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Last week, there was good news for Canadian trusted travellers; two Canadian carriers boosted their codeshare; Sandals unveiled its newest resort; there were flash sales galore; and Allianz stepped up – again – for Dreams Take Flight.

NEWS

The federal government will roll out a tweaked verified traveller program starting in June that will feature dedicated security screening lines at Toronto Pearson, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, and Edmonton. Eligible passengers will include Nexus members, aviation workers and military and RCMP officers, who will be able to pass through security more quickly. Program changes include allowing trusted travellers to keep laptops and liquids stowed in their luggage instead of placing them separately onto the X-ray conveyor belt. Children under 18 and adults 75 or older can also now accompany program members through the expedited queues.

Starting May 30, the Canadian tourism industry will be saying “Bonjour Quebec!” as its congregates in Quebec City for Rendez-vous Canada 2023. The annual tourism marketplace is held in partnership with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada with the aim of showcasing Canada’s “beauty and warm hospitality” to international travel trade.

American Airlines and JetBlue Airways must abandon their partnership in the northeast United States, a federal judge in Boston has ruled, saying that the government proved the deal reduces competition in the airline industry.

New data from UNWTO, expressed in its second World Tourism Barometer of the year, shows that the sector’s swift recovery has continued into 2023. Overall, international arrivals reached 80% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2023 with an estimated 235 million tourists having travelled internationally in the first three months, more than double the same period of 2022.

AIR

As part of the second phase of the codeshare agreement between Air Transat and Porter Airlines, the carriers have added more connections, enabling travellers to take advantage of additional routes linking Canada to destinations in the South, the US and Europe. The partnership, initially launched last October, will allow Porter Airlines’ domestic flights to be combined with Air Transat’s flights via a connection at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and now Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) effective June 1.

Canadians will be able to fly to Martinique directly from Toronto for the first time with the launch of new Air Canada flights this winter to the French Caribbean island, complimenting existing service from Montreal. The non-stop, five-hour flight between YYZ and Fort-de-France will be aboard Airbus A220 aircraft with a capacity of 137 seats.

Nonstop transborder service between Winnipeg and Atlanta by WestJet will commence on Sept. 6, operating five times weekly, on a year-round basis.

BY THE NUMBERS

Air Canada posted a record $4.9 billion in revenue in the first quarter – nearly double what it earned a year ago. The quarter also marked the second in a row where the carrier has turned a profit following 11 straight quarters of losses totalling $10.1 billion.

DEALS

It’s last chance for Elite Island Resorts’ “Summer Nights” Caribbean travel promotion, which give travellers their first night free on a minimum three-night stay. The incentive must be booked by May 31 for travel through Dec. 21 (new bookings only). Resorts include all of the company’s all-inclusive properties in Antigua (Pineapple Beach Club, St. James’s Club & Villas, and The Verandah Resort & Spa), as well as The Club in Barbados. Call 1-800-858-4618.

The ‘Book early, get plenty’ promo from Transat invites Canadian travellers to plan their winter getaway right away to benefit from plenty of perks, including up to $400 off per pair; Price Drop Guarantee up to $200/adult and $100/child; reduced deposit of $100 p.p.; future travel credit of $50/adult and $25/child; 50% off Option Flex Standard. Plus, travel agents get 5X BONBON per booking, which means $25 per room. Also, they get a chance to win one of five packages for two to a Hyatt Inclusive Collection resort. The promotion applies to new individual bookings of Transat South packages made by June 29 for travel between Sept. 1 and April 30, 2024.

Club Med’s flash sale, which offers up to 50% off stays, plus kids under 16 years old stay free (one child per paying adult) concludes May 30. Participating properties include Club Med Québec Charlevoix, Club Med Cancun, Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, Club Med Punta Cana, Club Med Turkoise,  Club Med Ixtapa Pacific,  Club Med Columbus, Club Med La Caravelle and Club Med Buccaneer’s. Travel must take place between June 17 and Dec. 15.

