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
Air Transat pilots began voting on Friday on a tentative deal with the company that would see raises of well over 50%, boosting the salary for most senior pilots to nearly $388,000 a year by May 2029. The five-year deal retroactive to this past May would see captains start off at $220,500 in their first year of service and first officers at $85,000. Those two figures represent jumps of roughly 47% and 60%, respectively. Voting concludes Jan. 6.
The first segment of the federal government’s proposed high-speed rail project will connect Montreal and Ottawa, acting as a test case for a multibillion-dollar infrastructure project intended to transform rail travel in Canada’s most densely populated region. Connecting Ontario and Quebec was said to be the “logical” first step for the planned 1,000-km. rail network, which would see trains travelling between Toronto and Quebec City at speeds of up to 300 kph. Construction is expected to begin in 2029.
GOOD DEEDS
TravelBrands donated $10,000 to Food Banks Canada in support the food bank network from coast to coast to coast. This contribution marks TravelBrands’ sixth consecutive year supporting Food Banks Canada and reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to strengthening local communities and helping Canadians in need.
Following its Giving Tuesday commitment, Air Canada Vacations reports raising $86,752 for the Sandals Foundation Hurricane Relief Mission. This contribution was made possible by pledging $10 per paying passenger for every new package booking to any destination made on Dec. 2 and 3, 2025, in support of communities in Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa.
AIR
WestJet began flights from Toronto to Havana, reestablishing a vital link to the Cuban capital. The direct air connection is set to attract a diverse mix of travellers, including business professionals, academics, students, and tourists, says the Cuban Tourist Board. “We are very pleased with the resumption of direct flights to Havana, offering the best of both worlds,” said CTB Canadian director Gihana Galindo. “Travellers can now easily combine the relaxing beach experience of Varadero with the vibrant, historic city of Havana, creating a highly attractive product for the Canadian market.” Flights can be booked through WestJet Vacations, Hola Sun, and The Special Travel, or directly with the airline.
Air Transat launched a slew of inaugural routes last week: its first-ever non-stop flight between Montréal and Guadalajara, Mexico, non-stop flight between Québec City and Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF) on the 14th, and Istanbul (IST) and Georgetown, Guyana (GEO) from Toronto on Dec. 16.
Flair Airlines’ inaugural flight to Montego Bay lifted off Dec. 18, the carrier’s second Jamaican destination. The route will operate up to twice weekly.
DEALS
Ponant Explorations Group is spreading holiday cheer with a 10% off its all-inclusive luxury voyages on both Paul Gauguin Cruises and PONANT Explorations. Available through Jan. 5, the Winter Offer applies to select departures in 2025, 2026, and 2027 spanning from French Polynesia to Central America, Antarctica to the Mediterranean, and beyond. In addition to the 10% savings, PONANT EXPLORATIONS is ‘gifting’ up to $1,000 in shipboard credit on select Iceland bookings. Travel advisors will receive up to $500 for every newly deposited booking they secure.
CRUISE
Sales for the 2028 MSC World Cruise are now open. The 115-night voyage will explore 40-plus destinations across 29 countries aboard the newly refurbished MSC Magnifica. Highlights of the journey include overnights in Lima (Peru), Papeete (Tahiti), Sydney (Australia), Hanoi (Vietnam), and new destinations such as Grand Turk Island (Turks & Caicos), Nuku’alofa (Tonga) and Arica (Chile).
Smithsonian Journeys – the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution and a recognized leader in enriching, small-group exploration – has announced 35 new small-ship cruise departures for 2027 in collaboration with PONANT EXPLORATIONS – offering clients a compelling portfolio of enriching all-inclusive voyages across all seven continents. Among the highlights and new to the collection is ‘A Solar Eclipse at Sea: Voyage Along the Iberian Peninsula’ (July 30-Aug. 6, 2027), offering the rare opportunity to witness the 2027 solar eclipse from an ideal vantage point – aboard ship in the Mediterranean, directly within the band of totality.
TOURS
The new CareFlex Plus travel protection plan from Air Canada Vacations allows travellers to cancel Flight & Hotel packages up to 24 hours before departure and get a refund. The plan allows them to change their booking, transfer their package, cancel with a full refund up to 21 days before departure, or cancel up to 24 hours before departure and receive a full refund, less a transferable in-house travel credit of up to a maximum of $250.
