Author: Nova Ray

As Grenada approaches its highly anticipated annual celebration, Spicemas, the tourism sector is enjoying significant developments, including a new weekly flight service from Air Canada that commenced on June 2nd. This service connects Toronto (YYZ) with St. George’s (GND) twice a week through August 31st, further enhancing access to the stunning Spice Isle. In conjunction with this growth, Grenada has appointed Stacey Liburd as the new CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, following the transition of Petra Roach to the private sector. Liburd takes the helm at a time when the island is witnessing ongoing success, evidenced by 26 consecutive…

Actor Eric Stonestreet, best known for his role as Cameron Tucker on the acclaimed sitcom Modern Family, proudly named the Norwegian Aqua at PortMiami during a lively ceremony yesterday. The event was not just a typical ship christening; it included some unique attractions, such as the presence of the Stanley Cup and a sneak peek of an upcoming show dedicated to the legendary musician Prince. The ceremony attracted numerous fans and media, all eager to witness the festivities surrounding the Norwegian Aqua, a ship poised to offer unparalleled cruising experiences. Stonestreet, full of enthusiasm, took center stage to conduct the…

Explore the Coastal Charm of Historic St. Andrews Once a quaint fishing village and a bustling hub for salt production in the mid-1800s, Historic St. Andrews in Panama City stands as a vibrant blend of rich history and exceptional culinary offerings. This coastal neighborhood draws visitors with its scenic waterfront, captivating sunsets over St. Andrews Bay, and an inviting community where every local has a story to share. As you navigate Panama City’s historic districts, St. Andrews beckons with a unique charm that must not be missed. #SeeYouInStAndrews Activities and Attractions in Historic St. Andrews The Panama City Oyster Trail…

Carnival Cruise Line is intensifying its efforts to curb alcohol smuggling on its ships, introducing strict policies that could lead to lifetime bans for guests found violating the rules. This crackdown signifies the cruise line’s commitment to maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all passengers. New Alcohol Policy Overview Starting in 2025, Carnival Cruise Line has announced stricter enforcement regarding the consumption and transport of alcohol on board. Guests attempting to bring their own alcoholic beverages can expect stringent checks at boarding. Those caught sneaking alcohol will face severe consequences, which may include being banned from all future cruises.…

Summer is here, and the excitement is palpable, especially for members of the travel community. This year, a record number of new agents and agencies are joining the network, making it a vibrant time reminiscent of the first day of school. This influx of new members brings renewed energy and enthusiasm, creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone involved. In addition to welcoming newcomers, the summer also kickstarts a highly anticipated fitness initiative known as the "Fit Trip." Launching on July 7 and running for eight weeks, this challenge aims to foster camaraderie among staff and agents through physical fitness. While…

Royal Caribbean International’s Maria Gibson Royal Caribbean International (RCI) is enhancing the power of travel advisors by equipping them with vital knowledge as the cruise market surges. From a mere 5% of Canada’s leisure travel market just a few years ago, the cruise sector now commands an impressive 30%. This growth presents both new opportunities and complexities for travel professionals to navigate and communicate effectively with clients. Uniglobe Enterprise Travel’s Ethel Hansen Davy and Georgia Rakopoulos Maria Gibson, RCI’s Strategic Account Manager, has been spearheading a series of informative seminars for travel advisors throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). These…

Exciting Remote Opportunity for Corporate Travel Advisors Longitude, a reputable ensemble agency with a robust cross-Canada client base, is on the lookout for a skilled Corporate Travel Advisor. This remote position allows you to work from the comfort of your home while being part of a supportive team with over 30 years of experience in the travel industry. Who We’re Looking For The ideal candidate should possess a strong background in corporate travel consulting, with proficiency in the Sabre platform. Experience in managing corporate travel for various clients is essential, as you will be responsible for creating seamless travel experiences…

A groundbreaking global initiative has been established, requiring cruise ships to incur costs for their carbon emissions. This ambitious plan, spearheaded by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), aims to achieve a significant 43% reduction in emissions by the year 2035. By implementing fees for excess emissions, the agreement incentivizes the adoption of cleaner fuels as part of a broader strategy to combat climate change. The Framework of the New Agreement The details of this agreement indicate a concerted effort among a majority of nations to address the environmental impact of cruise tourism. Cargo and passenger vessels are heavily scrutinized due…

TORONTO — Recent trends indicate that the decline in Canadian visits to the United States may be stabilizing. According to the latest Statistics Canada data, although travel from Canada to the U.S. remains significantly lower than in previous years, the recent statistics show slight improvements compared to earlier months. Current Travel Trends In June 2025, the number of return trips taken by Canadian residents traveling to the U.S. by air decreased by 22.1% compared to the same month last year. This represents a modest improvement over May 2025, where the drop was recorded at 24%. This data suggests a potential…

Porter’s Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. Porter Airlines is set to launch a new service connecting Ottawa International Airport (YOW) with Victoria International Airport (YYJ) starting June 16. This new route will operate four times a week, marking the first non-stop flights between Canada’s capital and British Columbia’s premier city. Flight Schedule Details Travelers can look forward to convenient scheduled flights that provide easy access to both beautiful destinations. The flight timings are as follows: Route Departure Arrival Ottawa to Victoria 8:40 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Victoria to Ottawa 11:55 a.m. 7:40 p.m. All times are in local time. This connection not only…