Karisma Hotels & Resorts is celebrating the opening of its newest location, Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya, Mexico with a five-day flash sale. Dubbed the ‘5 O’Clock Somewhere Sale,’ guests will save up to 60% off their stay if they secure their trip between June 1 and 5. And to sweeten the pot further, the resort is offering a lucky guest the chance to win a free trip and invite-only access to the resort’s Grand Opening festivities through a massive sweepstakes. The contest’s winner will receive a four-day/three-night all-inclusive Island Reserve Inclusive stay for two, plus $1,000 towards airline tickets.

A limited time sale by Qatar Airways is offering fares starting at CDN$1,220 to the carrier’s 160 global destinations. The sale continues until May 30 for travel starting July 10 through March 31, 2024.

CRUISE

Cunard’s new luxury line, the Queen Anne, will set sail on her first-ever World Voyage on Jan. 9, 2025, visiting five continents and stopping at more than 30 ports on a 107-night voyage, roundtrip out of Southampton, England. She will offer nine overnight calls in destinations such as Honolulu, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Dubai, as well as three late evening departures, giving guests time to explore each city to the fullest.

TOURS

In 2024, a newly enhanced and “hassle free” 12-day New Zealand Adventure by Adventures by Disney includes the opportunity for guests to participate in the America’s Cup yachting experience in Auckland, dinner with a Maori family, seeing glow worms in an underground cave, visiting a kiwi bird hatchery, gazing a geysers in a geothermal park, and much more.

RESORTS

The all-new Sandals Dunn’s River has opened to guests as the 17th resort in the Sandals Resorts portfolio. Having debuted over 30 years ago, the 260-room Ocho Rios all-inclusive is “utterly transformed” – except for the stunning stretch of white sand beach it inhabits. Highlights include Tufa Terrace SkyPool Butler Suites, a first in Jamaica with glass panel edge infinity pools spanning the length of balconies flanked by views of the Caribbean Sea; Coyaba Sky Swim-up Rondoval Butler Suites with Private Pools; new culinary concepts, and the brand’s first-ever signature fragrance, which greets guests upon arrival to the open-air lobby.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts its preparing to open a new luxury property in the Moroccan capital of Rabat, the luxury chain’s fourth hotel in the country. Expected to open later this year, Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr will be set within a 19th-century palace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, 90 minutes from Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport. The property will feature seven restaurants and lounges; a spa with well-appointed treatment rooms and an indoor pool; several outdoor resort-style pools; as well as expansive conference and event space.

HOTELS

Over the next two years, Quebec’s Le Westin Tremblant is investing over $15 million to revitalize the hotel, including two new restaurant and bars operated by Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality, a world-class spa and fitness facilities, and the complete renewal of all 122 guestrooms, public spaces, meeting rooms, banquet and facilities.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi opened May 23. The all-new experience in the United Arab Emirates features interactive family fun and eight themed realms to uncover.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Travel advisors will earn a booking incentive for each new custom safari (excluding specials, Classic Safari Vacation Packages, and groups) booked with TravCorp brand African Travel Inc. (ATI), through Dec. 15. Plus, advisors will receive up to 15% commission on land safaris and savings of up to 30% for themselves and a travel companion. When they have five plus bookings, advisors can travel with three guests. The tour operator encourages advisors to sign up for its specialist program for access to marketing and event support, educational trips, new client amenities, the Agent Academy, and the new ATI summer webinar series. To receive the travel discount advisors must be registered for the program and complete the Academy courses before travel. (www.africantravelinc.com/advisor)

As an added incentive, new bookings made with Karisma Hotels & Resorts for its Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts and the Margaritaville brands before July 31 for travel through Dec. 15 will receive Double Gourmet Inclusive points when registered by the agent in their account via Karisma’s travel agent portal.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Allianz Global Assistance (Allianz) reports it is again proudly sponsoring travel insurance for over 1,000 kids and volunteers who will take a trip-of-a-lifetime with Dreams Take Flight in 2023. Eight flights are scheduled throughout the year to give children facing mental, physical, or social adversity a magical day at Disney. For over 10 years, Allianz has been Dreams Take Flight’s national sponsor for travel insurance.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), the state agency providing tourism management for the Hawaiian Islands, has renewed destination brand management and marketing services in Canada with Toronto-based VoX International for another 2.5 years beginning on June 30 with an option for a two-year extension. VoX has managed the account since 2017.

