Author: Nova Ray

TORONTO — Last night, Fort Myers Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods made a grand entrance at a travel industry gathering, hosting a lively post-event after-party at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The beloved Florida destination proudly served as one of the sponsors for the Hello! Canada x Toronto Life Magazine Hollywood North Party, in collaboration with Rogers. Held at the stunning new venue, The Sutton Place Hotel Toronto on King St. West—just steps away from the TIFF Lightbox—this event brought a touch of nostalgia. The hotel has a rich history as the former hotspot for TIFF celebrities during its tenure…

Airlines Extend Flight Suspensions to Israel Following Houthi Missile Attack In response to a recent missile strike by the Houthi forces, several major airlines have decided to extend their suspension of flights to Tel Aviv. Among these carriers are United Airlines, Lufthansa, and Air France, raising concerns for travelers and the aviation industry. Houthi Missile Strike Near Ben Gurion Airport On Sunday, a missile launched by the Houthi group targeted areas in the vicinity of Ben Gurion Airport, one of Israel’s primary international gateways. Although specific details about the damage or casualties have not been released, the attack has heightened…

Celebrity Cruises is set to revolutionize the cruise experience with the introduction of The Bazaar on its upcoming ship, Celebrity Xcel. This pioneering venue promises to be a multi-level, multi-sensory space where guests can immerse themselves in a world of food, entertainment, and cultural festivities that change daily. A Unique Experience at Sea The Bazaar will feature three stories of vibrant activities, reflecting themes inspired by the various ports-of-call included in each cruise itinerary. Guests can look forward to culinary dishes, artisan markets, and engaging hands-on craft experiences, complemented by live performances from regional musicians. This variety ensures that every…

In an exciting turn of events for the travel industry, Brad Novak, a travel advisor at AMA Travel in Calgary, recently discovered the thrill of selling expedition travel. His newfound venture was rewarded in spectacular fashion when he won a coveted spot in Quark Expeditions’ prestigious Arctic Sweepstakes prize trip. Having previously specialized in popular travel destinations including Hawaii, Disney vacations, and scenic train journeys such as the Rocky Mountaineer and VIA Rail, Novak’s decision to dip into the realm of polar expeditions proves that embracing new niches can be advantageous. “I was very much surprised when I found out…

Today marks a significant celebration in the travel industry as we honor the unsung heroes of travel: travel agents! Their unwavering passion and expertise play a pivotal role in creating memorable experiences for travelers. ✨ In recognition of this dedication, PAL Airlines is hosting its Agent Appreciation Event of the Month. This initiative includes exclusive prizes, honoring travel agents’ hard work and commitment to customer satisfaction. 🗓️ The prize draws will take place in the first week of June, with the winners announced on the [PAL Airlines Travel Agent Booking Platform](https://www.palairlines.com). Best of luck to all participants as your efforts…

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has recently announced a significant expansion of its fleet by placing an order for four new cruise ships from the renowned shipbuilder Fincantieri. This strategic move marks a milestone for both NCL and Fincantieri, showcasing their commitment to enhancing the cruise experience for their guests. The newly commissioned vessels will be the largest ever constructed for the Norwegian Cruise Line brand, slated for delivery between 2030 and 2036. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Fleet Expansion The order for these four new ships comes at a pivotal time as the cruise industry continues to rebound from the challenges posed…

TORONTO — Canadian travel advisors recently hailed their experiences at the second edition of the Sandals and Beaches Resorts Canadian Home-Based Travel Advisor Conference held in Jamaica. Descriptors like “rewarding,” “fantastic,” and “invaluable” encapsulated their enthusiastic feedback after four days at Sandals South Coast from August 17-21, 2025. Sandals South Coast wowed agents at the 2025 Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ Canadian Home-Based Travel Advisor Conference This annual event brought together 20 home-based travel advisors from across Canada, including regions from British Columbia to Newfoundland. Hosted by Unique Vacations Canada Inc, attendees immersed themselves in Sandals’ innovative Caribbean offerings, gaining insights…

In 2026, Disney will introduce an exhilarating eight-day Rhône River cruise tailored for adventure seekers and families alike. This immersive journey will take place aboard the luxurious AmaKristina, operated by the renowned AmaWaterways. Here’s everything you need to know about this unique cruise experience. Overview of the Rhône River Cruise The cruise showcases the enchanting landscapes along the Rhône River, offering passengers the chance to explore charming towns and vibrant cultures. Departing from Lyon, the journey will include various stops at picturesque destinations, including Vienne, Avignon, and Arles. Guests can look forward to curated family-friendly activities and excursions at each…

TORONTO — As autumn begins, many Canadian travelers remain hesitant to resume their journeys to the United States. This reluctance is mirrored by frustration among U.S. tourism operators who are struggling to attract visitors from Canada, a crucial market for many destinations. A recent CNN article titled “The ‘self-inflicted injury’ to U.S. tourism that’s making some Americans angry and disappointed” highlights the dire situation facing various U.S. cities, such as Seattle, Las Vegas, and Orlando, all of which have seen a notable decline in tourism from Canada. Traditionally a hotspot for Canadian travelers, Seattle has reported declines in business of…

Long-time cruise industry executive Jan Swartz has announced her departure from Carnival Corp., effective mid-April 2025. After dedicating 24 years to the company, Swartz’s exit has triggered significant leadership changes within the organization, including the appointment of Giana Fernandez as the new Chief of Staff. Jan Swartz’s Impact on Carnival Corp. Swartz has been a pivotal figure at Carnival Corp., contributing to the company’s phenomenal growth and innovation in the cruise sector. Her leadership roles encompassed a variety of responsibilities, including the management of multiple cruise brands under the Carnival umbrella. As CEO of Princess Cruises, she has played an…