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
American Express Global Business Travel has announced that it has completed its US$540-million acquisition of global business travel and meetings solutions provider CWT. With the close of the acquisition, CWT customers now gain access to Amex GBT’s suite of proprietary travel and expense software solutions, including Neo and Egencia, as well as Select, which enables seamless integration with leading technology partners.
A lawsuit filed by CLIA is suing Hawaii to stop a new tax on cruise ship passengers. The levy increases rates on hotel room and vacation rental stays but also imposes a new 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship’s passengers, starting next year. It is the US’s first such levy to help cope with a warming planet, but CLIA says “It has been a fundamental principle since the Founding that the navigable waters of the United States are a common resource, not one to be commandeered by individual States for their own parochial revenue-raising interests.”
U.S. budget carrier Spirit Airlines filed for fresh bankruptcy protection months after emerging from a Chapter 11 reorganization. The ultra low-cost airline said it plans to keep flying as usual during the restructuring process, meaning passengers can still book trips and use their tickets, credits and loyalty points. Employees and contractors will also continue to get paid, the company said.
CRUISE
For the first time Margaritaville at Sea is charting a new course with 3-night, 2-port weekend sailings from the Port of Palm Beach. The brand-new itineraries offer stops in both Nassau and Grand Bahama Island. Through Sept. 8, the ‘Labour Day Flash Sale’ offers 80% off 2nd, 3rd, and 4th guests on these new itineraries, plus all other ships, itineraries and destinations.
Seabourn has unveiled its first-ever expedition Grand Voyage – the 94-day “Pole to Pole: Grand Expedition” on the purpose-built Seabourn Venture. Departing on Aug. 17 from Reykjavik, Iceland, followed by a charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, the voyage will span more than 20,500 nautical miles, charting a course from the High Arctic to Antarctica spanning 14 countries and territories, including five days in Antarctica, three in South Georgia, and three in the Falkland Islands, as well as six days in the famed Northwest Passage and a new three-day experience to the remote and rarely-visited Ellesmere Island in the Arctic Archipelago. The journey concludes Nov. 19, 2027.
AIR
Swissport International opened latest airport lounge (above) at YUL Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, in partnership with American Express (Amex). It marks the first common-use lounge to open in the airport’s domestic jetty and is also the first Amex co-branded lounge in Canada, offering eligible Cardmembers priority access. The lounge spans 345 sq. m. including 100 seats across dining & bar areas, lounge space, workstations and private booths.
WestJet says it is ordering nearly 70 aircraft from Boeing, marking the airline’s largest order agreement to-date, and the largest-ever Canadian Boeing order. The agreement purchase of 60 737-10 MAX narrowbody aircraft, with options for an additional 25, and seven 787-9 Dreamliner widebody aircraft with options for four more, brings the carrier’s current order book to 123 aircraft and 40 options, while extending WestJet’s fleet growth plans through 2034.
Air Inuit has partnered with Aeroplan giving travellers the opportunity to earn points on Air Inuit flights. Launching Oct. 1, Air Inuit customers can redeem their points for travel with Air Inuit, Air Canada, Star Alliance, and many other partner airlines, as well as for hotel stays, vacation packages and merchandise. Redemption for Air Inuit flights will be available beginning in 2026.
DEALS
Until Sept. 14, Transat is offering up to 40% off on several European packages until Sept. 21. Sales apply to individual bookings of flights and packages for travel by April 30, 2026.
Ireland and Britain specialist CIE Tours has announced the return of its 2-for-1 airfare sale. For new bookings made in September, when two travellers’ book one of 19 guided tours to Ireland, Britain, Iceland, and Italy – or a Custom Private Driver vacation – one flies free. The offer is valid for travel between Jan. 1 and July 31, 2026.
Canadian-owned luxury resort Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences’ ‘September to Remember’ sale offers savings of up to 55% off on guestrooms, suites, and villas for stays from Oct. 1 to December 19, 2026 (some blackout dates). Guests also receive up to a $200 resort credit on stays of 5-plus nights.
The Ski Blitz sale by Club Med offers savings of up to $990 per person per week, plus perks like included lift passes, group lessons, and kids under four staying free, is available on bookings made by Sept. 16 for travel to any resort during the winter season.
TOURS
Air Canada Vacations has released its 2025/26 Digital Sun Brochure for a fourth consecutive year, featuring more hotels, destinations, and cruise options than ever before. This year’s Sun Collection includes 620 hotels, including 41 brand-new Sun properties and 32 new additions across the U.S. There are 64 destinations worldwide, with five notable newcomers: Cartagena, Colombia; Miches, Dominican Republic; Palm Springs and Napa Valley, Ca., plus San Juan, Puerto Rico. Additionally, ACV is unveiling Virgin Voyages cruises, and starting this month, CroisiEurope, providing a wider selection of European river cruises. Go to https://agents.dreamofsun.aircanadavacations.com/
A refreshed website showcasing newly designed and curated itineraries has been launched by MyEscapades. Small group and custom travel experiences include Europe, Asia, and Central & South America. The tour company notes that it works with a travel advisors, who are invited to reach out with their client preferences. Visit the website at https://www.myescapades.com/destinations/ .