Nada Semaan has been announced as Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority for a five-year term. CATSA is a Crown corporation mandated with protecting people through effective and efficient screening of air travellers and their baggage.

EVENTS

Having recently concluded its 41^st annual conference in Barbados, Jamaica was announced as next year’s venue for the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace. The event will take place next May in Montego Bay.

The Travel Agent Next Door’s 10th annual conference will be in Jordan in 2024, but never mind registering, it promptly sold out in 45 seconds. The event was announced at TTAND’s recent national conference and marks the first time it will be held outside North America. For the record, the 2024 event will be held in partnership with G Adventures and Royal Jordanian Airlines from April 20 to 24. Activities will include a candlelit private dinner in Petra and an afternoon at the Dead Sea. Bruce Poon Tip, founder and CEO of G Adventures will be a keynote speaker.

DESTINATIONS

Mexico’s Popocatepetl volcano has been coating nearby towns with ash and disrupting flights at Mexico City‘s airport, the busiest in Latin America. Approximately 25 million people live within 100 km of the mountain. Hundreds of explosions have spit lava from the snow-tipped peak of the volcano. Volcanologists say that, while a massive eruption doesn’t appear imminent, eruptions are likely to continue, as they have for three decades.

France has formalized its ban on domestic flights for journeys that can be completed in less than two-and-a-half hours by train. The move was included in a 2021 climate law is actually already in practice. The change mostly rules out air trips between Paris and regional hubs such as Nantes, Lyon, and Bordeaux, with connecting flights unaffected.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean as she landed in Northern Ireland, about 15 hours after leaving Newfoundland.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

From a boat-float parade along its famous River Walk to a closing night gala at The Alamo, delegates will long remember this year’s IPW in San Antonio as US travel officially emerged from the pandemic.

More than 5,000 attendees from 60 nations, including over 100 travel buyers, agents, and media from Canada helped the annual travel trade show return to pre pandemic levels.

Indeed, Canada, along with Mexico boasted registrations close to 35% above 2019 levels.

And those who attended experienced one of the most memorable conferences of recent years, with one Canadian delegate issuing the ultimate compliment: “the vibe reminds me of New Orleans.”

More than just a trade conference, IPW is a showcase for its host city, and colourful San Antonio pulled out all the stops, including the second-night “Festival Del Rio” boat parade, which is usually reserved for Christmas and Fiesta, along the amazing River Walk.

Media, including Travel Industry Today, were treated to the customary press breakfast at the impressive Witte Museum, home to an extensive T.rex exhibit that stars a “Canadian” inhabitant, Scotty.

Other highlights included opening night gala at La Villita historic arts village, featuring outdoor pavilions representing the city’s cultural diversity, though mostly 65% Mexican population roots, and a special presentation of the spectacular nightly sound and light show “The Saga” on the facade of the San Fernando cathedral.

And, of course, the finale at The Alamo, providing attendees the first glimpse of the iconic attraction’s new Palisade exhibit, a newly constructed representation of the Spanish mission’s fence-like fortification, completed that day just in time for the party, and part of an ongoing US$400 enhancement and expansion of the UNESCO site.

At the trade show, luncheon events featured performances by The Counting Crows, country start Dierks Bentley, and the always anticipated annual NYC Tourism-sponsored Broadway extravaganza, which presents live performances with original actors from the latest shows – this year featuring MJ (Michael Jackson), Moulin Rouge!, A Beautiful Noise, & Juliet, Once Upon a One More Time (Britney Spears), and Back to the Future, all courtesy of Broadway Inbound.

