HIGHER AIRFARES LIKELY TO STAY, EVEN IF FUEL COSTS DROP
Travellers could be stuck paying high airfares even if oil and jet fuel prices fall, major airlines and industry analysts say.
PURPLE PASSION: G Adventures celebrates community tourism at GX Cambodia
By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ Roughly 600 global travellers and members of the travel trade – many of them from Canada – came together last week to celebrate the power of travel to change lives at G Adventures’ 4th annual GX Summit.
EBOLA OUTBREAK: Canada extends travel restrictions for 60 days
Canada has extended its travel and immigration restrictions related to the Ebola outbreak for another 60 days, and the health ministry in the Democratic Republic of Congo has released new data showing there have been more than 8,000 cases of the virus.
RETAIL ROUND-UP: Agent news, fams & incentives
This week: TRAVELSAVERS Canada recognizes its best; Direct Travel launches a charitable initiative with Intrepid; Travel Best Bets agents visit Madeira; Fareconnect.com, a Canadian-based member of Ensemble is expanding into the U.S.; Virtuoso announces global access to Bedsonline products;
ACV ADDS KEY ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Air Canada Vacations has added two new account managers in B.C. and Toronto – moves that the tour company says reflect it’s commitment to serving travel advisors and industry partners across Canada.
BRIGHTLINE REMAINS ON THE RAILS DESPITE HEADWINDS
The Brightline companies that bet more than $5 billion on developing the U.S.’s only privately held passenger railroad are reworking their debt in bankruptcy court, but the bright yellow trains will continue running between Miami and Orlando.
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IT’S A BUSY SEASON FOR PACIFIC STORMS
Water began to flood the streets of Baja California Sur on Monday hours after residents boarded up homes and set up embankments as Hurricane Polo bore down on the peninsula Monday, threatening high winds, floods and mudslides. Meanwhile, Hurricane Nolo could still bring torrential rain to parts of Hawaii even as the storm edged away from the state.
TREVELLO’S DOUBLE VISION: Host agency recognized for best agency culture, most admired advisor by Virtuoso
The culture of Trevello Travel Group, and one of its top advisors, were recognized by Virtuoso at the networks’ recent 2026 Travel Week, resulting in a landmark night for the Canadian host agency.
MEGAHUBS 2026: Istanbul named world’s most connect airport
For the first time, Istanbul Airport has scored top marks as the world’s most connected airport by OAG in the aviation data provider’s anticipated Megahubs 2026 annual ranking. IST rose from second in 2025, with connections to 337 destinations worldwide. Turkish Airlines operates 80% of flights at the airport.
MAASAI OLYMPICS CELEBRATE TRIBAL CULTURE IN THE MODERN AGE
By MOIRA SMITH/ For centuries, the Maasai of East Africa practiced a traditional rite of passage to manhood: the hunting and killing of a lion. Today, the hunt is for medals, not animals, and it takes place at what has become the Maasai Olympics.
CARNIVAL CHRISTENS NEW REWARDS PROGRAM
Carnival Cruise Line has launched Carnival Rewards a first-of-its-kind loyalty program in the cruise industry that gives guests more ways to earn rewards, achieve status, and benefit first-time cruisers as well as repeat guests.
ROYALTON READIES FOR CANCUN: Reservations open for March debut
Royalton Hotels & Resorts announces that reservations are now open for Royalton Vessence Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, ahead of its March 1, 2027, opening. Following the successful debut of the Royalton Vessence brand in Barbados, the resort brings its signature approach to mindful, elevated all-inclusive travel to the beachfront Cancun’s Hotel Zone.