LISTENING IN: Remembering Bonnie Tyler

Bonnie Tyler, the gravelly voiced, Grammy-nominated Welsh pop star whose 1983 chart-topping power ballad “Total Eclipse of the Heart” enchanted succeeding generations with its bombastic charms during solar and lunar eclipses, has died. She was 75.

WESTJET FLIGHT ATTENDANTS VOTE TO STRIKE

WestJet flight attendants have overwhelmingly authorized a strike that could see thousands of workers walk off the job in fewer than three weeks (Aug. 2) if they are unable to reach a new deal on contract demands.

PILOTS AT FLAIR WILL STAY IN THE AIR

In a bit of good labour news at the other end of the runway from WestJet, Flair Airlines pilots voted overwhelmingly to ratify their tentative agreement reached with company management.

AIR CANADA, HYATT LINK LOYALTY PROGRAMS

Air Canada’s Aeroplan and World of Hyatt have announced a collaboration that will give loyalty plan members more ways to earn and redeem rewards. The collaboration expands member benefits across a combined network of more than 1,300 destinations and 1,500 hotels.

‘LIKE A FAIRYTALE’: Innovative CopenPay tourist rewards program goes global

Copenhagen’s tourist reward scheme has been made a permanent, year-round platform, allowing visitors to the Danish city to earn rewards for positive actions. And the success of the innovative sustainable tourism program is expanding as destinations across Europe, North America, and Australia adopt the concept.

BRAND USA TO BRING ‘TRAVEL WEEK’ TO CANADA

Whatever rhetoric has emanated from the political class south of the border, Brand USA has steadfastly maintained its support for and willingness to remain connected to Canadians and the travel trade here that serves them. To that end, the U.S. DMO has announced it will hold Brand USA Travel Week Canada in the country this Fall.

RETAIL ROUND-UP: Agent news, fams & incentives

This week: Following the success of its Rookie Camp, Transat launched Group Camp to attendees help further their business in that segment; BermudAir makes a “pledge” to Canadian travel advisors; Roam by Tauck partners with Approach Guides; and St. Kitts & Nevis launches the SKY incentive program, and TICO names its industry advisory council members.

THE NATURE OF THINGS: Dominica makes it easy with curated itineraries

The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) has launched “Summer the Nature Island Way,” a new seasonal travel initiative under its ‘Nature of Love’ destination campaign. The initiative features eight curated itineraries designed to help visitors explore Dominica through adventure, wellness, culture, and nature-based experiences.

CONTRAILS CONUNDRUM: AA, Google test reducing harmful jet trails

Say goodbye to contrails, the symbolic, sometimes beautiful, markers of travel dreams. American Airlines and Google say they have significantly reduced the climate impact of some of the airline’s flights using an AI-based forecasting tool to help prevent the iconic condensation trails.

AIR CANADA LAUNCHES MONTREAL-YUL SHUTTLE

Air Canada has launched the Air Canada City Shuttle, an expansion of its multi-modal partnership with The Landline Company. Now operating, the new service provides a fast, frequent and direct motorcoach connection for Air Canada customers between the Palais des congrès de Montréal and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) for $9 one way, plus applicable taxes.

DESTINY AWAITS: Carnival introduce new ship

Carnival Cruise Line marked a major milestone with the traditional steel-cutting ceremony for its newest ship, Carnival Destiny – arriving in summer 2029 as the first of three vessels in its next-generation of ships, officially named Ace Class.

LAST WEEK THIS MORNING: July 6-10, 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.

HOWE NOW: Canada-U.S. bridge set to open again (maybe)

The Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Ontario to Michigan will open July 27, the federal government has confirmed (again). A planned ribbon-cutting ceremony last month was delayed as the Trump administration looked to renegotiate a long-standing agreement between Canada and the U.S. 

ACTA EVENT ON COURSE, DESPITE THE STORM

By Michael Baginski/ It wouldn’t have been an ACTA golf tournament without a monsoon, but despite the irritatingly inclement weather, which cut the round short by a few holes, 154 members and friends of the association (220 in all including dinner) enjoyed a full day of industry unity, support, and fun on July 9.

WHAT ME WORRY?: Cayman offers peace of mind program in case of hurricane

The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism’s “Worry Free Hurricane Guarantee” is designed to ensure that visitors have peace of mind during their “vaCay” by providing a refund of fees or a generous re-booking window at participating hotels, villas and condominiums across all three islands should a severe storm affect plans.

SUNWING ADDS MSC OPERA TO CRUISE LINEUP

Sunwing Vacations is expanding its winter cruise offering with the addition of MSC Opera, providing Quebec guests with additional options to escape the winter. Beginning Dec. 14, the tour company will offer weekly Monday departures from Montreal to La Romana, D.R., connecting guests to seven-night Caribbean sailings with key inclusions bundled into one booking.

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.

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