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
Canada has announced an expanded its air transport agreement with Australia that will allow an unlimited number of direct passenger and cargo flights and enhances operational flexibility for each country’s airlines. It also includes access to any point in the other country’s territory. The new terms mark a significant expansion of the agreement that is expected to meet long- term needs, says Transport Canada. In 2023, Australia was Canada’s 18th largest air travel market, with 534,075 one-way passenger trips.
Ontario’s government wants to transform the Niagara region into a “Las Vegas of the North.” The grand plan, which claims to be designed to “put Niagara region on the map,” encompasses more casinos, hotels, an amusement park, cruise ships (docking in Lake Ontario and Lake Erie), mass transit expansion, and even an international airport.
The Trevello host agency is planning a public listing on the TSE Venture exchange as Trevello World Holdings Inc. In addition to enhancing its financial capabilities and growth opportunities, “it reinforces our mission to continue to remain the most advisor-centric host agency in the industry,” says Trevello CEO Zeina Gedeon.
AIR
Air Canada is resuming daily service from Canada to Beijing and will be increasing its Shanghai flights to daily. Both routes will operate from the airline’s Vancouver (YVR) hub, starting Jan. 15 and Dec. 7 respectively. The airline currently offers flights four days a week from Vancouver to Shanghai.
Porter Airlines’ growth continues with the inauguration of three new seasonal routes from Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to the US. Nonstop service to and from Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) from both Ottawa and Montréal-Trudeau began on the weekend. Porter is the only carrier operating the Ottawa – Las Vegas route. Daily, nonstop service between Montréal and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) has also started. The new route is Porter’s first directly connecting Montréal and Florida.
Low-priced Dominican Republic airline Arajet has launched service from Punta Cana to 14 destinations, including Toronto and Montreal.
BY THE NUMBERS
September data from IATA shows total passenger demand was up 7.1% compared to September 2023, an all-time high for the month. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 5.8% year-on-year. The September load factor was 83.6% (+1.0ppt compared to September 2023).
DEALS
Through Dec. 3, clients can save up to 30% on more than 400 trips with G Adventures ‘Cyber Sale.’ Options span all continents, including Antarctica, when travel is taken by April 30, 2025. Those looking to travel later in the year can save 10% on a selection of trips departing between May 1 and Aug. 31, 2025.
Walt Disney World in Orlando continues its 25% off or more offer for Canadians for bookings made through Nov. 6 for visits for late 2024 into 2025.
TOURS
In 2025, Contiki is launching its most extensive Europe trip collection in over 60 years, along with two new budget Peru trips. Travellers can choose from 10 new itineraries, including Contiki’s first-ever trip to Albania and destinations across Athens, Rome, France, England, Switzerland, Morocco, and Egypt.
A new collection of ski-themed travel by Kensington offers travellers access to some of the world’s premier ski destinations. The travel company will roll out its ‘Ski the World Differently’ itineraries in two phases across eight countries and 16 top ski resorts. The first phase will include trips to destinations in Italy, Austria, France, Switzerland and Japan, including luxury accommodations with easy access to the slopes and inclusions such as ski passes, equipment rentals, and private ski guides and lessons. For those who are more focused on activities off the slopes, there are myriad apres-ski options from dining to spa amenities. The second phase of the launch will expand the offerings to include Chile, Argentina, and Canada.
RESORTS
Located in the calm Baby Beach Bay, Secrets Baby Beach Aruba (rendering above) will be the first Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection resort in the destination. The 304-room all-inclusive adults-only retreat will feature cactus and lush palm tree flora landscaping and design, creating a uniquely authentic and serene ambiance. Amenities include three large swimming pools, including an expansive oceanfront infinity pool, and six restaurants and six bars, and spa.
Nassau, Bahamas’ Baha Mar has revealed plans to add a 4th luxury resort as the next phase of its continued development. The new resort and residences will join existing Grand Hyatt, Rosewood and SLS brands, as well as the Baha Bay Waterpark in the mega resort multiplex, when complete in 2029. The new resort will be built on the site of the recently demolished Melia Nassau Beach, which closed in 2021.
HOTELS
NYC Hotel Week, the New York City Tourism + Conventions signature program returns in January/February 2025, offering 25% off standard room rates at participating hotels.
Slated to open in early 2025, The Canal House of Georgetown will open in a five-storey former office building under the Marriott Tribute portfolio and will welcome guests in the charming Washington DC neighbourhood of Georgetown, between Washington Harbour and the bustling M Street.
