Thursday, July 23, 2026

JUST THE FACTS: What Statistics Canada says about Canadian travel to the U.S.

It’s complicated. Air travel up, car travel down. And vice-versa. Big drops, steady gains. Anecdotal evidence, statistical counterpoint. So, where exactly does Canadian travel to the U.S. stand – where has it been (down, we know, but how much) and where is it headed? Statistics Canada tells all in a “year in review” report, which we present here.

TRAVEL LEADERS NETWORK ELEVATES CANADIAN CONTENT

Travel Leaders Network will launch a dedicated two-day conference created exclusively for Canadian travel advisors and preferred partners this fall. Set to take place on both sides of the country, ELEVATE Canada will be held at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown on Oct. 20-21 and at the Pearson Convention Centre in Toronto on Oct. 28-29.

WESTJET APPOINTS TODD LINDLEY AS DIRECTOR OF SALES

WestJet has appointed Todd Lindey Director, Sales. Reporting to Amanda Ierfino, Vice President, Sales & Cargo, Lindey will lead the Corporate, Agency, Specialty and International Sales teams, along with Sales Operations & Performance and Sales Planning & Governance.

CANADA COMPASS: Pursuit has wings – Victoria’s Eagle Wings Tours

Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality, Inc. today announced it has acquired Eagle Wing Tours, a Victoria, BC-based whale watching and marine wildlife experience, expanding its portfolio into one of Canada’s most visited and resilient tourism destinations and advancing its strategy of investing in iconic experiences in markets with strong long-term demand.

FAA OKAYS BOEING TO RESUME JET SAFETY CHECKS

Boeing has been cleared once again to take responsibility for certifying all of its 737 Max and 787 planes. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration says that after months of review the agency decided that Boeing’s final safety checks on its planes are good enough to ensure they are airworthy.

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CRUISING’S LUCRATIVE NEW NICHE: How hotel cruise brands are creating, not converting, new customers

A new category of luxury travel is forming at sea, and it is not coming from the cruise industry. According to new 2026 booking data from Global Travel Collection (GTC), part of the Internova Travel Group, iconic hotel and hospitality brands now account for 5% of all future cruise bookings, with the average branded voyage priced at US$40,000. That is four times the cost of a traditional ocean cruise.

END OF AN ERA: Meliá Hotels pulls plug on Cuba after 36 years

Effective Friday (July 24) Meliá Hotels International says it will terminate all operations in Cuba. The Spanish hotel chain’s portfolio consisted of 34 hotels on the island, some of which had already closed (or transferred to Cuban operators) as part of a partial withdrawal announced in June.

BLAME IT ON FIFA: Soccer surge caused domestic travel spike hike

Customers paid a lot more for travel services last month, particularly in Toronto and Vancouver – the country’s host cities for the World Cup – Statistics Canada says. The cost of traveller accommodation in June rose 10% overall, and about 20% year-over-year in Ontario and British Columbia. Combined, their two biggest cities played host to 10 FIFA games in a 15-day span that month, plus three more in July.

FROM SNOW BOOTS TO SANDALS: WestJet adds five new routes for winter 2026/27

Five new routes and expanded vacation offerings will highlight WestJet’s offering this winter, including first-time flights from Calgary to Mérida, Mexico, as well as new non-stop connections between Belize City, Belize (BZE) and Winnipeg (YWG); Punta Cana, D.R. (PUJ) and Winnipeg; San José del Cabo, Mexico (SJD) and Regina (YQR); as well as Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR) and Ottawa (YOW).

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