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 newly released J.D. Power 2024 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study reports that National ranks highest in overall customer satisfaction with a score of 736; Enterprise (729) ranks second; and Sixt (708) ranks third. Overall customer satisfaction for the industry is 688.
After being charged by the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO), Ontario’s travel regulator, Jie Yu (Jenny) Ai and World Travel Inc. were convicted of a total 11 charges resulting in 100 days in jail, two years probation, and restitution payments totalling $32,350. The Ontario Court of Justice determined that Ai accepted consumer funds to book airline tickets but used the funds for other purposes. The requested airline tickets were not booked, and the consumers were presented with falsified booking documents.
BY THE NUMBERS
Taylor Swift will soon arrive in Toronto for her Eras Tours. Destination Toronto anticipates that approximately 240,000 concertgoers are expected to attend the six shows with an economic impact estimated at $282 million. More and $152 million in direct spending is expected and the concerts are expected to generate nearly 40 million in tax revenue across all levels of government.
AIR
Porter Airlines is operating its largest-ever winter schedule, with the carrier claiming its 180 daily flights across 34 destinations make it the second largest carrier in Toronto, operating out both Toronto Pearson International Airport and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. At YYZ, Porter will operate up to 86 daily flights, a 19% increase from last winter’s schedule, and will include
four upcoming new options: West Palm Beach, San Diego, Thunder Bay and Palm Springs.
Air Canada and airBaltic have announced a codeshare agreement. Effective Nov. 6, Air Canada’s marketing code will be placed on 10 routes operated by airBaltic, enabling customers to travel to Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania on a single ticket. The routes include Vilnius (Lithuania), Riga (Latvia) and Tallinn (Estonia) from several European gateways, including Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Stockholm. Similarly, airBaltic’s code will be placed on Air Canada flights from Toronto to Copenhagen and Amsterdam. Next summer, airBaltic’s code will be added on Air Canada’s seasonal services from Montreal to Copenhagen and Amsterdam, as well as Toronto to Stockholm.
Flair Airlines continues to elicit the most complaints amongst passengers in the latest statistics from the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA). Flair topped the chart with an average of 17.9 complaints per 100 flights for the period April through June 2024. By contrast, the best – at the bottom of the chart – was Porter Airlines, with only 1.2 complaints per 100 flights. Meanwhile, among international carriers operating in Canada, the most complained about carriers were Royal Air Maroc (31.3), Qatar Airways (29.6 per 100), and Air India (28.3). The least were Delta and Caribbean Airlines (1.1), ANA and Copa (1.6), and United (1.7).
DEALS
Collette is offering a discount for select tours to Great Britain and France as a part of October’s ‘Hot Deals.’ Travellers can save up to $350 when booking the Nov. 6, 2024, departure for “Spotlight on Paris,” the Dec. 1, 2024, departure of “London & Paris,” or the Feb. 24, 2025, departure of “British Landscapes.”
HOTELS
Now officially open is The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai (photo), the brand’s 60th property globally and the second in the Chinese city. Poised along the storied Bund in a historic quarter, the hotel offers unrivaled vistas of the Huangpu River and the Pudong skyline and features 192 exquisitely appointed guest rooms, including 13 suites. Guests will also enjoy the St. Regis Butler Service, a signature offering that provides each guest with personalized and anticipatory attention. Amenities include onsite restaurants, bars, and spa.
TOURS
Greece is the latest destination for G Adventures’ Sailing program, which already includes trips in the Canary Islands, Croatia, Italy, the Maldives, Montenegro and Thailand. The tour company has announced the launch of five vessels that have been purpose-built for the small group adventure operator’s 2025 European sailing season in Greece, each led by a qualified G Adventures ‘Skipper CEO’ (chief experience officer), and featuring shoreside excursions designed to ensure travellers interact with local people and support local communities that may not usually see a lot of tourists on their shores. The stylish vessels are 17 m. and carry 10 travellers in five cabins.
Insight Vacations will significantly increase its Small Group tour offering for 2025 after a sellout year in 2024. More than 100 itineraries that average 20 guests (and never more than 24) cover every corner of the globe. Also extended for 2025, is the brand’s popular Women’s Only Tours, where all itineraries and all departures are exclusively Small Groups. These vacations, crafted for women by women, give like-minded female travellers access to celebrate women’s achievements across countries and cultures.
CRUISE
Small-ship cruise line Azamara has launched a revamped global reservation system aimed at enhancing the booking experience for travel advisors. Dubbed RezA, the new system is part of Azamara’s broader commitment to improving relationships with its travel partners through its “Listening, Learning, and Linking” initiative. RezA promises to make it easier for advisors to manage reservations and streamline the process of selling Azamara cruises.
