NEXUS rates are set to go up substantially in the Fall; WestJet Encore pilots are closer to striking; a landmark hotel is leaving Las Vegas, and there’s a new man set to take the helm at Brand USA – all this and more in this week’s round-up of last week’s news.
NEWS
After 20 years without a price hike, the cost of NEXUS membership is set to more than double to US$120 from $50 effective Oct. 1. Authorities say the new rate is needed to reflect the current cost of administering the program and to allow for future program improvements, including technology and infrastructure enhancements.
Pilots at WestJet regional carrier Encore voted 97% in favour of strike authorization after contract talks around pay and career progression came to a “near standstill,” says the Air Line Pilots Association. A strike could commence as soon as April 17.
AIR
Coinciding with Earth Month in April, Air Canada is raising awareness about the illegal wildlife trade (IWT) and its impact on global biodiversity. Building on its partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada (JGIC), the campaign is featuring on the airline’s in-flight entertainment and social media and Aeroplan will launch a points match week in support of the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada from April 22-28.
Starting June 29, Canada Jetlines will begin flying between Toronto and Miami with a weekly flight between YYZ and MIA. The service will enhance the company’s offerings in the Sunshine State, which now include summer escape packages in Orlando and central Florida departing from Halifax or Toronto. Aimed at leisure and cruise passengers, one-way fares on the Toronto-Miami route start at $179 (terms and conditions apply).
BermudAir, which began flying to the US from Bermuda last September, has announced it will add Toronto and Halifax to its growing list of gateways (now seven) starting in May. Starting May 17, the airline will begin operations between Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA) and Toronto Pearson (Tues-Fri-Sunday), with flights to Halifax Stanfield (Sat.) commencing on May 25.
Starting in July, LATAM will offer direct flights in Peru from Lima to Huaraz, the gateway to the Áncash region, dubbed the adventure capital of Peru. The service will cut travel time for visitors from an eight-hour drive to a convenient one-hour flight.
BY THE NUMBERS
Air Canada’s new Singapore flight from Vancouver is the airline’s longest flight measured by distance – 12,818 km – with a flying time of up to 16 hours and five minutes.
DEALS
AAT Kings has partnered with Australia’s Northern Territory to showcase the Outback’s untamed natural splendour and has launched two new Short Break tours, offering immersive and vibrant cultural experiences. Through April 15, clients have a last chance to save up to 15% on selected tours to and 5% off its recently launched Short Break tours in the region for select departures from through Dec. 31.
Spring and Fall travel are being encouraged by Air Transat through special rates to Europe, the South, and Florida. The ‘All to Yourself’ promo continues through April 23 for travel through June 20 and Sept.1-Dec. 15. Sample roundtrip rates include $699 to Europe from Quebec and $549 from Toronto.
TOURS
Air Canada Vacations is further enhancing its travel agent cruise shopping experience with the introduction of enriched French language support for most cruise line companies within its portfolio. This initiative aims to better assist the Francophone travel professional community and ensure the accuracy of cruise line information and content.
Collette will introduce of 10 brand-new tours in 2025. The new itineraries will span across four continents with destinations in North America, South America, Europe, and Africa. The tours, which will feature three of Collette’s five travel styles – Classic, Cruising, and small group Explorations – include “Gems of Greece,” “Shades of The English Countryside,” and “Utah’s Mighty Five and The Rockies.”
CRUISE
Ultra-luxury cruise travel brand Silversea has broadened its pricing structure to include three fare options. Complementing its popular Door-to-Door all-inclusive fare, which provides guests with a seamless journey that starts and ends at their homes, Silversea has enhanced its Port-to-Port all-inclusive fare, which is now available on all voyages. Now included in Silversea’s Fare Guarantee program, the Port-to-Port fare will henceforth be eligible for the same promotions and savings as the Door-to-Door fare. Moreover, Silversea has introduced a new voyage-only Essential fare for time-pushed guests seeking experiential flexibility.
Seabourn has unveiled its 2025-26 fall, winter, and spring season with new itineraries to explore the fall foliage of Japan, the islands of the Caribbean, the cultures of Southeast Asia and Arabia, and the tropical Hawaiian Islands. Between September 2025 and March 2026, ultra-luxury Seabourn Ovation, Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Quest, and Seabourn Sojourn will offer 72 itineraries to more than 105 destinations in over 40 countries. Full details can be found on Seabourn website.
HOTELS
The Tropicana Las Vegas, the Strip’s third-oldest casino, shut its doors for good April 2, with demolition slated for October. The site will become a US$1.5 billion Major League Baseball stadium for the relocating Oakland Athletics – the latest chapter in ever-changing Las Vegas and part of city’s latest rebrand as a hub for sports entertainment.
