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 WTM Global Travel Report 2024, unveiled at World Travel Market revealed that international tourism arrivals are expected to hit a record 1.5 billion in 2024, surpassing 2019 values. By 2030, international visitors staying at least one night in their destination are projected to have grown by over 30% to two billion.
TICO has issued a reminder that registrants with year-ends on or after Dec. 1, 2024, and Ontario Gross Sales of $2 million will no longer be exempt from filing annual financial statements – a measure that was introduced by the Ontario government to reduce burden on Ontario’s registered travel agencies and tour operators and to assist certain travellers impacted by the pandemic.
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority’s (CATSA’s) new CT X-ray technology has been installed at the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL). Passengers travelling through YUL now have access to an elevated security screening experience on one screening line at the domestic/international security checkpoint. They will no longer need to remove bags with permitted liquids, aerosols and gels (100 ml or less), medical devices or large electronics –including laptops – from their carry-on bags. YUL is one of the first Canadian airports to receive this advanced security screening technology as part of CATSA’s national deployment program, which will bring CT X-ray to screening lines at several airports over a multi-year period.
BY THE NUMBERS
Celebrating 18 years of service Porter Airlines reports that in the past 12 months, Porter has grown to 3,900+ team members (up from 1,500 in 2022); taken delivery of 20 new E195-E2 aircraft (operating 42 in total of an order up to 100); has a total fleet size of 71 aircraft, including 29 De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft; and added 20 new routes (current total 65) and 11 new destinations (current total 38)
AIR
Seasonal Sunwing flights to Mazatlán, Mexico, have officially resumed with direct connections from Canada. Launch dates in Edmonton, Vancouver, Calgary, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Toronto and Montreal vary (from Nov. 1 to Dec. 10) and carry through to the last week of March from all gateways.
Italy’s former national carrier Alitalia has started procedures for the collective dismissal of its remaining 2,059 employees, its administrators told unions. The final cuts include more than 1,100 flight attendants and 82 pilots and become effective in January, according to a letter sent this past week by the administration to the airline unions.
Guests arriving at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport on WestJet on Nov. 8 were greeted with a major surprise. Awaiting them on the baggage carousel was the CFL’s iconic Grey Cup (photo below) brought in by WestJet in partnership with the CFL. It could be found circulating amongst the baggage to the delight of hundreds of fans flying in from Saskatoon, Toronto, and Edmonton for the Western Final the next day between Winnipeg and Saskatchewan. WestJet is the Official Airline and Vacation Tour Operator of the CFL.
DEALS
Sunwing is offering pre-Black Friday savings of up to $1,500 per pair on all inclusive packages to the Dominican Republic, including La Romana, Puerto Plata, and other hotspots when booked by Nov. 24, for travel through April 30, 2025.
Now in effect, Transat/ Air Transat’s Black Friday mega includes up to 50% off on South packages and a selection of flights starting at $549. The offer is valid on individual bookings made by Dec. 1, for select travel dates before June 18, 2025 (for flights) or June 30, 2025 (for packages).
Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has announced a limited-time offer giving travellers who book by Dec. 4 the chance to save up to 50% on select journeys, with a reduced deposit of only 5%. Available for bookings made between Nov. 20 and Dec. 4, for travel from Nov. 29, travel advisors have early pre-sale access through Nov. 20.
Through Dec. 4, Oceania Cruises is offering guests free roundtrip airfare and double loyalty credits on nearly over two dozen 2025 sailings to Alaska and the Caribbean. The offer includes complimentary airport transfers plus an additional 5% bonus savings.
TOURS OPERATORS
G Adventures has two extra tickets for Taylor Swift’s Nov. 22 concert in Toronto. The VIP seats – along with pre-concert part in the G’s box suite – are up for grabs for registered travel advisors via a silent auction that ends at 1 p.m. EST on Nov 19. Proceeds go to the Planeterra Foundation. Go here to BID.
Air Canada Vacations latest travel collection features New Zealand, with a collection designed to show off the South Pacific destination’s “stunning landscapes, Māori culture, natural wonders and vibrant cities.” The program of seasonal tours corresponds Air Canada flights from Vancouver to Auckland operating four times per week from November to January, and five times per week from January to March. Available in both English and French (upon request), each tour includes 4-star accommodations, daily breakfast, roundtrip private airport-hotel transfers, guided day tours with transportation where applicable, and the option to earn and redeem Aeroplan points.
CRUISE
Uniworld has announced a host of new offerings for 2025, including the debut of its latest ship, the S.S. Elisabeth, which will set sail for the first time from Amsterdam in March. Uniworld also will launch six new itineraries in Europe: ‘Cruise & Rail: Paris to Istanbul’; ‘Wine Roads of France and Portugal’; ‘Rhine, Moselle and Belgium Grand Discovery’; ‘Grande Italia’; ‘Rome, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto’; and ‘Dutch and Belgian Holiday Celebration.’
