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 union representing Air Canada flight attendants is urging a “strong mandate” to strike by members in voting that concludes today (Aug. 5). Members will be eligible to strike effective Aug. 16.
Tolls on the Confederation Bridge linking Prince Edward Island to Canada’s mainland will drop sharply starting Aug. 1, along with several other Atlantic travel fees. The toll for an average vehicle will drop to $20 from $50.25 to cross the bridge. The federal government is also cutting fares in half for passengers, vehicles and commercial traffic on federally supported Eastern Canada ferry services.
Europe’s Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) isn’t in effect yet and already the fee for visitors may potentially go up, prompting a coalition of organizations representing the European travel sector to warn that a price hike will put the continent’s travel competitiveness at risk. Now expected to come into effect in 2026 (already delayed since 2024), the European Commission is proposing to hike the ETIAS fee from €7 (CDN$11) to €20 per application, nearly a threefold increase compared to the original amount agreed in 2018.
BY THE NUMBERS
According to a Flight Centre survey conducted by YouGov, 57% of Canadian travellers are prioritizing adults-only travel, while 75% would consider taking a booze-free trip this year.
The trend is especially strong in Canada, where adults 65 and older are the fastest growing demographic. In 2021, there were 1.9 million DINK (dual income, no kids) households in Canada – and that number is on the rise.
AIR
Porter Airlines continues expanding its network at Hamilton International Airport (YHM) with new routes to Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) beginning in December. Flights to Orlando begin Dec. 12, and Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 13, both with three weekly roundtrips. Porter is the only airline offering nonstop flights between these cities, operating seasonally until April. These destinations also mark Porter’s first U.S. flights from Hamilton.
Qatar Airways has introduced increased flights to over 15 global destinations for this year’s winter season, including from Toronto, which will boast daily flights from Toronto, up from five per week, offering greater access to more than 170 destinations worldwide through its Doha hub.
DEALS
For the entire month Viking’s “August Sale” offers river cruises from $2,199, up to free international airfare with just a $25 deposit; special fares, reduced airfare, and a $25 deposit on ocean cruises; plus special fares, up to free international airfare, and a $25 deposit on Expeditions.
Aqua-Aston Hospitality is making it easier to book early and more affordable. The hospitality group is offering guests 25% off room rates for those who pay before their stay. Guests can enjoy this offer when booking at least 14 days ahead of their planned stay and by paying in full at the time of booking. Use the promo code ADVANCE.
TOURS
G Adventures is relaunching sailing adventures along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline after a five-year pandemic pause. The catamaran trips are designed to combine adventure and relaxation in a destination dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean,’ and known for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and marine wonders. With first departures in December, the seven-day ‘Sri Lanka Sailing – South Coast’ trip can also be combined with land-based trips to create an extended two-week Sri Lanka experience.
Air Canada Vacations’ annual ‘Chill Out Event,’ a week-long Pride celebration in Cuba, booking now at special rates for travel in January 2026. Packages, departing Jan. 31 from Toronto (from $1,349) and Montreal ($1,399), include a seven-night all-inclusive stay at the four-star Gran Muthu Rainbow resort in Cayo Guillermo that features entertainment including DJ sets, drag performances, beach parties, and a grand farewell gala dinner.
HOTELS & RESORTS
The second hotel in the UNICO Hotel Collection will open its doors on Sept. 2. The 141-room adults-only UNICO 20°105° Hotel Vallarta will embody the brand’s ethos of providing “unique experiences rooted in individuality, artisanal practices and a modern take on regional cultures to ensure travellers feel at-home in the world’s most striking locales.”
A longstanding beachfront building on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, Ca. (formerly serving as the Hotel Shangri‑La and Sonder The Beacon) has reopened under a refreshed identity: The Eden Hotel. Blending its historic Art Deco roots with modern luxury, the newly rebranded property offers 70 distinctive rooms and 30 suites, located steps from Santa Monica Beach, the Santa Monica Pier and the Third Street Promenade. Amenities include a 24‑hour fitness centre, heated outdoor pool, and rooftop terrace.
CRUISE
Carnival Cruise Line has opened for sale the first installment of its 2027/28 cruise schedule, which will include a number of ship moves, including redeploying Carnival Dream (photo above) to New Orleans to join Carnival Liberty. The bigger Dream can accommodate more than 4,600 guests.
Cunard has come together with Abbey Road Studios to bring a new and exclusive Listening Lounge experience to music lovers on board Queen Elizabeth. The luxury cruise line has partnered with the famed recording studio of The Beatles to create a series of curated playlists packed with iconic recordings, each specially handpicked by the Abbey Road team. Set to debut on Queen Elizabeth this Fall, the 60-minute Listening Lounge experience will be hosted in the Commodore Club, taking listeners on a themed journey via high end headphones.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Air Canada Vacations’ popular “Share the Sunshine” group offer is back. For select package bookings of 10 passengers or more and at least four rooms on a seven-night stay in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and Cartagena made by Aug. 29, clients can save $200 p.p. plus travel advisors will receive a $100 digital Amazon gift card. for every eligible group booking. The offer is valid for bookings made by Aug. 29 and applies to select vacation packages. To receive the give card, agents must use their ACV&ME registered email at booking and when completing the redemption form by Sept. 12 via this LINK.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation has announced the appointment of Siren Communications as its agency of record in Canada, effective immediately. Toronto-based Siren Communications has more than two decades of experience representing some of the world’s leading destinations and resorts, including long-standing work with Atlantis Paradise Island and The Ocean Club, both top Bahamian properties.
Swan Hellenic has named Lisette Martinez Rusian as Senior Director of North America (NAM) Sales. In the cruise industry since 1995, she has held senior roles at Princess Cruises, American Queen Voyages, Atlas Ocean Voyages, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. Rusian replaces Joe Malony, who held the position for several years.
DESTINATIONS
‘Aruba I Do’ returns for its seventh year on Aug. 13, with couples from around the globe to invited to rediscover their love on the Caribbean island (photo above). This year’s free sunset vow renewal ceremony will be held at Wilhelmina Park in Oranjestad. Canadian couples can now register to take part HERE.
Where do I sign up? Louisiana’s Lafayette Travel and EatLafayette have launched the Po-boy Trail, a new culinary experience that shines a spotlight on one of Louisiana’s most beloved foods, the po-boy. This self-guided trail features more than 70 restaurants and specialty shops across Lafayette Parish, each serving up their own take on the iconic sandwich, which range from classic fried shrimp and roast beef to creative twists featuring alligator. The trail is now live at LafayetteTravel.com/Poboys, and printed brochures are available at Lafayette’s Visitor Centre.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1909, Orville Wright established a world duration record for airplanes when he and passenger, Lieutenant Frank Lahm, remained aloft for one hour and 12 minutes.
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