Despite the focus on Air Canada and its pilots, the rest of the travel world continued to turn last week, and we offer a synopsis of news from the realms of hotels and resorts, cruising, events, FAMs, destinations and much more.
NEWS
A surge of tourists for the Paris Olympics (including Paralympics) this summer has put France on the path to achieving record tourist numbers in 2024. According to government data released last week, some 1.7 million international visitors came during the Olympic period, up 13% compared with the previous year, and another 1.4 million French tourists visited the capital, up 26%. In addition, the Olympics drew millions more visitors who travelled to Paris for the day.
Cruise passengers arriving in Santorini and Mykonos will soon be expected pay a little more for the privilege of visiting the popular Greek islands with the introduction of new fee likely to be implemented by next summer. The Greek government announced the €20 (approximately $30) levy as a means to help manage the strain on the destinations due to a surge in visitors.
Workers from Boeing walked picket lines in the Pacific Northwest instead of building airplanes on Friday after they overwhelming rejected a proposed contract that would have raised their wages by 25% over four years. The strike by 33,000 machinists will not disrupt airline flights anytime soon, but it is expected to shut down production of Boeing’s best-selling jetliners.
AIR
Customers travelling in Business class onboard connected Cathay Pacific aircraft can now enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi service on their flight – the latest enhancement the airline is making to the inflight customer experience. Cathay has offered the free service in First Class since 2022. Cathay Diamond members in all classes will get free WiFi starting in November.
United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years. The airline said the service will be free to passengers. United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Flight attendants at American Airlines voted Thursday to ratify a new contract, ending a long dispute that got the attention of President Joe Biden after the cabin crews threatened to go on strike.
DEALS
Until Sept. 20, TravelBrands Encore Cruises’ ‘We’re Full of Ships’ promotion offers clients a $200 Air Discount when booking a balcony or higher category with Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Virgin Voyages, or a $400 Air Discount when booking in any category with Ama Waterways, Avalon, Amadeus, Aurora, Azamara, Cunard, Hurtigruten, Riverside Luxury, Seabourn, or Silversea. Travel must take place before July 31, 2035. Agents will also receive 5,000 bonus loyalty points all eligible cruises in the promotion.
Expedia’s TAAP Autumn Sale is back, offering travel agents the opportunity to secure at least 25% off thousands of hotels worldwide. This deal is now available for bookings made through Oct. 13, for travel until March 31, 2025. This sale is the ideal opportunity for travel agents to drive bookings, boost sales, and earn commission during the high demand associated with fall getaways and winter sun escapes, Expedia.
Club Med has launched a ‘Sun Getaways Sale’ offering up to 40% off, plus additional perks like up to $300 in instant savings, up to $300 in air credit and free stays for kids under 4. The booking window is open now through Oct. 29 for travel between Nov. 2 and May 2, 2025, at all North American resorts.
TOUR OPERATORS
Quark Expeditions has launched a new Quote and Hold tool for travel agents, designed to generate quotes in real-time, secure cabin space 24/7, and manage the administrative process independently. To get started with the Quote and Hold tool, simply log into Quark’s Partner Portal and navigate to the Tools and Apps section.
A new, improved digital asset management tool for travel advisors has been launched by Globus family of brands (GFOB). Dubbed “The Source” – GFOB’s reimagined and updated digital asset management system features streamlined navigation; faster, improved functionality; plus customizable assets, enhanced for efficiency and use.
INCENTIVES
In celebration of the launch of its 2025 brochure, African Travel Inc., is offering a special travel advisor booking incentive where they can receive a $100 digital gift card per client for new bookings deposited by Dec 31, 2024. Agents are also encouraged agents to take ATI’s new interactive specialist training program.
GOOD DEEDS
The Collette Foundation has donated $5,000 to Jasper Community Team Association in the aftermath of this summer’s wildfires. Experts from association will allocate the funding to best aid the community’s recover after the tragic events.
RESORTS
A revamped website for the North American market has been launched by Club Med, its first and decade and reflecting the company’s recent brand identity refresh. Besides a new look and feel, it offers streamlines navigation, is optimized for mobile devices, and includes an enhanced booking process. Additionally, interactive elements like Sun and Ski quizzes have been incorporated throughout.
Adults-only all-inclusive boutique hotel Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, has introduced a plethora of deals and incentives for travel agents and their clients for bookings made this September. The offerings include experience credits, suite upgrades, romantic dinner packages, discounts on airport transfers, and more. Advisors can also secure special perks on client bookings, including complimentary nights and $1,000 cash credits.
CRUISE
Culinary- and destination-focused cruise line Oceania Cruises has unveiled Your World Included, a new brand value promise that features an updated selection of always-included amenities for all guests. Among them is shipboard gratuities for stateroom attendants, butlers, and dining waitstaff automatically included in the cruise fare. Previously, gratuities had been included selectively as travel partner or loyalty club amenities or for guests from certain regions of the world.
Known for its luxury voyages across the world’s most remote destinations, Aqua Expeditions is set to expand its fleet in 2025, with new sailings in the Seychelles and Zanzibar, Tanzania. Inaugural departures are slated for December 2025, with four different itineraries ranging from five- to 14-nights.
EVENTS
Travel Leaders Network has announced the dates of its fall regional dates, featuring three events across the country. Registration is now open for member advisors in Vancouver (Oct. 8), Calgary (Oct. 10), and Toronto (Oct. 17). The ‘PEAK Canadian Regional’ events provide opportunities to interact with supplier partners, offer leadership insights, connect with peers, and learn about agency enhancement programs.
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has selected Antigua and Barbuda as the host destination for its next Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM). Scheduled for May 18-22, 2025, the 43rd annual event is the region’s signature travel trade event, attracting major global buyers, regional suppliers and media. The main venue for the conference activities will be the American University of Antigua (AUA), a new, state-of-the-art conference facility that successfully hosted the recent United Nations’ 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS
Air Canada has announced the appointment of Firas Al Osman as the airline’s first Chief Digital Officer effective Sept. 9.
The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) has announced Victoria Clarke, Director & CEO of Visit Mississauga, as the recipient of the Tourism Champion of the Year Award for 2024. The award will be presented at the Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence on Oct. 23, 2024, in Hamilton, Ont. Victoria’s exceptional leadership and dedication to tourism in Mississauga and across Ontario have earned her this honour.
DESTINATIONS
The Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival (Oct. 18-20) is just one of close to two dozen festivals and events taking place this fall in the popular South Carolina destination. “There’s something truly special about fall in Myrtle Beach,” says Stuart Butler, Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Myrtle Beach. “It’s the perfect time to enjoy festivals, take in the beauty of the area and soak in the warmth of our community.” Check out the opportunities at https://www.visitmyrtlebeach.ca/ .
LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY
In 1992, PWA Corp., parent company of Canadian Airlines, agreed to merge with Air Canada.
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