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
Air Canada plans to launch flights to the U.S. out of Toronto’s island airport in a bid for business passengers that marks a direct challenge to rival Porter Airlines. The airline announced Thursday it will fly planes between Billy Bishop airport and New York (LaGuardia) 4x daily; Boston 3x daily; Chicago (O’Hare) 2x daily; and Washington, D.C.’s (Dulles) once daily, starting next spring after U.S. preclearance facilities are installed. It will also ramp up its flight frequency to Montreal and Ottawa starting in January.
In other Air Canada news, the airline said Friday it is cutting about 400 management jobs two – about one percent of its total workforce. The move comes months after a strike by flight attendants cost the company $375 million, prompting it to lower its adjusted earnings forecast for the year by about that amount to $3 billion.
Onex Partners and WestJet announced the successful closing of the sale of minority equity stakes in WestJet to Delta Air Lines, Korean Air and Air France-KLM. The transaction, which was announced on May 9, 2025, closed on Oct. 22, 2025. As initially announced, Delta Air Lines sold and transferred a 2.3% stake in WestJet to its Joint Venture partner Air France-KLM. As a result, the respective stakes of the partners stand as follows: Delta Air Lines: 12.7%, Korean Air: 10%, Air France-KLM: 2.3%. The Onex Group will continue to own and control WestJet, retaining 75% of the Group’s original investment.
AIR
With further expansion from Flair Airlines into the Caribbean and Latin America (Mexico City launches Oct. 27 and Montego Bay launches Dec. 14), the airline will launch Flair Vacations with HBX in December, enabling client to package air and hotels.
Air Tahiti, the main domestic airline of French Polynesia, has announced a new special fare class: the R class. Available for travel until March 31, 2027, on Papeete-Raiatea, Papeete-Bora Bora, or Papeete-Rangiroa routes, it offers up to 20% off, depending on the route and travel season. Certain restrictions apply. The Special Offer Booking Tool (SOBT) has been updated to reflect the fare. The corresponding fare grid is available through your marketing representative.
DEALS
TTC Tour Brands (Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Brendan Vacations and Costsaver) has launched its 2025 Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Travel Tuesday sales, including new trips announced weekly for buy one, get one 50% off plus additional savings of up to 15% off throughout the sale. Travel advisors and past guests can get early access starting Oct. 31 with the full sale offered Nov. 3-Dec. 4.
Canadians can take advantage of a new sales campaign from Turkish Airlines. “Sales Fest” offers round-trip tickets starting at $1,099 CAD for select worldwide destinations including Istanbul (IST), Cairo (CAI), Delhi (DEL), and many more. To be eligible, tickets must be purchased by Nov. 3 for travel between Nov. 1 and March 31, 2026.
Resorts in the Turks and Caicos Islands are offering seasonal savings and special promotions, including limited-time discounts, credits, and added-value perks for stays through 2026. Sample deals include 65% off and more at Beaches Turks and Caicos. Promotion dates vary, and also include Alexandra Resort, Blue Haven, Rock House, Salterra, Resort and Ambergris Cay.
HOTELS & RESORTS
This newly built Ocean Azure Playa Costa Mujeres in Mexico is set on the beachfront of Costa Mujeres, showcasing striking modern architecture and 599 elegantly designed rooms. Set to open in January and available through WestJet Vacations, guests will have direct access to the beach plus expansive pool areas with a wave pool, lazy river, and quite zones complete with Balinese beds and hammocks. The resort will also have eight diverse restaurants and 10 bars.
Now open, Sandman Signature Winnipeg Airport Hotel & Suites is at 1760 Sargent Ave., about a five-minute drive from the airport. The hotel offers 215 spacious rooms and suites with upgraded amenities, luxurious bedding, and deluxe bathrooms. There is also an indoor pool with water slide, hot tub, and state-of-the-art 24/7 fitness centre.
TOURS
In November, ACV will launch Air Canada Vacations Options, which will allow travel advisors to hold a booking for 24 hours without payment. For select destinations, holds may be available for up to 48 hours. In addition, a new Groups Loyalty Program will deliver greater value, while the enhanced CareFlex and CareFree programs will provide even more flexibility and peace of mind.
