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
The union representing 700 Air Transat pilots voted 99% in favour of striking if the company fails to deliver what it deems a “modern contract.” The earliest a strike is legally permitted to be declared is Dec. 10 – just in time for the holidays.
The Travel Agent Next Door has entered into an equity partnership with UK-based Travel Counsellors effective Dec. 2. Vitruvian-backed Travel Counsellors is the UK’s largest and fast-growing technology platform for travel entrepreneurs that connects over 2,200 independent business owners, ultimately enabling them to deliver exceptional levels of customer service.
In Canada, the company will continue to operate independently with Flemming Friisdahl, CEO and Founder – who is now an equity partner in the new partnership – and the TTAND executive team all remaining in place.
The Dominican Republic tourism board reports that the country has once again extended passport validity for certain nationalities, including Canadians until Dec. 31, 2026. Visitors can enter the D.R. using their current passports, which must remain valid throughout their stay and departure from the country, but notably do not need to be valid for six months beyond the entry date.
BY THE NUMBERS
IATA reports that international demand rose 8.5% compared to October 2024. Overall airline capacity was up 7.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.6% (+1.1 ppt compared to October 2024).
AIR
Air Canada’s first flight from Toronto to Rio de Janeiro arrived Dec. 5, linking Canada to the popular Brazilian city. The seasonal service, offered three days a week, runs until the end of March 2026. A ceremony was held at Toronto Pearson International Airport to mark the occasion (photo above).
With its inaugural flight to Central American, Porter Airlines is landed in Costa Rica Dec. 4, marking the start of roundtrip service between Toronto Pearson and Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR). The Toronto-Liberia route operates up to six times weekly.
In 2026, WestJet is introducing four summer seasonal routes from Halifax Stanfield International Airport: Madrid (4x weekly from May 15); Lisbon (4x weekly from May 15); Copenhagen (4x weekly from May 28); and Detroit (7x weekly from May 18). Additionally, WestJet announced it will be connecting Edmonton and Winnipeg to Reykjavik, Iceland, weekly beginning June 26 and 27 respectively. And Western Canadians will also see the introduction of two new domestic routes with three times weekly service between Winnipeg and London, Ont. (May 17), and Vancouver-Penticton, B.C. five days a week (May 15).
A new interline agreement between Air Transat and Turkish Airlines is now in effect. The partnership enables travellers to book itineraries combining flights from both airlines, enhancing connectivity between Canada and Türkiye, and key destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Under the codeshare agreement, both carriers will place their airline codes on each other’s services, starting with their respective Toronto-Istanbul flights. Additional connecting flights will be added in the coming months.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Saint Lucia’s Windjammer Resort & Residences has completed a transformative three-year renovation. With more than US$40 million invested, the resort has elevated every aspect of the guest experience, from infrastructure and design to culinary offerings and new service standards, leading to recognition by a member of Leading Hotels of the World and a five-star rating from Google and Expedia. Windjammer Landing also continues to enhance its luxury villa portfolio with the addition of La Belle Helene, which joined the collection in October.
Pendry Barbados, the luxury boutique hotel chain’s first international resort, is set to open by the end of 2026 on the island’s west coast, offering 80 newly designed beachfront guestrooms and 46 private residences alongside a range of upscale amenities. This development will enhance Barbados’ luxury tourism offerings with its contemporary Caribbean elegance, signature dining concepts, and exclusive access to a private marina and other resort facilities.
DEALS
Through Dec. 16, anyone booking a future voyage with Windstar Cruises will receive a complimentary All-Inclusive Upgrade – worth $1,350 per couple on a 7-night sailing. That means select drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are now baked into the package, not tacked on as an afterthought. Visit the website for the “Thankful for Travel” offer.
A December promotion from Viking offers significant value across its River, Ocean, and Expedition fleets, including special fares, up to free international airfare, and a $25 deposit.
TOURS
TravelBrands is aiming to drive early demand for March 2026 departures through its creative ‘March Madness’ campaign. Running throughout December, the campaign encourages travel advisors to secure their March bookings now with a series of exclusive offers designed to boost conversions and deliver added value to their clients, valid on March 2026 departures. A sample for Encore Cruises bookings is $100 bonus commission and 2-for-1 gratuities for the client. Go to www.travelbrandsaccess.com for more offers.
