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 travel industry largely welcomed the federal budget release last week. ACTA president Suzanne Acton-Gervais said the association “welcome(s) the federal government’s decision to allocate $115 billion for national infrastructure, including $5 billion dedicated to transportation and trade, and a $55 million commitment to the Airports Capital Assistance Program, in yesterday’s budget. This funding will enhance safety and operational efficiencies, which will further improve the traveller experience.”
The Cuba Tourist Board reported that tourism operations in Holguín have fully restarted following a brief pause caused by Hurricane Melissa. The first two commercial flights from Canada arrived on Nov. 5 at “Frank País” International Airport in Holguín, operated by Air Transat and WestJet.
BY THE NUMBERS
YYC Calgary International Airport saw more than four million passengers pass through in July and August, with more than two million passengers moving through the airport each month for the first time in its history. Together with airline partners, YYC offers routes to 108 non-stop destinations. So far in 2025, YYC has added 14 new routes to destinations including Munich, Mexico City and Panama City.
AIR
Air Canada has revealed a brand-new “Zootopia 2” themed aircraft livery (photo above) celebrating Walt Disney Animation Studios’ flim sequel, opening in theatres Nov. 26. The special livery on an Airbus A220 aircraft, Fin 138 will be seen in the skies and at several destinations including Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, Los Angeles, New York LaGuardia, Denver and Boston.
Porter Airlines launched roundtrip service between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Cancun, Mexico (CUN). The flight was the first flight operated by the airline outside of Canada and the U.S., and part of a significant expansion into southern markets that also includes the Caribbean and Central America.
Air Transat is enhancing its summer 2026 program with a new non-stop service between Montreal (YUL) and Agadir (AGA). This addition strengthens Air Transat’s presence in Morocco and responds to the strong demand from leisure travellers and the Moroccan community in Quebec. Transat is the only North American carrier offering non-stop flights to destination, which will operate every Friday from June 12 to Oct 23, 2026, aboard an Airbus A321LR.
Starting Dec. 3, any Flair Airlines customer who purchases a carry-on bag, whether through the Lite/MAX bundles or separately, will get Flair Express, which allows customers to board in the first boarding group, through a dedicated line, and will only be required to physically put their bag in the sizer if they “bring the kitchen sink.”
DEALS
Through Nov. 13, Transat customers will find reduced prices on flights and packages to the South and Europe. Sample southern fare/package rages start at $399/$799 from Toronto and $499/$399 from Quebec. Additionally, Option Flex Standard for trips to Cuba are being offered at 75% off. Travel must be completed by Oct. 31, 2026.
Throughout November, Viking continues to offer reduced fares across itineraries, up to free international airfare and $25 deposits on new bookings.
Through Nov. 15, PONANT EXPLORATIONS ‘Fall Canada Offer includes an additional 5% savings on top of all-inclusive fares that already feature up to 30% in PONANT Bonus savings.
TOURS
ACV Options is a new initiative from the tour operator that allows agents to now reserve vacation packages for up to 24 hours and tours for up to 48 hours without requiring a deposit. If no payment is made by the deadline, the system will automatically cancel the booking, no manual action required. The seamless feature allows travel advisors to hold space while clients finalize their travel decisions and applies to all pre-packaged vacations and tour packages within the Air Canada Vacations portfolio. (Blackout period: Dec. 18-Jan. 3 of any travel year).
Travel advisors are being offered a leg up with Intrepid’s Black Friday event with exclusive early access to 20% savings on Original-style trips as well as a month-long incentive program packed with prizes including free trips, FAM spots, and more. The exclusive sale dates end Nov. 12, with general public sale dates continuing Nov. 13 to Dec. 4. Travel are dates are Dec. 1 to Dec. 14, 2026. Agents also receive 20% off all Original-style trips. Find the promo code on Intrepid’s agent hub.
CRUISE
Signifying its never-say-sleep attitude, Margaritaville at Sea’s newest vessel, the Beachcomber, set to debut in 2027, has revealed what is destined to be its most defining feature: the world’s largest “5 o’Clock Somewhere” multi-deck, poolside destination (rendering above) where a variety of open-air venues conspire for all-day relaxation and entertainment.
Paul Gauguin Cruises is building upon its Moana Explorer Program for kids with 12 voyages scheduled for 2027 in the South Pacific on m/s Paul Gauguin. The complimentary program enables kids aged six to 15 participate in various activities led by naturalists and conservationists, while learning about the region’s coral reefs, endemic species, and fragile ecosystems. Activities vary by itinerary but might include guided snorkeling; crafts, water experiments; treasure hunts; stargazing; pool games; and more.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Europe’s largest privately owned hostel chain, a&o Hostels, has announced the acquisition of the former DoubleTree by Hilton Docklands Riverside, marking its first hotel opening in London and third in the UK. The 500-room, 2,100-bed property will operate as a hotel and undergo a phased 21 million pounds renovation, all while remaining open to guests. Located directly on the Thames across from Canary Wharf, the site offers free electric river cab service and access to major London attractions.
The Hampton by Hilton St. Thomas officially opened its doors recently, marking the brand’s debut in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the first newbuild hotel in St. Thomas in decades. The 126-room hotel, located near the Havensight Mall and facing Long Bay, offers amenities such as a pool, bar and lounge, and the brand’s signature complimentary hot breakfast. Meanwhile, The Saint is the U.S. Virgin Islands’ newest oasis of adult-only luxury and wellness, nestled just steps from Cruz Bay yet quietly tucked away to feel exclusive. The resort offers elevated dining at Aerial, perched above the pool with sweeping sunset views, plus energizing live performances from fire dancers and a soothing floating sound-bath class.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
After two decades of anticipation and countless delays, the Grand Egyptian Museum has finally had its grand reveal, opening last week. Located just outside Cairo next to the Giza Pyramids, the $1-billion facility is the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization with over 50,000 artifacts detailing the life in ancient Egypt. The grand opening had been postponed multiple times, most recently in July this year because of conflicts in the Middle East. The museum’s construction began in 2005, but work stopped for three years during the political turmoil that followed the 2011 uprising.
EVENTS
The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) has announced Antigua and Barbuda will host the 44th edition of Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM), taking place May 12–15, 2026.
The twin island nation successfully hosted the region’s largest tourism forum in 2025 for the first time.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
VoX International has named Jazmin Jimenez as Account Manager for Experience Kissimmee in the Canadian market. Jimenez is a seasoned travel industry professional with over 24 years of experience; she has been part of the VoX team since early 2025, notably having previously had a long tenure at Sunwing Vacations, where she held multiple roles including Groups Coordinator and Business Development Manager. She can be reached at jazmin@voxinternational.com.
DESTINATIONS
In 2026, Audubon Nature Institute’s Riverfront for All project in New Orleans will debut, transforming working wharfs into a public park and recreational facility. It will link Crescent Park to the Moonwalk, creating nearly 5 km. of contiguous park space along the Mississippi River for the first time in generations.
The trend of Astro-tourism continues to be strong, especially among travellers seeking sustainable experiences and looking to connect with nature – and each other. With its high altitude and arid climate, Chile’s Atacama Desert boasts some of the world’s clearest night skies, and Nayara Alto Atacama is the only hotel in the region with its own observatory. Featuring a high-powered Celestron 8SE telescope, the resort recently added another eight rotating lounge chairs, and – romantics, alert – two new terraces for private stargazing and admiring such constellations as the Southern Cross and Tarantula Nebula.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 2002, aggressive American border controls went into effect. U.S. agents started fingerprinting and photographing Canadian citizens born in certain Mideast countries. Critics called it racial profiling.
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