From stargazing in a Dark Sky Reserve to wrangling brook trout (or bulls), Québec’s most unconventional festivals offer memorable ways to experience the province’s landscapes, culture, and sense of fun this summer. Here are four festivals of notes catering to diverse and unique interests.
Hamburger Hill, Hue, the Ia Drang Valley, Khe Sanh: Some remember the Vietnam War battles from the headlines of the 1960s and 1970s, others from movies and history books. And thousands of Americans and Vietnamese know them as the graveyards of loved ones who died fighting more than a half-century ago.
By Wallace Immen/ First-time cruisers are driving fast growth in cruising, with 31% of passengers in the last two years being new to cruise. But there’s also a rising tide in repeat cruising, the latest annual report of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) finds.
By Michael Baginski/ Despite a 16 percent increased forecast for flights to the Caribbean from Canada this summer, a new study says lift from this country to the region is not keeping up with travel demand that is peaking due in part to travellers seeking alternatives to travel to the U.S.
With Canada’s new parliament now reconvened after the federal election and throne speech Tuesday, ACTA has laid out its list of key priorities for the incoming federal government, which includes presenting the priorities of travel agencies and independent travel advisors.
This week: TRAVELSAVERS owners were in full “retreat” mode – in a good way; Nexion members cruised to success at an inaugural conference; Transat hosted “rookie camp” for travel advisors; and Trevello revealed the anticipated location of its next annual conference in 2026.
As “sleepmaxxing” searches hit an all-time high in 2025 and with the month of May designated as “Better Sleep Month” by the Better Sleep Council – Sandals Resorts has uncovered what moms really want: a nap. According to a recent survey by the Sandals Institute of Romance, nearly all moms (94%) agree that more sleep would benefit not only themselves, but their families.
A dilapidated industrial site in the Czech Republic where German businessman Oskar Schindler saved 1,200 Jews during the World War II is coming back to life. The site, a former textile factory in the town of Brněnec, about 160 km. east of Prague, was stolen by the Nazis from its Jewish owners in 1938 and turned into a concentration camp. In May it welcomed the first visitors to the Museum of Survivors dedicated to the Holocaust and the history of Jews in this part of Europe.
By Michael Baginski/ Many Caribbean nations are looking further north than usual for visitors as economic turmoil threatens the United States and wary (and aggrieved) Canadians look for alternative destinations to the U.S. for their summer holidays.
Five United States senators were in Ottawa late last week to meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney and underscore the long-standing relationship between the two countries, at the same time stressing the hope that Canadians will continue to visit the U.S. despite the currently fractious relationship between the two countries.
Rendez-vous Canada (RVC), Canada’s largest tourism tradeshow, kicks off today (May 27) in Winnipeg, bringing together 500 Canadian tourism businesses and more than 400 buyers from 22 international markets – including Destination Canada’s nine key markets – to showcase Canada to the world for the rest of the week. The event is expected to generate tens of millions in sales.
Air Transat continues to explore new horizons in South America with the launch of an exclusive new route between Toronto (YYZ) and Medellín (MDE), via Cartagena (CTG). The carrier is also extending service to both Bordeaux, France, and Valencia, Spain, next winter.
The underground tunnels in Canada’s most notorious city have always been open to Americans, including rumoured hotshot gangsters – and they want to keep it that way. The Tunnels of Moose Jaw, along with other businesses in the Saskatchewan city say they’re in line with a new campaign to welcome U.S. visitors at a time when tariffs have pushed elbows up. “Forget about annexation, come for relaxation,” the city’s mayor says in a cheeky promotional video.
Sunwing Vacations’ annual ‘Sun Week’ week-long saving event runs though June 1 with daily deals on resorts resorts across Cuba, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, plus excursion discounts and the chance to win private transfers, vacations and more.
