Author: Torry K.

Jamaica’s hospitality sector is navigating a challenging recovery after the impact of Hurricane Melissa, with varying timelines for reopening across different regions. While some resorts have resumed operations, others in severely affected areas are facing extensive delays. Properties in the Montego Bay region experienced significant damage from the hurricane’s landfall on October 28, contrasting sharply with the lighter impacts felt in popular areas like Ocho Rios and Negril. Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International, stated, “Jamaica is a large and diverse island, and each region has experienced the storm differently.” Among the Sandals resorts, five properties in Negril…

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is set to revolutionize travel by chartering the luxurious Aqua Blu, an expedition yacht, for exclusive cruises between Indonesia and Singapore in 2027. This innovative move comes alongside an announcement regarding the debut of new boutique river ships in Europe. The Aqua Blu will offer two unique 14-day itineraries in 2027, with sailings scheduled for June 23 and September 1. Starting in vibrant Bali and culminating in the bustling city of Singapore, these cruises promise to deliver an extraordinary travel experience, described by Uniworld as “unlike anything Uniworld has offered before.” Guests will begin their journey…

Carnival Cruise Line to Launch Year-Round Sailings from Mobile for First Time Since Pandemic In an exciting development for cruise enthusiasts and travelers, Carnival Cruise Line has announced that the Carnival Valor will begin year-round operations from the Port of Mobile, marking a significant return to continuous cruises from this popular Alabama destination. Starting on May 15, 2027, the Valor will offer a new level of convenience and adventure for cruise-goers. Introduction of the Carnival Valor to Mobile’s Port The Carnival Valor will be the first Conquest-class ship to homeport in Mobile, providing an impressive capacity boost with room for…

Turkish Airlines, celebrated for being the airline that operates flights to the most countries globally according to the Guinness World Records®, has unveiled its latest travel promotions aimed specifically at Canadian travelers. The “Sales Fest” and “Şeb-i Arus” campaigns offer exceptional pricing on round-trip tickets, inviting Canadians to explore various destinations. Sales Fest Campaign: Unbeatable Offers With the Sales Fest campaign, Turkish Airlines is making international travel more accessible. Limited-seating round-trip tickets are available starting at just $1,099 CAD to select destinations, including Beirut (BEY), Cairo (CAI), Delhi (DEL), Istanbul (IST), Lahore (LHE), and Tehran (THR). To take advantage of…

The highly anticipated Africa and Middle East Roadshow, organized by Goway, launched at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Toronto. This successful event attracted over 150 travel advisors, showcasing 27 suppliers who presented a variety of destinations across Africa and the Middle East. Engagement and Education for Travel Advisors Travel advisors attending the event provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, highlighting the immense value of direct interaction with Destination Management Companies (DMCs). These interactions offered unique insights that are crucial for effectively selling these diverse destinations. Moira Smith, Goway’s Vice President for Africa and Asia, mentioned that this event was their first…

Buried within the historic 1994 treaty between Israel and Jordan was an unexpected boon for tourism: a mandate for both nations to jointly market their attractions to American travelers. This initiative, which aimed to foster peace through exploration, was celebrated during the ASTA World Congress in Lisbon that same year. Prior to this landmark agreement, Jordan lacked a dedicated tourism office, even within its own borders. To address this gap, the Jordanian government appointed Malia Asfour, who had been affiliated with the Jordan Information Bureau in Washington, D.C., to lead the launch of the Jordan Tourism Board – North America…

Vacation packager Pleasant Holidays is undergoing a substantial brand transformation by introducing two new brands while discontinuing its luxury service, Journese. This restructuring aligns under a newly established holding company, A|T Collective. A|T Collective: A Refresh for Pleasant Holidays As part of A|T Collective, Pleasant Holidays aims to emerge as a “reinvigorated” flagship brand. This initiative will enhance vacation package offerings catered to travel advisors, agencies, and consortia, reinforcing its commitment to excellence in travel. Launch of New Brands Beginning January 1, 2024, Pleasant Holidays will introduce Member First, a brand dedicated to providing tailored services exclusively to AAA Travel.…

Air France is set to enhance its transatlantic offerings by launching a new route to Las Vegas, effective from April 14, 2024. This exciting addition will feature three weekly flights, making it a prime option for travelers seeking vibrant entertainment and leisure opportunities in the entertainment capital of the world. Air France’s Unique Las Vegas Service As the sole airline providing this route, Air France aims to make Las Vegas more accessible for travelers flying from Europe. The airline will utilize its modern Airbus A350 aircraft, which boasts a range of amenities across three cabin classes: business, premium economy, and…

A new biometric photography initiative, previously reported by Open Jaw, is set to become official U.S. policy beginning December 26, 2025. This significant shift marks an expanded use of facial recognition technology and data collection across all entry and exit points for travelers in the United States. Under this updated regulation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will require photographs—and sometimes fingerprints—of all non-U.S. citizens, including lawful permanent residents and children, whenever they enter or depart from the country, regardless of whether they are traveling by air, land, or sea. Overview of the Rule The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)…

Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) is set to kick off a nationwide marketing campaign aimed at highlighting the invaluable contributions of its travel professionals across both franchise and corporate agencies. With previous phases of the campaign already visible on various digital platforms, including websites, Google, and YouTube, TDC plans to unveil fresh visual designs in the coming months. Celebrating Travel Professionals Karine Gagnon, General Manager of Transat Distribution Canada, emphasized the significance of TDC’s travel professionals. "Our travel advisors are among our most valuable assets," she noted. The latest campaign mirrors efforts from 2020 but introduces new elements to spotlight the…