Anyone who knows me knows I have a strange connection to perhaps this country’s most admired band, Rush. It stems from having attended the same high school (Newtonbrook in the Toronto suburb of Willowdale) as Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson (though they were a bit before my time); but it’s more than that.
Anger over the trade war set off by Donald Trump as well as a weak loonie have resulted in plummeting bookings to the US, report Canadian travel companies, which also say clients are switching their plans to other hotspot destinations.
A retirement and two promotions will change the look of the looking of the WestJet’s executive team as the integration between WestJet and Sunwing continues: Andrew Dawson has announced that he will step down early next year and Samantha (Sam) Taylor and Tanya Foster have immediately taken on important new roles.
Travellers should be aware of heightened risks associated with visiting countries experiencing potentially volatile national elections, advises leading travel risk and crisis management firm Global Rescue, which has released a risk assessment for countries with national presidential and parliamentary Elections in 2025. But breathe easy, Canada doesn’t rate – though some other destinations clearly do.
Four Seasons opened its first hotel in 1961 in Toronto, and since that time has become a global leader in luxury hospitality and branded residential, currently operating 133 hotels and resorts and 55 residential properties in major city centres and resort destinations in 47 countries. And there are more than 60 projects under planning or in development.
MSC Cruises is set for summer with a host of Mediterranean itineraries featuring both beaches and cityscapes; northern exposure in Iceland and the Norwegian fjords, and a first look at MSC World America, as she sails her inaugural summer season in the Caribbean.
The German National Tourist Board’s (GNTB) inaugural AI influencer project utilizes artificial intelligence to promote Germany as a travel destination on an international scale. With the launch of ‘Emma’ – an AI-generated influencer – the GNTB has created an interactive brand ambassador designed to virtually inspire potential travellers to visit the European country.
Canada’s travel and industry isn’t taking US tariffs (and the economic damage they cause) lying down. “These new developments have the potential to significantly disrupt both inbound and outbound travel, with implications on tourism businesses, travellers, and the local economy,” summed up The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) President and CEO, Andrew Siegwart.
The federal union that represents Canada’s front-line customs and immigration officers says it’s worried about staffing levels at the Canada Border Services Agency as the country responds to US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats.
Miami Beach officials have announced they are bringing back enhanced security measures for practically the entire month of March, including parking restrictions and increased fees for non-residents. The new rules were introduced last year after three consecutive years of spring break violence
This week: News from The Travel Agent Next Door, Trevello Canada, Direct Travel and Virtuoso; ACTA is planning town hall events next week; plus, incentives from Intrepid Travel and New York City.
The Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is expanding, with three brand new river cruise ships due to start sailing in 2027, completing the line’s transformation to an all Super Ship fleet.
Plans for major recreational tourism project in Mirabel, Que, have been unveiled with expectations that the first phase of the multifunctional complex will open in 2028. The $175-200 million entertainment hub, featuring a world-class indoor water park, will be located about an hour from Montreal, and is expected to become a major economic and tourism driver for the region and Greater Montreal, say city officials.
Just one year shy of 60 years old, the world’s largest travel trade show kicked off today (Tuesday) at ITB Berlin 2025 amidst discernible industry optimism about the future. According to the latest World Travel Monitor findings of IPK International, global outbound travel in 2024 increased by 13%, regaining the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.
Sunwing reported late last week that it has resumed regular operations following the severe disruptions it suffered due to major snowstorms earlier in February. The carrier further issued claims information for passengers who were affected by the extreme weather events.
Sixty years after the fourth James Bond movie was filmed in The Bahamas, some evidence of “Thunderball” still remains for fans to discover. Sean Connery was so enamoured with Nassau-Paradise Island (NPI) after the shoot that he bought a villa in an exclusive gated community at the western end of New Providence.
With the popularity of river cruising unabated in 2025, Avalon Waterways recently sampled nearly 10,000 of its passengers to compile a deep-dive look at where they are planning to, and want to, go this year, and how they expect to do it.
Canada’s first Hard Rock hotel is ready to roll, opening reservations for June 1. Located within 100 Kellogg Lane, Hard Rock Hotel London, Ontario, is part of Canada’s largest indoor entertainment complex, including The Factory, and sits in the heart the city’s vibrant Old East Village.
Huntington Travel Group has launched a cruise product line and named industry veteran Christabel Sundram as cruise product manager to lead the division. The company says its new product offering expansion marks a significant milestone in its commitment to providing comprehensive travel products.
From food to film, events to star-gazing, and social media to AI, clients’ travel choices continue to be shaped by a wide range of – and sometimes new or nontraditional – influences. A new study by the Trip.com Group asked thousands of its users what’s fuelling their travel ambitions, both now and for the future.
The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) is putting forward an amendment that would allow it to fine airline customers who breach confidentiality regarding complaints they file with the regulator – and passenger rights advocates are not amused.
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is trialling a new customized screening line, designed so that airports with limited space can employ advanced technology and equipment while speeding passenger checks. Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is the first airport in Canada to trial the new line.
Intrepid Travel has overhauled its agent discount program, offering more savings and greater flexibility to encourage agents to discover the company’s small-group adventures. In what it calls “a commitment to empowering the travel agent community,” the vast majority of Intrepid trips are now 50% off for agents – no matter the trip length or how far in advance the booking is made.
An expansive new resort destination opens today in Orlando. Encompassing 32 hectares on International Drive near Universal Orlando and the convention centre, Villatel Orlando Resort will offer two distinct ways to stay: The Villas and the nation’s first Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy Resort. There will also be a full-scale water park.
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.
WestJet has announced what it is calling “the most significant improvement to WestJet Rewards in the program’s 15-year history” with changes – set to take effect April 30 – designed to make it easier for members to earn, redeem and achieve status.
With an increasing number of Canadians considering holidaying at home this summer due to a depleted dollar and negative sentiment towards the US, Adventure Canada says it is giving Canadian residents the option to receive expedition pricing in Canadian dollars, rather than the industry standard USD.
When Shanghai-based designer Guo Qingshan posted a vacation photo on Valentine’s Day and captioned it “Puppy Mountain,” it became a sensation in China and even created a tourist destination.
A satellite company owned by Elon Musk has the inside track to potentially take over a large federal contract to modernize the US’s air traffic communications system. Equipment from Musk’s Starlink has been installed in Federal Aviation Administration facilities as a prelude to a takeover of a $2 billion contract held by Verizon, according to government employees, contractors and people familiar with the work.
How hard is cider in Halifax? How do you forge a Japanese knife worthy of Kobe beef? They’re among the insights you can gain in an expanded range of ‘Culinary Discovery Tours’ from Oceania Cruises.