Viking has announced six new itineraries in Asia that will expand exclusive access for guests to Japan and China, with Tibet (Xizang) in 2025. The new voyages range from 15 to 22 days and explore destinations in China, including Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an, and Lhasa in Tibet (Xizang), as well as Osaka, Japan. The itineraries will highlight rarely seen destinations and ports in China to which only Viking has access. Each voyage will offer guests immersive destination-focused experiences, insightful lectures and regionally inspired cuisine. Now open for booking, the new itineraries will operate from September 2025 to November 2025 on the Viking Yi Dun (formerly the Viking Sun).
RESORTS
Reflecting the surging popularity of pickleball, Club Med is installing 43 pickleball courts across five of its top sun destination resorts. Club Med Cancún: 10 courts; Club Med Turkoise: 10 courts; Club Med Punta Cana: 8 courts; Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda: 4 courts; and Club Med Ixtapa: 11 courts. They are designed for all levels and ages.
Rental Escapes, a full-service luxury villa company specializing in providing villa rentals worldwide, has released 11 new interactive digital magazines, Reimagine, available in both white-label (specifically for travel advisors) and standard formats. The destination-specific magazines feature Rental Escapes’ most popular destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe such as Los Cabos, Barbados and Italy. Available for travel advisors and their clients, the digital magazines showcase each destination’s unique offerings, highlight Rental Escapes’ portfolio of luxury villas, and provide recommendations for activities and experiences. View them at https://www.rentalescapes.com/publications, and https://www.rentalescapes.com/travel-advisors/marketing-resources.
HOTELS
The iconic Regent brand has returned to North America in Los Angeles with the opening of the Regent Santa Monica Beach (photo). Originally located in Beverly Hills, and famously known as the setting for the film “Pretty Woman,” the new Regent is set one of the nation’s most celebrated beaches, steps from the famed Santa Monica Pier. The luxury property boasts spacious guestrooms and suites, inviting public spaces, onsite restaurants, and an elevated pool deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
YOTEL has announced plans to expand its portfolio in the UK and Europe with the opening of YOTEL Belfast. Slated to open in late 2026, the new-build hotel will be situated in the historic Shaftesbury Square in central Belfast, just minutes’ walk from some of the city’s most popular attractions, including Queen’s University and the Botanic Gardens.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
Looking ahead to 2025, Orlando is preparing for the official opening of the highly anticipated Epic Universe on May 22. Universal will open two new hotels: Universal Stella Nova Resort, which opens Jan. 21, and Universal Terra Luna Resort, which opens Feb. 25.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Travel advisors who book Collette tours during their Black Friday sale can earn hundreds in gift cards with their “Holiday Shopping on Us” initiative. Once qualified (make two bookings), advisors will earn a $100 gift card for every booking they make during the sale. Collette’s Black Friday offers early access through 11/24 and continues through Dec. 4. After the sale, advisors will receive an email with instructions on how to redeem their gift cards for the store of their choice.
EVENTS
Due to popular demand, one final Sandals Masterclass has been announced and will take place on Nov. 20, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. EST. Created by Unique Vacations Canada exclusively for Canadian travel advisors, the two-hour live session will share sales and marketing tactics as well as product updates designed to lead to increased business with Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Register HERE.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
VoX International has added Canadian travel industry veteran Joshua Knox to its team as an Account Manager, tasked specifically to work with the Canadian travel trade on campaigns, training, marketing, and business development for both Experience Kissimmee and Broadway Inbound. He can be reached at josh@voxinternational.com.
DESTINATIONS
Travellers planning a trip to Toronto or exploring the city can now rely on 6ix, an AI travel genius that can provide instant answers to any and all travel or tourism questions about the city. Destination Toronto recently launched the new feature at DestinationToronto.com as well as on Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook using GuideGeek artificial intelligence technology.
For over 80 years, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been a quintessential New York holiday tradition, lighting up Rockefeller Plaza throughout the festive season. The Dec. 4 lighting will feature cheerful performances by soon-to-be-revealed artists. The tree will continue to spread festive spirit, remaining on display until mid-January.
Québec is the next stop for the Michelin Guide in its cross-country tour, following in the footsteps of Toronto and Vancouver. The first MICHELIN Guide Quebec selections will be revealed in 2025, and will highlight culinary gems throughout the province, including Montréal. The iconic Michelin Stars are awarded to restaurants delivering unparalleled cuisine and hospitality, while Michelin’s signature Bib Gourmand designation celebrates establishments that offer great quality food at good prices.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1981, the balloon “Double Eagle V,” carrying three Americans and a Japanese, landed about 160 km. north of San Francisco after an 8,480-km journey from Japan. It was the first manned balloon crossing of the Pacific.
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