Author: Nova Ray

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) has expressed strong support for WestJet’s recent decision to cease the hiring of temporary foreign pilots. This move comes amidst growing concerns over the use of the temporary foreign worker program, which ALPA President, Capt. Tim Perry, argues was “never intended for this purpose.” WestJet’s decision to halt these hiring practices has sparked discussions within the aviation community about the implications for domestic pilots and the airline’s future workforce strategy. In a statement, Capt. Tim Perry highlighted that reliance on foreign pilots poses significant risks not only to job security for Canadian pilots but…

Starting in 2025, travelers embarking on cruises to Mexico will encounter a new, one-time fee of $42, designated as the “Non-Resident Fee.” This charge will apply per sailing, rather than for each port visited, according to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA). This updated policy aims to streamline the fee structure for cruise passengers while providing essential funding for various projects in Mexico. Understanding the New Non-Resident Fee The $42 charge is implemented as part of Mexico’s initiative to enhance its cruise tourism experience. Unlike previous taxation systems that may have imposed varying fees based on port stops, this streamlined approach…

**ACV Strengthens Partnership with Grand Velas Resorts** Air Canada Vacations (ACV) is reaffirming its commitment to becoming an invaluable partner to the renowned Velas Resorts chain, which is celebrating a significant milestone: its 35th anniversary on November 20. During a recent gathering of travel advisors, ACV President, Nino Montagnese, extended thanks and congratulations to Velas Resorts’ CEO, Eduardo Ruiz, emphasizing their longevity and mutual respect built over 25 years of collaboration. “Air Canada Vacations is dedicated to being not just your best client, but also your strongest global partner,” stated Montagnese, reinforcing the promise made to Ruiz. He elaborated on…

As summer approaches, Canada is witnessing a notable trend as travelers increasingly shift their attention away from the United States. Experts warn that this could ignite a fierce summer airfare war, with airlines vying for customer loyalty and market share. According to analytics firm Cirium, the upcoming summer travel season promises to be compelling. Mike Arnot, a spokesperson for Cirium, emphasizes the potential for competitive fare adjustments. “It’ll be an interesting summer,” he states, indicating that the dynamics of air travel in North America are on the verge of significant transformation. Canadians Choosing Domestic Travel The changing preferences of Canadian…

Carnival Corp. has announced a remarkable financial turnaround, reporting a net profit of $303 million for the fourth quarter of this year, a significant improvement over the previous year’s net loss of $48 million. This stellar performance highlights the cruise line’s ability to bounce back effectively from past challenges. In a statement, Carnival Corp. CEO Josh Weinstein expressed optimism, stating, “This has been an incredibly strong finish to a record year.” The company achieved full-year revenues of an impressive $25 billion, marking a more than 15% increase compared to last year. Furthermore, Carnival’s net profit for full-year 2024 was reported…

**TORONTO** — Canadian travelers heading to the United States are facing a wave of canceled and delayed flights due to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. This situation is straining the aviation infrastructure, leading regulators to implement significant reductions in air traffic. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Wednesday that it would reduce flight operations by 10% at its busiest 40 airports, including major hubs like New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Atlanta. This move is aimed at ensuring safety, as air traffic controllers are experiencing heightened stress due to the shutdown, which has now lasted 37 days.…

Sir Richard Branson Sir Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Atlantic Airways and Virgin Voyages, recently criticized U.S. tariffs implemented by former President Donald Trump, calling them a “colossal mistake” that could harm the global economy. Speaking at an event in London on April 22, Branson described the tariffs as “erratic and unpredictable,” indicating that they have disrupted previously thriving businesses. The Impact of Tariffs on Business Branson highlighted concerns about the adverse effects of tariffs on his conglomerate, the Virgin Group. “Our cruise ships were booming, our airline was booming, and our health clubs were full,” he stated. Despite…

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has named seasoned maritime expert Bud Darr as its new CEO. With a track record spanning more than seven years at MSC Group, Darr brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the forefront of the cruise industry. His appointment is expected to significantly shape the future of CLIA as it navigates the evolving landscape of global cruising. Bud Darr’s Industry Background Bud Darr has established himself as a reputable figure within the maritime sector. Prior to joining MSC Group, he served in various leadership roles that honed his expertise in maritime safety, environmental sustainability,…

VANCOUVER — Recent findings from the Angus Reid Institute reveal a notable decline in the number of Canadians making multiple trips to the United States over the past year. Compared to previous surveys conducted in 2017 and 2023, the percentage of Canadians visiting the U.S. multiple times has decreased by 50%. Approximately 10% of Canadians report making more than one trip to the U.S. in the last 12 months. In contrast, this figure stood at 19% in 2023 and 21% back in 2017, indicating a significant shift in cross-border travel habits among Canadians. Concerns Over Winter Travel As winter approaches,…

St. George’s Harbour, Grenada The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) has announced exciting news for travelers heading to the Caribbean: Air Canada is set to enhance its seasonal service from Toronto to the captivating island of Grenada. Beginning June 2, 2025, a new Monday flight will join the existing Sunday service, providing two weekly options for eager vacationers. This schedule will run through August 31, 2025, offering more flexibility for travel plans. To take advantage of this increased accessibility, Grenadian hotels are rolling out attractive summer promotions specifically for the Canadian market. Notably, Sandals Grenada is offering discounts of up to…