HOTELS & RESORTS
Travel advisors can now book their clients at one of Aruba’s newest adults only properties with a Sunwing Vacations. The luxury, all-suite Secrets Baby Beach Aruba is nestled in the pristine Baby Beach Bay and features more than 300 sophisticated suites with nature-inspired design elements. Each suite offers a furnished balcony or terrace, rain showers and in-room mini bar, while clients who upgrade to Preferred Club rooms receive additional perks such as private plunge pools (in select rooms), preferred restaurant areas, an exclusive pool, upgraded bath amenities and more. Activities include on-property bike tours, cocktail and cooking classes with chef meet-and-greets, kitchen tours, tequila and wine tastings, and themed entertainment.
Hilton has debuted in the U.S. Virgin Islands with the opening of Hampton by Hilton St. Thomas, a 126-room hotel located directly across from Havensight Mall and overlooking Long Bay. The property adds to Hilton’s growing presence in the Caribbean, where it currently welcomes guests at approximately 50 hotels.
BY THE NUMBERS
Home to nearly 500 hotels and more than 132,000 rooms, Orlando continues to expand its portfolio of accommodations, including adding 2,600 new hotel rooms in the past year. That includes several new properties at Universal Orlando Resort, including Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort. Additionally, Universal Helios Grand Hotel opened with 500 rooms and a dedicated entrance into Universal Epic Universe.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
As Sunwing‘s September Partner of the Month, Grand Palladium is offering travel advisors up to 8X STAR Points on all vacation packages across Mexico, the DR and Jamaica, plus exclusive perks for their clients. Additionally, on every vacation package booking at a participating Grand Palladium and TRS property during September, travel advisors will be automatically entered into a draw to win a hotel stay at either Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa or Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa.
EVENTS
On Sept. 11, at 2 p.m. EDT Collette will host a one-hour virtual event showcasing their newest lineup of guided travel experiences. From Nordic cruises to African expeditions, session will explore what’s new, what’s working, and what’s next in the world of guided travel. Participants will get a first look at Collette’s newest tours; insights from destination experts; selling strategies tailored for today’s traveller; and a deep dive into Collette’s tour-building philosophy. Register HERE.
Space is still available for the Sandals 2025 Masterclass series, including the last in-person session scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 18 in Oakville, Ont. Additionally, Canadian travel advisors can register for one of seven remaining virtual sessions in September and October. Participation also allows agents to fulfill the educational component required to maintain (or acquire) Sandals Elite Advisor (S.E.A) status, and earn four ACTA CTC or CTM credit. For info and to register, go to
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/tVGQtXT/Masterclass2025; for the French session on Sept. 17 https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YrLh1wDKT-61l9nblR6eJA#/registration .
IN PASSING
Travel industry icon Pat Dineen died of a heart attack in Toronto at age 80 after a series of health issues. The long-time Travelweek editor, who retired in 2015, was a mainstay in the Canadian travel trade, boasting a 45-year career in travel journalism, nearly 30 of them at “the Blue Rag.”
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Nathalie Bombardier has been named TravelBrands’ new BDM for Québec. In her role, she will focus on supporting travel agents in Rive-Sud, West Montreal, Downtown Montreal, Estrie, Abitibi, and Gatineau regions. She boasts nearly 30 years of experience in marketing – including almost a decade supporting partner relations for a major loyalty program and, most recently, seven years as a marketing specialist at Transat Distribution Canada.
TTC Tour Brands has promoted Jodine Clement to Director of Sales, Canada. Previously Sales Manager for Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Clement will oversee national sales strategies, strengthen partnerships with travel advisors and continue building on the company’s growth in the Canadian market.
DESTINATIONS
Contour Airlines will launch new nonstop flights connecting Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Cyril E. King Airport (STT) in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to Douglas–Charles Airport (DOM) in Dominica. The flights will be operated with Contour’s fleet of 30-seat regional jet aircraft, offering passengers extra legroom, complimentary snacks, and in-flight service.
Nassau mega resort Baha Mar (including Rosewood, SLS or Grand Hyatt resorts) is set to host the Bahamas Culinary and Arts Festival Oct. 22-26. Guests (and visitors) are invited to savour world-class cuisine with interactive demos and masterclasses led by renowned chefs, alongside Bahamian stars and Food Network favourites. At the same time, the FUZE Caribbean Art Fair showcases over 70 artists from over 14 countries. A Festival Weekend Pass provides premium access to the unforgettable Caribbean extravaganza.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1952, the Canadian liner “Princess Kathleen” ran aground and sank off Lena Point, Alaska. Her 300 passengers and crew of 115 were all rescued. The incident occurred during the highest tide of the season, and it was the falling tide that sank her.
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