A strike by Canadian border workers was averted. Also, last week, Transat was on the road to Marrakech; Virgin Atlantic announced its return to Canada in 2025; Goway unveiled a new website and its first rebrand in nearly 55 years; and UN Tourism revealed the world’s top tourism destination. Read on to find out where…
NEWS
The union representing workers at Canada’s borders reached a tentative agreement with the federal government alleviating a planned strike on June 14. Members still have to ratify the deal.
UN Tourism revealed the top tourist destinations in the world for 2023 based on final visitation numbers: France repeated as the world’s most visited destination in 2023 with 100 million international tourist arrivals. Spain was second with 85 million, followed by the United States (66 million), Italy (57 million) and Türkiye, which closed the top five with 55 million international tourists. Completing the top 10 were Mexico, the UK, Germany, Greece and Austria.
Car rental rates are expected to stabilize after more than three years of volatility, according to a new report released today from American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), however, Ground Monitor 2024-2025 projects rates in Canada to still increase by 3.4% in the period ending March 2025. The report also states that Montreal, Toronto, and Calgary may see moderately higher growth rates as a result of the higher costs associated with providing and staffing city car rental locations.
With recent events raising questions about the state of competition in the airline industry in Canada, the Competition Bureau says it is seeking feedback from Canadians as it prepares to launch a market study of competition in domestic air passenger services in the country. Among the issues of contention are high prices, service levels and the challenges facing new entrants. Deadline for submissions is June 17; to take part in the in the survey, click HERE.
BY THE NUMBERS
Culture Liverpool estimates that more than 50,000 people attended Cunard’s Queen Anne naming ceremony, with thousands more lining the banks of the River Mersey to witness her arrival in the city. Cunard also generated more than 21 million impressions across social media channels on the day of the event. The cruise line says the ships launch spurred record sales for Cunard in May.
AIR
Air Transat operated its first flight between YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and Marrakech-Menara International Airport (TS396) June 12. The exclusive non-stop service, the only one between Canada and Marrakech, will operate year-round: twice weekly during the summer (until October) and once weekly during the winter (from November to April).
Citing strong demand, Porter Airlines says it is doubling capacity on its routes from Toronto Pearson to Las Vegas and Los Angeles, starting Aug. 29 and Sept. 5 respectively. Both cities will be served by twice daily flights on new 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.
Starting March 30, 2025, Virgin Atlantic will launch daily service between Toronto and London, departing YYZ at 22:10, and LHR at 17:10 with both routes featuring a mix of aircraft including new A330-900neos. The flights will mark Virgin’s return to Canada for the first time in more than a decade and notably reinforces the airline’s commitment to the India with optimal onward connectivity for travellers to Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, as well as Tel Aviv, Lagos, and Johannesburg via London Heathrow. Coinciding with the news, Virgin Atlantic and WestJet will expand their partnership starting in October.
Air Canada is ramping up its flights to India this year including new non-stop service from Toronto to Mumbai, the country’s financial capital. In addition, the airline says it will boost its service from Montreal to Delhi to daily flights as well as offering daily seasonal flights from Calgary to Delhi, via London. The services start Oct. 27. The flights between Toronto and Mumbai will run four times a week (Mon-Wed-Fri-Sun), while flights from Vancouver to London will also connect conveniently to flights to Delhi this winter.
DEALS
Canada Jetlines is offering 20% off direct flights from Halifax to Orlando this summer. Use the code ORLHFX20 when booking.
‘Hot Deals’ from Collette this month offers travellers up to $600 on select tours such as the Oct. 17 departure of “Exploring Greece and Its Islands” and “Spotlight on the French Riviera” on Sept. 19. For full details and other offerings, click HERE.
The ‘Summer Savings Event’ promotion by Holland America Line features up to 40% off cruise-only fares, free third and fourth guests when travelling in the same stateroom, onboard credits of up to $100 per stateroom and 50% reduced deposits. Bookings must be made by June 28 for travel through May, 2025.
CRUISE
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point (photo), Disney Cruise Line‘s newest destination on the island of Eleuthera, The Bahamas, welcomed guests for the first time on June 10. The unique retreat immerses guests in the spirit and culture of The Bahamas, along with signature Disney entertainment, port adventures and nature trails, a water play area, and beautiful beaches for families and adults. A day at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point offers something for everyone. The Disney Dream, Disney Magic and Disney Fantasy will all sail to Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ new Uniworld University course for 2025 is now available in its online travel advisor education program. The course details what’s to come in 2025 for the luxury river cruise line, including five new itineraries, expanded land extensions, more ‘MAKE TRAVEL MATTER’ experiences, and a new ship setting sail next year, the SS Elisabeth.
