Author: Torry K.

François Choquette, currently Managing Director, Revenue Management and Lisa Pierce, Vice President, Global Sales, Air Canada. In a significant transition for the travel industry, Lisa Pierce, Vice President of Global Sales at Air Canada, announced her retirement at the end of the year. With nearly 40 years at the airline, Pierce’s journey from Customer Service Manager at Newark Airport to Vice President has been marked by remarkable achievements and contributions. Lisa Pierce: A Legendary Career at Air Canada Starting her career in 1977 as a Customer Service Manager, Pierce’s unwavering dedication and leadership led her to hold several crucial roles…

Exodus Travels has announced the highly anticipated return of its Mont Blanc Highlights Agent Familiarization (FAM) tour, set to take place from October 7 to October 14, 2023. This engaging week-long experience is tailored for travel agents looking to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Mont Blanc region in the Alps. Overview of the Mont Blanc Highlights FAM Tour The Mont Blanc Circuit is recognized as one of the most scenic walking routes in Europe, traversing stunning terrains across France and Italy. This tour comprises five days of dedicated walking, allowing participants to explore the majestic mountains in depth. Travelers…

In the realm of luxury travel, November 2025 has ushered in a plethora of exciting developments and openings set to elevate the travel experience to new heights. From exquisite hotels to innovative airlines, let’s delve into the latest luxury travel news. Explora Expands in Patagonia Luxury travel enthusiasts will be thrilled to learn that Explora, the leader in premium explorations in South America, is set to open two new lodges in Patagonia in December 2026. These additions—Explora El Calafate in Argentina and Explora Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve in Chile—will enhance Explora’s portfolio to five luxurious lodges. Guests can look…

Equinox Hotels is excited to announce its expansion into the Caribbean with the upcoming launch of the Equinox Resort Anguilla Port Nimara. This luxurious destination is set within the new Port Nimara marina development, strategically located on the breathtaking southwest coast of Anguilla, nestled between the stunning Cap Juluca and Altamer estates. A State-of-the-Art Marina Experience The Port Nimara marina will feature an impressive 118-berth design, accommodating vessels up to 240 feet in length. This marina will not only serve as a luxurious docking point but will also operate as a port of entry, equipped with essential customs and immigration…

Carnival Cruise Line has announced a significant shift in its deployment strategy for 2027 and 2028, impacting both the Carnival Sunshine and Carnival Spirit. This change comes as a response to increasing demand in the port of Galveston, Texas, where the larger Carnival Sunshine will now serve as the homeport vessel. The Carnival Spirit will be repositioned to Tampa, Florida. Increased Capacity in Galveston The Carnival Sunshine, with a capacity to accommodate 3,000 guests, offers approximately 40% more space than its counterpart, the Carnival Spirit. Carnival Cruise Line’s commitment to serving the Galveston area reflects a growing interest from travelers…

Air Canada Vacations executives: Melissa Iantosca, Matthew Djorsev, and Veronica Grimaldi Air Canada Vacations (ACV) is setting the standard for vacation choices in Greece, providing a broad spectrum of options for travelers. With daily non-stop service from Toronto Pearson International (YYZ) and Montreal-Trudeau International (YUL) to Athens (ATH) until November, ACV emerges as a premier one-stop shopping destination for Canadian travel agents. Engaging Event in Greektown On June 20, ACV hosted a vibrant lunch event in the heart of Toronto’s Greektown, focusing on their extensive offerings for trips to Greece. This gathering was an opportunity for travel professionals to immerse…

The surge in river cruise popularity has created a vibrant market, with demand reaching unprecedented levels.In the heart of this boom is Cruise & Travel Specialists, where owner Beth Schulberg reports a constant influx of inquiries from potential passengers eager to experience the allure of river cruising.This year alone, approximately 20 new river cruise ships have set sail, with an equal number anticipated to launch in 2024. Looking further ahead, the river cruise sector is gearing up for a blockbuster year in 2027, projected to see the debut of at least 25 new vessels, as well as the introduction of…

Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa isn’t slow and steady, officials said. It’s been relatively swift. Philip RoseThe recovery efforts in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa are moving forward more rapidly than anticipated. Philip Rose, the deputy director of tourism for the Jamaica Tourist Board, highlighted that approximately 30 to 40 hotels and resorts have already re-opened, eagerly welcoming guests. Notably, Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, the area most adversely affected, has largely returned to normal operations.Rose emphasized the importance of tourism to Jamaica’s economy, noting that local resort areas now have essential services like electricity and water. Volunteers have been instrumental…

JetBlue Expands European Routes with New Flights to Barcelona and Milan JetBlue Airways is set to boost its European offerings by introducing **new seasonal routes to Barcelona** and Milan next summer, enhancing travel options for passengers departing from Boston. The eagerly anticipated flights to Barcelona will commence on April 16, 2024, while the service to Milan will launch shortly after on May 11, 2024. Bookings for the new routes will open on November 20, 2023, allowing travelers to plan their getaways to these vibrant cities. Aircraft and Luxurious Amenities JetBlue will utilize its state-of-the-art Airbus A321 narrowbody aircraft for these…

This holiday season marks a significant uptick in American travel plans, with more individuals intending to travel than at any time over the last five years. Yet, a noticeable decrease in spending reveals a shift in travel behavior among various demographics, including high-income households. Recent insights from [Deloitte](https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/consumer-business/articles/holiday-travel-survey.html) and [PwC](https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/services/consulting/what-we-do/hospitality-leisure-analytics.html) highlight an emerging trend of reduced spending this holiday travel season. Deloitte’s 2025 Holiday Travel Survey indicated that just over half of Americans (54%) plan to travel between Thanksgiving and mid-January, a record high. However, this season’s travelers are expected to make fewer trips and spend less money than they…