Author: Torry K.

Every Monday features top travel lists to inspire wanderlust. This month of June marks Pride Month, a time for celebrating and embracing the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. The acronym LGBTQ+ encompasses lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and the “+” signifies inclusivity toward various identities and orientations. While this month honors love and acceptance, it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by many in the LGBTQ+ community. Despite significant advancements in LGBTQ+ rights in numerous countries, the landscape remains uneven. For instance, the Netherlands pioneered the legalization of same-sex marriage two decades ago, paving the way for 28…

High Travel Costs Outrank Political Concerns for Industry Leaders In a recent statement at the U.S. Travel’s annual IPW conference, U.S. Travel Association CEO Geoff Freeman emphasized that soaring travel prices are the primary concern for U.S. travelers, surpassing worries related to presidential policies. “As I walk on the floor here and talk to people, the biggest concern I hear from buyers is not about administration policy. The number one concern I hear is the cost of travel,” Freeman remarked on June 16. Freeman pointed to everyday experiences of travelers to illustrate this point; for example, he mentioned an alarming…

CHICAGO — Visit Lauderdale, the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale, showcased its vibrant culture at the recent IPW 2025 in Chicago, generating excitement for its upcoming role as the host for IPW 2026. An Engaging Presentation: "Picture Perfect Paradise" At the IPW event, Visit Lauderdale presented its 2025 theme, “Picture Perfect Paradise,” which encapsulates the allure of Greater Fort Lauderdale. Attendees were treated to lively salsa performances, dazzling Caribbean carnival dancers, and captivating stilt walkers, all of which highlighted the region’s rich cultural tapestry. A Taste of the Tropics The experience wasn’t limited to visual spectacles. Guests…

Travelbrands’ Exotik Journeys has recently completed an exhilarating FAM trip to Singapore and Malaysia, from October 18 to October 27, 2024. This carefully curated journey provided travel advisors from across Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia with an exceptional opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of Southeast Asia. Experience Southeast Asia with Direct Air Travel Participants began their adventure aboard Air Canada’s direct flights from Vancouver to Singapore, showcasing the convenience of air travel in connecting North America with this bustling city-state. Direct flights make travel more accessible, allowing travelers to maximize their exploration time once…

Air India will reduce frequencies on three U.S. routes from June 21 through at least July 15. In response to ongoing safety checks and operational challenges, Air India is scheduled to adjust flight frequencies on several key routes to the United States beginning June 21. The adjustments will include: Delhi to San Francisco: Frequency will be cut from 10 flights per week to a daily service. Delhi to Chicago O’Hare: Operations will reduce to three flights weekly from a daily service. Delhi to Washington Dulles: Frequency will drop from five flights per week to three. These changes are part of…

As the travel landscape continues to evolve, leading tour operators have shared their insights into the anticipated trends for 2025. At the forefront of these changes are a growing demand for unique experiences, sustainable travel options, and immersive cultural encounters that align with travelers’ increasing desire for meaningful journeys. Shift Towards Experiential Travel In 2025, travelers are expected to prioritize experiential travel over traditional sightseeing. Operators like Goway Travel emphasize that tourists are now looking for trips that offer personal connections and authentic experiences. This trend reflects a broader shift where travelers seek to engage with local communities, participate in…

Cruise destinations are increasingly relying on taxes imposed on ships or passengers to generate revenue aimed at mitigating the effects of overtourism. Recently, states and regions like Hawaii, Norway, Mexico, and Skagway, Alaska have implemented new taxation policies targeting cruise vessels docking at their ports. These taxes are often specifically designated to address the increased burden on local resources due to the surge in visitors since the pandemic. For instance, in Hawaii, revenue generated from cruise ship taxes is allocated toward environmental preservation efforts, including park management and the development of climate-resilient infrastructure. Similarly, in Norway, local municipalities are required…

In a recent market study report published on June 19, 2023, Competition Bureau Canada put forth a set of recommendations aimed at enhancing competition within the Canadian airline industry. One of the primary suggestions is to allow international airlines to operate domestic flights in Canada, which could reshape the current competitive landscape. Additionally, the bureau proposes that domestic-only airlines be allowed to have complete ownership by foreign investors. It has also recommended increasing the existing limit on foreign ownership from 25% to 49% for Canadian airlines. According to the bureau, "Allowing more foreign investment in Canadian airlines improves access to…

Transat Distribution Canada Celebrates Top Travel Advisors Transat Distribution Canada (TDC), recognized as Canada’s largest network of travel professionals, recently honored approximately 60 of its top travel advisors during an exclusive seven-night trip to Club Med La Palmeraie in Marrakech, Morocco. This rewarding getaway, held from May 31 to June 8, 2025, was designed to recognize the valuable contributions and exceptional performance of advisors from various TDC agencies across the nation, including Transat Travel/Voyages Transat, the agent@home program, and franchise and affiliate agencies. Recognition of Outstanding Performance “The advisors in the TDC network are our eyes and ears for travelers…

With Cuba facing recent challenges related to power outages, vacation provider Sunwing has announced the removal of 26 hotels from its lineup, while continuing to promote other enticing Caribbean destinations. Despite these adjustments, Sunwing remains dedicated to Cuba as a winter getaway. Recent inclement weather, including a series of late-season storms, has resulted in temporary disruptions to Cuba’s power grid, prompting concerns from travelers about their experiences. “For Cuba specifically, I can confirm 26 hotels have been removed from our product lineup. We’re committed to providing transparent information about the resorts and the experiences travelers can expect,” shared Sunwing spokesperson…