Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) is hosting its national leadership conference at Club Med Marbella on Spain’s Costa del Sol this week, with the key theme of personalized development. On hand are owners and managers of franchised and affiliated agencies of the TDC network, regional managers of Transat/Travel agencies, members of the TDC management team, as well as a host of preferred partners.
When travellers think of beach getaways, their first thought may be to spend their days relaxing under the sun, and while white-sand lounging certainly has a place on tropical vacations, it’s not the only way to experience the sands of paradise. With dozens of beaches to explore in Aruba, there’s no limit to what vacationers can do, from ocean exploration to enjoying the lively nightlife.
Tariffs, Trump, an election – 2025 has has gotten off to a tumultuous start as Canadians face an uncertain political and economic future. But, according to Flight Centre, Canadians are still eager to travel – albeit with a new priority: simplicity, connection and escape from the relentless news cycle and pace of modern life. Or put another way, “prioritizing peace over politics.”
The union representing WestJet pilots is asking a judge to quash federal approval of temporary foreign workers in the cockpit. In an application it says was filed Monday, the Air Line Pilots Association petitioned the Federal Court to declare invalid a government decision green-lighting temporary work permits at WestJet Encore earlier this month.
Mayor Tom Ross opens his laptop. He navigates through his email inbox, double-clicks on a message and turns the screen. A long paragraph is titled “Regretful cancelling visits to Minot.” The email is addressed to the mayor of the North Dakota town and extends four or five lines.
This week: The Travel Agent Next Door was recognized by Air Canada; FCM Travel appointments; Good deeds from First in Travel (F1S); an Ontario travel agency closure; and a Fort Lauderdale incentive for travel advisors.
A ‘transformative’ Singapore is on track to smash its all-time international arrivals record this year, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council, which forecasts that Thailand – fuelled by the White Lotus effect – is similarly on pace to break all records with 5% growth.
The fire that closed London Heathrow Airport last Friday sparked one of the most serious disruptions to air travel in years. More than 1,300 flights were cancelled and hundreds of thousands of journeys were disrupted following the blaze at an electrical substation near the airport. But the incident wasn’t the first – and certainly not the worst – to cause air travel chaos in recent years.
Women over 50 are the fastest-growing travel demographic, according to a ground-breaking study by Intrepid Travel, in partnership with JourneyWoman. With more women living longer and wanting to travel independently, the segment is expected to drive CAD$746 billion in spending by 2035.
According to its tourism motto, Fort Lauderdale welcomes “Everyone Under the Sun.” And naturally, Canadians rank high among that “everyone.” In a message addressed directly to Canadian travel advisors, Stacy Ritter, President and CEO of Visit Lauderdale, said, “We look forward to welcoming you and your clients to Greater Fort Lauderdale. We deeply appreciate our Canadian visitors, who not only embrace all that our destination has to offer but also show great respect and love for our community. Their presence enriches our local culture and strengthens the deep-rooted connection between Canada and Greater Fort Lauderdale.
WestJet will launch new service between Halifax and Barcelona, Spain, beginning June 27. The seasonal route will operate four times per week as part of WestJet’s summer 2025 schedule, offering Atlantic Canadians a direct connection to what the airline says is one of its most sought-after European destinations.
Constant sunshine and amazing natural attributes help Greater Fort Lauderdale sell itself as a destination, but Visit Lauderdale is leaving nothing to chance by offering a comprehensive suite of tools for Canadian travel advisors designed to make it easier – and more lucrative – to sell the diverse 31 municipalities of Broward County.
Mexico City lawmakers have voted overwhelmingly to ban violent bullfighting, triggering outrage from aficionados and celebration from animal rights advocates. The legislation, approved by a 61-1 vote, prohibits the killing of bulls and the use of sharp objects that could injure the animals.
From the tranquility of a beach escape to engaging outdoor adventures, and fine dining to nightlife and exciting sporting events (including being home base for the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers), there’s something to suit all – and multiple – interests in Greater Fort Lauderdale.
