Author: Nova Ray

The outbound travel market from Canada is experiencing significant changes, particularly in the luxury cruise segment. Oceania Cruises reports that there is a burgeoning interest from Canadian travelers for immersive experiences tailored to their preferences. These voyagers are increasingly looking for unique, culturally enriching cruises, with a strong inclination toward destinations such as Asia, the Caribbean, and Alaska. Additionally, shorter regional voyages are gaining popularity, as well as a demand for flexible and safe travel options. Overall, Canadians are keen on exploring the world with a focus on personalized service and premium experiences. This trend highlights a shift in travel…

AmaWaterways Elevates Leadership with Key Promotions AmaWaterways, a prominent name in the luxury river cruise sector, has announced the promotion of Alex Pinelo to Chief Sales Officer and Michal Maguire to Chief Marketing Officer, effective immediately. These strategic appointments are expected to bolster the company’s influence in both existing and emerging markets. Strategic Growth in Luxury River Cruising Catherine Powell, President of AmaWaterways, expressed her enthusiasm for the promotions, emphasizing their role in enhancing the company’s growth trajectory. “As we continue to strengthen our presence in our existing markets and expand into exciting new ones, such as Colombia, their leadership…

MONTREAL — Air Transat has announced an exciting addition to its winter 2025-2026 flight schedule: a brand new destination, Rio de Janeiro. This new nonstop service highlights the airline’s commitment to expanding its network, allowing travelers greater access to some of the most vibrant cities across the globe. Air Transat’s Expanded Route Network In total, Air Transat will launch 14 new routes from its Canadian gateways, enhancing connections not only to Brazil but also to several other international destinations. This expansion includes the continuation of certain transatlantic services, further solidifying Air Transat’s position as a leading carrier in the North…

Scenic/Emerald’s Ontario BDM Mary Lynne Villeneuve Travel buying preferences vary significantly among individuals. While some clients favor online shopping for trips, others thrive in face-to-face interactions. Recognizing this, Scenic and its sibling brand, Emerald Cruises, are engaging their audience of mature travelers through a series of in-person information sessions across Canada. Currently, the company is hosting 22 free events nationwide, from Victoria to Hudson, Quebec. These 90-minute sessions, led by regional Business Development Managers (BDMs), showcase Scenic in the morning and its more economical counterpart, Emerald, in the afternoon. A critical aspect emphasized during the events is the collaboration with…

OpenNDC is revolutionizing the travel industry by providing a comprehensive platform for travel advisors. With a focus on modernizing travel distribution, OpenNDC offers a suite of powerful features designed to streamline the booking process and enhance user experience. Key Selling Points of OpenNDC 1. Real-Time Aggregation: Travel agents can search and book flights and hotels almost instantaneously, benefiting from live pricing and availability. This feature allows for quicker decision-making. 2. Centralized Dashboard: OpenNDC provides a centralized dashboard for agents to manage bookings, inventory, and pricing strategies effortlessly from a single interface. 3. Intelligent Content Mapping: The platform standardizes and enriches…

As tensions rise over tariffs imposed by the U.S. government, there’s an observable shift in Canadian travel trends, particularly concerning trips to the United States. While some cruise companies report stable business levels, the sentiment among Canadian travel advisors indicates a significant decline in cruise bookings from Canada, particularly those requiring transit through U.S. ports. Impact of Tariffs on Travel Flemming Friisdahl, founder and president of Travel Time America Network (TTAND), noted that cruise lines have reported bookings from Canada dropping by as much as 20% during February compared to previous years. This contrasts with a noteworthy increase of 5%…

TORONTO — New Deal Europe is launching a vibrant campaign in collaboration with Visit Europe (European Travel Commission) to showcase the captivating Alps2Adriatic region to North American travel professionals. The initiative is aimed at both tour operators and travel advisors who are keen to explore new destinations in Europe. As part of this initiative, representatives from New Deal Europe will be embarking on visits to 11 cities across Canada next month, encouraging travel advisors to delve into the potential of this remarkable region. Focus Areas of the Campaign The primary goal of this campaign is to promote travel to stunning…

Air Canada is revising its winter flight schedules to Tulum, a relatively new hotspot in Mexico, adjusting plans that initially marked it as a key destination for vacationers. Flight operations from Ottawa (YOW) and Quebec City (YQB) to Tulum’s recently inaugurated airport (TQO) have been scrapped, despite Air Canada having introduced these routes just last year. Meanwhile, service from Montreal will see a reduction, lowering from five weekly flights to three for the 2025-26 winter season. Flight Reductions Amidst Increased Capacity With only the Toronto route remaining unaffected—maintaining four weekly departures—this strategic contraction seems to reflect a broader trend in…

As tensions rise over tariffs imposed by the U.S. government, there’s an observable shift in Canadian travel trends, particularly concerning trips to the United States. While some cruise companies report stable business levels, the sentiment among Canadian travel advisors indicates a significant decline in cruise bookings from Canada, particularly those requiring transit through U.S. ports. Impact of Tariffs on Travel Flemming Friisdahl, founder and president of Travel Time America Network (TTAND), noted that cruise lines have reported bookings from Canada dropping by as much as 20% during February compared to previous years. This contrasts with a noteworthy increase of 5%…

TORONTO — In an exciting development for the Canadian travel industry, Jacqueline Hider, a travel consultant with Marlin Travel in Mississauga, has emerged as the fortunate winner of a complimentary getaway for two to Grenada. This enticing prize, provided by the Grenada Tourism Authority, comprises roundtrip airfare and a luxurious seven-night stay at the esteemed True Blue Bay Boutique Resort. Discover the Allure of Grenada: The Spice Island Grenada, often referred to as The Spice Island, is a captivating destination situated in the Caribbean. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage and culinary delights, Grenada is a paradise for travel enthusiasts…