With IPW returning for the first time to pre pandemic attendance numbers, US Travel president and CEO Geoff Freeman declared of the 54th annual event: “This show is better than ever – the energy, the enthusiasm. This is fantastic! It’s so great to see the history, the culture, and the soul that makes San Antonio so special.”

Visit San Antonio CEO Mark Anderson hailed the event as representative of the return of international travel to the US and also as a “historic moment” for the first-time host city – and first Texas location since Dallas in 2000.

“At this year’s IPW, there is one item I hope you will remember,” he told delegates. “That San Antonio is a hidden gem among the world’s most majestic locations and that it is growing and evolving faster than any city in the United States of America.

“Our city is over 300 years old, but with an intentionally preserved history that embodies some of America’s most historical landmarks, including 17th century Spanish missions,” he continued, while also noting that the city has been named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy (one of two in the US).

And it is, he maintained, a city where the “spirit of Fiesta” is celebrated year-round.

If IPW was any indication, Anderson is not wrong.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The all-new Sandals Dunn’s River has opened to guests as the 17th resort in the Sandals Resorts portfolio. Having debuted over 30 years ago, the 260-room Ocho Rios property is “utterly transformed” – except for the stunning stretch of white sand beach it inhabits.

On a site originally handpicked by Sandals Resorts International founder the late Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, the new-look all-inclusive resort features fresh culinary concepts and elevated suite designs – including the introduction of Jamaica’s first SkyPool suites – and retains its deeply personal connection to its alluring setting on the island’s north coast.

The all-new Sandals Dunn’s River has opened to guests as the 17th resort in the Sandals Resorts portfolio. Having debuted over 30 years ago, the 260-room Ocho Rios property is “utterly transformed” – except for the stunning stretch of white sand beach it inhabits.

On a site originally handpicked by Sandals Resorts International founder the late Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, the new-look all-inclusive resort features fresh culinary concepts and elevated suite designs – including the introduction of Jamaica’s first SkyPool suites – and retains its deeply personal connection to its alluring setting on the island’s north coast.

“Ocho Rios has been the backdrop of some of my family’s most pivotal moments, including along this very beach where my father grew up and turned a perhaps once unimaginable dream into one of the world’s most well-known hotel brands,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI) at the opening, adding, “Today, we celebrate innovation and a commitment to excellence as we unveil the next generation of Sandals Resorts in our home country of Jamaica. I cannot think of a better way to honour his legacy and acknowledge the incredible future of our brand than to welcome our very first guests to Sandals Dunn’s River. It’s great to have you home.”

The resort has been designed to reflect its Jamaican roots by embracing the essence of the destination’s rivers, lush forests, and majestic banyan trees. The source of the water that flows through Sandals Dunn’s River is from the natural reserves of the Dunn’s River Falls, from the lobby waterfalls to the cascading pools of the Red Lane Spa.

Guests will also experience the debut of the brand’s first-ever signature fragrance, which greets guests upon arrival to the open-air lobby.

Accommodations

Sandals “Firsts” on resort include Tufa Terrace SkyPool Butler Suites, a first in Jamaica with glass panel edge infinity pools spanning the length of balconies flanked by views of the Caribbean Sea.

Guests checking in to Coyaba Sky Swim-up Rondoval Butler Suites with Private Pools will find Sandals’ standalone circular villas have been thoughtfully reimagined with vast open-air rooftops from where to bask under the Ocho Rios sun and stars.

Luxurious Mammee Bay Beachfront Butler Suites feature expansive balconies that overlook the sea with privileged sunset views, and Travertine Beachfront Club Level Rooms are named after the well-known Dunn’s River Falls’ giant, natural limestone steps.

Culinary

The connection to Jamaica continues at BLUM, one of 12 new culinary concepts, while a quaint coffee outpost offers a first-of-its-kind coffee drinking experience with 25-cup cold drip towers, nitro cold brew on tap, and Modbar pour-over units.

