MEET THE NEW BOSS: Air Canada names new CEO
Air Canada has named Scandinavian Airlines head Anko Van der Werff as the Canadian airline’s next chief executive. The Montreal-based airline says Van der Werff will assume the job and join Air Canada’s board of directors by the end of January 2027.
CANADIAN CITIES SCORE BIG AS BUSINESS ROUTES
Four Canadian city pairs rank among the world’s fastest-growing business travel routes, according to new data from American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT).
DESPERATE MEASURES: Venice mayor wants dynamic pricing to counter overtourism
Venice’s new mayor is proposing a dynamic pricing system for the city’s three-year-old day-tripper access fee, seeking government approval to raise the charge to as much as 50 euros ($81) on the busiest days to ease overcrowding in the UNESCO world heritage city.
CAL JOINS SNOWBIRD ADVISOR TEAM
Elvi Cal is joining the Snowbird Advisor team, taking on the role of Director of Travel Partnerships in a consulting capacity. The travel industry veteran will be overseeing partnerships with DMOs, tourist boards, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators and other providers who want to reach the rapidly growing Canadian snowbird market.
SKIJOR NO MORE: Banff gives boot to ‘too popular’ winter sport
Skijor is no more in Banff. The Alberta town has cancelled the popular snow sport from its winter festival after the community was overwhelmed in January with trash, crowds and rowdy revellers.
IN-FOCUS GRAND PALLADIUM PUNTA CANA: Every traveller finds their match
Grand Palladium’s Punta Cana collection brings three distinct resorts together under one seamless all-inclusive philosophy, ensuring every type of traveller finds their ideal Caribbean experience.
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THE PREMIUMIZATION OF AIR TRAVEL: And the widening gap at the back of the bus
They may arrive at the same destination, but two passengers on the same flight can have strikingly different travel experiences. One traveller breezes through a priority security lane and heads straight to an invite-only lounge for craft cocktails and a chef-prepared meal before boarding early. A flight attendant offering a glass of champagne and a warm hand towel welcomes the passenger to a spacious seat at the front of the plane.
CALIFORNIA ‘LEADING WITH OPTIMISM’: A golden era for Golden State, Cdn. reps retained
By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ California is in the spotlight, and for all the right reasons. As the FIFA World Cup continues (with games being played in Los Angeles and San Francisco), and mega events like the Super Bowl (2027) and Olympics (2028), the Golden State is in the midst of a golden era, national news aside.
ANOTHER CUBA BLACKOUT AS GRID CONTINUES TO CRUMBLE
An islandwide blackout hit Cuba on Monday as the country’s fuel reserves dwindle and its electric grid continues to crumble. The blackout in the country of nearly 10 million people was reported by the state-run Electric Union, which said on X that the cause is under investigation.
RETAIL ROUND-UP: Agent news, fams & incentives
This week: Air Canada Vacations introduces its new agent advisor cohort; ACTA offers referral incentive; FlightHub introduces hotels; agent contest winners experienced Oregon; Ensemble appoints a new director of destinations; and four new Utah specialists were rewarded with an upcoming a FAM.
AMEN FOR AMAN: Los Cabos welcomes ultra-luxury retreat
As Los Cabos enjoys continued growth from the Canadian market, the Mexican resort destination is set to “open a new chapter,” with the debut of Aman’s first ultra-luxury retreat in the country, Amanvari, on Aug. 1.
ONTARIO ADVANCES ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL
Destination Ontario and AccessNow have announced a new partnership aimed at supporting more accessible and inclusive travel experiences across Ontario.