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
The union representing WestJet flight attendants says it has given the airline notice to begin contract talks with a key issue being compensation for unpaid work. CUPE 8125 said it has served notice to bargain a new collective agreement with its current contract set to expire on Dec. 31. The union says WestJet flight attendants are seeking better treatment.
Air Canada says that the union representing its 10,000 flight attendants has asked to dispense with the mediation process over the parties’ tentative labour agreement and have the wage component proceed directly to arbitration – a request the airline has accepted “in a spirit of cooperation.” The airline and CUPE reached the four-year deal agreement in August – which was categorically rejected in a ratification vote by union members, though it included improvements to wages, pensions and benefits, while also including compensation for work performed on the ground.
While global hotel rates are expected to remain relatively stable through 2026, with geopolitical instability and uncertainty surrounding potential U.S. tariffs limiting demand and restricting sharp increases, rates in Canada are expected to soar, according to American Express Global Business Travel’s Hotel Monitor 2026. Amex GBT modelling indicates that rates for Toronto could rise by as much as +5.8%, Vancouver +6.2%, and Montreal +1.8%. That compares with increases of +4% in New York, +3% in Miami and Las Vegas, and +2% in Mexico City.
AIR
Air Canada has begun a major upgrade program on its regional fleet. Under the initiative, 25 De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft operated for Air Canada Express by Jazz Aviation LP (Jazz) will undergo a full cabin redesign to install new seating, new interiors and, on select aircraft initially, flying from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, free Wi-Fi. The refurbishment of the fleet will occur in phases through 2026.
Meanwhile, the summer 2026 international schedule for Air Canada will feature new routes from Montréal to Catania in Sicily, Italy and Palma de Mallarco, Spain. From Toronto, the airline will re-establish non-stop flights to Shanghai and Budapest and increase flights to Prague. Meanwhile, Air Canada’s popular seasonal Vancouver-Bangkok route will now become year-round.
Cathay and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) having announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which aims to unite two well-known brands. Starting in 2026, the planned collaboration aims to unlock synergy opportunities, stimulate inbound tourism, and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a premier global travel destination and regional transit hub.
BY THE NUMBERS
Transat’s reported net income of $399.8 million in its latest quarter compared with a loss of $39.9 million in the same quarter last year, the company reported. Revenues grew 4.1%, driven by a 2.6% year-over-year yield improvement and a 1.0% passenger traffic increase. Meanwhile, for the nine-month period ended July 31, revenues reached $2,626.9 million, up 5.3% from $2,494.9 million in the corresponding period a year ago. Network-wide capacity increased by 1.9% compared to the same period in 2024.
DEALS
Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program’s (TAAP) September Sale for travel agent partners offers at least 25% off thousands of hotels in top global destinations. For booking until Oct. 20 based on through March 31, the sale is designed for agents, giving them a chance to earn more from every booking.
Las Vegas is launching its first-ever destination-wide sales event, “The Fabulous 5-Day Sale.” This limited-time sale will deliver deals on resorts, restaurants, entertainment, and experiences, extending a citywide invitation to visitors to rediscover the magic, energy, and unbeatable value of Las Vegas. Full details of the sale will be unveiled Sept. 22 at https://www.visitlasvegas.com/deals/
TOURS
It was standing room only in Vaughan, Ont., on Sept. 18 as over a thousand travellers Toronto-area travel advisors packed an Air Canada Vacations product launch celebrating 50 years in business. Company VP Nino Montagnese (photo) led the proceedings, which included a trade show, presentations, and the unveiling of the inaugural travellers awards. The gala evening concluded a cross-country September road-trip that included events in Montreal, Halifax, Edmonton, and Vancouver.
More of North America’s landscapes, music and history will be available to Cosmos customers with three all-new itineraries for 2026. They include ‘Grand Canyon & Utah’s Mighty Five,’ ‘Music & Legends with Elvis & Dolly,’ and ‘Untold Tales of Historic Trails,’ the latter featuring guided sightseeing in Philadelphia and Washington, DC; a tour of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s Home & Garden; Shenandoah National Park, Gettysburg National Military Park and Valley Forge National Historic Park; and stops in Annapolis, Fredericksburg, Richmond and Charlottesville.
HOTELS & RESORTS
WestJet Vacations has added Dreams Dominicus La Romana and Secrets La Romana resorts to its growing Dominican Republic line-up. Located on the southeast coast close to golf courses, Saona Island and Altos de Chavon, both resorts feature Blue Flag beaches. Dreams Dominicus Las Romana caters to families, while Secrets La Romana is adult-only.
