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 German National Tourist Office (GNTO) is closing in Canada, effective Dec. 31. The decision involves the closure of six offices worldwide. Office director Anja Brokjans thanked Canadian partners, saying in a statement, “Your support and collaboration have been truly invaluable in helping us share the magic of Germany with Canadian travellers. We couldn’t have achieved what we did without you, and we’re so grateful for everything we’ve accomplished together.”
US Google searches for “how to move to Canada” skyrocketed with the election of Donald Trump. “Work visa Canada” searches in the US also surged as votes were revealed. Searches for “if Trump wins can I move to Canada” peaked for the first time in three months. “Canada work visa” searches were projected to skyrocket by 566% following Trump’s victory.
TICO reports that Trip Support Inc., a travel agency located in Thornhill, Ont., voluntarily terminated its registration under the Travel Industry Act, 2002 effective Nov. 4. The company operated under the same name and sold air only and vacation packages and also had a Book Now Pay Later program
BY THE NUMBERS
With the official end of the 2024 cruise season at the end of October, the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) reports that the city welcomed over 50,000 passengers and 20 ships from 14 cruise lines, sailing from such various countries around the world as the US, Iceland, Norway and more. Among them was the arrival of nine new cruise ships – a record.
AIR
On Saturday, WestJet inaugurated service to Tulum with the departure of WS2320 from Calgary and WS2034 from Toronto. WestJet Vacations has partnered with 30 major hotels in close proximity to the Aeropuerto Internacional de Tulum Felipe Carillo (TQO), allowing guests to book their travel and accommodations all in one transaction.
Air Canada is extending its intermodal strategy across Europe to include Italy, Spain, Britain as well as to Asia, with its first operator in South Korea. Clients purchasing flights on Air Canada can now easily book onward land rail and bus connections to destinations across these countries to create a seamless travel itinerary. The new options expand the Air Canada Intermodal offering previously launched in December 2023 in France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
Porter Airlines has been rated a 2025 Four Star Major Airline by passengers, certified by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX). The APEX Five Star and Four Star Airlines Awards are the only global awards based entirely on neutral, third-party passenger feedback. They are a result of passenger ratings of almost one million flights across nearly 600 airlines around the world, certified by APEX in partnership with TripIt from Concur.
DEALS
For the first time, Cosmos is offering teachers 15% off select tours tour packages across Europe, South and Central America, the US, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Bookings must be made and under deposit by April 30 for travel in 2025. Advisors can use the following link for clients: https://agents.globusfamily.ca/teachers/.
TOURS
Calling the tour its “grandest Arctic expedition to date,” Quark Expeditions will take guests on a 500-nautical-mile odyssey across the vast expanse of the Arctic, from Resolute, Nunavut, to St. John’s, Nfld., aboard its Ultramarine vessel, equipped with twin-engine helicopters for exhilarating flightseeing and quick-launch Zodiacs for up-close wildlife viewing. The 16-day “Northwest Passage to Newfoundland: Glaciers, Mountains, and Wildlife” departs Sept. 18, 2025, from Calgary, and is priced from US$11,776 p.p.
Intrepid Travel has launched an emergency appeal through its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, to support impacted communities following extreme rain and severe flooding in areas across Eastern and Southern Spain. All funds raised through the appeal, up to $46,000 CAD, will be matched by the Intrepid Foundation and will go directly to Intrepid NGO partner and grassroots organization Casa Caridad, to provide immediate relief such as food and clothing to those impacted. To donate, click HERE.
HOTELS
Scotland’s Fife Arms, located in the Braemar in the Scottish Highlands, takes the “art hotel” concept to another level. Not only are there 16,000 museum-quality artworks on display (where else can you see a Louise Bourgeois spider sculpture alongside a watercolor by Queen Victoria and a chandelier made from stainless steel utensils, not to mention pieces by Picasso, Man Ray, and Lucien Freud?). Guests can also tap into local cultural traditions by participating in hands-on workshops, such as a two-hour creative writing session with award-winning writer and poet Gillian Shearer, a tartan design masterclass with a local textile designer, or an outdoor live sketching session.
Conrad Orlando, located within the Florida’s Evermore Orlando Resort, has unveiled Wellness Guest Rooms, inviting guests to enjoy a transformative getaway that will enhance their mind, body and soul during their stay. Fully equipped with the latest technologies designed to optimize personal wellbeing, travel rejuvenation and restful sleep, the four new guest rooms offer a 360-degree immersive experience for travellers wanting to maintain and enhance their wellness routine while on the road.