In partnership with Italian national rail operator Trenitalia, Railbookers has unveiled the upcoming launch of two new itinerary collections – The Executive Collection and Italy Uncovered. Both collections will be available for booking beginning in January with a special introductory offer to upgrade any leg of their vacation within Italy to Executive Class at no cost.
CRUISE
Tauck will add two new riverboats to its fleet in 2027. Combined with two ships launching in 2026, the four-vessel expansion over two years represents the highest volume increase in Tauck’s river cruising history, delivering overall capacity growth of 30% since 2025. The addition of the new 2027 ships will further scale the company’s presence in its most sought-after destinations, with capacity growing 50% in France, and the Douro nearly doubling capacity versus 2025.
Sales for Trafalgar’s 2027 river cruise season aboard the Trafalgar Verity and Trafalgar Reverie are now available for individual, group and charter bookings. The sailings feature new land extensions in Lucerne, Prague, and Budapest that highlight Trafalgar’s signature expertise in exceptional land experiences. Advisors can take advantage of bookings for the 2027 season with an incentive offer of CAD$300 per couple booked.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Kensington is reminding travel advisors who are close to earning their bonus $500 prepaid VISA gift card that there is still time to qualify by completing qualified bookings by year-end. Advisors can earn up to $250 per booking with more on specialty journeys along with a $500 bonus on every fifth booking within a calendar year. They will also receive their reward as soon as the initial deposit is made on qualified bookings through the travel agent portal by Dec. 31 without needing to wait for clients to travel. Advisors can log in to the travel agent portal to review their status, track the number of bookings needed, and complete any remaining qualifying reservations.
EVENTS
Following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Tourist Board is launching a special edition of Irie Hour – ‘Road to Recovery,‘ a weekly Zoom event on Tuesdays (starting Dec. 2) from 2 to 3 p.m. EST, and designed specifically for Canadian travel advisors to gather updates on the tourism sector in Jamaica and its recovery. Register at https://www.visitjamaica.com/canada/engage/.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Tis the season: The Skal Toronto chapter celebrated the holidays with a gala luncheon at the Holiday Inn Toronto Airport hotel Friday. A highlight of the occasion was the recognition of three members who have been Skal members for over 40 years: Thomas Vincent, Pierre LePage, and Richard Eve. “Skal is just something you are,” enthused LePage, “It’s an amazing organization that covers the whole planet. You meet people who are just like you.”
In passing: One of the true characters of the Canadian travel industry has died. Duncan Bureau reportedly had a heart attack in Mexico on Dec. 2, age 58. During a varied 25-plus year career, Bureau was best known for his roles as one of WestJet’s start-up “cowboys” helping put the airline on the map, and at Air Canada and later as president of Air Canada Rouge; more recently, Canada Jetlines.
Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) has named Stuart Morcombe Manager, Business Development and Network Support. In his new role, the 20-plus-year Canadian travel industry veteran will oversee the organization, planning, and growth of TDC’s franchisee and affiliate business across Canada (excluding Quebec). Morcombe will focus on contract management and member engagement, while ensuring brand compliance and operational excellence. He will also play a key role in helping members maximize preferred partner sales and agency profitability.
DESTINATIONS
The CHTA Educational Foundation has launched a 14-day online auction to support relief efforts in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa. The auction features donated hotel stays and experiences from partners across the Caribbean, with 100% of proceeds going directly toward Jamaica’s recovery. Bidding is now live here: https://one.bidpal.net/2025hurrrelief/browse/all
Whale-watching cruises take centre stage from December through March in Virginia Beach, as guests can get front-row views of migrating humpback and fin whales along the Atlantic. Adding to the appeal is the destination’s Loonie Savers Pass, which unlocks exclusive discounts on accommodations, dining, and experiences across the city – a timely incentive designed to make Virginia Beach more attractive to Canadians visitors.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1960, Edmonton International Airport was officially opened.
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