WHAT A WONDER-FUL WORLD: WTTC wants you to help pick new 7 Wonders

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched the search for the ‘7 Contemporary Wonders of the World,’ and is inviting the “people of the world,” to help pick them. The global initiative is designed to identify and celebrate the landmarks and buildings created since 1801 that have had the greatest impact on Travel & Tourism, local communities and economic development, and continue to redefine the future of destinations around the world.

WESTJET FLIGHT ATTENDANTS OPEN STRIKE VOTE

WestJet Mainline flight attendants have officially opened a strike vote that could precipitate a work action as early as Aug. 2. Voting continues until July 15 as the union seeks a strong mandate from members to support its position at the bargaining table as negotiations continue under federal conciliation until July 11.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: World’s top culinary destinations revealed

The World Food Travel Association has released the inaugural Gastronomy Tourism Maturity Index (GTMI), the first global assessment designed to evaluate the long-term maturity of gastronomy tourism across 84 countries. Not surprising, Italy and France ranked one-two in the index.

WHY YOU’LL WANT TO PLAY ON SEVEN SEAS PRESTIGE

By WALLACE IMMEN/ The shuffleboard is “supercharged” and the Pickleball and Padel courts are competition grade. There’s an 18-hole golf putting course, an enclave for sunrise and sunset yoga, a full-size pool and all-day relaxation zones.

LISTENING IN: Sweet Home Leningrad, you can’t turn away

By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Every once in awhile, you hear or come across something that makes you say what the… I mean, wow. This summer’s WTF moment has been the odd Quebecois duo Angine de Poitrine (check them out if you dare!). On the other hand, there’s the Leningrad Cowboys. Not as current mind you, but jaw-droppingly delightful, nonetheless.

MEET THE NEW BOSS: Air Canada names new CEO

Air Canada has named Scandinavian Airlines head Anko Van der Werff as the Canadian airline’s next chief executive. The Montreal-based airline says Van der Werff will assume the job and join Air Canada’s board of directors by the end of January 2027.

CANADIAN CITIES SCORE BIG AS BUSINESS ROUTES

Four Canadian city pairs rank among the world’s fastest-growing business travel routes, according to new data from American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT).

CAL JOINS SNOWBIRD ADVISOR TEAM

Elvi Cal is joining the Snowbird Advisor team, taking on the role of Director of Travel Partnerships in a consulting capacity. The travel industry veteran will be overseeing partnerships with DMOs, tourist boards, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators and other providers who want to reach the rapidly growing Canadian snowbird market. 

THE PREMIUMIZATION OF AIR TRAVEL: And the widening gap at the back of the bus

They may arrive at the same destination, but two passengers on the same flight can have strikingly different travel experiences. One traveller breezes through a priority security lane and heads straight to an invite-only lounge for craft cocktails and a chef-prepared meal before boarding early. A flight attendant offering a glass of champagne and a warm hand towel welcomes the passenger to a spacious seat at the front of the plane.

ANOTHER CUBA BLACKOUT AS GRID CONTINUES TO CRUMBLE

An islandwide blackout hit Cuba on Monday as the country’s fuel reserves dwindle and its electric grid continues to crumble. The blackout in the country of nearly 10 million people was reported by the state-run Electric Union, which said on X that the cause is under investigation.

RETAIL ROUND-UP: Agent news, fams & incentives

This week: Air Canada Vacations introduces its new agent advisor cohort; ACTA offers referral incentive; FlightHub introduces hotels; agent contest winners experienced Oregon; Ensemble appoints a new director of destinations; and four new Utah specialists were rewarded with an upcoming a FAM.

AMEN FOR AMAN: Los Cabos welcomes ultra-luxury retreat

As Los Cabos enjoys continued growth from the Canadian market, the Mexican resort destination is set to “open a new chapter,” with the debut of Aman’s first ultra-luxury retreat in the country, Amanvari, on Aug. 1.

ONTARIO ADVANCES ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL

Destination Ontario and AccessNow have announced a new partnership aimed at supporting more accessible and inclusive travel experiences across Ontario.

AIR CANADA SCALES BACK MORE U.S. FLIGHTS

Air Canada is once again scaling back flights to the U.S. amid high jet fuel costs and lower demand for trips south of the border. Schedule changes by the country’s largest carrier show it is halting or delaying eight transborder routes starting this fall.

AT TREVELLO, WOMEN HAVE THE POWER: Creating your own women-led business

By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Not to put too fine a point on it, but leading Canadian IC organization Trevello is “created by women for women,” says Zeina Gedeon. And with the retail industry in this country dominated by men, “that’s big,” says the company’s chief executive.

DISNEYLAND WELCOMES ONE-BILLIONTH GUEST

The “Happiest Place on Earth” welcomed its one billionth guest on July 3, with Andres Robles, celebrating his 8th birthday, and his parents Alejandra and Jose of Arizona entering Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Ca.

HOW SOCIAL MEDIA IS CHANGING THE NATURE OF CRUISING

As cruise travel continues to grow, a new trend is quietly reshaping how passengers experience their vacations: travellers are increasingly connecting with fellow cruisers before they ever step onboard.

ADVISORY EASED: Dubai readies for return of Canadians

With Canada’s decision to downgrade its travel advisory to Dubai from level 2 to yellow, Dubai’s department of economy and tourism (DET) says it is ready and eager to welcome Canadians back to the emirate.

PRINCESS PAX STRICKEN WITH NOROVIRUS

More than 120 passengers and crew members on a Princess Cruises ship that docked in San Francisco late last week were infected with a stomach virus while on their voyage, U.S. federal health officials said.

LAST WEEK THIS MORNING: June 29-July 3, 2026

A round-up of 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.

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