INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE: Virtuoso 2026 awards celebrate the best in luxury cruising
Virtuoso concluded its recent 38th annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas with an elegant awards gala that honoured its top cruise partners for 2026.
U.S. PILES ON AS CUBA FACES ‘FULL-BLOWN CRISIS’
President Donald Trump’s administration is increasing pressure on Cuba by imposing more economic penalties on industries in the heavily sanctioned country and broadening enforcement of laws that bar Americans who visit the island from dealings with government-owned or -affiliated businesses.
25 YEARS OF CRICKET (AND CUCUMBER SANDWICHES)
By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Goway and Air New Zealand broke out the traditional cucumber sandwiches once again (ok, it was actually poutine and chicken sliders) as the two sporting frenemies convened for their annual summer cricket match at the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club late last week.
NO BLUE SKIES FOR AIRLINE: Transat seeking solutions for high fuel costs
The parent company of Air Transat paid more than ever for jet fuel in its latest quarter due to the ripple effects of the Iran war, prompting the company to seek further federal aid
WESTJET ORDERED TO SCRAP WEIGHT CAP ON WHEELCHAIRS
The Canadian Transportation Agency said WestJet must scrap its 300-pound weight cap on mobility aids before July 2027. The airline is imposing an “undue barrier” on travellers living with a disability by effectively barring some power wheelchairs from its planes, said the transport regulator.
LAST WEEK THIS MORNING: Aug. 17-21, 2026
A round-up of 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.
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Just in case you missed yesterday’s stories…
HIGH ALTITUDE RADIATON RISK: Flying increases odds of dying of cancer for people who fly a lot, says new study
Flight attendants and pilots are at the highest risk of dying from radiation-related cancers – even more than people who work with radioactive materials, according to a new study.
JAILED IN BALI: Defiant tourist pays price for disrespect
A court on the Indonesian resort island of Bali sentenced a Swiss tourist on Thursday to one year in prison for insulting a sacred Balinese Hindu observance.
WESTJET COMPLETES REFIT OF SUNWING, SWOOP AIRCRAFT
WestJet says it has completed the transformation of its remaining all-economy aircraft that were formerly operated by Swoop or Sunwing airlines. The cabin refresh includes upgraded Premium seating, an expanded Extended Comfort cabin as well as enhanced amenities and a refreshed interior look and feel.
A GUIDE TO ITALY’S BEST STREET FOOD
Italy is renowned for its rich culinary traditions and diverse dining experiences. While gourmet restaurants with elaborate menus may be the best place to experience the food it Italy , a more authentic experience often lies in its street food culture.
OCEANIA WANTS YOU TO SETTLE IN FOR A LONG VOYAGE
By WALLACE IMMEN/ Oceania Cruises is stretching the definition of cruises to remarkable lengths. A new menu of options includes cruises that range from 31-day explorations to 180-day circumnavigations.
LISTENING IN: 7 billion hearts united in song
By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ It’s been a while since we checked in on Playing for Change, the amazing musical collective that aims to “inspire and connect the world through music, born from the shared belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people.”