Author: Torry K.

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…

The Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND) marked a significant milestone earlier this month, celebrating its 11th anniversary with a VIP Supplier Event held at the historic Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto. The celebration not only recognized the company’s journey but also honored key individuals who have been instrumental in its success. Celebrating Contributions to TTAND During the event, TTAND Founder and CEO Flemming Friisdahl presented appreciation awards to three influential figures who have supported the company since its inception. The honorees included Brad Miron, Dan Galbraith, and Jill Wykes, each of whom has played a critical role in shaping…

Sunwing Vacations Cuba Following WestJet Group’s recent acquisition of Sunwing, both companies have addressed the concerns raised by industry experts and consumer advocates. Consumers are worried that this merger may lead to diminished competition, potentially resulting in increased prices and reduced travel options for Canadian travelers. Commitment to Affordable Air Travel On June 20, WestJet assured the public that their planned integration of Sunwing Airlines and its budget airline Swoop would still maintain a diverse range of airfare options, spanning from budget to premium fare classes. This integration aims to offer travelers an array of options, assuring that Sunwing Vacations…

The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach & Golf Resort in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, is set to unveil a stunning $60 million renovation on December 17, ushering in an exciting new era for this expansive 607-acre beachfront property nestled between the lush El Yunque National Rainforest and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. Comprehensive Renovation Details This ambitious redevelopment project includes a complete redesign of the resort’s 400 guestrooms and 40 suites, offering guests a luxurious and modern experience. Alongside the accommodation enhancements, public spaces throughout the resort will see significant updates, ensuring a cohesive and inviting atmosphere for all visitors.…

Viking has announced that it is poised to sell out its entire 2026 inventory. During the recent third-quarter earnings call, the company revealed that 70% of its available capacity for the upcoming year has already been booked, translating to an impressive $4.9 billion in advanced bookings. This marks a consistent trend for Viking, as they reported a similar statistic last year, having sold 70% of their 2025 inventory by this same time. Notably, river cruise bookings comprise a significant part of this revenue, amounting to $2.2 billion. For the third quarter, Viking’s total revenue approached $2 billion, reflecting a robust…

The Surge of River Cruises: A Booming Trend in Travel With an unprecedented demand for river cruises, the phones at Cruise & Travel Specialists in Lake Oswego, Oregon, are ringing off the hook. Clients are eager to explore the allure of river cruising and experience the unique offerings available. This surge in interest comes as over 20 new river ships launched this year, with expectations for a similar increase next year. The river cruise industry is gearing up for a particularly robust expansion in 2027, which is projected to see the introduction of at least 25 new ships, including the…

The Booming Demand for River Cruises: What You Need to Know As interest in river cruises soars, the phones at Cruise & Travel Specialists in Lake Oswego, Oregon, are ringing off the hook. Travelers are eager to experience the unique allure of river cruising, leading to an unprecedented number of new options entering the market. This year alone, approximately 20 new river cruise ships have set sail, with another similar influx expected next year. Looking ahead to 2027, the river cruise sector will see a notable expansion with at least 25 new vessels anticipated, along with at least one fresh…

Travel advisors have a unique opportunity to deepen their knowledge about the stunning island of Curaçao through an informative webinar hosted by the Curaçao Tourism Board. Scheduled for Thursday, November 27, the webinar will commence at 2 p.m. EST, providing an enriching experience for professionals in the travel industry. Curaçao is celebrated for its vibrant culture, unique blend of Caribbean and European influences, and rich history. As Sheila Botton, Curaçao’s Business Development Manager for Canada, emphasizes, “Curaçao isn’t just a destination; it’s a colourful canvas where Caribbean soul meets European charm, and every corner tells a story waiting to be…

Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences in Saint Lucia has unveiled its much-anticipated Black Friday Sale, offering Canadian travellers discounts of up to 55% on select luxury accommodations from November 24th to December 4th, 2025. This limited-time promotion is an excellent opportunity for Canadians to enjoy a premier Caribbean escape at an unparalleled value. As a proudly Canadian-owned establishment, Windjammer Landing is renowned for its exceptional hospitality, genuine island charm, and welcoming atmosphere that draws Canadian visitors back year after year. Exclusive Offers Include: Up to 55% Off Rooms, Suites & Villas A $150 Resort Credit for stays of 5 nights…

Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) recently announced the departure of Kimberley Wood, the longstanding Director of Franchise and Affiliate Members, who has served the company for nearly 14 years. Wood’s resignation, effective June 23, marks a significant transition for TDC, as she decides to explore new challenges in her professional journey. Karine Gagnon, the General Manager of TDC, expressed her gratitude towards Wood for her invaluable contributions to the organization. "I would like to thank Kimberley warmly for her collaboration and contribution to Transat Distribution over the many years," Gagnon stated. Her leadership and efforts have greatly influenced the company’s operations…