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
With 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals recorded globally, UN Tourism says 2024 marked the recovery of international tourism from the worst crisis in the sector’s history. A majority of destinations welcomed more international tourists in 2024 than they did before the pandemic, while visitor spending also continued to grow strongly. International tourist arrivals are expected to grow 3% to 5% in 2025 compared to 2024, assuming a continued recovery of Asia and the Pacific and solid growth in most other regions.
According to a new report by global travel industry platform OAG, Atlanta Hartsfield is the world’s busiest airport (domestic and international) with 62.7 million seats in 2024. The rest of the top 10: Dubai, Tokyo Haneda, London Heathrow, Dallas, Denver, Guangzhou, China, Istanbul, Shanghai, Chicago O’Hare. Based strictly on international travel, a different list emerges: Dubai, Heathrow, Seoul, Singapore, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Paris CDG, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Doha.
Germany’s Lufthansa Group finalized its acquisition of Italian airline ITA Airways, closing a long period of uncertainty for Italy’s former flagship carrier. Under the deal, the merged company must make it possible for rival airlines to launch non-stop flights between Rome or Milan and central European airports, where competition is limited; make room for rivals on long-haul routes between Italy and the US and Canada, and allot slots at Milan’s Linate airlines to competitors.
BY THE NUMBERS
2024 was the best year in history for international tourism in Brazil, according to Embratur. The country reached the record mark of 6,657,377 foreign tourists in the year, an increase of 12.6% compared to 2023. In December alone, the country received more than 690,236 international visitors, a number 11.1% higher than that recorded in the last month of 2023.
AIR
Air Canada will begin serving Manila from Vancouver starting April 2 – the first Canadian carrier to offer direct service to the Philippines – at the same time notably continuing its international expansion and marking the launch of a third South-East Asia destination in the last two years. The airline says the Philippines is the largest market it currently does not serve directly in Asia.
Flights from YVR to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) will operate four times weekly, using the airline’s flagship Dreamliner aircraft.
Istanbul will be added to Iceland Air’s route network starting in September with four-times weekly service from its Reykjavík hub. Flight time is less than six hours. Canadians can fly direct to Reykjavík from Vancouver, Toronto, or Halifax, making it easy for Canadians to visit both Iceland, and the historic Turkish city.
The official opening of Lima, Peru’s new Jorge Chavez International Airport will take place at 6 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2025. This will occur after a six-hour transition period from the existing terminal that will start at midnight. The new airport facilities will be able to handle 30 million passengers per year, strengthening Lima’s position as a key transportation hub for South America. Some parts of the new airport are already being used including a second runway and a new control tower. The new terminal is part of a larger “airport city” development with modernization projects planned through until 2051.
DEALS
The ‘Big Sale’ from Intrepid offers up to 20% off a selection of over 800 2025 tours when booked by Feb. 10. Full deal detailed can be found HERE.
Rocky Mountaineer’s ‘Explore in 2025’ promotion is available through Feb. 6, offering guests up to $750 p.p./$1,500 CAD per couple on select 2025 travel dates and packages.
Available through Feb. 14, the “Take Your Sweetie to Tahiti” promotion from Paul Gauguin Cruises gives guests a US$500 Shipboard Credit per stateroom or suite, welcome bottle of Champagne and chocolate treat, on a wide selection of its seven- to 16-night South Pacific itineraries in 2025. And each newly deposited booking earns travel advisors a $250 gift card.
TOURS
Packages to Brazil are now available for booking with Air Canada Vacations, with tours departing from Toronto and Montreal to São Paulo (GRU). The tour program offers 13 curated, fully guided packages with private transportation in key destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Salvador, Foz do Iguaçu, and Porto de Galinhas. A highlight of the program is a multi-country tour option, allowing travellers to explore both Brazil and Argentina in one seamless experience.