Aqua Expeditions recently deepened its sustainability practices by partnering with 4Ocean – a company dedicated to ending the ocean plastic crisis – and pledging to remove a minimum of 25,000 pounds of plastic from the world’s waterways over the next year. Aqua Expeditions will also carry 4Ocean’s signature bracelets made by artisans in Bali and Guatemala from recycled materials (each one representing five pounds of recovered ocean plastic) onboard. Sales of the bracelets have led to the removal of 30 million pounds of trash from waterways around the world.
RESORTS
The stunning 5-star Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa (photo) is now open. Now the largest resort in Bora Bora, this resort has 142 luxurious bungalows and villas, including 128 overwater bungalows. Nestled against the stunning backdrop of Mount Otemanu, the fully renovated beach resort offers a swim-up pool bar, private lagoons and beachside villas designed for ultimate comfort.
Antigua’s Hermitage Bay luxury resort is set to re-open on Nov. 1 after a multi-million-dollar makeover that offers 30 fully redesigned guest villa suites, an increased number of private pools, refreshed spa, and newly landscaped gardens. Set on 57 hectares of lush tropical gardens over-looking the Caribbean Sea on the west coast, Hermitage Bay has retained all of its authentic hallmarks while adding contemporary touches along with a new beach club concept and bar, and a host of activities that align with the natural energy and rituals of the destination.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
Discovery Cove in Orlando has extended its ‘spooktacular savings’ offer, giving guests up to 40% off reservations when they book by Oct. 27 for visits through Dec. 31, 2025
FAMS & INCENTIVES
G Adventures is increasing the number of fam trips it will be running in 2025 to 12, including six fams that are open to all agents, and six that will be run exclusively with partners. The six trips, with dates spread through the years, are open for agents at a heavily discounted trip will take place in Costa Rica, the Galápagos, Greece, Japan, New Zealand or Thailand. Application deadline is Nov. 1. Click HERE.
On bookings made with Sunwing Vacations at select Iberostar Beachfront Resorts properties through Nov. 2, for travel between Nov. 1 and Oct. 31, 2025, travel advisors will automatically be entered for the chance to win a seven-night hotel stay at Iberostar Selection Playa Mita in Mexico. Plus, they can earn 3X STAR Points on eligible bookings. Incentives await clients, as well, including exclusive rates and free upgrades.
EVENTS
The inaugural One Caribbean Canada + USA Virtual Trade Show will take place on Wed., Oct. 30, designed to provided travel advisors with the opportunity to learn about unique destinations, discover hidden gems, and explore special promotions available exclusively to travel advisors. To take place from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET, the free event will feature live presentations, interactive Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities, not to mention the chance to win prizes. Registration must be completed by Oct. 28. Click HERE.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
John Lovell will take the helm at Travel Leaders Network, assuming the role of president on Jan. 1, 2025 – in addition to his current duties at parent company Internova Travel Group. Travel Leaders Network is one of the largest sellers of luxury travel, cruises and tours in the industry, representing approximately 5,700 travel agency locations across the US and Canada.
Goway has appointed travel industry veteran Sean Hebert as its new VP, The Americas with a mission to spearhead the company’s growth and diversification of its North American and Latin American product lines. Hebert has extensive experience in travel, having spent nearly a decade in the multi-day experiences industry. He most recently served as the Head of Marketing Partnerships with travel tech start-up TourRadar. Before that, he was Regional VP of the Americas at Kensington Tours.
EDUCATION
The St. Kitts Tourism Authority has announced the launch of the St. Kitts Trav Pros Training & Sales Companion, developed in collaboration with TravPRO Mobile. The comprehensive platform includes two multi-modal chapters that provide an in-depth look at St. Kitts’ history, landmarks, attractions, and accommodations through curated images, videos, and product information. Travel advisors will also benefit from peer insights and sales tips, enhancing their ability to market the island’s offerings. Upon completing the training, advisors will receive a certification designating them as part of St. Kitts Trav Pros and will gain access to the Sales Companion. Go to www.StKittsTravPros.com.
DESTINATIONS
Destination Toronto has launched the Toronto Brew Pass, with one-day, three-day, and seven-day options and the choice of 23 distinct craft breweries around the city. From $22, the digtital pass offers up to four tastings per day, with some breweries offering a tasting flight and others a single pour.
For those seeking adventure, the Run Barbados Marathon takes place from Dec. 6-8, featuring a scenic route through historical landmarks, making it the largest marathon in the Caribbean. Additionally, the Rugby Barbados World 7s, known for its energetic atmosphere and competitive spirit, brings international teams to the island in late December. From Jan. 10-22, Barbados Sailing Week marks the Caribbean’s racing season, offering thrilling sailing experiences and beach parties.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1880, John A. Macdonald and the Canadian Pacific Railway Co. signed a contract for the construction of a cross-Canada railway. The line was completed to the West Coast with the ceremony of the Last Spike on Nov. 7, 1885.
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