UP, UP AND AWAY: Surging oil prices spur rising airfares
Airlines across the globe have started to hike fares and fuel surcharges in response surging oil prices sparked by the war in Iran, and Canada is no exception. Several carriers indicated this week that higher ticket prices are likely – or already a reality – thanks to cost pressures caused by fallout from the conflict, which entered its 12th day on Wednesday.
U.S. LIFTS SUSPENSION OF GLOBAL ENTRY: Trade groups decry DHS shutdown, long lines
The U.S. Global Entry program was reinstated Wednesday amidst public and travel industry backlash. U.S. customs and immigration clearance program for pre-approved, low-risk travellers entering the United States was suspended by the Department of Homeland Security on Feb. 22 amidst the U.S. government shutdown.
FRENCH FLAIR: Destination France 2026 roadshow continues across Canada
Following its launch in Vancouver, Atout France and Air France’s Destination France 2026 annual tour rolled into Toronto Tuesday with over 30 French and local exhibitors in attendance. The event featured a trade show that generated over 386 face-to-face meetings with travel advisors designed to strengthen connections and deepen knowledge of France’s tourism leading to new or renewed itineraries and travel products for Canadian travellers.
LUFTHANSA OFFERS LONG-HAUL HUB ALTERNATIVE: Added flights reflect Middle East instability
With global transit significantly impacted by the war in the Middle East/Gulf region, the Lufthansa Group says its airlines will be offering numerous extra flights, particularly to Asia and Africa.
FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL: Myrtle Beach kicks off annual Can-Am Days
Visit Myrtle Beach has rolled out the welcome mat this week for Canadian visitors. Each March, Myrtle Beach honours its long-standing friendship with its snowbird neighbours during Can-Am Days, a tradition that has welcomed generations of Canadians to the Grand Strand for more than 60 years.
‘WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP’: Renewed search for MH370 fails to find missing aircraft
Twelve years after Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 vanished with 239 people aboard, a renewed deep-sea search in the southern Indian Ocean has so far failed to locate the missing aircraft, Malaysian authorities say, as families press for the effort to continue.
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BIG PLANS FOR TORONTO ISLAND AIRPORT: City needs two airports like New York, Chicago, says premier
Calling Toronto’s island airport an underutilized “crown jewel” in the city, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the province is taking over the city’s stake in facility with the simple rational that Toronto needs two (major) airports in order to compete with other cities around the world.
TRANSAT STAYS THE COURSE:Shareholders back board, thwart peeved Peladeau
Transat A.T. Inc. shareholders have rejected media magnate Pierre Karl Péladeau’s bid to seize effective control of the company’s board on Tuesday, opting instead to stay the course.
NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT IT: Noted Ig Nobel Prize shuns U.S. over visa worries
The noteworthy Ig Nobel Prize – a satirical award for scientific achievement dubbed the “bizarro cousin of the Nobel Prize” – is shifting for the first time from the United States to Europe due to concerns about attendees getting visas, organizers have announced.
RETAIL ROUND-UP: Agent news, fams & incentives
This week: Travel Masters celebrated its top performers; Tully Luxury Travel takes its “next step”; Ensemble publication earns kudos; Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) Canada hires in Quebec; and a chance to win a FAM trip to Bermuda.
AA GETS APPROVAL TO RESUME VENEZUELA FLIGHTS
American Airlines has received approval to become the first U.S. airline to resume flights to Venezuela. Even though the State Department continues to warn Americans not to travel to the South American country, the government cleared the way for the airline to begin scheduling flights there.
CANADA COMPASS: Quebec sugar shacks to suit every taste
Springtime is Québec’s sweetest season as the province welcomes visitors to its famed cabanes à sucre to sample glistening maple syrup, decadent meals, and authentic French-Canadian hospitality. Québec is home to more than 100 sugar shacks that offer distinctly unique sweet escapes for various types of travellers.