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
Over 300 million tourists travelled internationally in the first three months of 2025, about 14 million more than in the same months of 2024, according to the May 2025 World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism. That represents a 5% rise on last year and is 3% more than in pre-pandemic year 2019.
With warmer than normal ocean waters, forecasters are expecting yet another unusually busy Atlantic hurricane season – which officially started June 1 and stretches through the end of November. But though they don’t think it will be as chaotic as 2024, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says there is a 60% chance it will above normal, 30% chance near normal and just 10% chance it will be quieter than average. The forecast calls for 13 to 19 named storms with six to 10 becoming hurricanes and three to five reaching major status. A normal season has 14 named storms, seven of which strengthen to hurricanes and three power up further to major hurricanes.
With Canada’s new parliament now reconvened after the federal election and throne speech, ACTA has laid out its list of key priorities for the incoming federal government, which includes presenting the priorities of travel agencies and independent travel advisors. The association says it will strategically engage all and “deepen relationships” with Members of Parliament with the aim of building bipartisan support for the retail travel industry and ensuring it’s voice is heard as the government sets its legislative agenda.
AIR
With its final flight taking place May 28, the WestJet Group says it has officially completed its integration of Sunwing Airlines – an operation two years in the making after the former acquired the latter in May 2023. WestJet notes that guests with reservations through the Sunwing Vacations brand – now flying on WestJet aircraft – can expect an improved end-to-end travel experience as the tour operator streamlines processes and booking flows.
Air Canada says it will suspend three more U.S.-Canada routes – Toronto-Indianapolis, Montreal-Detroit and Montreal-Minneapolis – starting this fall for “commercial” reasons. The cuts come after the country’s largest carrier in March reduced flights by 10% to Florida, Las Vegas and Arizona.
Air Transat has announced the addition of three new departure points in Canada for winter 2025-26. Travellers from Windsor (YQG) will have access to weekly flights to Punta Cana (PUJ), while those directly connect clients in Charlottetown (YYG) and Fredericton (YFC) to Cancún (CUN). Departures from Windsor to Punta Cana will be offered every Friday from Dec. 19 to April 10, 2026. Then, starting Feb. 18, flights from Charlottetown and Fredericton to Cancún will be offered every Wednesday, until April 22.
DEALS
Viking’s June sale offers various savings on 2025 and ’26 river, ocean, and expedition cruises, with voyages starting from US$1,999 and savings of up to $6,000 per couple and $25 deposit and free airfare on all cruise types.
TOURS
GoNexus Group has announced the official launch of its NexusTours white-label platform within the WestJet Airlines App and on westjetvacations.com. The integration offers WestJet passengers a seamless and intuitive booking experience for a wide array of travel services –including an extensive portfolio of more than 220,000 experiences, over 8,000 mobility options across 1,000-plus airports, and access to more than 3,000 theme parks via a cutting-edge B2B travel platform.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Palladium Hotel Group is planning the complete renovation of Grand Palladium Bávaro Suites & Spa in the Dominican Republic (photo above). Set to re-open on Dec. 15, the US$61.5 million remake will incorporate the new concepts Grand Palladium Select Bávaro and Family Selection at Grand Palladium Select Bávaro, and will feature completely renovated spaces, including the lobby, villas, rooms, restaurants, and pools – all designed to provide a higher level of comfort and sophistication.
CRUISE
Ultra luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled a revealing “fly-through” video of select public spaces onboard its new Seven Seas Prestige, scheduled to launch in late 2026. The visuals offer a peak into what’s in store for future reveals with the introduction of brand-new accommodation categories –including a reimagination of the palatial Regent Suite, plus new dining experiences, coming soon. Check it out HERE.
Margaritaville at Sea has announced the next phase of its fleet expansion plan with the purchase of its third ship, the Costa Fortuna, currently operated by Costa Cruises. The vessel will continue to be operated by Costa until late 2026.
BY THE NUMBERS
First-time cruisers are driving fast growth in cruising, with 31% of passengers in the last two years being new to cruise, according to CLIA’s annual ‘State of the Cruise Industry’ report. There’s also a rising tide in repeat cruising, with a full 82% of those who have cruised plan to cruise again. Despite its surge, cruising still represents only 2% of global tourism.
INCENTIVES & FAMS
Travel advisors who complete Visit Seattle’s new online training program by July 1 will have a chance to win one of three spots on a FAM trip to the Emerald City scheduled for early October. The free self-paced program takes roughly two hours to complete in full, offering a robust curriculum that covers Seattle’s diverse attractions, culture, and natural beauty. For more information or to enroll in the Seattle Destination Training Program, click HERE.
EVENTS
ACTA has partnered with the Tourist Office of Spain for its 2025 International Destination Conference, to be held in Castilla y Leon, Oct. 27-Nov. 1. Applications are now open to ACTA members (no companions) with a cost of CDN$799 based on single occupancy; airfare is extra, but ACTA is working on specials fares with airline partners. Deadline to apply is July 13; you can do so HERE.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Anguilla’s minister of tourism Cardigan Connor has announced the appointment of Jameel Rochester as director of tourism at the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB). This appointment, along with Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch as chairperson and Chantelle Richardson as deputy director of tourism, fulfills the minister’s commitment to having Anguillians in key leadership roles within the island’s tourism sector.
DESTINATIONS
Nevada’s free, downloadable “Sagebrush Saloons Passport” highlights nearly 30 of the state’s famed and historic watering holes. The passport allows the user (and a designated driver) to digitally check in at each location and rack up points toward exclusive swag. At each stop, visitors will discover the history of both the saloon and the surrounding community. Stops include Nevada’s oldest drinking parlour, the Genoa Bar & Saloon in the Carson Valley, which is also the oldest settlement in the state; Eureka Owl Club, a full-service bar along Highway 50, one of the most remote and haunted highways in the country; and the legendary Odeon Saloon in Dayton, which has drawn the likes of Wild West cowboys, Mark Twain and Marilyn Monroe. Download the passport HERE.
Dubai has officially gained recognition as the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere – a designation which underscores a citywide effort to make the tourism proposition more accessible and inclusive for all residents and visitors.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1936, the Cunard liner “Queen Mary” left England on its maiden voyage. It was withdrawn from service in 1967.
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