Tauck is offering new savings for solo travellers for 2025: the tour company is waiving single supplements entirely on all category 1 riverboat cabins and reducing rates up to CDN$1,330 on 136 departures of 61 Itineraries across five continents. On its land journeys, Tauck has reduced the single supplement by up to CDN$800 on 84 departures of 39 tours visiting five continents.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Palm House, Palm Beach, Fla.’s first new hotel in four years and the island’s first modern, luxury hotel is now open. Ideally situated steps from the beach on Royal Palm Way, between Worth Avenue and the Royal Poinciana Plaza, the 79-room Palm House is the first US property in the prestigious Iconic Luxury Hotels (“ILH”) collection, which includes some of the world’s most legendary hotels such as the British country estate of Cliveden House, the majestic Hotel Excelsior on the Venice Lido, and the witty and dashing The Mayfair Townhouse in Mayfair, London.
Located in the city’s buzzing southern business district, W São Paulo has opened its doors, marking the brand’s first property in Brazil. Starting on the 25th floor of a modern skyscraper, including 16 suites, the hotel offers sweeping views of the city centre, the Pinheiros River as well as full amenities, including AWAY Spa, FIT gym, WET Deck complete with an outdoor pool, along with two restaurants, and three bars. Additionally, an ornate walkway bridges Rua Funchal to Rua Helena, seamlessly allowing guests to engage with the city.
CRUISE
Opening in December, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas will be the first in Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Collection, enabling guests to have an all-inclusive beach day during their cruise. Beyond the beach, features will range from the world’s largest swim-up bar to island-style spots for local fare and experiences featuring Bahamian artisans and live music. The destination will be curated into three zones: Family, Chill, and Party. All-inclusive day pass and cabanas will be available for purchase this spring.
Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, has unveiled its summer 2026 journeys aboard EXPLORA I, II, and the III. Launching in summer 2026, EXPLORA III will set sail for her seven-night maiden journey on Aug. 3 from Barcelona to Lisbon. In her inaugural season, EXPLORA III, will pass along the Atlantic coast of Portugal and France, continuing to the UK, Ireland and the Baltic Sea, before exploring Northern Europe, before making her way to North America’s east coast. Meanwhile, EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II will sail guests in the Med, exploring both celebrated and lesser-travelled destinations.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
Opening this Spring, the all-new Wild Oasis realm at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will feature a newly reimagined drop tower featuring state-of-the-art digital and sound effects, an interactive water-play wonderland and a multi-level climbing canopy. Plus, discover an all-new, multi-species animal habitat for up-close encounters with some of the world’s most fascinating animals.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Through Feb. 9, TravelBrands’ “Wheel of Rewards” promotion enables travel advisors to earn rewards with every eligible booking they make. Applicable on select products such as TravelGenie packages (flight + hotel), hotel-only bookings, and add-ons such as tours, attractions, transfers, and shore excursions, the incentive promotion ensures that every booking leads to a prize. Once a qualifying booking is made, agents will receive an invitation to spin the Wheel of Rewards to win up to 10,000 Loyalty Rewards points, up to $100 travel certificate, or up to $100 e-Cards. To make qualifying bookings or learn more about this offer, including full terms and conditions, visit www.travelbrandsaccess.com.
DESTINATIONS
Through Feb. 28, travellers can book a four-night (or longer) air-inclusive vacation to The Islands of The Bahamas and receive $300 instant savings at participating hotels and resorts. Stays are valid from through June 30. Booking a four-night (or longer) air-inclusive vacation package with participating tour operators guarantees instant $300 savings, plus the opportunity to combine this offer with other deals for even more value, including bonus nights, spa credits, and airport transfers. Details at Bahamas.com.
This June marks 50 years of Pride in Washington, DC, and the city will also host WorldPride DC 2025. The vibrant event will feature music, film, cultural and activism programs across iconic locations such as the National Mall and Embassy Row, showcasing DC’s diverse, inclusive spirit. It is the ninth WorldPride and only the second time celebrated in the US.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1976, the supersonic Concorde jet was put into service by Britain and France, with flights from London to Bahrain and from Paris to Rio de Janeiro. (The Concorde airliner was retired in 2003.)
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