BILLION DOLLAR BOONDOGGLE: WTTC reveals costs of Iran conflict to travel sector
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that the escalating conflict in Iran is impacting the Travel & Tourism sector across the Middle East by at least US$600 million per day in international visitor spending, as disruptions to air travel, traveller confidence and regional connectivity affect demand.
AIR CANADA ADDS MORE YYZ LANDLINE OPTIONS
Starting June 15, the Ontario communities of Niagara, Sarnia and Muskoka will be linked directly to Toronto Pearson International Airport thanks to extended Air Canada Landline luxury motorcoach service.
BLUE TRUMPS RED IN FLORIDA TOWN: Jays fans help keep Dunedin economy afloat during turbulent times for tourism
The Toronto Blue Jays have made Dunedin, Fla., into a virtual oasis during turbulent economic times in Florida. Canadians’ broad grassroots boycott of the United States has had a massive impact on the tourism industry, especially in states like Florida. But Dunedin, home of the Blue Jays’ spring training facility, seems to be have been spared thanks to the loyalty of Canadian baseball fans.
LEAVE THE JAMMIES AT HOME: Tampa airport prohibits PJs – or does it?
Tampa International Airport said on social media recently that it wanted to ban people from wearing pajamas at the Florida facility. A post on the airport’s official X account said that after successfully going “Crocs-free,” Tampa International had “seen enough” of pajamas too.
SCENIC ADDING THREE MORE SHIPS TO FLEET
By Wallace Immen/ Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Scenic Group has announced another fleet expansion, with three new luxury river ships to join its award-winning portfolio. This includes one new Emerald Star-Ship and two ultra-luxury Scenic Space-Ships, extending their presence across Europe and Asia in 2027 and 2028.
LISTENING IN: If Stevie and Lindsey were Irish
By Michael Baginski/ If you frequent the Internet, you’ll no doubt have come across the new “if such and such was performed by so and so” trend. Pink Floyd as Dire Straits, Perry Como as Metallica, and so forth. Don’t hate me, but I’ve pulled one of these stylistic AI remakes to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) this year: Fleetwood Mac if it was an Irish folk song.
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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.