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 fatal collision between an Air Canada jet and a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport that killed the airline’s two pilots drew attention to the demands that a strained navigation system places on traffic controllers, and how even strict protocols failed to prevent tragedy. Several others among the 70 passengers were injured.
Iran threatened to target recreational and tourist sites worldwide. Iran’s top military spokesman warned that “parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations” worldwide won’t be safe for Tehran’s enemies. Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi made the threat, renewing concerns that Iran may revert to using militant attacks beyond the Middle East as a pressure tactic in the war.
Singapore Changi Airport has been named the World’s Best Airport 2026 – for the 14th consecutive time – in the prestigious World Airport Awards, held in London. Notably, Vancouver was named the best airport in the world of its size (20-30 million passengers) and 10th overall (all sizes) in the Awards’ pre-eminent best-overall category, leading a trio Canadian airport rankings in the top 100. Those included Montreal, ranked 46 (up from 51 in 2025), and Toronto Pearson at 55 (no). More Canadian honours listed below…
AIR
WestJet and Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) have expanded their codeshare partnership for the second time in three months, enabling WestJet guests to travel to Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland via the airline’s non-stop service between Halifax and Copenhagen with the convenience of a single ticket, baggage transfers and the ability to earn WestJet Rewards throughout. WestJet’s service between Copenhagen and Halifax operates four days per week during the summer months and complements WestJet’s ongoing codeshare connections to Scandinavia.
Porter Airlines announced plans to offer flights on a dozen routes from the revitalized Montreal Metropolitan Airport (MET). The airline says flights to and from the airport in Longueuil, Que., on Montreal’s south shore will begin on June 15.
BermudAir’s 2026 summer schedule (May 25-Sept. 3) will feature six times weekly flights from Toronto (excepting Sunday), and well as twice weekly from Halifax (Wed., Fri.), and twice weekly from Montreal (Thurs., Sun.)
TOURS
Contiki is expanding its active trips portfolio with the launch of new 16-person small-group tours in Nepal (photo above). Designed for 16- to 35-year-old travellers seeking bucket-list ventures without logistical stress, the new itineraries blend culture, wildlife, adventure, and must-see landmarks. The launch follows a rise in demand for hiking-focused trips among Contiki’s core audience, which has identified the Asian country as a top destination, says the company. Three tours, (five, six and 10 days) are centered around Katmandu.
DEALS
A new Solo Travel Savings Campaign from Collette gives travel advisors expanded earning potential as demand for solo experiences – especially among travelers 50+ – continues to surge. Running through July 15, the campaign offers solo travellers up to $1,000 off select Explorations tours, for travel through March 2027.
Clients bound for Barbados can benefit from special offers courtesy of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s 2026 Barbados ‘Your Sweetest Summer Escape’ summer campaign. Available for booking until April 30 for stays from May 1 to Oct. 31, visitors can conveniently explore offers and secure their preferred accommodations and experiences in one place via https://bookbarbados.com/.
HOTELS & RESORTS
The Lopesan Hotel Group has officially opened bookings for its three new Punta Cana, Dominican Republic resorts, set to debut in late spring. Each hotel has its own personality. Lopesan Caoba Lagoon is anchored by cenote-inspired and lagoon pools, cascading waterfalls, and a central boulevard that connects the complex’s dining and social spaces. Lopesan Serenity Bay offers an adults-only retreat designed for a quieter, more wellness-driven stay, while Lopesan Splash Cove is a family-friendly option centered around water play, activities, and easygoing fun.
Sandals Resorts International (SRI) is taking advantage of the forced closure of three of its Jamaican properties after Hurricane Melissa to give the resorts a comprehensive “Sandals 2.0 transformation” that is more extensive than originally intended. The US$200-million reimagining of Sandals South Coast, Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean, and is now underway with the resorts due to open Nov. 18, Dec. 18 and Dec. 18 respectively.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
At Universal Studios Florida, “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” will arrive in 2027. The high-speed roller coaster puts guests in the driver’s seat of the Fast & Furious universe, featuring 360-degree drifting and a 170-foot vertical spike that sends riders nearly 17 stories into the air.
CRUISE
Expeditions with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises have always extended beyond polar regions. For winter 2027/28, the company is introducing a clear strategic focus: alongside its classic Antarctic expeditions, the HANSEATIC nature (photo above) will sail discovery routes in warmer climates across the western Indian Ocean, featuring Madagascar and the Seychelles. While two expedition ships continue operating in the Antarctic, HANSEATIC nature will offer 10 cruises between October 2027 and March 2028, exploring remote islands, atolls, and coastlines from West Africa to South Africa, the Seychelles, and Madagascar.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Paul Gauguin Cruises has extended its exclusive offer of $1,000 shipboard credit per stateroom or suite, paired with a bottle of Champagne and a chocolate treat. Open to bookings made by April 30, the offer applies to all 2026 sailings on the m/s Paul Gauguin in French Polynesia, including the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas, Cook Islands, and South Pacific, which range from seven to 14 nights. Shipboard credit can be used toward shore excursions, spa treatments, wine selections, shopping, and more. Travel advisors will receive up to $500 for every newly deposited booking they secure.
As Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa unveils a complete transformation of its adults-only Harmony wing, part of the resort’s most extensive renovations in its 20-year history, the Canadian favourite in Saint Lucia reminds that Canadian travel advisors can earn a bonus of up to US$126 on bookings. Simply join the CBAYREWARD$ program and register new bookings at CBAYResortRewards.com.
EVENTS
After it’s successful event earlier this month, ITB Berlin announced that the 2027 iteration of the world’s largest travel show will take place later than usual – from March 16 to 18. The one-off change of dates takes intercultural aspects into account and enables Muslim exhibitors and visitors to celebrate Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan and then participate in ITB Berlin, say organizers.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
The Air Canada Foundation has announced new officers and new members to its Board of Directors. Priscille Leblanc, who has held the position of Chair of the Foundation since its inception in 2012, has elected to retire. Louise-Hélène Sénécal, who recently retired from Air Canada as Vice President and General Counsel and has been a member of the Board of Directors and Corporate Secretary of the Air Canada Foundation, will be the new Chair. The Air CanadaFoundation Board also welcomes Maria Kuchel (Secretary) and Marcel Forget as new Board Members. They join current Air CanadaFoundation Board members Amos Kazzaz (Treasurer), Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Lucie Guillemette and Carolyn Hadrovic.
DESTINATIONS
Parks Canada is introducing reserved parking with four-hour time slots at Cape Breton’s Skyline Trail beginning June 26, with reservations opening in May. Between June 26 and Oct. 25, access to the Skyline Trail parking lot will require a reservation for a four-hour time slot. The first entry time will be 8 a.m., while the final entry will be at 5 p.m. Only visitors with a confirmed reservation will be permitted to enter the parking lot.
All eyes are firmly on Glasgow as the Scottish city will proudly host the 2026 Commonwealth Games from July 23 to Aug. 2, offering spectators a spectacular display of power and skill from all over the world. The Games will not only showcase sporting talent but will also shine a spotlight on Glasgow’s warm welcome and passion as a leading destination for major events. From world-class events to unique close-knit community led offerings, Scotland in 2026 provides strong opportunities for the travel trade to inspire creative itineraries and authentic local experiences. Further information on a wide range of events and festival staking place across the country can be found HERE.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 2020, Canada and the United States closed their shared border to all non-essential travel over the growing COVID-19 pandemic.
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