CRUISE
MSC Cruises will launch Alaska itineraries for the first time, with seven-night sailings available from May to September 2026 aboard MSC Poesia out of the cruise line’s new Seattle home-port – its fifth in the US. The summer season will also feature two itineraries transiting Panama Canal between Seattle and Miami. The inaugural sailing to Alaska will take place on May 11, 2026, with calls including Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Tracy Arm, and Juneau (Alaska), and Victoria, BC.
Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has released its 2026 European river cruise season on the Rhine, Danube, Rhône and Douro rivers, which is now available for booking. With an extended sailing schedule on the Rhine and Danube rivers, guests can book a 2026 cruise at the same price and Best Available and Flexi Fare promotions as a 2025 river cruise. With their Best Available Offer, guests can enjoy free airfare on 15-plus day cruises with savings of up to $3,000 per couple, or savings of up to $5,600 per couple on 5-11-day cruises.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
Orlando is set for an exciting 2025 with major new attractions and expansions across its theme parks and beyond. Universal Orlando Resort will debut its fourth theme park, Universal Epic Universe, featuring five immersive worlds including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic and Super Nintendo World. Walt Disney World plans significant additions, including new Pixar-themed areas in Magic Kingdom focused on Cars and Hollywood Studios focused on Monsters Inc., and the start of construction on a Villains Land, while Animal Kingdom will begin work on Tropical Americas, set to open in 2027 with Indiana Jones and Encanto attractions.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Starting March 2025, over 500 travel advisors will embark on 13 unique and simultaneous itineraries worldwide. The “Tour Week” initiative is designed to demonstrate the diversity of guided tour options available across TTC Tours Brands Trafalgar, Brendan Vacations, Contiki, Costsaver and Insight brands. Each FAM trip will be tailored to a specific brand, and range from wellness travel to ancestry travel, with advisors selecting the itinerary that best aligns with their unique business objectives. The tours will include workshops dedicated to the theme of each FAM and general sessions to educate advisors about touring and selling TTC Tour Brands. Destinations and themes range from Alaska to ancestry/heritage travel. Each FAM experience is priced at US$1099 (land only, twin share) and includes unique experiences, most meals, on-trip transportation and accommodations. For more, click HERE.
EVENTS
Stopping in Toronto on its North American roadshow, Discover Central Europe– comprised of Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia – is hosting an evening reception on Nov. 18 in Vaughan from 5:30 to 8:30 for travel trade representatives, DMOs and industry experts, to immerse in all the region has to offer. The DMOs, along with dozens of destination suppliers, will present an evening of panel discussions, networking opportunities, Central European bites, and giveaway prizes. Registration (deadline Nov. 1) and more event details can be found HERE.
Collette will host a virtual event for travel advisors on Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. EST, to introduce the tour operator’s new interactive Travel Advisor Resource Guide, which is designed to help partners elevate their business. Senior Account Manager Laura Scarpino will discuss product line positioning; how to grow with groups; traveller profiles; tools and resources; social media tips; and regional deep dives. Advisors who are interested in attending can register HERE.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
The New York City Tourism + Conventions Board of Directors announced its selection of Julie Coker as President and CEO. She will begin the role on Dec. 9. Coker currently serves as the President and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA), where she oversees the organization’s efforts to promote San Diego as a top destination for meetings, conventions, overseas travellers and leisure visitors.
DESTINATIONS
From Nov. 20 to Dec. 1, the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival returns to Opéra Garnier for its 18th edition. The festival blends jazz traditions with fresh, global influences, offering two weeks of performances. In addition to concerts at the Salle Garnier, enjoy special events at the Casino de Monte-Carlo and jazz-inspired film screenings, including Elevator to the Scaffold and Whiplash.
The second installment of the Las Vegas Grand Prix takes place Nov. 22-24. The race will be augmented by a free fan zone offering live team appearances, interactive F1 activities, and a host of insights into the world of motorsport. Adding to the atmosphere, the Heineken Silver Stage will feature headlining performances from Snakehips, Big Boi, and Vandelux. Formula 1 has committed to a 10-year partnership with Las Vegas.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1958, Pan American Airways flew its first Boeing 707 jetliner from New York to Paris in eight hours and 41 minutes. At the same time, the first London-New York flight was inaugurated by British Overseas Airways.
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