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 senate of Mexico has voted to charge cruise ship passengers $42 per head for port calls, drawing sharp criticism from the tourism industry. Mexican business chambers say the immigration charge – from which cruise passengers used to be exempt – may hurt the country’s half-billion-dollar-per-year cruise industry. The measure will go into effect July 1, 2025. The changes were part of a bill that also increases airport immigration charges and entry fees for nature reserves.
Boeing has laid off hundreds of additional employees in the US as part of planned cuts that will eventually reduce the company’s workforce by about 17,000. The aerospace giant announced previously it would reduce its workforce by 10% in the coming months as it tries to recover from financial and regulatory troubles and a strike by its machinists that lasted almost two months.
Haiti’s main international airport reopened last week to commercial flights, one month after it closed for the second time this year because of gang violence, though it wasn’t immediately clear which airlines would resume service. The Toussaint Louverture airport in Port-au-Prince closed in mid-November after gangs opened fire on a Spirit Airlines flight that was preparing to land, striking a flight attendant who suffered minor injuries. Other commercial planes were also hit that day, prompting Spirit, JetBlue and American Airlines to cancel their flights to Haiti. A day later, the Federal Aviation Administration banned U.S. airlines from flying to the Caribbean country for 30 days.
BY THE NUMBERS
New statistics from Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) indicate that business travellers are extending stays, reflecting the enduring appeal of blending work with leisure, otherwise dubbed “bleisure.” Analysis shows a shift in travel patterns: single-day trips are growing slowly, while trips lasting 6-7 days have surged by 10% year-on-year. From April 1 to Sept. 30, FCTG booking data showed that longer business stays in Canada increased by 27%, partly due to the integration of live sports and concerts into business travel plans. Additionally, a recent FCTG travel trends report, indicates 45% of Canadians surveyed are likely to travel for a live sporting event.
AIR
Air Canada rolled out its most comprehensive transborder schedule from its Vancouver (YVR) hub. Three new transborder routes to Tampa, Raleigh and Nashville, plus more capacity to Austin, Denver and Miami have been added. Together with its partner United Airlines, Air Canada will offer up to 7,700 seats on 58 daily non-stop flights to 21 US destinations next summer, representing an 11% increase in seat capacity from summer 2024.
Moosehead Breweries is the new beer partner of Porter Airlines. The Canadian-owned and operated brewery now has products available on all Porter flights.
Cathay Pacific has unveiled Aria Suite, an all-new Business class, along with new Premium Economy and refreshed Economy onboard its retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The new seat products will be followed by a new First-class experience onboard 777-9 aircraft, and a brand-new flat-bed Business class product on Airbus A330s.
DEALS
Bookable through Dec. 23, Sandals’ ‘Stay More, Save More’ offer gives guests additional savings with up to US$1,000 off plus one free night on stays of at least seven nights at select properties, and up to US$400 off plus one free night for stays of seven nights or longer on select room categories at Beaches.
St. Kitts Tourism Authority is offering couples exclusive packages and activities designed for reconnection, escape and indulgence. Through the new “St. Kitts: Your New Love Language” campaign, which is running through February 2025, St. Kitts’ hotel partners are offering exclusive experiences and special deals for couples to create memories with a “just the two of us” experience. Check www.visitstkitts.com for updates and information.
TOURS
Luxury safari outfitter African Travel is a launching a new escorted tour style in 2025. Concierge Safaris is designed to elevate the client’s travel experience by offering a dedicated travelling concierge, who will accompany the group throughout their entire journey. From the moment guests arrive in Africa (photo) to their final farewell, the expert concierge handles all the trip logistics, addresses any requests, and ensures a seamless adventure. To kick off the Concierge Safaris launch, the tour company will be offering two of their perennial favourite itineraries, Southern Explorer and Best of Tanzania, on select 2025 departure dates. And travel advisors a $300 digital gift card incentive for every couple booked on their escorted safaris before March 31, 2025.
CRUISE
MSC Cruises’ dedicated online reservations platform for travel agents, MSC Book, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The company says the online tool has been a great ‘success’ thanks to agency support with the registration of nearly 120,000 travel agents and over 10 million guests booked since the online tool was introduced in 2014. The 10-year anniversary will see special digital gifts for agents who complete a short survey to help gather travel trade insights about MSC Book and MSC Cruises will also host webinars to unveil future enhancements of the reservation platform.
