Canada’s Competition Bureau weighed in on the proposed WestJet takeover of Sunwing last week, while the industry continued to grapple with an acute labour shortage in the industry and its ramifications; amongst other news, Air Canada ordered planes, WestJet introduced a new codeshare, and Royal Caribbean opened sales for its newest ship.

NEWS

Canada’s Competition Bureau says it is concerned that WestJet’s proposed acquisition of Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines would result in higher prices and less choice for travellers. The carriers disagreed and, in responses to the regulator’s report on the proposed transaction, both airlines maintained the deal would benefit Canadian travellers, communities, and employees.

Chief Jen Thomas of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation says an Indigenous-led bid to host the 2030 Olympics in British Columbia is over after the province declined its support. Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Lisa Beare says the government is opting not to help the bid because the Games come with billions of dollars in direct costs and hosting could jeopardize the government’s ability to address pressures facing citizens.

Transport Canada is reporting that from Oct. 3 to 9, 90% of passengers at the four largest airports in Canada (Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary) were screened within 15 minutes by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA); an improvement from 79% during the first week of July 2022. Comparisons to 2019 included: YYZ 89% vs 98%in 2019; YVR – 90% vs. 91%; YUL – 93% vs. 94%; YYZ – 89% vs 87%.

BY THE NUMBERS

While tourism employment is rebounding, the sector is still struggling to find and hire new workers – a situation that is likely to persist until 2025, says Tourism HR Canada. This year, employment is projected to total more than 1.96 million jobs or about 94% the pre-pandemic level. Notably, the number of people employed in the “travel services” sub-sector (based on Conference Board of Canada data) is forecast to surpass 2019 levels in 2025 by 0.4% (56,034 vs. 55,857). By contrast, in 2021 that figure dropped to 38,216 (2022 figures not available).

TICO

To address labour shortages that continue to be a significant challenge for travel agencies and tour operators, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) has launched a series of videos designed to support recruitment into the industry and to help new agents once they get there. The videos can be shared directly from TICO’s YouTube account on agency websites, social media accounts, e-blasts, and more. The videos can be found HERE.

AIR

Air Canada has converted options for 15 Airbus A220-300 aircraft into firm orders, bringing to 60 the total number of the Canadian-built aircraft it will acquire for its fleet. The first A220 entered service in January 2020 and the airline currently operates a fleet of 31 A220s, with two more deliveries expected in 2022. Six more will be delivered in each of 2024 and 2025, with the 15 additional aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2026.

WestJet passengers now have more access to a variety of European destinations with the placement of the airline’s “WS” code on KLM-operated flights and comes as WestJet launches three-times weekly non-stop 787 Dreamliner service between Amsterdam and Calgary on Nov. 14. The codeshare arrangement enables WestJet passengers to travel seamlessly via Schiphol Airport (AMS) to close to two dozen cities across the continent, including Vienna, Brussels, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Athens, Milan, Lisbon, Glasgow, and Manchester.

Set to return to Atlantic Canada in January, Sunwing will offer weekly sun flights from Halifax, Moncton, Fredericton, St. John’s, Deer Lake, and Gander starting in January. Destinations include Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Jamaica, and Melbourne, Fla.

Porter Airlines will return to Mont-Tremblant, Que., with its annual seasonal service beginning Dec. 16 and running until March 27, 2023. The schedule includes up to three weekly flights between Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which take about 70 minutes. Passengers can book their flight, hotel, and ski packages through Porter Escapes. Connecting flights are also available from various Porter destinations.

TOURS

A part of The Travel Corporation, Brendan Vacations recently hosted a launch event for the Canadian trade in Toronto. The brand offers authentic travel experiences to Ireland and Scotland, from guided tours to FITs. The uniquely tailored experiences are planned and managed by Brendan’s team of experts based in Dublin. The Brendan team has over 50 years of experience and relationships within the Celtic community that can now be tapped in Canada.

A new small group Explorations tour, “Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land & Water,” is now on offer from Collette. “This tour gives travellers the opportunity to explore southern Africa beyond the game drives they are used to,” says Collete’s Diana Ditto. “They will hop into a 4×4 and go on seven land game drives, but they’ll go beyond your typical safari. They climb aboard a private, luxury safari boat, some smaller tender boats, and even take a game walk in search of the wildlife in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa.” The 15-day tour will have its first departure in May 2023 and is limited to 24 participants.

