CANADIANS’ SHOCKING TRAVEL KNOWLEDGE GAP: Most don’t know how federal advisories can affect them
Most Canadian travellers don’t understand that Ottawa’s travel alerts can void their travel insurance and don’t know how embassies can help them while abroad, says a new survey commissioned by the foreign service.
WESTJET BACK TO SCRATCH: Flights operating normally, change deadline extended
WestJet says it has returned to normal operations as it continues to re-book travellers whose flights were cancelled due to a work stoppage this past weekend. The airline says it was operating all of its scheduled flights on Wednesday, while thanking customers for their patience during its ramp-up this week.
DO GO CHASING WATERFALLS IN GRENADA
By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Grenada has long appealed to Canadians seeking an authentic Caribbean escape, but the island is nevertheless still emerging from the shadow of some of its better-known neighbours. With expanding air service from Canada, growing recognition in the luxury market, and an impressive culinary scene, the Spice Island is increasingly demonstrating that it is one of the Caribbean’s most compelling destinations.
BILLY BISHOP EXPANSION NOT DEAD YET: Carney says ‘forever is a long time’
Prime Minister Mark Carney says he is not ruling out ever allowing jets to land at Toronto’s island airport, but he is focused for now on a broader transportation picture. Ontario Premier Doug Ford had pitched a plan to expand Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to allow jets to land, framing it as a way to boost the economy.
THREE’S A CHARM: Explora Journeys new ship the latest in high seas luxury
Explora Journeys officially named EXPLORA III in Barcelona, welcoming the brand’s first LNG-powered ship to the fleet and marking the halfway point in its vision of six ships dedicated to ultra-elegant ocean travel.
GROUP MENTALITY: TTC Tour Brands enhance groups policies
TTC Tour Brands is today unveiling a reimagined Groups Program, delivering the most significant set of enhancements to date across Scheduled Groups, Custom Groups, Small Groups and Trafalgar River Cruises, designed to make group travel easier to book, more flexible to manage and more rewarding for travel advisors and their clients across Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Costsaver and Brendan Vacations.
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THE DAY AFTER: Flights resume, but disruptions continue at WestJet
Flight disruptions continued at WestJet on Tuesday as the airline ramped up following a brief work stoppage over the long weekend. Data from aviation analytics company Cirium showed 16 WestJet flights scheduled for Tuesday had been cancelled, as of around 11 a.m. ET.
HOW LOW CAN IT GO?: Tourism affected as drought drops Danube to unheard-of levels
As wildfires rage in France and Spain and a heat wave is withering Western Europe, a prolonged drought half a continent away is setting record low water levels on one of Europe’s largest rivers, disrupting tourism and industry and confronting residents with the realities of climate change.
CUBA PUSHED TO THE BRINK: Loosens controls on private sector as humanitarian crisis mounts
In an effort to fend off a mounting humanitarian crisis, Cuba last week eased up on longtime restrictions on private vendors and imports, opening up a sector firmly controlled by the Communist-led government.
RETAIL ROUND-UP: Agent news, fams & incentives
This week: ACTA reveals Summit trade show details; Envoyage Canada signed a strategic partnership with Travel Leaders Network; TRAVELSAVERS Canada is staying close to home this summer; Air Canada Vacations introduces a recognition program for advisors; and Visit Florida Keys & Key West relaunch the Key Lime Academy for agents …
TRANSAT MAKES KEY APPOINTMENTS
Transat has announced the appointment of Dima Fahed as Manager of Sales, Ontario and Atlantic Canada, effective Aug. 3. A Transat team member for the past 19 years, Fahed will lead Transat’s sales efforts across Ontario and Atlantic Canada in her new role, working closely with travel agency partners and internal teams to support the company’s commercial objectives and enhance the advisor experience.
NYC PROMO OFFERS SUMMER SAVINGS FOR CANADIANS
New York City Tourism + Conventions has announced a summer travel incentive inviting Canadians to enjoy 30% off at participating tourism and hospitality businesses from Aug. 18 through Sept. 7, helping offset the currency exchange rate.