HOW LOW CAN IT GO? New stats reveal Cuban tourism decline
Cuba’s tourism declined by 62% from January to July of this year compared to the same period in 2025, according to official figures that highlighted the enormous drop in the island’s strategic sector.
THAILAND UPDATES ENTRY RULES: Canadians continue to qualify for 30-day visa-free visits
Canadian passport holders will continue to have visa-free entry to Thailand for tourism stays of up to 30 days under an updated entry framework that comes into effect this week, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
WHY WALES?: The considerable charms of the UK’s ‘forgotten cousin’
By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ About 30,000 Canadians a year visit Wales, or 2% of those who travel into the UK overall – numbers that are sure to rise with the launch of new Toronto-Cardiff flights this summer by WestJet (already renewed for 2027). Nevertheless, most UK travel trade observers in Canada agree that limited output could – and should – grow.
IRELAND RAISES CURTAIN ON SCREEN TOURISM AT TIFF EVENT
Tourism Ireland celebrated its vibrant film industry – and the profile it affords the Emerald Isle –at the 51st annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) at a star-studded gala that included Liam Neeson.
NO NAME, NO GAME: Kennedy Center to close after Trump rebuke by Supreme Court
The Trump-aligned Kennedy Center board voted this week to close most of the iconic Washington D.C. performing arts venue just hours after a federal judge blocked the institution from returning Donald Trump’s name to the building.
TRAVELBRANDS INTRODUCES NEW ONTARIO, ATLANTIC BDM
travelbrands has introduced Nicole Mathias as its new Business Development Manager for the GTA to Fort Erie, Southwestern Ontario, and Atlantic Canada. She brings nearly two decades of travel industry experience to the role.
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CARNEY PURSUES PRIVATIZATION OF TOP AIRPORTS
Prime Minister Mark Carney says he wants to see private investors take over operations at Canada’s four largest airports – Toronto Pearson, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver.
FLAIR OPENS SIREV SALES CHANNEL FOR AGENTS
Travel advisors can now book flights on Flair Airlines through Sirev and earn a 7% commission on base fares. The airline hails the move as a major expansion of its travel trade business and the next step in its broader travel trade strategy to grow responsibly and profitably.
‘THIS IS QUITE REMARKABLE’: Where have all the Atlantic hurricanes gone?
The Atlantic is quiet – record quiet – this hurricane season thanks to an enormous El Nino that crushes storms before they get going.
MIAMI REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO CANADIAN TRADE
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), together with key destination partners, reaffirmed its commitment to the Canadian market, connecting with 54 Canadian luxury travel advisors during an intimate trade event in Toronto on Sept. 10 to hear key destination updates.
RETAIL ROUND-UP: Agent news, fams & incentives
This week: Ensemble in China; Maritime Travel earns top employer recognition; TRAVELSAVERS Canada adds agencies; Granite Travel Trade Expos opens registration for its fall series; and Park’N Fly has launched its new Travel Agent Hub.
TRAVELBRANDS TEES UP CHARITY DRIVE: Golf tourney, toy drive support SickKids hospital
travelbrands’ 11th Annual Charity Golf Classic returned to Eagles Nest Golf Club on Sept. 9, raising more than $644,000 in support of SickKids Foundation, making 2026 its biggest fundraising year yet, with the help of a match that doubled every dollar raised.