Author: Nova Ray

CATO Membership: Empowering Tour Operators Across Canada Tour operators looking to enhance their business and influence the travel industry can benefit immensely from joining the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO). Membership offers a wealth of resources tailored to the unique needs of tour operators across various segments, including niche, specialty, and established brands. Industry Advocacy One of the major advantages of CATO membership is the strong national advocacy on behalf of tour operators. CATO serves as a unified voice, representing the interests of its members with government, regulatory bodies, and essential stakeholders. This advocacy is critical in ensuring that…

Air Canada has announced that it will be the launch customer for the new Airbus Airspace cabin on the A220 family of aircraft, featuring innovative overhead storage solutions. This upgrade, which will debut in March 2026, aims to enhance the passenger experience by increasing overhead luggage capacity by over 15%. This means approximately 19 additional bags can fit on each aircraft, alleviating carry-on baggage concerns. The announcement was made during a recent Airbus media briefing at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, Germany. John Moody, Air Canada’s Managing Director, Onboard Product, highlighted that the new XL bins would result…

A recent study by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reveals a monumental impact of the cruising industry on the global economy, showcasing significant job creation and contribution to GDP. With an impressive 1.6 million incremental jobs generated, the industry demonstrates its role as a vital economic driver. Economic Contribution of the Cruising Industry The cruising sector is not only flourishing, but it also plays a pivotal role in strengthening economic frameworks worldwide. According to the CLIA report, cruising contributes a staggering $85.6 billion to the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This remarkable figure underscores the industry’s resilience and growth…

Holland America Line has introduced its latest initiative, the **Start Your Journey** offer, as part of the **holland america wave season promotion**. This significant campaign is perfectly timed with Wave Season and promises enticing benefits for travels planned from summer 2026 through spring 2027, covering destinations such as **Alaska**, the **Caribbean**, and **Europe**. ## Unveiling the Holland America Wave Season Promotion Benefits The promotion includes up to **30 percent savings** on **cruise fares**, with entry-level pricing starting at just **$162 per person per day**. One of the most appealing features of this offer is the complimentary balcony upgrades, giving guests…

MONTEGO BAY — In a landscape dominated by international hotel chains, S Hotels Jamaica has established a remarkable presence on the island, distinguished not only by the high standards of its properties but also by its commitment to community support. At S Hotel Montego Bay, carpenters are hard at work in the parking lot, constructing prefabricated shelters. These units, part of the hotel’s initiative, are destined for communities in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland, which were severely affected by Hurricane Melissa. “We might not be building full houses, but we are providing small shelters that offer those who have lost everything…

Senso-Ji Temple, Tokyo Canadian travelers have exciting new options for exploring Japan. WestJet recently announced the extension of direct flights between Calgary and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport to a daily service year-round, starting on October 27, 2025. ### Increased Service for Calgary to Tokyo Flights The decision to expand services stems from the growing popularity of the Calgary to Tokyo route, initially upgraded to daily service for the summer of 2025. WestJet’s Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, John Weatherill, remarked, “Leveraging our Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, WestJet continues to strengthen Calgary’s tourism pipeline with expanded Trans-Pacific service, creating new…

Margaritaville at Sea is set to embark on a unique journey with the Islander, a cruise designed just for dogs and their owners, slated for November 2025. This exciting initiative opens the seas to 250 furry friends alongside their companions, delivering an unparalleled vacation experience for pet lovers. A Cruise Tailored for Pets and Their Owners The Margaritaville at Sea Islander is redefining cruise experiences by introducing a dog-friendly atmosphere. Onboard, a variety of engaging activities will be available, tailored specifically for canines. These activities ensure that both dogs and their owners can enjoy a vacation that caters to their…

TORONTO — Los Cabos is set to enhance its position as a premier travel destination as it welcomes an increased number of direct flights from eastern Canada. Starting in January, Los Cabos will benefit from approximately 43 nonstop flights per week, marking a peak winter airlift that underscores the area’s growing popularity among Canadian travelers. This surge in air service will connect visitors from eight Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Kelowna, Victoria, and Winnipeg. Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board, noted that while Western Canada has long been a robust market for the…

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has once again earned the title of the best airport in North America, as recognized by the annual Skytrax rankings. This marks the second consecutive year that YVR has achieved this prestigious accolade, underscoring its reputation for excellence in airport services and facilities. YVR Ranks Among the World’s Elite In addition to claiming the top spot in North America, YVR has also positioned itself as one of the top 15 airports globally. This recognition highlights its commitment to providing travelers with a superior airport experience, featuring state-of-the-art amenities and exceptional customer service. For a deeper look…

MSC World America is set to redefine sustainability in the cruise industry, positioning itself as the most eco-friendly large vessel to date. With innovative technologies and a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, this ship represents a significant stride towards greener cruising. Leading the Way in Sustainable Cruising The MSC World America is constructed by a pioneering shipbuilder that emphasizes eco-friendly practices. Utilizing liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a primary fuel source, the vessel greatly reduces harmful emissions, making it a frontrunner in environmental performance within the cruise sector. LNG technology is integral, as it emits lower levels of sulfur…