Airlines, hotels/resorts, cruising, tours, events, FAMS/incentives, deals, destinations and more are covered in our weekly round-up of travel industry news that you may have missed.
NEWS
The Competition Bureau has obtained two court orders requiring Air Canada and WestJet Airlines Ltd. to provide information for its market study into competition in Canada’s airline industry. This is the first time the Bureau has used its new information-gathering powers in a market study. The orders, granted by the Federal Court, require the companies to produce records and answer questions in writing relevant to the Bureau’s market study.
Dutch airline KLM announced a “painful” round of cost-cutting and other measures aimed at boosting the carrier’s finances as it continues to recover from the COVID pandemic that grounded planes worldwide. CEO Marjan Rintel said KLM, along with many other airlines, “is suffering from high costs and shortages of staff and equipment. Our aircraft are full, but our capacity is still not back to pre-corona levels.” Citing similar sentiment, Transat AT said it may lay off 80 people Nov. 1.
AIR
Porter Airlines launched new service between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). The daily, non-stop flight departs at 10 a.m. and returns at 1 p.m. (local times). The route is Porter’s first in Arizona.
Qatar Airways will launch a new service to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) starting on Dec. 11, with three weekly non-stop flights to Hamad International Airport (DOH. The route marks the airline’s second destination in Canada, joining Montréal which has served more than 1.6 million passengers across seven daily flights to and from Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) since its launch.
Canadian travellers booking an international flight to Japan with Japan Airlines (JAL) are now eligible for a complimentary domestic flight to any destination within Japan. An international flight and a corresponding domestic flight must be booked within the same reservation via JAL’s website; separate bookings for domestic flights are not eligible. For detailed offer information, visit https://www.jal.co.jp/ar/en/offers/japan-domestic-flights/service/.
DEALS
MarrakeshSafari outfitter African Travel Inc. is offering a new client incentive of a $500 credit per couple to any destination, any itinerary, and at any time in 2024 and 2025 when booked by Dec. 31. To further assist advisors with their new bookings, ATI is offering a special travel advisor booking incentive where they can receive $100 per client in the form of a digital gift card for new bookings deposited by Dec. 31.
Exclusive travel discounts and offers are available for visitors to the Cayman Islands through December. The include such travel deals such as 5th night free, 45% off offers and more. For details, check out this page.
TOUR OPERATORS
The newest edition of Air Canada Vacations’ Sun Travel Agent Toolkit has been released. The resource includes a step-by-step guide to using ACV’s new 2024/25 Digital Sun Brochure and its brand-new dedicated USA section, featuring 52 options in Florida, California, Hawaii, and Nevada. The toolkit also features the winter flight schedule, an overview of available hotels and cruises, and current promotions and offers. Download the kit HERE.
Tauck, will mark its 100th anniversary in 2025, and its 35th year operating tours in Europe, with the launch of four new land journeys next year in Italy, Switzerland, France and England. The quartet of new itineraries includes “A Week In… Piedmont” and “A Week In… Switzerland” (both additions to the company’s popular “A Week In…” collection of eight-day tours) as well as two longer tours, “England and the West Country” (11 days) and “Paris, Dordogne & Bordeaux” (14 days).
HOTELS
Choice Hotels International, Inc. is relaunching Radisson Individuals in the Americas region as an upper upscale soft brand focused on full-service, boutique and independent hotels that stand apart for their distinctive local character and superior guest service. The move marks another step in the company’s expansion in the upper upscale tier at a time of rising consumer demand in this space. It is also the latest major investment in the Radisson Hotels Americas brands since their acquisition in 2022 builds on Choice’s legacy as a pioneer of the soft brand segment.
The Islamorada Resort Collection announced today the opening of Three Waters Resort & Marina, a Tribute Portfolio Resort in Islamorada, Florida. Joining the Collection’s existing properties, Amara Cay Resort and La Siesta Resort & Villas, the new, upscale resort in the Florida Keys offers 214 chic, island-inspired guest rooms, nine dining concepts, and a plethora of destination-based experiences that celebrate its location within the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World.”