Anglo American Hotel Florence, Curio Collection by Hilton is now open, marking Hilton’s continued expansion in Italy and adding to its Curio Collection by Hilton portfolio. Located in the heart of Florence, the 118-room hotel features a sun-drenched interior courtyard, blending traditional elegance with modern luxury. This opening raises the number of Hilton-branded hotels operating in Italy to 37.
RESORTS
Jamaica’ The Tryall Club has debuted two new villas, Oceana (photo) and Love & Livity, offering lavish stays at the 890-hectare property in Montego Bay. Suited to groups of friends and families, the new villas offer privacy and personalized service, with each unique providing a dedicated staff, including butler and chef, that can tailor each guest’s stay, as well access to all the luxury property’s amenities. Weekly rates start at US$26,000 and $19,000 respectively.
Set to open in 2026, Club Med’s first resort in South Africa is now officially named “Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari.” Formerly referred to as “Club Med Tinley,” this new name connects the destination and its unique offerings, further strengthening its integration within the Club Med portfolio. Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari will feature a surf-lifestyle concept, as well as the opportunity to stay on a Big Five Game Reserve and embark on a magical safari.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
Dubai has entered into a landmark collaboration with Spanish football giants Real Madrid Club de Fútbol. The multi-year agreement has brought together two iconic brands and builds on Real Madrid’s longtime partnership with Dubai’s flagship airline, Emirates, while Dubai Parks and Resorts has, at the same time, announced its partnership with Real Madrid C.F. to be home to the first Real Madrid-themed park, Real Madrid World.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Iberostar Cuba Hotels & Resorts is Sunwing Vacations partner of the month and through April 30, agents who booking the Iberostar Daiquiri in Cayo Coco, Iberostar Bella Vista Varadero in Varadero or Iberostar Selection Holguin for travel before Oct. 31 will receive 3X STAR points on every booking. Plus, all bookings will qualify agents for a chance to win one of three, seven-night hotel stays at an Iberostar property. As an added incentive, clients can benefit from reduced rates, no single supplement fees (restrictions apply), first child free and Sunwing added-value features. Plus, they will also be entered for a chance to win one of three, seven-night all=inclusive vacation packages for two.
EVENTS
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is inviting travel advisors from across the Greater Toronto Area to experience a night of destination knowledge, cultural exploration, and island hospitality during a two-part ‘Evening with Jamaica’ event series on April 16 and 17. Immersive programming will present the sights, sounds and tastes of Jamaica while also providing an opportunity for attendees to network with JTB sales team members and key travel suppliers and partners from the island. For details and to register, go to visitjamaica.com/canada/events.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Norwegian Cruise Line has two new regional sales managers in Ontario. Fiona Kosmin (formerly Israel Tourism), covering the western part of the province, and Tanya States (ex-TravelBrands), for the east.
Fred Dixon has been named as the new CEO of Brand USA, the US’s destination marketing organization. Currently President and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions, the well-known Dixon will succeed Chris Thompson on July 15. Thompson announced his retirement in July 2023 after serving in the post for 12 years but will stay on through Sept. 30 as an advisor to facilitate a seamless leadership transition for Brand USA and its partners.
DESTINATIONS
From April 19 to 28, fans and friends of the Florida Keys‘ Conch Republic can celebrate the irreverent “nation’s” 42nd birthday with activities including a pirate ball, sunset boat parade, “independence day” ceremony at the USCGC Ingham floating museum ship, reenactment of the Great Sea Battle of the Conch Republic, the so-called World’s Longest Parade, drag races for female impersonators on Duval Street and more. The annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration commemorates the Keys’ symbolic 1982 secession from the United States and reinvention as the eccentric republic.
Coinciding with International Dark Sky Week (April 2-8) a one-million-hectare area of southeastern Oregon has been certified as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary by DarkSky International, making it the world’s largest such area to date. Located within an area commonly referred to as the Oregon Outback, the Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary has committed to protect its starry night skies for the benefit of residents, visitors, and wildlife. The area is located within the largest, contiguous, pristine dark sky zone in the Lower 48 US states, and this certification helps to protect a large portion of the designated zone. The sanctuary is very remote and sparsely populated, providing stargazing opportunities and other adventures for astro-tourists open to visiting.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1960, Canada entered the jet age when Trans-Canada Air Lines (now Air Canada) began service between Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. And in 2003, Air Canada filed for bankruptcy protection,
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