TOURS
A new state-of-the-art new website and continuing commitment to travel advisors – and their clients – is at the heart of Goway’s first rebranding in the company’s 54-year history. The effort also includes a new logo designed to capture the “forward-thinking spirit of a company that has pioneered tailor-made trips for globetrotters for over 50 years” and a cutting-edge user-friendoy website. Goway has also refreshed GowayPro.com, including more incentives for travel advisors, a new podcast, and more Travel Academy education programs.
TTC Tour Brands, whose portfolio of award-winning brands includes Trafalgar, Contiki, Brendan Vacations, Costsaver, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold announces a new September Travel Sale with savings up to 20% off select itineraries booked now through June 27 for travel in September. And travel advisors who sell five TTC Tour Brands September bookings during the sale’s run period will receive a CAD$500 e-gift card. Plus, those enrolled in the Travel Advisor Discount Program (TADP) will earn toward the newly expanded discount tiers.
HOTELS
RIU Hotels & Resorts recently completed the refurbishment of the historic Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin. The majestic 4-star hotel offers the best of the Irish capital’s tradition and history and now boasts a total of 404 fully refurbished rooms with modern, contemporary amenities.
Encircled by the mountain scenery of Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland region, the Victoria-Jungfrau Hotel & Hotel is one of the grandest and most picturesque hotels in the Alps. Now that the property has debuted its newly renovated Tower Suite – set inside the property’s emblematic Bell Époque dome – guests can get another perspective on the high-altitude sights. The family-friendly accommodation features an elegant dining area, south-facing terrace and a spacious lounge. The centrepiece is a curved staircase leading to a private rooftop terrace, situated high above the rooftops of Interlaken and offering breathtaking views of the snow-covered Jungfrau massif. A connecting Junior Suite can accommodate two adults and two children. Families can get active by hitting the tennis courts and the vaulted indoor swimming pool or the outdoor saltwater pool. There’s also the sprawling Bienhuus (Bee House) play facility, where the little ones can partake in dance classes and face painting and make decorative wreaths, beeswax candles, and bracelets.
RESORTS
Playa Hotels & Resorts has announced an agreement with Marriott International Inc. to expand The Luxury Collection brand in the Mexican Caribbean with Paraiso de la Bonita, a Luxury Collection Adult All-Inclusive Resort, Riviera Maya. Set to open in late 2024, the resort will be situated in Puerto Morelos, a picturesque fishermen village, on 5.7 hectares of lush natural landscape, nestled between a mangrove reserve and the pristine waters of the Mexican Caribbean. The resort is anticipated to feature 100 oversized, stylish oceanfront suites, as well as an array of amenities, including an expansive spa, three restaurants, including one with a 5,000-bottle cellar, as well as a sushi and ceviche bar.
Ongoing through October, Club Med Quebec is celebrating “the pinnacle of culture, circus, cosmos and mindfulness” with three themed festivals at the mountainside resort. Until mid-July, food is the theme with “Epicurean Celebrations”; mid-July to mid August is “Astro-Circus”; and Sept-Oct. focusses on “Wellness Fusion.” Guests attending the inaugural summer festival can save 40% their stay and kids stay free when booking by June 25 (travel through Dec. 20).
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, LEGOLAND California has a new attraction for visitors. The LEGO World Parade features themed floats including a bright red LEGO City Firetruck, a swashbuckling pirate ship, and floats inspired by LEGO NINJAGO, LEGO City Deep Sea Adventure, and DUPLO. Accompanying these floats is an exclusive ensemble of LEGO characters and more than 50 performers as they march through the west side of the park.
INCENTIVES
BermudAir offers is offering additional ‘time of ticketing’ commissions to all Canadian non-contracted BSP agents. Valid until Dec. 31, rates include 4% for Economy Class
and 8% for Business Class.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Madrid-based Euroairlines has appointed Discover the World as its representative in Canada. The company sells the routes of over 25 airlines under the Q4 plate in GDS systems.
DESTINATIONS
Set against the stunning backdrop of Victoria Harbour, the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association held the city’s “Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races” on the weekend. The popular event featured more than 170 teams and 4,000 dragon boat athletes from around the world.
A revamped Sydney Fish Market is set to in late 2024. Expecting to attract six million people annually, it’s the most significant harbourside construction in the Australian city since the Sydney Opera House. Designed by celebrated architects 3XN, the markets will still operate as a working seafood exchange, as well as retaining its status as a major food and dining attraction.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1919, British pilots John William Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown took off from St. John’s, Nfld., for the first non-stop transatlantic flight. They landed in a peat bog at Galway, Ireland, after flying about 3,100 km in just over 16 hours. The flight won them a $10,000 prize offered by the London Daily Mail, and both were awarded knighthoods.
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