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.
NEWS
WestJet introduced a temporary $60 surcharge on all bookings made with a companion voucher. The airline also combined some flights on lower demand routes, reducing the number of flights by approximately one per cent in April and three per cent in May. It said most clients have been provided accommodation options due to the consolidations.
In addition to above, a fuel surcharge of $50 p.p. will apply to Sunwing and Vacances WestJet Québec bookings made as of April 14 (existing travellers/bookings will not be affected). This surcharge will be included within the regular taxes and fees at the time of booking and is applicable to all bookings.
Transat is implementing a carrier surcharge of $50 per passenger. The surcharge applies to new Transat South package bookings as of April 10.
The deadline to apply for the upcoming ACTA-Los Cabos Destination Learning Experience taking place in the Mexican destination is April 17. Created exclusively for ACTA member travel advisors, the May 25-29 program is designed to deliver meaningful, in-destination learning through a carefully structured itinerary that combines education, destination immersion, and supplier engagement. The fee is $500; airfare is not included, however, ACTA is working with airline partners to secure preferred airfare rates for the selected participants. Selected participants will be notified on April 23 and payment is required by April 30. For more, visit actaevents.ca.
BY THE NUMBERS
Caribbean tourism continued its expansion in 2025, recording a 2.5% increase in international stay-over arrivals to an estimated 35 million visits, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). However, a decline in Canadian arrivals tempered the gains. Arrivals from this country declined 5.3% to an estimated 3.1 million visitors, remaining below pre-pandemic levels, as higher travel costs and increased competition from alternative destinations influenced travel patterns.
AIR
Star Alliance has officially welcomed ITA Airways as its newest member, marking the completion of the Italian carrier’s integration into the world’s largest airline alliance (photo above). The carrier is now fully connected into the Alliance’s global network, linking its Rome Fiumicino hub and Milan Linate airport, served by 17 Star Alliance members collectively, with more than 1,150 destinations worldwide.
Air Canada will fly to several new destinations for the Winter 2026-27 season, including the only non-stop flights from North America to Tenerife in the Canary Islands (beginning Oct. 25 and 31 respectively from Toronto and Montreal). The flights will operate seasonally. The airline has also added Roatán, Santo Domingo, Mérida and Mazatlán as new destinations, plus several new non-stop flights to Caribbean and Mexico.
Air Tahiti reports its technical flight crew strike continues. In a message to travel advisors, the carrier said, “Our operations and assistance teams remain in close contact with your clients to address their inquiries and adjust their itineraries whenever necessary. We will keep you informed of any developments regarding the situation, and you can rely on our teams to provide all necessary assistance to your clients.”
DEALS
The Explora Journeys ‘An Invitation to Explora’ offer has been extended until April 28, enabling clients to save up to 30% with a reduced 10% deposit.
In April, Viking’s Spring Sale offers up to free international airfare, reduced cruise rates, and a $25 deposit. The offers are available across all product lines – river, ocean and expeditions.
Club Med has unveiled a limited-time flash sale, with up to 50% off stays for Canadian travellers. The offer is available to book until April 15 for travel May 2-Oct. 30, at resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada.
TOURS
From destination weddings to birthdays, anniversaries and multi generational gatherings, Canadians are increasingly choosing to celebrate milestones in tropical destinations rather than traditional venues. To that end, the Sunwing notes that it offers a wide range of tropical destinations and hotel partners equipped to host both intimate gatherings and large group celebrations, while offering expert planning support to help “transform life’s milestones into memories that last a lifetime.”
Collette has launched Collette University 201, a continuation of its self-paced learning platform for travel advisors. The program is divided into two distinct tracks – one tailored to experienced advisors (5+ years of experience) and another designed specifically for those new to the industry (0-5 years of experience). Throughout 2026, new modules will be released every other month, covering topics such as brand positioning and storytelling; in-depth overviews of Collette’s product lines; business growth strategies for travel advisors; sales confidence and client matching insights. Go to www.gocollette.com.
HOTELS & RESORTS
The new Hyatt Regency Niagara Falls Fallsview is the first Hyatt hotel in city and is the closest Canadian hotel to the Falls. The Embassy Suites property is located in the Fallsview district close to dining, entertainment, and casino attractions, and feature 42 floors with 611 new premium-designed rooms and suites, many of which overlook the iconic Horseshoe and American Falls.
