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
ACTA members have until Nov. 27 to make their voices heard on the implementation and impacts of New Distribution Capability (NDC). The survey by the organization aims to specifically examine members’ current engagement levels with NDC, identify any challenges they are encountering in their day-to-day operations, and explore potential areas for improvement in NDC implementation. The survey is accessible to all ACTA members – answers remain anonymous – and can be accessed HERE.
Starting Nov. 27, Canadians can apply in advance for the United Kingdom’s new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) form, which will be required by all Canadians entering the UK effective Jan. 8, 2025. The ETA allows unlimited entry to the UK for up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study, and transit through the UK. It is available through the UK ETA app and online.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and its partners report that they have successfully demonstrated that the industry is ready to deliver a fully digital air travel experience. This was achieved in a recent proof-of-concept (PoC) involving two passengers using different digital wallets and travel credentials on a round-trip between Hong Kong and Tokyo. The travellers used biometric identification to manage airport processes in a live environment without repeatedly showing their travel documents.
BY THE NUMBERS
On its way to a record-breaking year, a total of 49.2 million tourists vacationed in Turkey in the first nine months of 2024, a 9% increase over the same period in 2023. During the period, some 14 million tourists visited Istanbul, Europe’s largest city; and the Turkish Mediterranean resort of Antalya hosted 13.3 million vacationers.
AIR
Air Canada says it has signed an agreement with Neste to purchase 77.6 million litres sustainable aviation fuel as part of its ongoing climate plans and aspiration. “This SAF purchase from Neste contributes significantly to our target of procuring SAF for 1% of our estimated jet fuel use in 2025,” said airline president and CEO Michael Rousseau.
Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection in an attempt to reboot as it struggles to recover from the pandemic-caused swoon in travel and a failed attempt to sell the airline to JetBlue. The US’s biggest budget airline said it expects to operate as normal as it works its way through a prearranged Chapter 11 bankruptcy process and that customers can continue to book and fly without interruption.
DEALS
Transat is inviting Canadians to take advantage of savings of $500 on its tours for two to Europe, Morocco, Peru and Costa Rica. The promotion is valid for bookings placed by Oct. 31, 2025, and at least 60 days before departure. In addition, travel advisors can earn 5X BONBON, or $25, per tour booking made by Nov. 29 for travel between Jan. 12 and Oct. 31, 2025. More details on Agent Direct.
Through Dec. 10, Park’N Fly is offering customers the chance to win one of five prizes in the company’s 50th Anniversary Sweepstakes. For contest details, visit www.parknfly.ca/50years.
For a limited time, clients booking a Holland America 2026 Canada and New England cruise with the ‘Have It All’ premium package (the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi), will receive the added perk of free prepaid Crew Appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.
TOURS
This latest 6th edition of England’s Great West Way travel trade directory includes new itineraries, highlights, specialist tours and approximately 500 business listings for bookable attractions, activities, places to stay, eat and drink, making it easier for buyers to contract, helping to generate additional visitor footfall and spend. Download a pdf HERE.
Change Makers, G Adventures reward program, is offering 15 Canadian travel agents the chance to earn spots at next year’s GX Summit, taking place in September in Jordan. The incentive will bring together a group of 75 winners from around the world to celebrate community tourism and see firsthand how their work directly impacts local communities in the places they send their travellers to. The Change Makers Challenge is live now and runs through to May 31 with each booking earning agents one entry to qualify for the Summit. The top 10 sellers per region will secure their spots, with five additional ‘wildcard’ spaces also available for agents. For more info, log on to Sherpa or ask a G Adventures Global Purpose Specialist.
CRUISE
MSC Cruises has announced enhancements to its MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program, highlighted by a refreshed tier scheme and easier-to-access discounted and extended validity. The new tier – Blue Diamond – sits on top of the existing levels (Classic, Silver, Gold and Diamond) and unlocks a range of extra exclusive benefits including: flexible check-in time with priority embarkation and dedicated drop-off luggage service – via the MSC Yacht Club check-in desk; My Choice dining – allowing guests to dine anytime within the main restaurant’s opening hours; A free internet package – for one device per member; and more. Another new benefit for all MSC Voyagers Club levels is the validity of their membership, which has been extended from three to five years.
Yacht expedition cruising company Atlas Ocean Voyages has launched a new online booking tool within the Atlas Advisor Central portal. Designed to make it easier for travel advisors to book, manage, and track their client’s voyages, it enables searching expeditions by destination, booking staterooms, accessing promotional rates, and tracking current and future bookings. Advisors can now create, view, and review bookings more efficiently by visiting www.Agents.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.
