A SIX BILLION DOLLAR PAIR: Royal Caribbean and Sandals partnership
Royal Caribbean is diversifying its operations by purchasing a 50 per cent stake in Sandals Resorts for US $3 billion. The joint venture expands Royal Caribbean Group into the land based vacation category, and accelerates the global expansion for Sandals and Beaches Resorts.
‘A CLEAR SHIFT UNDERWAY’: Canadians embracing shoulder-season immersion
Canadians are officially extending the travel calendar, trading peak-summer heat and crowds for shoulder-season immersion, according to G Adventures fall booking data.
IT’S TIME TO TACKLE JET LAG: oneworld says new app can help
The oneworld Alliance is helping customers adjust to new time zones faster and lose fewer days to jet lag on Round the World journeys through a new partnership with Timeshifter – the world’s most-downloaded jet lag app, with more than 1.7 million users.
WHEN TO ATTEND A DESTINATION WEDDING – AND WHEN TO STAY HOME
As destination weddings rise in popularity, guests face a financial dilemma: how to celebrate loved ones without derailing their own financial futures.
LUXURY TRAVEL’S NEXT FRONTIER: Ultra bound for Bangkok for next exclusive gathering
The world’s most exclusive gathering for ultra-luxury travel will take place in Bangkok for the first time in 2027 (June 20-24). Hosted at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, marking the brand’s debut in Southeast Asia.
TOURISTS FLIP FOR FAVELA TOURS IN RIO
As record numbers of tourists descend upon Rio de Janeiro – including Canadians taking advantage of new direct flights to the destination – many are looking beyond the city’s iconic landmarks, seeking instead local tours in the city’s favelas to learn more about the often-stigmatized territories that are also beacons of urban culture and art.
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‘THEY ARE EXTERMINATING US’: Cubans at breaking point with no relief in sight
Sweltering nights. Water and power shortages. Dwindling fuel and crumbling homes. Limited public transportation and weak cellphone signals. The psychological toll of daily life in Cuba is pushing many to their breaking point on this island of nearly 10 million people, with no relief in sight as a U.S. energy embargo persists and longtime economic and financial troubles deepen.
‘HARD TO NAVIGATE’ : Budget airlines strain under sky-high fuel costs.
Flair Airlines CEO Len Corrado is feeling the heat of high jet fuel prices, as he steers the budget carrier away from a recent strategy targeting business travellers and the United States.
BOSTON UNCOMMON: A city that has it all, and then some
By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Boston wears it’s history on it’s sleeve, even if it’s most obvious in its iconic landmarks and distinguished architecture. But the city, which is preparing to celebrate its 400th birthday in 2030, is, in fact, so much more: a combination of history and modernity, America’s most European city, and a democratic bastion at a time when it means more than ever.
RETAIL ROUND-UP: Agent news, fams & incentives
This week: Flight Centre goes “old school” with new bricks and mortar locations; Travel Leaders Network expands its Cruise Complete booking platform; Ensemble’s media brand has launched a new editorial awards program; Nexion is developing its next-gen tech platform; Explora Journeys has launched a new travel advisors rewards program; Air Canada Vacations is hosting groups workshops; and travelbrands has a million reasons to book.
AUTHENTIC ANGUILLA: Where the Caribbean is measured in experiences, not miles
By CINDY-LOU DALE/ There are few destinations in the Caribbean that have managed to retain an authentic sense of place while simultaneously establishing themselves among the region’s most exclusive escapes. Anguilla is one of them.
GUATEMALA NAMES TRADE REP IN CANADA: New flights boost Canadian access, interest
With new Air Canada service to Guatemala taking flight this Fall and continuing momentum from last year’s launch in Montreal, the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT) has named an official public relations and travel trade representative in Canada.