Author: Nova Ray

Travelling has long been seen as a way to broaden horizons and foster understanding between cultures. Yet, recent observations suggest a troubling shift: the rise of narcissism among passengers. "There’s a societal trend toward selfishness," notes one flight attendant, highlighting the increasing difficulties faced by airline staff and fellow travelers alike. The Rise of Entitled Travelers The phenomenon of entitled behavior has become particularly noticeable in air travel. Many passengers are increasingly demanding and less considerate, leading to a challenging atmosphere within confined spaces. Travel writer Christopher Elliott delves into this emerging issue, examining not only the bad behavior exhibited…

Holland America Line (HAL) is set to invest $70 million to expand guest capacity and enhance the overall experience at Denali National Park through its acclaimed land and sea Cruisetours. This significant investment aims to not only elevate the guest experience but also support Alaska’s tourism industry, as highlighted by HAL’s president, Beth Bodensteiner. Bodensteiner noted the unique opportunity to bring guests to a lodge situated at the doorstep of Denali National Park, emphasizing that the expansion will meet the growing demand for combined land and sea cruise options in the state. "This investment is a win for Alaska, our…

Exceptional Value, Effortless Experience Last-minute travel plans often come with a stigma of compromise, but with Exoticca, quality is guaranteed at exceptional value. Whether you’re dreaming of navigating the stunning fjords of Norway, soaking up the sun on the beautiful coasts of Italy, or chasing the elusive Northern Lights in Iceland, Exoticca’s last-minute getaways offer meticulously planned itineraries that have made them a favorite among Canadian travelers. You’ll find attractive upgrade options available, like enhanced accommodations or additional activities, often at discounted rates, elevating your adventure without breaking the bank. A Win for You and Your Clients Each itinerary from…

TAP Air Portugal has launched an exciting sale on flights to Europe from major Canadian cities, Toronto and Montreal. This limited-time offer is available until May 4, 2025, and covers travel dates from September 15, 2025, to March 22, 2026. Exclusive Flight Deals to Europe Travelers can take advantage of incredible roundtrip fares, including: Toronto to Lisbon starting at just $579 Toronto to Paris available for $649 These deals present an excellent opportunity for those looking to explore the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes of Europe. Whether you dream of strolling through the charming streets of Lisbon or basking in…

Riviera River Cruises has transformed its brand identity, rebranding itself as Riviera Travel. This strategic move aims to unify its U.S. presence with its established global brand, providing a more cohesive experience for travelers and enhancing support for travel advisors as they enter the busy WAVE season. Key Changes in Branding and Offerings The rebranding initiative includes the introduction of bundled packages, streamlining the booking process for clients. These packages combine various travel services, making it simpler for travelers to plan their itineraries. The shift not only enhances the company’s offerings but also aims to attract a wider range of…

TORONTO — Excitement is brewing for the inaugural Air Canada Race, set to occur in the stunning location of Barbados from November 20-25, 2025. This year’s event marks a significant milestone as it ventures into the Caribbean for the first time, showcasing Barbados as a prime destination for travelers. The annual event celebrates the invaluable contributions of travel advisors across Canada and the U.S., acknowledging their vital role in supporting Air Canada. A month of engaging educational modules has culminated in the selection of 20 travel agents, who will embark on an enriching journey to experience the vibrant island of…

Arctic tourism is experiencing significant growth, drawing travelers eager to explore the pristine landscapes of the North. However, as this sector flourishes, it faces considerable challenges, particularly at Svalbard Airport in Norway, the world’s northernmost airport. The Impact of Climate Change on Svalbard Airport Ragnhild Kommisrud, the airport manager, highlights a pressing issue: the melt of permafrost caused by climate change. “This is a challenge that we only expect to get worse with time,” she states, underscoring the ongoing threat to infrastructure in this fragile Arctic environment. The Consequences of Permafrost Melt Permafrost, the permanently frozen layer of soil found…

Travel Leaders Network demonstrates significant growth in Canada, showcasing a thriving membership and robust sales performance. With 1,056 members and 250 suppliers participating in the 2025 Spring Mixers held across Eastern and Western Canada, the network has seen a remarkable 39% increase in member engagement compared to the previous year. Recent events in Vancouver attracted 121 members and 46 suppliers, while Edmonton welcomed 84 members and 44 suppliers. Toronto, hosting the largest regional event of the year, boasted participation from 232 members and 64 suppliers. This year, Travel Leaders Network has successfully added 33 new members, increasing its total to…

Regent has announced the promotion of Amelie Dubois to the role of Director of Sales and Marketing for Canada, effective January 15, 2025. In her new position, Dubois will be reporting directly to Jerod Evans, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. This strategic move demonstrates Regent’s commitment to expanding its market presence in Canada, leveraging Dubois’s extensive experience in the field. Amelie Dubois: A Proven Leader in Sales and Marketing With over a decade of experience in the industry, Amelie Dubois has established herself as a dynamic leader with a deep understanding of marketing strategies and sales performance. Her…

Gedeon has emphasized the importance of creating intuitive systems within Trevello, particularly for new advisors from non-travel backgrounds. "Our platform is designed to ensure that advisors can easily locate essential resources such as supplier information, marketing materials, and booking tools without having to navigate complicated interfaces," she explained. This user-friendly approach significantly reduces the barriers that many newcomers face when trying to engage with the industry. Since joining Trevello in 2018, Gedeon has observed a number of industry transformations. Initially, the company operated primarily as a host agency, using traditional tiered commission structures and intricate compensation models that, while effective,…