Author: Torry K.

Nino Montagnese, VP of ACV Air Canada Vacations (ACV) marked a significant milestone on September 21 with the grand finale of its #ACVDreamMakers product launch in Toronto, concluding an exciting series of five events. This initiative attracted over 2,500 travel advisors from across Canada, culminating in an evening filled with energy and celebration. #ACVDreamMakers Dance Troupe During the Toronto event, attendees were greeted with a lively performance by a dance troupe, setting a vibrant atmosphere for the evening. Nino Montagnese, the VP of ACV, reflected on the successful journey that began in Halifax, stating, “Our journey began in Halifax, and…

Dubai stands as a beacon of opulence and modernity, a city where adventure meets sophistication. Rising dramatically from the golden dunes of the Arabian Desert, this captivating metropolis is renowned for its eclectic blend of futuristic architecture, world-class shopping, and vibrant culture, all steeped in rich Arabian heritage. Visitors to Dubai can explore a myriad of attractions, including the towering Burj Khalifa, the globe’s tallest building, indulge in couture shopping at the luxurious Dubai Mall, meander through the aromatic Spice Souk, or even ski in the desert at Ski Dubai. Yet, what truly sets Dubai apart is its stunning array…

Exodus Adventure Travels, known for its intimate small-group adventure tours, is set to unveil an exciting new series of premium travel experiences called The Signature Collection. Introducing The Signature Collection The Toronto-based tour operator plans to launch the elevated travel collection in early 2026, promising a range of experiences tailored for those who seek slow and immersive travel. With an emphasis on upper-premium itineraries, The Signature Collection aims to provide unique opportunities for travelers. Destinations and Exclusive Itineraries Travelers can look forward to thoughtfully crafted itineraries that will feature stunning destinations such as Japan, Costa Rica, India, Jordan, and Morocco.…

Hurricane Melissa has caused significant disruption across Jamaica, putting the resilience of this tourism-reliant nation to the test. Despite the storm’s aftermath, early recovery efforts are already visible, signaling a hopeful outlook for both residents and tourists. Philip Rose, the Deputy Director of Tourism for the Americas at the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), returned to Jamaica on November 3 to find the Ian Fleming Airport in Ocho Rios operational and the roads to Montego Bay clear. While some trees and billboards sustained damage, the north coast is rebounding quickly. "We’re on the right track to restoring the area," said Rose.…

FORT LAUDERDALE — The river cruising industry is expanding into remarkable destinations beyond Europe, as highlighted during a recent panel at CruiseWorld. Key representatives discussed new river cruise itineraries spanning from Colombia to India, showcasing a vibrant future for this travel segment. Brinley Hineman, the river cruise editor at Travel Weekly, emphasized the shift in river cruising, stating, “River cruising isn’t just for Europe anymore.” This sentiment was echoed by Kristin Karst, Chief Brand Officer of AmaWaterways, who initiated the conversation by boasting of her company’s expansion efforts. AmaWaterways has recently launched the AmaMelodia on Colombia’s Magdalena River, with Karst…

FORT LAUDERDALE — MSC Cruises is making a notable entry into the Galveston, Texas market with the launch of the MSC Seascape this month, emphasizing a tailored food experience that resonates with local preferences. Erin Douglas, MSC’s senior vice president of trade sales, took the stage at the recent CruiseWorld event, sharing insights on how the cruise line is adapting to Texan tastes. "If you’re going into Texas, you have to have ‘blank.’ Texans won’t go without ‘this,’" she recalled, highlighting that interpretations of that ‘blank’ varied widely among Texans. Douglas mentioned several must-have items, including iconic Texas staples like…

Air Canada has issued a notice to Aeroplan members regarding the reinstatement of its points expiration policy. While members can rest easy for now, the company has confirmed that Aeroplan points will remain safe until November 29, 2026. After this date, any account that shows inactivity for a period of 18 months will see its points expire. In a message posted on Air Canada’s official website, the airline detailed: "Between now and November 29, 2026, any Aeroplan points which would have expired, won’t. Effective November 30, 2026, our normal expiration policy will apply." To keep their accounts active, members are…

TTC Tour Brands On September 27, TTC Tour Brands, which encompasses several well-known travel companies such as Trafalgar, Contiki, Costsaver, Brendan Vacations, Insight Vacations, and Luxury Gold, announced a pioneering initiative—the launch of an “industry-first” Carbon Fund. This initiative, in partnership with its philanthropic arm, the TreadRight Foundation, aims to bolster TTC’s Climate Action Plan as part of its quest for net-zero emissions. The Carbon Fund is designed to facilitate the decarbonization of TTC’s operations, funded by brand revenue generated across its various travel offerings. According to a statement by TTC, the fund will strategically invest in sustainable practices including…

FORT LAUDERDALE — Representatives from leading river cruise lines showcased an exciting range of new and exotic destinations during a panel discussion at CruiseWorld this Thursday. As Brinley Hineman, river cruise editor at Travel Weekly, noted, “River cruising isn’t just for Europe anymore.” Kristin Karst, chief brand officer of AmaWaterways, kicked off the discussion by highlighting the company’s commitment to exploring fresh river destinations. With the recent launch of the AmaMelodia on Colombia’s Magdalena River, Karst expressed her enthusiasm about being a trailblazer in untapped regions. "It’s always great to be the first one somewhere," she remarked. Karst elaborated on…

Tauck unveils new river ships set to sail through France and Portugal, alongside the launch of five innovative European cruises. New Ship Introductions Tauck has announced the addition of two new river ships to its fleet: the Saudade, which will serve as a sister ship to the Andorinha, will operate on Portugal’s Douro River, while the Reverie will accompany the Serene in sailing the famed Seine River. Short Itineraries for Busy Travelers In a significant move to cater to travelers with limited time, Tauck is set to launch a six-day river cruise in late 2026, with an expanded offering available…