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
Canadians now have new entry requirements to enter the United Kingdom (to be followed later in the year in Europe). The electronic travel authorization (ETA) process, which must be completed (at least the first time) before arrival in the destinations, took effect Jan. 8 in Britain and is expected to follow by mid-2025 in Schengen zone countries.
Air Transat pilots have filed notice to beginning bargaining with the company over a new contract with the warning, “We want management to know we are ready to fight for a contract that addresses the concerns of our pilots and brings stability to our airline.” Issues include employment protection, salary conditions, pilot group insurance, and retirement conditions.
The first international commercial flight since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad landed Jan. 7 at the Damascus airport. The Qatar Airways flight landed at Damascus International Airport, greeted by the passengers’ relatives and friends inside a terminal building.
Ashad al-Suleibi, head of Syria’s Air Transport Authority, said Qatar had provided assistance in rehabilitating the airport, which had suffered from years of neglect as well as sustaining damages from periodic Israeli airstrikes.
AGENCIES
ACTA is seeking individuals who wish to join two influential committees in 2025: the Independent Travel Advisor (ITA) Committee and the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee. Deadline for applications is Jan. 31. Apply HERE.
Trevello World Holdings Inc., parent company of Trevello Canada, has acquired Gifted Travel Network (GTN), a US-based host agency specializing in the luxury travel sector. The move marks the first step in Trevello’s strategic plan to expand beyond Canada and establish a foothold in the US market.
AIR
New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport’s (JFK) will welcome Air Canada to its new world-class Terminal 6 (T6) when it opens to passengers in in 2026, joining fellow Star Alliance partners Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and ANA as future T6 airlines. Terminal 6 is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s US$19-billion transformation of JFK International Airport into a world-class gateway, with two new terminals, two expanded and modernized terminals, a new ground transportation centre, and an entirely new, simplified roadway network.
Air India has placed an order to purchase 100 more Airbus aircraft, comprising 10 widebody A350 and 90 narrowbody A320 Family aircraft, including A321neo. These 100 new aircraft are in addition to the firm orders of 470 aircraft that Air India had placed with Airbus and Boeing last year. The latest order takes the total number of aircraft that Air India ordered with Airbus in 2023 from 250 aircraft, comprising 40 A350 and 210 A320 Family aircraft, to 350.
Icelandair and ITA Airways Italy have signed a codeshare agreement that will allow customers to seamlessly travel across the two airlines’ networks starting Jan. 20. The initial agreement will open connections via Rome, between Iceland and numerous ITA destinations including Bologna, Florence, Venice and Naples.
BY THE NUMBERS
Aeromexico had the world’s best record – 87% – for on-time arrivals in 2024, according to an annual ranking released late last week by aviation-data provider Cirium. Delta Air Lines scored the highest among North American, while WestJet and Air Canada finished at the bottom of that regional pack with on-time ratings below 72%. Air Canada was 9th (out of 10) at 71.36% based on nearly 386,000 flights, and WestJet 10th at 70.99%, based on 192,000 flights.
DEALS
Through Jan. 19, Sunwing Vacations’ Tropical Resolutions Sale offers savings on packages in Cuba, Mexico, the Dominican Republic for less than $1,499 p.p. at both family-friendly and adults only resorts. The travel window is until March 31.
The ‘Winter Sale’ from Transat and Air Transat presents offers on flights to all destinations as well as discounts of up to 40% on South packages for travellers from Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. Flight deals must be booked by Jan. 19 for travel Oct. 31, while the special package rates are in effect until Dec. 15 when booked by Jan. 23. Travel advisors also benefit from a 3X BONBON bonus on bookings, representing $15 per package booking and $3 per flight booking.
Through Jan. 19, TAP Air Portugal is offering promotional fares from Toronto and Montreal to seven cities in Portugal and beyond to 40 destinations across Europe and Africa. Round-trip economy fares to Europe start from CAD $579, and Business Class to Portugal from $2,199. Travel must be completed by May 15 (black-out dates from April 7-22).
G Adventures’ Great Adventure Sale offers savings of up to 25% on over 500 trips when booked before Jan. 31f for travel before Dec. 15, 2025.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Two new hotels operating under the Iberostar Hotels & Resorts brand have opened in Miami.
Iberostar Waves Berkeley Shore (photo)which started to operate under the Iberostar Waves segment in December, is located in a 1940s building that retains its iconic Art Deco architecture. The property offers 96 rooms, a heated pool, a rooftop solarium with sea views, and a specialty restaurant. Meanwhile, Iberostar Waves Miami Beach has become an Iberostar Waves this month and it features 82 rooms. This hotel is suited to both families and business travellers, the latter due its proximity to the Miami Convention Centre.