HOTELS
Opening in December, Cabane Tortin, perched on the Tortin Glacier in Valais, Switzerland, is a private retreat for back-country and freeride skiing enthusiasts, providing unparalleled access to untouched, ungroomed terrain. Designed by architect Snorre Stinessen, this eco-friendly chalet boasts striking cantilevered windows and luxurious amenities, complemented by personalized service from a dedicated team, ensuring an unforgettable alpine experience.
Scotland will welcome a new hotel, Seaton House, in St. Andrews in February. The property will offer 42 rooms and three restaurants, offering an intimate setting for small meetings and retreats and the ideal location for VIP incentive groups. It is also located close to the iconic Old Course, offering visitors the chance to soak in the history of the birthplace of golf.
RESORTS
Wilderness Bisate Reserve is the newest gem in Africa’s luxury safari landscape. The Rwanda lodge is set against the dramatic backdrop of Volcanoes National Park (VNP). Perched at an elevated vantage point, Bisate Reserve offers unobstructed 360-degree views of all six of the Virunga’s dormant volcanoes, including Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno. Each villa features private decks and cozy fireplaces, cocooning guests in supreme comfort with options for private dining, outdoor hot tub soaks, and tailored in-room massage treatments.
The all-inclusive Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in Saint Lucia has completed a significant multimillion-dollar renovation project during its annual September closure with enhancements focused on room transformations, dining experiences, wedding venues, a completely new Activity Pool deck and spa facilities. In addition to the annual steam deep cleaning of the rooms, extensive remodeling started earlier this year into the September closure will have transformed 25% of the resort’s rooms by the end of November 2024. All the resort’s 250 rooms are scheduled to be upgraded with completion expected at the end of 2025.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
‘Wicked: The Experience,’ now open at Universal Orlando Resort invites guests to step into the world of Wicked as the new film screens in movie theatres across the continent. Located inside Universal Studios Florida, guests can follow the yellow brick road into the fantastical Land of Oz to visit Wicked locations from Shiz University to the Emerald City. Along the way, they’ll find fanciful costume and prop replicas created by the designers from the film on display, immersive photo opportunities, spectacular scenic and theming that will recreate the memorable moments of the film.
EDUCATION
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has unveiled a specialist program for the travel trade designed to heighten awareness of the Caribbean while enhancing visitors’ travel experiences. In addition to enhanced knowledge, the Caribbean Travel Specialist Program will also give access to offers, benefits, and other rewards, such as FAM trip opportunities; invitations to CHTA’s annual trade event, Caribbean Travel Marketplace, and rewards for logging bookings through My Booking Rewards. For info, visit
http://caribbeanagentsrewards.com/ or https://www.taconnect.net/agent/CHTA .
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Full-service luxury villa company Rental Escapes is offering travel advisors bonus commission of up to $2,500 on bookings made in November, for travel through Dec. 31, 2025.
To celebrate the launch of its new Travel Agent Portal, retail travel agents who make a confirmed Rocky Mountaineer booking through the portal by Jan. 31, 2025, will have the chance to win two tickets for a Rocky Mountaineer journey. Each booking made earns rewards, with gift cards ranging from $400 for two bookings to $800 for six or more. One lucky agent will win a complimentary two-day rail journey for two, including hotel stays on both ends.
EVENTS
The Pacific Asia Travel Association has announced that PATA Travel Mart 2025 will be held in Bangkok from Aug. 26-28, 2025. It will be the second consecutive year the event will take place in the Thai city.
DESTINATIONS
Texas has a new dedicated Michelin guide. Featuring 15 one-star establishments and two Green Star eateries, the full selection totals 117 restaurants spans 26 cuisine types located in the greater Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio areas, including Bib Gourmand restaurants, recognizing great food at a great value, and Recommended eateries.
Art Deco Weekend in Miami will take place Jan. 18-20 celebrating the architectural legacy of the south Florida city’s Art Deco Historic District with guided tours, lectures, and classic car exhibitions, all organized by the Miami Design Preservation League. Meanwhile, music lovers can tune in to the Ninth Annual South Beach Jazz Festival from Jan. 9 to 12, featuring Grammy-winning artists and discussions on accessibility in the arts.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1783, the first free flight was made by two men who rose 100 metres above Paris in a hot-air balloon.
In 1992, a fire seriously damaged the northwest side of Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth’s favourite weekend home.
Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com
If this article was shared with you by a friend or colleague, you may enjoy receiving your own copy of Travel Industry Today with the latest travel news and reviews each weekday morning. It’s absolutely free – just CLICK HERE.