Despite a long list of obstacles and setbacks, Travel & Tourism strengthened its position as the world’s fastest-growing sector in 2025, with new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) revealing the sector significantly outpaced global economic growth – and accounted for one in three new jobs created globally.

Canadian travel to the U.S. continued to slide in March, according to Statistics Canada; however, the decline was offset by more Canadians going overseas compared to the year before. 

This week: Transat Distribution Canada reveals Rendez-vous 2026 details; TTAND introduces a new preferred partner; Ensemble is putting on the Ritz; Virtuoso makes key C-suite appointments; and Sandals/Beaches Resorts is offering cash bonuses in April.

A new research series by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) examines how adventure travel continues to evolve beyond its traditional niche in four major outbound regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Together, these travellers represent a global adventure-oriented outbound market valued at approximately $1.16 trillion, highlighting the growing influence of experience-driven travel worldwide.

Air Canada Vacations has launched its second annual Travellers’ Top Picks Awards, inviting Canadians once again to have their say by voting for their most beloved travel destinations. Building on the huge response of last year’s inaugural edition, the program returns with even more opportunities for travellers to share their stories and inspire others across the country to discover new places.

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin says his government will offer new fuel tax cuts to try to end crippling protests over soaring gas costs that have largely brought the country to a standstill.

Surging energy prices driven by conflict in the Middle East have meant airlines are dolling out more for jet fuel while motorists are seeing huge price spikes at the pump. It also means travellers, whether they’re embarking on a road trip or a flight to a far-flung destination, have to open their wallets even wider. 

Cuba’s president says the U.S. has no valid reason to carry out a military attack against the island or to attempt to depose him. But should it happen, Miguel Díaz-Canel says Cubans would defend themselves.

Most travellers say they generally feel safe travelling alone, but a significant portion still modify their behaviour and avoid certain destinations due to security concerns, according to the Global Rescue Winter 2026 Traveller Sentiment and Safety Survey. Mexico and the Middle East are the most frequently cited destinations travellers avoid due to safety concerns.

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 new reality is setting in for travellers worldwide: rising fees, fewer flight options and difficult decisions about whether a trip is worth the cost. The culprit is volatile oil and jet fuel prices, which have spiked sharply since the war in the Middle East began and fighting near the narrow Strait of Hormuz created a chokepoint for global oil supplies.

By JOE KONECNY/ If everything goes as planned, St. Thomas, Ont., world traveller Syed Hasan will be in Nigeria now, beginning a six-country solo tour of the African continent, on his way to increasing his lifetime total for independent nations visited to 193.