson says progress has been made in round-the-clock negotiations with the union representing the company’s pilots, but flight suspensions still loom ahead of Wednesday’s strike deadline unless a deal is made.
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.
Canadians’ prospering pipeline to The Bahamas continues to gain steam with the launch of new Air Canada nonstop flights from Halifax and Ottawa to Nassau. The weekly flights come just in time for the holidays – a festive season that notably includes colourful Junkanoo celebrations throughout the islands.
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.
Frank Gehry, the Canadian-born renegade architect behind some of the world’s most recognizable buildings, died Dec. 5 at 96. Known for his unconventional style and daring designs, Gehry brought unique life to cultural spaces including the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, and Toronto’s Art Gallery of Ontario – iconic attractions that attract visitors from around the world and even helped put some destinations on the tourist map.
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).
By Michael Baginski/ Casey Canevari, the late Brand USA Director of Global Trade Development (Canada), was bestowed with the title “honorary Canadian” as he was remembered – and celebrated – at a special Discover America Canada event in Toronto late last week.
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.
By Michael Baginski/ The Tourist Office of Spain celebrated an “amazing” 2025 for the destination out of Canada at an event in Toronto Wednesday night – a year that proved “even better than we thought,” according to the office’s Canadian director Isabel Martín Benítez.
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.
By Wallace Immen/ First it was Ritz-Carlton. Now hotel groups Four Seasons and Orient Express are joining the race to have the most luxurious and personal yachts at sea.
By Michael Baginski/ Big surprise and what took so long? New Orleans has been designated a ‘creative city’ for music by UNESCO, joining a distinguished list of 75 other global places, and second in the U.S. (after Kansas City).
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.
By Michael Baginski/ One of the true characters of the Canadian travel industry has died. Duncan Bureau reportedly had a heart attack Dec. 2 in Mexico, age 58. Having started his career at Greyhound Bus Lines, he was most recently chief commercial officer at the Farenexus travel services company.
After years of volatility and transformation, the Asia Pacific region’s tourism sector has not only rebounded but is entering a new phase of sustained growth, says the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). In its recently released annual tourism report for 2025, the association cites a near-complete recovery from the COVID years, underscoring the travel industry’s vital adaptability and resilience in navigating a dynamic global landscape.
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.
Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) has named Stuart Morcombe as Manager, Business Development and Network Support. In his new role, the 20-plus-year Canadian travel industry veteran will oversee the organization, planning, and growth of TDC’s franchisee and affiliate business across Canada (excluding Quebec).
Cuban culture thrives through time-honoured traditions that have shaped the island’s identity for generations. The blending of indigenous customs with Spanish influences has created unique experiences that continue to captivate visitors today. These deeply rooted cultural practices offer travellers authentic glimpses into the heart of Cuban society and the island’s history.
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.
G Adventures has two new members of its executive leadership team, signifying a new chapter of growth and strategic evolution for G Adventures and its sister brands within the G Travel Community (GTC), including G Touring (Travelsphere and JustYou) and TruTravels
The iconic Vancouver waterfront fireworks festival that has been held for more than three decades has been cancelled indefinitely due to financial difficulties – news that Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim called “devastating.”
By Michael Baginski/ With new Air Canada flights to Guatemala from Montreal now flying high, there’s no reason now for Canadians not to discover the Central American country, hope Guatemalan tourism execs, who point out the Central American destination has it all – from beaches to ancient Mayan ruins and lush rainforests to active volcanoes.