A new offer from PONANT on bookings made by Jan. 3, gives guests savings of up to US$2,900 on over 100 journeys. The “Our Gift to You” savings are on top of up to 30% Bonus Savings already included in published fares. As a special thank you to travel advisors, PONANT is also giving a $250 gift card for every new deposited booking during the promotion.
HOTELS
The 375-room Waldorf Astoria New York is set to usher in a new era of luxury for New York City. The legendary property is expected to open its doors in spring 2025 following a multi-year restoration effort. Reservations now can be made on the hotel’s website.
Situated in the historic Piazza della Minerva, in the heart of Rome and just steps from the Pantheon, Orient Express La Minerva is set to open in Spring 2025 as the first hotel under the Orient Express hotel collection brand. The property, formerly known as Palazzo Fonsca dating back to the 17th century, occupies an entire island site and was acquired in 2021. Following a comprehensive renovation, the building’s interiors and historical features have been meticulously designed; amenities will include a new rooftop restaurant and bar with immersive views of the Eternal City from one Rome’s most beautiful and iconic locations. Reservations are now open for booking.
RESORTS
Expansion of Four Seasons portfolio in Greece will feature a new beachside property on Mykonos (photo) with the first guests to be welcomed in summer 2025. The brand-new resort will take shape on an unspoiled 60,000 sq. m. of land, spanning from the sandy beaches to the picturesque coastal cliffs. Four Seasons Resort Mykonos will complement the existing Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
Cue your screaming inner child! The Mattel Adventure Park will open in Glendale, Arizona in 2025. The first-ever Mattel-branded theme park will bring iconic franchises to life through epic rides and attractions designed to thrill guests of all ages. Visitors will be able to step into Barbie’s world with the Dream Closet Experience, where hologram technology lets participants curate their ultimate wardrobe alongside Barbie herself. Other options include a four-level Hot Wheels Go-Kart Track and the Thomas Adventure Train for a ride with Thomas and his friends.
EVENTS
In a virtual event to be held 2 p.m. EST on Dec. 18, Collette will share what defines their premium experience and how it supports the needs and desires of the modern traveller. Led by Collette’s Kelsie Marchetti and Gabbie Borgus, this virtual event will discuss traveller trends and changing demographics; guided travel misconceptions; understanding “experience evolution” and why it matters; and what goes into curating tours differently. To watch live or on demand, register HERE.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Agents can earn 5% commission on all group bookings (10+ pax) with Porter Airlines for bookings made through Dec. 31.
Collette has extended its “Holiday Shopping on Us” initiative through Jan. 2, offering gift cards to advisors for every booking they make. Once qualified (make two deposited bookings), advisors will earn a $100 gift card for each booking. Bookings made during Collette’s Black Friday Sale count toward qualification, with the full incentive window running from Nov. 18.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Sunwing Vacations has welcomed Melissa Harley as its new Business Development Manager for Central, Eastern, Northern Ontario and Atlantic Canada. A former travel agent, she joins the tour company’s team effective immediately.
David Liotta has been appointed as the Key Partnerships Manager at Intrepid Travel. Based in Toronto, he will support and expand Intrepid’s key industry partnerships with a primary focus on advisor relationships and engagement.
DESTINATIONS
A new dive tourism policy aims to establish Anguilla as a leading year-round destination for sustainable diving. With several certified, reputable diving operators serving all skill and experience levels, diving in the Caribbean island is extremely accessible. With clear waters, Anguilla counts the well-preserved ruins of The Osterdiep sunken ship; the Anguillita Reef, with its maze of underwater caves; Blowing Rock dramatic rock formations; and Angel Reef as diving treasures.
Opening in 2025 on Copenhagen‘s Paper Island, the Vandkulturhus (Water Culture House) will invite guests to swim with views of Copenhagen’s harbours through glass-paned walls. A combination of indoor and outdoor pools will create a relaxing setting that celebrates Denmark’s affinity for water. Situated in a popular urban renewal area, the Vandkulturhus will offer locals and tourists a unique place to unwind and enjoy Copenhagen’s iconic waterfront.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1925, the first motel – the Motel Inn – opened in San Luis Obispo, Ca.
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