RESORTS
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts is brewing up a slime-filled Halloween celebration for families at both the Riviera Maya and Punta Cana locations. Each day is packed with ‘boo-tiful’ activities like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle crafts, Spongebob balloon ghost making, spider cookie decorating, and face painting. There are also trick-or-treat costume parades, and for the ultimate Halloween thrill, guests are invited to strut their stuff at Plaza Orange’s costume contest, where there are plenty of chances to win prizes – like a personal sliming!
The new family-friendly, all-inclusive Dreams Madeira is set to open in January, marking the Hyatt Inclusive Collection’s entry into Portugal. Situated in a peaceful setting adjacent to a quayside and marina, Dreams Madeira Resort, Spa & Marina offers easy access to local attractions, including scuba diving, luxury yacht charters, whale and dolphin watching, sports fishing and more. The resort features 366 guest rooms and suites, seven restaurants, four pools, including splash pool for kids, and more.
CRUISE
Riviera River Cruises (photo) will now pay commission to travel advisors on all bookings that are cancelled within 15 days of departure. Clients who cancel a cruise within 15 days of departure will still lose 100% of their booking cost, but advisors will receive full commission for the Riviera portion of the itinerary.
A significant expansion of itineraries in the South Pacific will be offered beginning in 2026 by Windstar Cruises, including new experiences visiting Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands, in addition to existing sailings in Tahiti and the Society Islands, the Tuamotus, and the Marquesas. New shorter itinerary options like the 7-night Tuamotus cruise and 11-night Marquesas cruise are designed to open these remote destinations to more travellers. Additional air and hotel packages with overwater bungalows in Bora Bora will allow guests to extend their stay in these iconic islands.
ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS
In Orlando, Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts and Goblins annual daytime Halloween event (weekends, Oct. 12-27) features a haunted zone and exhibit, interactive characters, animal meet-and-greets, candy giveaways, a children’s Halloween costume parade and more.
FAMS & INCENTIVES
To show gratitude to travel advisors for their “unwavering dedication, hard work and year-round commitment” to their clients, Sunwing Vacations has declared October “Sunwing Loves Advisors” month. Advisors can earn 4X STAR Points on bookings for travel between Jan. 1 and April 30, 2025, plus advisors will be entered for a chance to win an all-inclusive vacation each week to either Riu Yucatan, Riu Montego Bay, Riu Emerald Bay or Riu Tequila. Advisors will also be automatically be entered for having made a booking in the last six months.
EVENTS
Jordan will welcome tourism professionals from around the globe to the next G Adventures GX Summit in 2025. The middle eastern destination was unveiled at this year’s event in India. Taking place Sept. 23-Oct. 1 and notably coinciding with World Tourism Day on Sept. 27, the event will bring together agents, suppliers, media and travellers from around the globe to experience firsthand the impact that community tourism can have.
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Heather Gerrard has joined the Sunwing Vacations sales team as business development for Alberta and the Prairie provinces. Gerrard comes from the tour operator’s inventory department, having previously worked at Signature Vacations’ call centre before moving to the operations team.
Woodbridge, Ont.-based Arts & Leisure has added Liz Story to its growing team as Sales Manager, Canada. Prior to her new role, the well-known industry veteran has held similar positions at the Thomas Cook Group, Holiday House and Paul Gauguin Cruises, amongst others. She can be reached via email at liz@arts-leisure.com or 1-800-387-4110 Ext. 274
DESTINATIONS
The Jordan Tourism Board partnered with Expedia to produce a ‘Super Supper Club’ series highlighting Jordan’s expansive culinary scene through the lens of local chefs. From a sunset dinner over Amman’s stunning Citadel to the southern sights of Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba, the two-episode feature is a love letter to Jordanian cuisine where each chef shares insights on the unique foods and ingredients that inspire their epic dinner parties. Click HERE.
The Orlando Beer Festival on Nov. 2 invites beer enthusiasts to sip on craft and premium brews from local favourites and nationwide breweries at Orlando Festival Park. Visitors can also enjoy wine tastings, indulge in delicious food, groove to live music and dive into interactive games.
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1971, Walt Disney World opened in Orlando, Fla.
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