Il Mare Adults-Only Preferred Club, a new, 52-bungalow section at Dreams Curacao Resort is now open, giving guests a unique, luxury beachfront experience on one of the most picturesque beaches in the Dutch Caribbean. The 35-sq.-m. free-standing accommodations are within walking distance of the main resort grounds, and offer a king-sized bed, bathroom with two vanities, an indoor sitting area, with an Italian inspired design.
TOURS
Air Canada Vacations has released is 2025 Europe Travel Agent Toolkit, designed as a comprehensive resource for travel professionals featuring tools and necessary support to help inspire clients and facilitate bookings to the continent. This year – ACV’s 50th – there are several new features, including multi-country tours, and clients can choose from over 240 curated tour packages, offering guided, self-guided, or partially guided experiences.
A new tool from Collette is designed to help travel advisors sell small group African safaris. The interactive e-guide is full of destination insights, including audio and video, from Collette’s in-destination product development teams. Check it our HERE.
CRUISE
Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, is offering savings of up to 40%, up to EUR1,000 in prepaid Destination Experiences Credits per suite, per reservation. and the opportunity to reserve with just a 10% deposit for bookings made by Feb. 28. The offer is combinable other offers.
Two new ships will be joining the Tauck’s fleet of riverboats in 2026. The two ships, which have not yet been named, will launch in spring 2026. The two newbuilds include a 135-metre 130-passenger vessel that will sail on Tauck itineraries along the Rhone, while a slightly smaller (125-metre) sister ship will host up to 124 guests along the River Seine. The announcement of Tauck’s new ships comes as the company is concluding a record year with its European river cruises, including double-digit growth (percentage-wise) over last year’s passenger levels.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
Cirque du Soleil premiered ‘Auana (photo), its first resident production in Hawaii, at the Outrigger Waikīkī Beachcomber hotel on Dec. 17. The show combines breathtaking acrobatics, multimedia projections, and mo’olelo (stories) inspired by the islands’ rich culture. Performances run Wednesday through Sunday at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., exclusively at the Outrigger Theatre. Tickets are available at www.cirquedusoleil.com/hawaii for performances starting at US$85 inclusive of taxes and fees. Also available is the ‘Auana VIP Experience, a premium add-on for ticket holders, which includes a 90-minute reception in a private open-air lounge at Maui Brewing Company Waikīkī where guests will meet ‘Auana cast members and view exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
G Adventures has launched its popular annual ‘G-Normous’ agent incentive, a four-month competition that offers travel advisors up $40k in prizes, including a $10,000 “G dollar’ grand prize that can be put towards any trip with the company. Running until April 30, the 12th annual G-Normous offers weekly and monthly prizes for top sellers in various categories as well as top-secret random prizes throughout, including trip giveaways. The more agents sell, the greater the chances of winning. The top seller earns the grand prize. For more visit www.gadventures.com/gnormous.
EVENTS
Save the date: Atout France Canada’s annual Destination France travel trade road show is set to return in February, with stops in Montreal (Feb. 17), Toronto, (Feb. 18), Vancouver (Feb. 19) and Calgary (Feb. 20). The events will feature 20 exhibitors taking part pre-scheduled appointments, followed by a cocktail reception, dinner, presentation and activities. Official location and registration details will be announced shortly.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Canadian airline industry veteran Stephen Goulding, who has held leaderships roles with WestJet, has joined Virgin Atlantic as Country Manager for Canada. He takes the position ahead of Virgin’s launch of service from Toronto to London on March 30. Goulding has 25 years of experience in the travel, tourism, facilities, and technology sectors, and has worked closely with Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic’s joint venture partner.
DESTINATIONS
Two classic Quebec carnivals on are on the horizon: Carnaval de Québec (Feb. 7-16) transforms Québec City into a winter wonderland each year for the legendary 10-day festival. The world’s largest winter carnival offers a jam-packed program featuring nighttime parades, elaborate ice sculptures, ice canoe races and the loveable Bonhomme mascot. And the annual Montréal en Lumière festival (Feb. 27-March 9) lights up Montréal’s winter nights with live performances, culinary experiences, free outdoor family activities and luminous art installations, including the renowned all-night contemporary art show, Nuit Blanche.
The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda has become the first Wellness Destination officially recognized by the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA), satisfying all nine of the WTA’s stringent criteria. Antigua and Barbuda marks each January as Wellness Month, where visitors can enjoy special promotions and activities
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1817, stage-coach service between Kingston, Ont., and York (now Toronto) began. The fare was $18.
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