DEALS

The new “Book Europe Early” offer from Air Canada Vacations gives $800 off per couple (plus free travel protection) on a range of 61 vacation packages in 12 countries, including 11 travel itinerary styles. The offer is valid on bookings made through Nov. 20 for travel from April 1 to Sept. 30, 2023.

Sunwing has a limited-time BOGO Seat Sale where customers can buy one seat and the get second 40% off on new air-only bookings made by Nov. 13 for departures through April 30, 2023.

HOTELSMarriott International is collaborating with Samsung to create the first-ever exclusive branded destination within Samsung’s free, ad-supported streaming service, Samsung TV Plus. Starting Nov. 1, Samsung TV Plus viewers can simply select a tile on the service home screen to explore the on-demand library to immerse themselves in a curated collection of travel video content, dubbed “Travel by Design,” an integrated content platform showcasing the unique design stories behind some of the world’s most extraordinary hotels (photo).

RESORTS

Slated to open in early 2023, Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize, will feature 55 spacious suites, three food and beverage locations, two swimming pools, a spa, and more. Accessible only by boat, the family-friendly resort is located just north of San Pedro in Ambergris Caye, a gateway to the second largest coral reef in the world, teeming with marine life. Those who book by Dec. 14 will receive discounts of 25% off and room rates for travel between March 15 and Jan. 2, 2024. Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye is Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ first resort in Belize.

Atlantis Paradise Island has announced a series of developments within its dining roster just ahead of its milestone 25th anniversary of the iconic Royal Towers. The Nassau, Bahamas resort is launching array of new food and beverage offerings opening this fall and next year, including Paranza (The Cove), by Michelin Chef Michael White; Café Martinique (re-opening this fall), Frezca (replaces Sip Sip), Dilly Club, Shake Shack, PITA, Bimini Road (returning), and more.

CRUISE

Reservations for Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas are now open. Setting sail in January 2024, the ship features 28 types off accommodation (including 14 new categories). Icon will sail year-round, 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami. Every cruise will visit Royal Caribbean’s the private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas, and a mix of destinations like Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Roatan, Honduras.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

Discovery Cove has announced its expanded all-inclusive dining options with the addition of the Blue Bamboo Bar and Hibiscus Hideaway, two new food and beverage venues now open at the one-of-a-kind day resort in Orlando. The themed dining outlets feature unique seating options, a selfie-ready mural backdrop, and seven new signature drinks (available for purchase, or with a premium drink package).

FAMS & INCENTIVES

To celebrate the arrival of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas vessel in 2024, Encore Cruises is offering travel agents a $50 bonus commission on individual bookings or a $250 bonus commission on group bookings made by the end of the week (Nov. 4).

Paul Gauguin Cruises is celebrating its PEARLS Accredited Advisors with a “See; 4 Earn 1 More” promotion rewarding them with $250 gift cards and free cruises. Through Nov. 30, PEARLS advisors receive a $250 Amazon Gift Card for each new booking and will receive a free seven-night cruise for every four they sell.

A special November incentive from African Travel gives advisors 20% commissions on new custom land safari bookings of seven nights or more and deposited between Nov. 1 and 30. With 16 African destinations to choose from and a myriad of safari options to sell, advisors have ample opportunities to earn thousands of dollars extra, says the company. Check out the offer at AfricanTravelInc.com/Advisor.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Ian Gooding-Edghill has been installed as the new minister of tourism and international transport in Barbados. The former health and wellness minister replaces Senator Lisa Cummins in a government cabinet shuffle.

DESTINATIONS

Trans Canada Trail, steward of the world’s longest recreational trail network, and Destination Canada, have signed of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking the two organizations’ commitment to work together and share expertise that support the development of trail destinations across the country. A first-of-its-kind national initiative, the MOU between the organizations is a first step in creating a long-term relationship focused on sharing resources, knowledge, and expertise, including identifying opportunities and maximizing connections with destinations and communities.

The St. Martin Tourist Office is organizing the second edition of ‘Le Festival de la Gastronomie’ from Nov. 11 to 22. A host of culinary talent from all over the world, as well as foodies who want to embark on a gourmet journey, are expected to attend. Events will include cooking workshops for people of all ages, led by local and international chefs, a mixology competition, a BBQ competition, and from November 18-20, a gourmet village open to visitors looking to discover local products.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 1977, a 747 jumbo jet with 150 passengers aboard completed an around-the-world flight in a record time of 54 hours, seven minutes.

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