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
A new report from the Conference Board of Canada argues that Canada’s trade war with the United States might come with a silver lining for the domestic tourism industry with the board estimating that estimates that Canadians boycotting the U.S. for cross-border vacations could net the country’s tourism sector up to $8.8 billion in extra business this year as travellers stay closer to home.
Later this year, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) will launch a new online education program and exam to become Travel Counsellors and agency Supervisors/Managers with the changes focussing on having learners apply the program’s regulatory and consumer protection content, enhancing regulatory knowledge and professionalism. New fees, yet to be set, will accompany the modernized requirements.
Health officials in the U.S. have changed their advice about measles, saying international travellers should be vaccinated against the virus no matter where they’re going. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention previously emphasized the importance of vaccination for travellers going to countries with outbreaks. The advice notably acknowledges the risk of infection during transit.
AIR
Porter Airlines celebrated the launch of first-ever air service from Hamilton, with flights to both Halifax and Vancouver. The routes operate with daily nonstop roundtrip service.
Air Transat continues to explore new horizons in South America with the launch of an exclusive new route between Toronto (YYZ) and Medellín (MDE), via Cartagena (CTG). The new twice-weekly Medellín service will connect Canadians with one of Colombia’s most dynamic cities, while also improving access to Cartagena through an additional frequency from Toronto. The airline says its innovative approach enables the airline to optimize the use of its fleet while serving cities that are not yet easily accessible by direct flight from Canada.
Citing a successful first year of operation, Air Canada has extended its agreement with The Landline Company to continue providing seamless, luxury motorcoach land-air connections between Toronto Pearson and the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport and the Region of Waterloo International Airport.
DEALS
TTC Tour Brands str offering up to 10% off select guided departures across its four brands – Trafalgar, Insight, Contiki, CostSaver – with the ‘2026 Early Booking Deal’ for bookings made through July 31.
TOURS
Following the completion of the transition of the last Sunwing aircraft into the WestJet fleet last week, the company is advising of several changes affecting Sunwing Vacations passengers going forward. Most notably, all Sunwing Vacations passengers will travel on board WestJet-operated flights. They must also now check in at the WestJet airport counter, or online on WestJet.com or the WestJet App (online and App check-in available 24 hours before departure)
New tours from Hopscotch Travel cater to the growing interest in heritage tourism and offer visitors a chance to connect with Scotland‘s culture and history in a meaningful way, providing a deeper exploration of Scotland’s past and its unique cultural heritage. Tours include visits to clan castles, historic sites, and local landmarks, as well as opportunities to learn about the stories and traditions associated with Scotland’s clans. Guests can also enjoy experiences such as whisky tastings, visits to local craft shops, and guided walks through areas of historical significance. (https://hopscotchtravel.co.uk/)
HOTELS & RESORTS
Four Seasons announces plans for a luxury Hotel in Charleston’s Historic District (rendering above). Featuring 139 guest rooms and 36 branded residences, the upcoming Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Charleston will be located in the city’s historic district, within walking distance to top attractions and cultural sites including King Street, the Historical Charleston City Market and the Gibbes Museum of Art.
Velas Resorts has introduced a reimagined wedding offering that celebrates the rich heritage and vibrant traditions of Mexico all throughout their resorts. Conventional destination weddings are turned into immersive cultural journeys, allowing couples and their guests to engage with Mexico’s renowned flavors, colours, and traditions throughout their celebration. The menu is available as a complete experience, or a la carte, at the collection’s seven resorts in Los Cabo, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, and Riviera Nayarit.
CRUISE
A star for a star: Royal Caribbean has announced Diana Ross as the official godmother of Star of the Seas when the ship debuts August. The musical icon will take the stage at the kick-off celebration in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Fla., ahead of the vessel’s inaugural season of eastern and western Caribbean sailings. As godmother, Ross will join a longstanding maritime tradition of bestowing safekeeping onto the ship, its crew and the guests, in a naming ceremony in the ship’s AquaTheater.
Cunard has unveiled its latest program of voyages with 195 new itineraries across its famous fleet, visiting 115 destinations in 32 countries between April 2027 and January 2028. The new itineraries include 93 UNESCO World Heritage sites. With 18 overnight port calls and 33 late-evening departures, the new program offers guests even more opportunities to explore the world.
BY THE NUMBERS
Montreal’s 2025 cruise season will feature 42 operations from 13 cruise lines and 21 different ships, for an estimated total of close to 60,000 passengers and crew members.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
Universal Volcano Bay in Orlando will begin a seasonal closure for renovations on Oct. 26, 2026, with a current planned reopening on or before March 24, 2027. Guests who have purchased tickets during this timeframe can call (407) 224-4233. Further, beginning Oct. 1, 2025, the TapuTapu wearable and virtual line at Volcano Bay will no longer be available, enabling guests to access attractions queues at their leisure.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Through June, travel advisors booking Princess Hotels & Resorts through Sunwing Vacations will earn 3X STAR points with the tour operator, as well as the chance to win one of two hotel stays at Grand Bavaro Princess in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, or Princess Senses the Mangrove in Jamaica (photo above). A number of perks for clients, such no single supplements and kids stay free offers are also from Sunwing’s “partner of the month.”
Throughout June, TravelBrands is offering agents a $50 gas card for every 5th car booking made. E-gift cards will be sent after the latest departure date. The offer is available for online bookings with Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National, Thrifty, and Waygo! To make qualifying bookings visit www.travelbrandsaccess.com.
EVENTS
ACTA will host a webinar on Tuesday, June 24 at 1 p.m. for a webinar designed to guide the process of earning the CTC designation. Meanwhile, for a limited time, ACTA is offering 30% savings on new enrollments for both the CTC and CTM certification programs. The promotion is valid until June 30. Enrol for the webinar HERE and for the discount, using the SUMMER2025 coupon at checkout, HERE
DESTINATIONS
‘Canada, naturally’ is the country’s new tourism brand and tagline. Unveiled at the recent Rendez-vous Canada, the country’s largest international tourism tradeshow, the brand is meant to reflect “what comes naturally to Canada – awe-inspiring landscapes and warm-hearted people – and how even the ordinary moments here can feel extraordinary to guests,” according to Destination Canada.
Next summer, Glasgow, Scotland will host the 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games from July 23 to Aug. 26. The city will also host the 2028 European Football Championship at Hampden Park.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1997, the Confederation Bridge linking Prince Edward Island to the mainland opened to traffic. Hundreds of cars waited in line to cross the 13-kilometre span.
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