As summer approaches, a new global survey reveals what young travellers are really dreaming about and – spoiler alert – it’s not just ice cream and cartoons. From friendship quests to superhero adventures, today’s young adventurers have spoken, and they’re bringing big imagination to their travel wish lists.
Globus says exotic travel is taking off this year with the travel company reporting record-breaking growth across its “farthest-flung touring destinations” – from the Great Wall of China to the Great Migration in East Africa. Indeed, Global notes that 90% of its departures to exotic destinations this year are already guaranteed to operate.
Skal Toronto reminds that early bird rates expire on May 30 for one of the summer’s top travel events. The 69th Annual Skål Toronto Golf Tournament will take place at the Royal Woodbine Golf Club on Wednesday, Aug. 20. Open to all, not just Skålleagues, the event attracts tourism, hospitality and travel industry executives from across the travel industry for a day of networking, exercise and fun.
ITA Airways has officially received begun integrating into Star Alliance following a verdict by the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB). Building on its induction into the Lufthansa Group earlier this year, this decision paves the way for its entry into the world’s largest airline alliance, which notably includes Air Canada.
Streamlining the guest experience for cruisers joining excursions ashore, Carnival Cruise Line announced plans today to bring an innovative digital platform to its tour operator partners that eliminates physical tickets and provides enhanced functionality.
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.
While solo travel remains popular and empowering for many, safety remains a top concern – especially when choosing destinations and accommodations The survey revealed that nearly one in three travellers (33%) have been victims of theft, scams or other crimes while abroad.
A Spanish High Court judge ruled in March that an agreement over salaries between the union CCOO and Ryanair last year was not valid after rival union USO contested it in January. Now Irish airline Ryanair has asked some flight attendants in Spain to pay back thousands of euros in raises they have received since last year as part of the union deal later struck down in court.
Cannabis lounges were once seen as a promising new frontier in Nevada’s legal marijuana industry – the bedrock of a new Amsterdam-like weed tourism district in a Sin City on the cutting edge of hospitality innovation.
Even as Cuba struggles with power outages and technological scarcity, Havana’s Doña Alicia restaurant has leaped into the 21st century with digital menus, Alexa-enabled assistance, touchless bathrooms and even a food-delivering robot.
Bigger, badder, bolder. Those are the lofty goals Royal Caribbean wants to hit with its massive new destination for its cruises to Mexico. Perfect Day Mexico in Costa Maya will be Royal Caribbean’s largest private water park development, featuring the tallest water slides in the Americas, a river more than a mile long and six enormous pools. They’re promising 12 eateries and 24 drinkeries — including six swim-up bars.
Which of us aging dads hasn’t had – or at least hasn’t wanted to – have their own band out in the garage? Well, the Middle-Aged Dad Jam Band (MadJB) has actually fulfilled that fantasy. Formed during the pandemic by members of the comedy troupe The State, the project is no joke. All accomplished musicians, the group exploded on social media, formed their own YouTube channel, and enlisted celebrity friends to join them in performing a repertoire of favourite pop-rock classics, like Kristen Bell in today’s rendition of “Islands in the Stream.”
While the United States was once a top travel destination for Canadians looking for sunshine, shopping, and seasonal escapes, those travel patterns are changing. According to Laurie Leonard, a senior corporate travel agent with Enjoy Travel in Timmins, American destinations just aren’t drawing the same crowds anymore.
By Suzanne Sangiovese/ AI is no longer just an emerging trend in travel – it’s a driving force behind smarter, more seamless experiences. It’s proving valuable in destination research and itinerary optimization, as well as transforming how businesses and travellers engage with services. From tailored trip planning to streamlined customer support, intelligent solutions are redefining how the industry operates and meets diverse travel needs.
WestJet has launched its participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, which allows guests with non-visible disabilities to discreetly signal that they may require more assistance while travelling, including extra time, patience and support.
Canadian arrivals in Los Cabos have jumped over 12% in the first two months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, making Canada the fastest-growing international market for the Pacific Mexican destination.