After a transformative three-week makeover in Singapore, Cunard has unveiled a new-look Queen Elizabeth ahead of her inaugural Alaska voyages from Seattle and her debut season sailing from Miami, starting June 12 and Oct. 16 respectively.
Canadians are now facing updated travel advisories to the world’s two largest economies after Ottawa warned travellers who stay in the United States for more than 30 days to make sure they register as required. At the same time, Canadians with dual citizenship have been warned to use Canadian credentials when presenting to Chinese authorities.
London Heathrow Airport said it was “fully operational” on Saturday, after an almost daylong closure sparked by an electrical substation fire. But thousands of passengers remained stuck, and airlines warned that severe disruption will last for days as they scramble to relocate planes and crews and get travellers to their destinations.
Airplanes with standing sections. An extra fee for boarding charged at airport terminals. Even smaller carry-on luggage allowances. These are a few of the features offered by ‘Unfair Canada,’ a fictional airline (based on a real one) with the slogan “where we can’t take you!” and which runs a scrolling banner on its website proclaiming “all flights cancelled because we feel like it.”
By Michael Baginski/ Tiny Anguilla has a big heart. So says Kimberly King of the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB), who visited Toronto and Montreal last week to update the trade on the most recent developments on the Caribbean island. “(Anguillans) are very, very friendly and offer warm hospitality,” she said. “(Visiting) us is a very authentic experience.”
Club Med has named Natasha George as Business Development Manager for Ontario and Western Canada, reporting to Jacinda Lowry, Associate VP of Sales, Canada. She will officially start her role on April 22.
Malaysia’s government has given final approval for a Texas-based marine robotics company to renew the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which is believed to have crashed in the southern Indian Ocean more than a decade ago.
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.
A preliminary report into a plane crash at Toronto’s Pearson airport last month says the aircraft’s alert system issued a warning about the descent rate less than three seconds before touchdown. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada released its report Thursday morning as it continues to investigate the Feb. 17 crash landing that sent 21 people to hospital, noting that it’s too early to draw any conclusions.
The boss of under-fire Amtrak abruptly resigned from his top post at the US passenger railroad with Stephen Gardner stating that he was said stepping down “to ensure that Amtrak continues to enjoy the full faith and confidence of this administration.”
“Take me out to the yakyuu game… buy me some kimchi and dumplings…” Sports is a major driver of tourism and with the Major League Baseball season having opened this week in Japan with the Dodgers and Cubs kicking off in Tokyo, early morning TV viewers got a rare glimpse of the game far from the fields – and culture – of North America.
A thief who swiped a golden toilet – after using it – from an English palace that is popular with tourists has been convicted along with an accomplice who helped cash in on the spoils of the 18-carat work of art insured for nearly £5 million (more than CDN$9.3 million).
For lovers of beer, lagers and ciders, London has an answer that’s off the beaten track: The Bermondsey Beer Mile, a loose collection of brewery bars and liquor stores that stretches well over a mile through the streets and railway arches of south London.
The 30th anniversary tour by Riverdance rolled through Toronto this week with fitting timing as those of an Irish persuasion – or just plain Irish at heart – continued to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Monday. And thanks to Tourism Ireland, several members of the trade were invited to enjoy the iconic show, which has become as synonymous with the Emerald Isle as shamrocks, leprechauns and Guinness.
As the world’s weather increasingly shapes the dynamics of travel and tourism in a myriad of ways (and everyday lives beyond our industry, of course), the World Meteorological Organization has laid bare all the markings of an increasingly warming world – with oceans at record high temperatures, sea levels rising, and glaciers retreating at record speed.
Fuelled by growing crime rates, Peru’s government declared a state of emergency in Lima Monday, with military announcing that it would deploy 1,000 soldiers in the capital to patrol key areas such as train stations, and support local police.