CHORUS OF CONCERN: WTTC joins calls to fix chaotic EES system before it’s too late
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has joined the chorus of concern raised by Europe’s airport and airline community regarding the implementation of the Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES), urging governments to fix the chaotic system before it turns off tourists for good.
TRAVELPORT ADDS AC FLIGHT PASS CAPABILITY FOR NDC BOOKINGS
Travelport has announced the introduction of Air Canada Flight Pass capability within TripServices API and Smartpoint enabling Travelport-connected agencies to shop and book eligible Air Canada NDC offers using Flight Pass credits directly within the Travelport+ platform.
BARCELONA WARNED OVER CRUISE TAX HIKE: Tripling fee may have unintended consequences, says WTTC
Barcelona looks to set to increase its tourist tax on cruise ship passengers – a move approved by city council that would see fees nearly triple to €30 (CDN$48) for passengers on ships that spend less than 12 hours in the Spanish city.
RETAIL ROUND-UP: Agent news, fams & incentives
This week: ACTA agents discovered Iceland with Aurora Expeditions, First in Service agents access the effects of the Iran war; Saint Lucia gave out its Grand Piton Awards; and Transat Distribution Canada took top agents to Portugal; and Collette unveils its new Selling Playbook for Travel Advisors … more
G ADVENTURES KICKS OFF SMALL GROUP SOCCER TRIPS
New (and always) football/soccer fans can carry on the World Cub experience as G Adventures launches “Away Games,” a new series of premium trips, designed to bring football/soccer enthusiasts together to celebrate the community, traditions and the passion that comes with football culture.
JET HITS DRONE: JetBlue incident shows growing threat to passenger planes
A passenger jet reported striking a drone while approaching JFK International Airport on Monday, and just hours later, a helicopter pilot alerted a close call with a remote-control airplane near the same airport.
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Just in case you missed yesterday’s stories…
A BRIEF HISTORY OF CANADA DAY
The July 1 birthday bash we know as Canada Day, with fireworks and parades and music and cake with red and white icing, is enjoyed now by millions of Canadians coast to coast to coast. But it took a long time to become the celebration we know today.
HOW TO RENT AN RV: And what to consider before a Canadian staycation
Canadians are hitting the road in RVs once again as summer kicks off and vacationers look for cheaper ways to get away. However, enthusiasts say those looking to rent a recreational vehicle should give careful consideration to their travel needs and budget and plan their trip with an eye to everything from RV size to campground locations to electrical hookups.
NOT JUST A TRAIL: Trans Canada Trail reaches 30,000 km, seeks to ensure future
The Trans Canada Trail – the longest multi-use trail system in the world – has reached a major milestone: more than 30,000 kilometres of trail connecting every province and territory and all three coastlines.
INTERIM SCIENCE CENTRE OPENS ON TORONTO WATERFRONT
The interim location of the Ontario Science Centre is now open to the public, as construction gets underway for a new, permanent home at Ontario Place set to open in 2029.
BIGGER IS BETTER AT NEW NUNAUT AIRPORT TERMINAL
Nunavut’s new Rankin Inlet airport building is now operational. Originally planned to open in April, the building is over three times the size of the old one.
LISTENING IN: Flying away with Anne Murray, our favourite snowbird
By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ With Canada Day at hand, we thought it appropriate to dust off a Can-con classic to suit the occasion. And who better than this country’s favourite snowbird, singing her first big hit, er, “Snowbird” in this special Canada Day edition of Listening In.