England’s Historic Cities have unveiled an expanded edition of its England Originals Travel Trade, a one-stop resource for operators, wholesalers, and agents making it easier for the trade to develop and sell authentic multi-city touring programs and experiences across England. New for 2026 is an increase of 40% trade ready products; 164 trade-ready businesses; 40-plus new experiences and three new itineraries; plus, key trade information such as trade rates, group sizes, parking, and key contacts. Download the brochure HERE.
BY THE NUMBERS
According to Rail Europe, an overwhelming majority of Canadian travellers opted for one-way tickets (94%) in 2025, favouring multi-city routes over classic round trips. More than half (53%) combined multiple journeys within a single booking, while 26% booked within seven days of departure – a higher share of last-minute bookings than seen in other regions. And 28% of travellers planned to move their trips to cooler months, driven by a desire to avoid extreme heat, peak crowds and rising prices.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Royalton Hotels & Resorts has officially welcomed its first guests with the reveal of the new Royalton Riviera Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino, and Royalton Hideaway Riviera Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only. The new chapter follows an extensive multi-million-dollar project for both properties that encompasses suites, restaurants, entertainment venues, pools, and public spaces.
Dubai has introduced a contactless hotel guest check-in solution that gives guests the option of bypassing in-person check-in procedures once implemented at the city’s hotels and holiday homes. The pioneering biometric and digital technology capability, developed by Visit Dubai and available through several independent providers, allows guests to complete all check-in formalities prior to their arrival, directly from their mobile phones.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
From Feb. 7 to April 4, Universal Orlando Resort will serve up Mardi Gras: International Flavours of Carnaval, bringing culinary experiences and Carnaval festivities from around the world to Universal Studios Florida. The celebration will feature a nightly parade with glittering floats (photo), high-energy street performers, and tons of colourful beads. And on select nights, guests can catch live performances from some of the biggest names in music. Plus, guests can savour a diverse array of international cuisine along with mouthwatering dishes inspired by New Orleans’ iconic flavors.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
TTC Tour Brands’ Tour Week program for travel advisors is returning in 2026. Agents have the chance to join a dozen FAM trips around the world, highlighting top experiences from Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Costsaver and Contiki. The next Tour Week iteration will depart in March and May. Advisors will experience a special FAM version of 10 trips across five continents, with destinations ranging from Greece to Vietnam. The FAMs cost US$1,099 p.p. (land-only). Applications close Jan. 9, with confirmations issued in mid-January. Apply at agents.ttc.com/TourWeek
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
TTC Tour Brands has expanded its Canadian sales team with two new managers in Western Cananda. Both boasting strong industry experience, Jordan Harris takes the helm in Alberta and Manitoba, and Nicole Davey in British Columbia, Yukon and Saskatchewan. The pair will offer sales support, training, product updates, and partnership opportunities across multiple TTC Tour brands including Trafalgar, Insight, Contiki, and more. Agents can connect with Harris at jordan.harris@ttc.com and Davey at nicole.davey@ttc.com.
DESTINATIONS
The Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace will take place from July 9 July to Sept. 27. Groups can explore the magnificent State Rooms, where The King and members of the Royal Family host grand ceremonial occasions and official receptions. Highlights include the Picture Gallery which displays some of the finest paintings in the Royal Collection; the Throne Room which features the Coronation state portraits of the king and queen; and the lavishly furnished State Dining Room which is often used for private entertaining and charity dinners. For information or to make a group booking visit www.rct.uk/traveltrade,or e-mail traveltrade@rct.uk.
Every six years, the medieval town of Škofja Loka in Slovenia transforms into a vast open-air stage for the Škofja Loka Passion Play (March 21-April 19, 2026), a UNESCO-inscribed masterpiece of theatre and devotion. More than a thousand locals join together to recreate the 18th-century dramatic procession.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 2018, Virgin Galactic‘s tourism spaceship climbed more than 80 km high above California’s Mojave Desert, reaching for the first time what the company considers the boundary of space. The rocket ship reached an altitude of 82 km before beginning its gliding descent and landed on a runway minutes later.
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