Author: Nova Ray

TORONTO — A recent online panel discussion hosted by Discover America Canada titled ‘State of the Industry’ brought industry experts together to discuss the current and future landscape of Canada-U.S. travel. The panel was moderated by Colin Wood from VoX International, who also serves as the Director for Discover America Canada (DAC). Among the panelists were Jackie Ennis, VP of Global Trade Development at Brand USA; Jennifer Hendry, Lead Research Associate for the Canadian Tourism Research Institute; Michelle Tupman, GM of Great Canadian Holidays and Coaches; Raina Williams, Senior Regional Manager at Expedia Group Media Solutions; Viktor Spysak, Manager of…

Emerald Kaia Rendering Emerald Cruises has recently celebrated a significant milestone in the luxury yachting sector with the keel-laying ceremony of its latest superyacht, Emerald Kaia, held in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, during the week of December 27, 2024. This event marks an exciting step for the company as they continue to innovate in the luxury cruise industry. Launching in April 2026 Emerald Kaia is set to join Emerald Cruises’ fleet in April 2026, with bookings currently open for individuals, groups, and bespoke charters. This luxury vessel aims to provide an unmatched cruising experience, featuring state-of-the-art amenities and customized itineraries…

In recent discussions about Peru travel trends, adventure tourism has emerged as a dominating sector, commanding an impressive 67% of the market share. At a recent event, Diego Arelano from the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) highlighted the significant impact of adventure travel on local economies. Arelano elucidated the financial benefits of this niche, revealing that the revenue generated by adventure travelers is substantial. For instance, he shared a striking comparison: 100 cruise tourists, nine overnight visitors, or merely four adventure travelers can yield comparable monetary returns. Additionally, each adventure traveler generates about 2.6 jobs, in contrast to just 1.5…

In a groundbreaking initiative for international cruise travel, Ponant has launched the first winter cruise series on the Saint Lawrence River. The exploration vessel Le Commandant Charcot, a French-registered icebreaker, embarked on its inaugural journey from French-controlled Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon on January 17, marking the beginning of five uniquely winter-themed voyages. Winter Destinations on the Saint Lawrence River The itineraries are designed to explore various captivating locations in Quebec. Scheduled stops include: Cap-aux-Meules in Îles-de-la-Madeleine Gaspé Sept-Îles La Baie (Saguenay) Québec City As noted by Hervé Gastinel, CEO of Ponant Explorations Group, “These winter cruises aboard Le Commandant Charcot are completely unprecedented,…

Just about everyone who visits Victoria, B.C., becomes a fan for life. This picturesque destination, known as "The Garden City," offers a captivating mix of historic charm and modern vibrancy that resonates with travelers looking for authentic experiences. Victoria’s Unique Appeal With its walkable downtown core, stunning waterfront views, and proximity to natural landscapes, Victoria stands out as a top travel destination. Recently acknowledged as the #1 Best Small City in the World by Conde Nast Traveler for three consecutive years, travelers are eager to explore Victoria’s blend of culture, sustainability, and culinary delights. Travel agents can emphasize the region’s…

JetBlue has announced the cancellation of its planned service to Halifax, just weeks before it was set to launch. A spokesperson for the airline cited "softer-than-expected travel demand" as the primary reason for this decision. The route, which was intended to operate daily from JetBlue’s Boston hub starting June 26, will no longer proceed as planned. Halifax Route Cancellation Explained This unexpected change in JetBlue’s itinerary highlights the dynamic nature of the airline industry, where demand can fluctuate significantly based on various factors. In recent months, the travel landscape has continued to evolve, influenced by economic conditions, passenger preferences, and…

Royal Caribbean is excited to announce its Artist Discovery Program, inviting talented Caribbean artists to submit their original mural designs for the highly anticipated Star of the Seas, set to launch later this year. This initiative is aimed at showcasing the vibrant culture and creativity of the Caribbean through art that will adorn the newest addition to Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Open Call for Artists Submissions for the mural designs are open until February 15, 2025. Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse cultures of the Caribbean. This initiative not only offers artists an…

Celestyal Cruises is set to launch its highly anticipated winter season in the Arabian Gulf, kicking off on December 6, 2023. With two of its ships, the Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery, sailing through March 2024, this marks a significant return following the success of a pilot program earlier this year. The company has established multi-year port agreements in key cities such as Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai to enhance its service offerings. According to Celestyal’s CEO, Mr. Diorio, “The Arabian Gulf is one of the fastest-growing cruise markets worldwide.” The demand has already surpassed initial projections by 35%-40% for…

Three major airlines have announced significant cuts to their flight schedules, reflecting a decline in travel demand for routes between Canada and the United States. Despite previous plans for expansion, the ongoing slowdown in cross-border traffic has prompted noteworthy changes. WestJet Cancels New Austin-Vancouver Route Canadian carrier WestJet has officially scrapped plans for a new non-stop service between Austin, Texas, and Vancouver, British Columbia. The decision comes in response to a “downward shift in demand” for travel between the two countries. Originally set to launch on May 11, 2025, the seasonal route was expected to feature three weekly flights, as…

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has officially commenced construction on an impressive $150 million cruise pier at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, enhancing its commitment to delivering exceptional cruise experiences. This state-of-the-art facility is slated for completion in late 2025 and aims to offer unparalleled access to larger vessels from Norwegian, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Enhancements to the Guest Experience The new pier will significantly streamline the boarding process for travelers, reducing wait times and providing seamless access to the stunning beaches and attractions of Great Stirrup Cay. With its expanded capacity, the pier will accommodate larger cruise…