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 and its pilots union reached a tentative deal, narrowly avoiding labour disruption on the cusp of the holiday travel period. The Montreal-based company had suspended routes to sun destinations in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Peru and Spain as well as London and Paris in the preluded to a possible strike on Wednesday. The pilots must still ratify the deal in the days to come.
Club Med has announced its second Canadian resort – Club Med Tremblant in Québec – marking a strategic expansion of company in North America and building on the successful opening of Club Med Québec Charlevoix in 2021. Anticipated to open in 2028, the resort will be nestled in the heart of the Laurentians in one of North America’s most popular four-season destinations, providing world-class skiing, vibrant village life, and breathtaking surroundings that naturally align with Club Med’s discerning clients, says the company.
The federal government has renewed the Canada Strong Pass for the holidays. In effect through Jan. 15, it will once again offer free admission to national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada and a 25% discount on camping fees. The government is also planning to offer free admission and discounted camping next summer from June 19 to Sept. 7, 2026.
AIR
Porter Airlines launched nonstop service to Florida with flights to Orlando (MCO) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) on Friday and Saturday respectively. Both routes will start with three roundtrips weekly. Meanwhile, inaugural flights from Hamilton to Mexico begin this week, with Cancun (CUN) starting Dec. 17, with up to four weekly roundtrips, and Puerto Vallarta (PVR) Dec. 18, with two weekly roundtrips.
WestJet and Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) have announced a reciprocal codeshare partnership. Now in effect, WestJet guests can take advantage of streamlined access to Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm on a year-round basis via WestJet’s non-stop Calgary-Paris and Calgary-Heathrow offerings. In 2026, WestJet guests will have connectivity to these destinations from other transatlantic cities including Edinburgh, Dublin, Barcelona, Rome and Keflavik, allowing one-stop connectivity from WestJet’s other Canadian gateways to Europe.
WestJet’s code will also be placed on SAS’ year-round direct service between Toronto and Copenhagen.
Air Transat has a new interline partnership with GOL Airlines that will significantly expand the Canadian carrier’s network by providing convenient onward connections across Brazil and to key destinations throughout South America with one of the country’s largest airlines. Travellers flying with Air Transat to Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport (GIG) starting in February will be able to seamlessly connect to GOL’s extensive network of 65 domestic and 17 international destinations, including major cities such as Sao Paulo, Porto Alegre, Recife, Salvador et Belo Horizonte.
BY THE NUMBERS
Aeromexico is celebrating three important milestones in its operations to Canada: 15 years of flying to Montreal, as well as 10 years of connecting with Toronto and Vancouver. Over the past 15 years, the airline has connected Canada with Mexico through more than 30,000 flights. So far in 2025, Aeromexico has carried more than 325,000 passengers; meanwhile, between December and March, the airline will operate more than 110 monthly flights connecting the two countries, using 737 MAX aircraft.
DEALS
Seabourn has unveiled its exclusive annual “Explore More Event,” with savings and offers on most 2026 through 2028 worldwide ocean voyages and expeditions to Alaska, Antarctica, Japan, the Mediterranean, and more. Available until Feb. 17, 2026, Seabourn’s “Explore More Event” includes saving of up to 15% on select Seabourn luxury ocean voyages and expeditions; 15% reduced deposit on Seabourn luxury ocean voyages and expeditions; and up to US$1,000 in shipboard credit per suite.
TOURS
TravelBrands is celebrating the holiday season with a limited-time incentive created exclusively for travel agents. The “’Tis the Season for Giving” campaign offers advisors stacked rewards on every eligible car rental booked by Jan. 4 and features three major bonus offers that are applicable across a broad range of global car rental partners including Avis, Budget, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, Alamo, Enterprise, Europcar, National, and Waygo. Details include:
Agents will receive double Loyalty Rewards Points on qualifying new car rental bookings; For every five (5) eligible car rentals booked during the incentive window, advisors will receive a $50 gas e-gift card. Every paid booking will be automatically entered for a chance to win back the full value of the car rental in the form of a TravelBrands Future Travel Voucher. For more: www.travelbrandsaccess.com.
‘12 Days of Festive Holiday Offers’ from Air Canada Vacations provides deals for both travel advisors and clients. Now in effect, the promotion features savings, exclusive rewards, and special gifts when booked through a travel advisor. Running Dec. 19, the 12-day celebration will unveil a new promotion each day, alternating between exclusive offers for travel advisors and special deals for their clients. Agents can expect exclusive rewards and special offers including the chance to win a four-night stay at a Sandals or Beaches resort with flights included. For more, follow ACV on the Inner Circle Facebook group, or access your ACV&ME reward account via the travel agent portal.
CRUISE
Carnival Corp. has unveiled plans for Ensenada Bay Village (above) a US$26 million shoreside destination inspired by the culture and natural beauty of Baja California, Mexico. The new destination will offer guests a of adventure, gastronomy, and relaxation inspired by Baja’s traditions and feature high-energy attractions such as zip lines, river rides, a scenic boat ride, and the signature Dune Rally, as well as chocolate and tequila tastings, Valle de Guadalupe wine and cheese pairings, artisan crafts, and relaxation and wellness experiences including thermal springs, the Baby Beach adult pool area and spa offerings. Once completed, following a construction period of approximately 24 months, Ensenada Bay Village is expected to welcome up to 9,000 visitors per day.