Six Senses, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, has unveiled its first property in the UK. Breathing new life into the former Whiteley’s department store on Queensway, Six Senses London becomes a cornerstone of the brand’s emerging collection of urban properties, designed to introduce a different rhythm into city life. It follows Six Senses Rome and Six Senses Kyoto, with further openings to follow within the coming years.
CRUISE
MSC Cruises Canada is expanding its successful Fly & Cruise program with a new, exclusive bundle designed specifically for Canadian travellers sailing from La Romana, Dominican Republic for Winter 2026-27. Amenities include a special-rate “Easy Drink Package” exclusively available for pre‑booking in Canada for this itinerary, featuring house wines, draft beer, classic cocktails, spirits, sodas, and coffee; and added‑value transfers between airport and ship; travel advisors will earn their regular commission plus an additional 10% on the flights and transfers portion. Core Fly & Cruise benefits are maintained, including assured arrival at port and 24/7 dedicated travel support.
Carnival Cruise Line is marking World Autism Acceptance Month by announcing that Celebration Key, its exclusive destination in Grand Bahama – has been officially certified as the first cruise destination to earn KultureCity’s sensory inclusion certification. The achievement highlights Carnival’s commitment to families with sensory needs, says the cruise line.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
The Seven Seas Food Festival returns to SeaWorld Orlando on select dates through May 17, offering more than 200 global flavours across nearly 30 marketplace huts, including eight new concepts, along with rotating menus and chef-driven dining experiences. New for 2026, the festival debuts a secret three-course dinner at Sharks Underwater Grill and monthly wine-pairing events.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
The new “Dinner & A Movie” booking incentive from the Jamaica Tourist Board rewards travel advisors with one entry for every Jamaica package booking made through Aug. 31. Each month, five winners will receive a Jamaica-branded prize package featuring a $50 Cineplex gift card and a $100 Ultimate Dining gift card. To participate, advisors must submit bookings via visitjamaica.com/canada/engae and log them on the One Love Rewards portal. Eligibility requires Jamaica Travel Specialist certification.
Trafalgar is introducing a dedicated 60% off its travel advisor rate across select 2026 European river cruise sailings. The offer is valid on new bookings only, applies to select departures, and is capacity controlled. Eligible advisors may book up to two cabins on select departures, and participation requires completion of Trafalgar’s Masterclass eLearning program. European river itineraries include: Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam and Best of the Danube. Canadian advisors interested in securing a preferred sailing should contact Partner Services at partnerservices@ttc.com with their selected itinerary, departure date, and confirmation of completed training requirements. Rates are available through Dec. 31, 2026.
EVENTS
The Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO), in partnership with the European Travel Commission (ETC), will host an upcoming webinar tailored specifically for product development teams within member tour operator organizations. Scheduled for April 21 at 11 a.m. EST, the interactive online session will introduce participants to ETC’s global responsible travel movement, “Unlock an Unexpected Upgrade,” and explore how evolving traveller expectations can be translated into innovative, market-ready tourism products. The session is also open to partner agents. Register through Microsoft Teams.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has appointed Aldeen Consulting as its public relations agency of record in Canada. Led by Adrienne Harry, the team are responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies, including media relations, messaging, and industry engagement activities aimed at strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s position in the market. Harry can be reached at adrienne@aldeenconsulting.com.
DESTINATIONS
Next winter, Barbados will welcome Canadians from Atlantic Canada directly with the launch of Air Canada service from Halifax. Flights begin Dec. 17, operating on Thursdays on Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, reflecting regional growth in the key source market of Canada, says Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI).
At the V.C. Bird International Airport, a runway rehabilitation project scheduled for completion in November will mark a significant upgrade to Antigua and Barbuda’s primary gateway. Already this year, a new cruise terminal has opened in St. John’s Harbour. The terminal is designed to support increased homeporting and growing passenger volumes, with full project completion scheduled for July. Once completed, the facility will feature enhanced guest amenities, including a leisure-inspired day club with pool and cabanas, elevating the overall cruise guest experience.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1753, the British Museum was founded in London.
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