With over 10 years of exploration together, G Adventures and National Geographic Expeditions have announced a new venture together into the high-end travel market with the introduction of National Geographic Signature with G Adventures. The high-end Signature series will feature 29 itineraries across Jordan, South Africa, Vietnam, and more, offering travellers the opportunity to explore iconic destinations while engaging with local communities and immersive cultural experiences. Booking will open in January with first departures in January 2027.
CRUISE
Ultra-luxury and expedition travel line Seabourn is shining a spotlight on ‘noctourism,’ the travel trend of exploring destinations after dark, as the line prepares for its 2026 sailing season. From stargazing and late-night wildlife encounters to cultural performances and private evening events, activities reflect a growing desire among travellers to connect with destinations in new, more meaningful ways, such as witnessing the Northern Lights in the Arctic, attending an exclusive concert among the ruins of ancient Ephesus, or watching the sacred Baining Fire Dance light up the night in Papua New Guinea (photo above).
The newly updated and enhanced Oceania Insiders University (OIU), formerly Oceania Cruises University, is a free e-learning platform built for travel advisors, featuring a series of self-guided modules spotlighting key amenities and elements that set Oceania Cruises apart. Offering three levels of coursework – Core, Bachelors and Masters – the new streamlined modules empower advisors to expertly select the voyages that best fit guest preferences, leading to higher customer engagement and brand affinity. After completing all three levels and then making three bookings, advisors can earn up to $750 in gift card rewards. For details, visit oceaniacruises.com/advisor.
BY THE NUMBERS
The 2025 Vancouver cruise season saw 301 cruise ships called in the city, delivering 1.2 million passengers since March 5. Cruise activity through the Port of Vancouver contributes more than $1 billion annually to the local economy, with each ship visit injecting an average of nearly $3 million into local businesses and services. Cruise lines spend up to $660 million each year on local goods and services, and passengers spend an average of $450 each on hotels, restaurants, shopping, tours and local attractions, and more.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
In spring 2026, Dolly Parton’s Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, will introduce NightFlight Expedition, the world’s first indoor family hybrid coaster and whitewater river raft ride. The custom-designed amphibious ride will take guests soaring on a nighttime flight over the scenic Smokies to enjoy a thrilling whitewater rafting excursion through more than 500,000 gallons of surging water, while traversing a mountain ridge on a roller coaster, and navigating a mysterious shimmering lake by boat.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
The new ACV Groups Excellence Loyalty Program is designed exclusively to reward travel partners for their ongoing support and success in selling groups. Running until Aug. 31, 2026, all group bookings made with Air Canada Vacations that travel between Dec. 15 and Oct. 31, 2026, will automatically start qualifying for tiered rewards model – Silver, Gold, and Excellence – based on the number of group passengers booked during the qualifying period. Each tier will unlock rewards that can be used towards travel and lifestyle perks, including Aeroplan Points, Travel Vouchers, Free Seat Selection and Complimentary CareFlex or CareFree products. Further program details and qualifiers will be shared in the coming weeks, but the program will reflect bookings made now.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
The Globus family of brands has made two additions to its Western Canada team: Paula Rizos and Shauna Carter, joining as BDMs. Based in Vancouver, Rizos brings more than three decades of travel and tourism expertise spanning Canadian Holidays, Transat Tours Canada, Discover Canada Tours and The Travel Corporation. And based in the Okanagan Valley, Carter is an industry veteran with 45 years of experience, including leadership roles with Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Ama Waterways and multiple airlines and tour operators.
DESTINATIONS
Seattle, Washington, recently completed a massive waterfront revitalization effort that offers pedestrians access to unobstructed water and mountain views, along with a futuristic jellyfish playground, outdoor concerts, art installations by local Indigenous artists, and a nearly 3-km bike path.
Every February, for two weeks, the people of Rapa Nui, Easter Island, celebrate the Tapati Rapa Nui festival, an immersive event featuring music, dance, and traditional competitions. Recognized as one of the most spectacular Polynesian celebrations, the festival unites the island’s community through a series of clan-based contests, including canoe racing in traditional reed boats and Taua Rapa Nui, a demanding triathlon at Rano Raraku volcano. Visitors can also enjoy local craft exhibitions, storytelling competitions, and the renowned Umu Tahu, a grand Polynesian-style feast featuring grilled meats and fresh seafood.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1958, British Overseas Airways Corp. began transatlantic jet passenger service with a New York-to-London flight.
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