By summer 2026, Hilton Honors members will be able to book, earn, and redeem their Points to set sail aboard Explora Journeys voyages from the Mediterranean to Northern Europe to the Caribbean and beyond. A limited time offer of the new Hilton Honors Adventures loyalty program is available through June 7, 2026, in which Hilton Honors Members can choose from all Explora Journeys’ global itineraries, a collection of 16 Journeys that has been highlighted for the preview offer.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Just opened, the Riu Ventura brings the chain’s total number of hotels to 15 in the state of Quintana Roo and 23 in Mexico. Located right next to Playa Delfines beach in Cancun’s hotel zone. This establishment boasts swim-up rooms on the first floor and an exclusive adults-only pool on the sixth floor, features that cannot be found in any other RIU holiday hotel in Mexico
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas is due to complete its landmark $300-million remodelling this month, encompassing all of the hotel’s 4,212 rooms and suites within its main tower. The opulent transformation includes modern design elements inspired by the flair of the disco era and will add 111 suites to its main tower for a total of 753.
Marriott International has debuted Series by Marriott, an addition to its 30 hotel brands that is designed to celebrate regional character while delivering the consistency of the company’s global standards. The first phase in the series – The Fern Hotels & Resorts, Series by Marriott –includes 26 hotels and 1,900 rooms in 23 cities in India, from Ahmedabad to Mumbai. A broader global rollout of Series by Marriott will take place in 2026 with over 100 planned launches.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
LEGOLAND Florida Resort is preparing to launch Galacticoaster, the world’s first indoor, family-friendly space-themed coaster, in early 2026. As the largest investment in the resort’s history, this innovative attraction promises a thrilling, out-of-this-world experience for guests of all ages.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
To mark its new and improved website, Goway is inviting travel advisors to submit a new quote or make a booking in order for their chance to win a complete Passport to a Free FAM. Every new quote submitted in December on either Goway.com or GowayPro.com earns a travel advisor one entry in the contest, while every booking over the same period earns them five entries. A winner from all the correct entries will be randomly selected in early January. Find the contest page HERE.
Agents will receive a $50 Visa Gift Card for the first 100 bookings Karisma Hotels & Resorts travelling by April 30, a guaranteed FAM Spot with accommodation fee waived after 3-plus verified FIT bookings, and 21% commission for active GIVC agents (2020-25).
GOOD DEEDS
Collette held its first-ever Global Week of Service in November, mobilizing employees across all offices and remote locations to fight food insecurity. Employees, partners, and travel advisors came together for a week of volunteerism that spanned over 20 communities in Canada, the U.S. and Australia. Highlights included 100,674 meals packed at Collette’s Pawtucket headquarters in partnership with The Pack Shack and 1,116 volunteer hours logged worldwide, with teams supporting hunger-relief organizations in cities such as Toronto and Vancouver.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Steven Larkin is returning to Intrepid Travel. Formerly President of Intrepid Canada from 2008 to 2014, the Canadian industry veteran will take on the new role of SVP Global Sales & Partnerships, North America effective Jan. 1.
G Adventures has two new members of its executive leadership team, signifying a new chapter of growth and strategic evolution for G Adventures and its sister brands within the G Travel Community (GTC), including G Touring (Travelsphere and JustYou) and TruTravels. Leah Shelly has been appointed Chief Community Officer, GTC (previously VP of People & Community Operations, G Adventures), while Michelle Hudema takes on the role of Chief Operating Officer, GTC (previously VP of Strategic Operations, G Adventures).
Lisa Pierce, VP Global Sales at Air Canada, is retiring at the end of the year after a nearly 40-year career with Air Canada. Assuming her responsibilities as Head of Sales is François Choquette, who is currently Managing Director, Revenue Management.
DESTINATIONS
During the holidays, Montreal’s Great Christmas Market (running through Jan. 4) features artisan stalls, hot wine, and live entertainment at Place des Festivals. Esplanade Tranquille Skating Rink offers themed skating nights and immersive experiences like “Au bord du lac Tranquille” where marine worlds awaken underfoot. Santa’s Kingdom at Complexe Desjardins provides multimedia shows, rides, and live entertainment. And from Feb. 20 to Mar. 8, Montreal en Lumiere will feature its annual outdoor light installations and illuminated skating loop.
Brand USA has launched a new trip planning hub designed to guide football fans as they explore the United States before, during, and after the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer. The hub, now live at AmericaTheBeautiful.com/Football, is a go-to resource for discovering things to do, must-try local cuisine, and an initial set of 50 sample road trip itineraries that connect all 11 U.S. host cities with nearby destinations and experiences.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1907, the first recorded flight in Canada took place when Thomas Selfridge rose about 51 metres into the air in a kite designed by Alexander Graham Bell.
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