RESORTS
Blue Diamond Resorts has unveiled 12 overwater suites at Royalton CHIC Antigua. Nestled above crystal-clear waters, the suites offer privacy and indulgence, complete with stunning views, overwater hammocks, and personalized butler service.
The tourism landscape in Belize is set to be elevated by the opening of Six Senses Belize, an eco-luxury resort located on Ambergris Caye that will span across two locations: a vibrant beachfront and a private island just a short boat ride away. Opening is expected in August 2025
CRUISE
Royal Caribbean Group is buying the Port of Costa Maya in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The US$300 deal includes adjacent land at Mahahual. The cruise company plans major upgrades at the port and surrounding infrastructure. The deal is tied to Royal Caribbean’s planned Perfect Day Mexico private destination, which will have a separate entrance from the port. Royal Caribbean said rival cruise lines will still be able to call at the port.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has opened sales for its all-new Norwegian Luna, which will sail roundtrip from Miami, beginning April 4, 2026. Through Nov. 2026, cruisers will have the choice of two western itineraries: to Roatan Island, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Harvest Caye, Belize, the Brand’s resort-style destination; and then sail seven-day cruises with calls to the Eastern Caribbean destinations of Puerto Plata; Tortola, BVI; St. Thomas, USVI; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas, which will feature a brand-new pier by late 2025.
EVENTS
Reflecting the continued resurgence of travel after the pandemic, World Travel Market London – the world’s largest English language travel trade show – took place last week and was the largest to date. The event showcased around 4,000 exhibitors including tourism boards, hoteliers, transport brands, technology services and other experiences.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
Next year, Busch Gardens Williamsburg will unveil North America’s longest family-inverted coaster, The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge! The family-friendly attraction will provide a highly immersive and thematic experience set in a Bavarian village, with riders dashing through more than 760 metres of track at speeds up to 65 kph.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Travel advisors are encouraged to complete the ‘What’s New for 2025’ certification on the online training portal, Uniworld University. Those who participate receive exclusive travel advisor rates, points towards CLIA’s certification program, are listed as a Preferred Specialist on the Uniworld website and receive a Uniworld Preferred Specialist badge for their e-mail signature. The 2025 course includes detailed information on Uniworld’s six new itineraries, inspired land extensions and the S.S. Elisabeth. To access the course, Canadian advisors can visit https://www.uniworld.com/ca/uniworld-university
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Travel Leaders Network (TLN) has named Lindsay Pearlman Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President effective January. He will report to John Lovell, President of TLN. A veteran of the Canadian travel industry, Pearlman joined TLN in 2019. Prior, to joining TLN, Pearlman served as Co-President of Ensemble Travel Group and held executive positions at American Express.
Effective Jan. 1, members of Skål Toronto and Skål Toronto North will consolidate into a single Skål Toronto Club, reuniting both clubs after over two decades apart. The decision marks a step forward in revitalizing Skål within the Greater Toronto Area.
Discover The Palm Beaches (DTPB), the tourism marketing organization for Palm Beach County (“The Palm Beaches”) in South Florida, has announced the appointment of Faulhaber as its new Agency of Record for public relations efforts in Canada.
DESTINATIONS
Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia has launched Sunrise Journeys, at Ayers Rock Resort in Uluṟu (photo). An all-new Indigenous laser, light and sound show, the early morning immersive experience will showcase the spiritual heart of Australia and the connection Aṉangu (the Traditional Owners of Uluṟu) have to country. The sensory display transforms the desert landscape into a kaleidoscope of colour and sound (photo). Brought to life with state-of-the-art animation technology, the two-hour Sunrise Journeys experience takes place as the sun rises on Uluṟu.
Venice will extend its day-tripper tax through next year, increasing the number of days on which tourists have to pay to enter the city and doubling the fee to 10 euros ($10.80) for last-minute visitors. The new tax will be applied every Friday through Sunday and on holidays from April 18-July 27 of next year. Tourists who don’t make reservations up to four days in advance will pay 10 euros ($15) instead of the usual 5 euros ($7.50). The tax will be in force during peak hours, from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exemptions are granted to tourists who have hotel or other lodging reservations.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1947, Howard Hughes piloted his huge wooden flying boat, the Hughes H4 Hercules (dubbed the “Spruce Goose” by detractors), on its only flight, which lasted about a minute over Long Beach Harbor in California.
In 1999, the Hong Kong government and Walt Disney announced a deal to create a theme park in one of the outlying islands of Hong Kong. “Hong Kong Disneyland” opened in September 2005.
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