Dunn’s Rum Club features the largest selection of rum on the island of Jamaica and any other Sandals Resort, celebrating the quintessential spirit by merging together storytelling with curated, cleverly named rum flights.

Meanwhile, the swank Lapidus Lounge pays homage to Morris Lapidus, the famed architect who designed the site’s first resort – the Arawak Hotel, and whose joyful designs epitomized 1960s Caribbean chic.

Other options include the Laughing Waters Beach Bar, Jerk Shack, plus a variety of restaurants ranging from sushi to Latin American, French and Italian.

Activities

Luxury-included option include complimentary green fees at the nearby and newly refurbished Sandals Upton Estate Golf & Country Club, diving, rafting the Martha Brae River, and nearby Sandals Dunn’s River/Falls.

“Building extraordinary resorts that make it easy for our guests to authentically experience our home countries and the people that bring these incredible places to life, is the work of Sandals Resorts,” says Stewart. “The Caribbean is wide and diverse and brimming with flavour, and fun. There is so much to discover here and we want to bring our guests closer to it all.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Last week we looked at a host of SoCal destinations – some familiar, some less so – whose delegates attended the recent visit California sales mission in Niagara on the Lake, having put the insiders on the spot to tell us one thing they wished a Canadian knew about their region. Here’s Part 2, covering the middle and northern parts of the Golden State (starting north of Los Angeles).

SANTA BARBARA

Known as the “American Riviera,” walkable Santa Barbara is known for its Latin flavour, including red-roofed Spanish revival architecture, eclectic food and wine scene (including 15 Michelin starred restaurants), ocean, mountains, and as a perfect pairing with Los Angeles 90 minutes south, says Karna Hughes. “It’s a place to retreat and relax after the big city,” she says. Trains run from LA.

VENTURA

They’re still singing America’s 1972 hit ‘Ventura Highway” in this California town. “We’re one of the last quintessential California experiences!” says Julie Madsen. With clear, uncrowded beaches (perfect for surfing), Madsen recommends that Canadians “do the LA thing, then you come to Ventura and all that washes away.” About 90 minutes north of LA, it’s also the gateway to the ecologically amazing Channel Islands for a day trip.

YNEZ VALLEY

Two hours north of LA and four hours south of San Francisco, “Yennez” Valley is comprised of six districts that encapsulate “everything California has to offer, with wide open spaces and no traffic,” says tourist board president and CEO Shelby Sim. Exuding a classic Americana feel (mostly), communities include Santa Ynez (cowboy/horses), Los Olivos (wine), Los Alamos (hipster), Buellton (petrol), and the unique Solvang, dubbed the “Danish Capital of America,” complete with a windmill.

MONTEREY

“If you go to San Francisco, you have to go to Monterey,” says Emily Evans. Situated on the famous bay (and known for its aquarium and wildlife), there is also golf (notably Pebble Beach), wine, the ghost of John Steinbeck, plus scenic Carmel and Big Sur nearby. But what visitors may not know is the world class culinary scene that hit new heights during pandemic as many chefs (including Michelin stars) moved into the community to take advantage of the bounty of the sea and abundant produce (including wonderful artichokes befitting the region’s status as “artichoke capital of the world.”)

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Christina Glynn says her region is “open for business” after recent floods and fire. And Canadians, who can fly into nearby San Francisco or San Jose directly, will find “a lot to explore in a small amount of space,” ranging from a historic seaside amusement park (with central roller coaster) and the largest contiguous strand of Redwood trees in the world at Henry Cowell State Park.

NAPA VALLEY

Naturally, visitors are drawn by the world-famous wine, but don’t discount Napa’s music scene, says Sarah Gillihan. Live music can be found at local venues, events such as the Summer Series, and jazz and even classical music fests – and of course at some of the wineries. Not into music there’s also hiking, biking, kayaking, birding/wildlife and more. “I don’t think people expect that they can have a non- alcoholic visit,” says Gillihan.

RELATED STORY: All that glitters in the Golden State

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’: All that glitters in the Golden State

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News