The Dominican Republic’s Grand Palladium Select Bavaro will reopen on Dec. 15, reports Sunwing. Formerly the Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites, the resort is now part of the Grand Palladium Select Collection following extensive renovations to the resort and the addition of Family Selection room categories. The property now features renovated accommodations, a redesigned lobby, updated pools, and enhanced dining and bar offerings. The centerpiece of the transformation is the introduction of Family Selection – a VIP experience previously available only in Mexico that includes private lobby check-in, exclusive family restaurant, dedicated pool with poolside service, private beach area, and butler service. Special incentives are available for guests booking through Sunwing by Sept. 30.
CRUISE
Carnival Cruise Line is introducing enhancements to its new Carnival Rewards loyalty program for all current Diamond and Platinum guests and all guests who reach those levels prior to the program’s launch date of June 1, 2026. Among the changes: Guests who achieve Diamond status in the current VIFP Club by May 31, 2026 will now receive lifetime Diamond status in the Carnival Rewards program; and guests who achieve Platinum status in the current VIFP Club will have their status extended through May 31, 2028 and receive a bi-annual boost of 10,000 qualifying stars when the Carnival Reward in 2026 and in every two-year earning cycle thereafter.
Windstar Cruises has announced 35 sailings on 10 different itineraries across four yacht-style ships in the Caribbean and Latin America for Winter 2026/27, including daylight Panama Canal transits, first-time shore excursions and new Cruise Tours to Machu Picchu. With the release of new voyages, Windstar will offer the most extensive collection of Caribbean and Latin America itineraries in its history. The expansion includes the debut of Star Seeker, sailing in the Caribbean during winter 2026.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
Canadian travellers are invited to indulge in an exclusive rate at Six Senses La Sagesse (photo), a luxury hideaway in Grenada where stunning coastal views, world-class wellness experiences, and authentic local culture come together for an unforgettable escape. The property is now offering 30% off the Best Flexible Rate with their new Canadian Resident Offer (rate code: IDOTHCAN). The offer must be booked by Nov. 30, 2025, for stays through April 30, 2026. Guests will be required to show a valid Canadian resident ID to qualify.
The new Air Canada & Me incentive program rewards individual travel agents for booking their customers on its next generation direct booking platform AC Connex. Tokens are rewarded at a rate of $1 booked and flown equals one token. Once agents have accumulated enough tokens, they can convert to Aeroplan points at a rate of 10 Tokens per point. Once points are transferred into agents’ Aeroplan account, they can redeem for a wide variety of benefits, such as flights; upgrades, hotels, and car rentals; and merchandise at the Aeroplan eStore. Enrol in the free program HERE.
EVENTS
Travel Leaders Network is bringing its annual Canadian Fall Regional Events to three major cities across the country this October. Registration is open and spots are limited to member advisors. The PEAK Canadian Regional series kicks off in Vancouver on Oct. 21, followed by Edmonton on Oct. 23, and conclude in Toronto on Oct. 30. The events provide opportunities to interact with supplier partners, offer leadership insights, connect with peers and learn about top-tier agency enhancement programs in Canada like SNAP Air.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
TravelBrands has appointed Sylvie Deschamps as the newest member of its Quebec sales team, taking on the role of Business Development Manager for additional regions in Quebec including East Montreal, the North Shore of Montreal, Quebec City, Saguenay, Beauce, and the Gaspé Peninsula. The addition of Deschamp further strengthens the travel company’s presence in the Quebec market with a fully dedicated sales team led by Christian Roussin, Director of Sales Quebec & Strategic Development, and also includes Nathalie Bombardier, BDM (select Quebec regions); Nadège Dévis, Inside Sales Representative; and André Leduc, Inside Sales Coordinator.
DESTINATIONS
The federal government says the Canada Strong Pass precipitated an average 15% increase in attendance at participating national museums compared to last year. Meanwhile, VIA Rail Canada reported more than 50,000 bookings were made using the pass, which offered free travel for children and teens aged 17 and under travelling with an adult, and discounted fares for youth aged 18 to 24.
Crowds streamed into Oktoberfest grounds as Munich beer festival opened on Friday. The annual German festival runs for 16 days through Oct. 5 and typically draws around six million visitors. Beer prices this year range between 14.50 and 15.80 euros per litre.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1908, Orville Wright set a flying endurance record by keeping his plane aloft for one hour and 14 minutes in a demonstration for the U.S. army. The army later made the Wright planes the world’s first military airplanes.
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