Author: Torry K.

Hyatt is set to expand its footprint in Africa by introducing the Hyatt Regency brand to Zambia in 2026, with plans to reopen the renowned Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka. The hotel, currently undergoing extensive renovations, aims to provide an elevated experience for both business and leisure travelers. Major Renovation Plans for Pamodzi Hotel Upon its transformation into the Hyatt Regency Lusaka The Pamodzi, the hotel will feature 170 redesigned rooms and suites adorned with contemporary decor. Guests can anticipate upgraded in-room amenities, all aligned with Hyatt’s international five-star standards. These enhancements aim to elevate the overall guest experience, aligning with…

Tickets are now available for the 17th annual Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout taking place from January 14 to 19, 2026. This year’s event coincides with the 20th anniversary of the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. Guests can take advantage of a special package that grants exclusive access to various signature events throughout the festival. Exciting Culinary Experiences Await The upcoming Cayman Cookout promises more than 60 demonstrations, tastings, and excursions led by renowned chefs including Eric Ripert, José Andrés, Andrew Zimmern, and others. The lineup will also feature new programming, including a wellness panel hosted by Andrew Zimmern and cooking demonstrations that…

In an exciting announcement this week, Royal Caribbean Group detailed its Q3 results, highlighting plans to launch its first private destination in Europe: the Royal Beach Club in Santorini. The much-anticipated Royal Beach Club Santorini will welcome guests from Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises starting in the summer of 2026. This new addition marks a significant expansion in Royal Caribbean’s private destination offerings, with a goal to increase its current portfolio from two locations—Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee—to eight by 2028. The first Royal Beach Club is slated to open in Nassau this December. Access will be available…

WestJet, a prominent Canadian airline, has finalized a significant transaction whereby a 25% stake in the company was sold to Delta Air Lines, Korean Air, and Air France-KLM. This strategic move, first announced in May, represents a pivotal development in the aviation sector. Key Details of the Stake Acquisition Under the terms of the agreements, Delta secured a 15% ownership in WestJet, while Korean Air acquired a 10% stake. Additionally, in a later maneuver, Delta transferred a 2.3% share to its joint-venture ally, Air France-KLM. As a result, Delta now holds a 12.7% stake in the Canadian carrier. Implications of…

ACTA President Suzanne Acton-Gervais on the opening day of the ACTA International Destination Conference in León, Spain. One hundred Canadian travel advisors and agents have converged in León, located in northwestern Spain, to attend the ACTA International Destination Conference aimed at uncovering Spain’s lesser-known destinations. The conference commenced on October 28 with an array of speeches and panels focused on enhancing travel strategies. ACTA President Suzanne Acton-Gervais emphasized during her trilingual address, “This week is about you. It’s about strengthening our networks, discovering new opportunities, and showcasing the power of Canada’s travel advisor community.” Current trends show that most ACTA…

Travelsavers Dine & Discover event Travelsavers Canada recently concluded its highly anticipated Dine & Discover series in Toronto, attracting over 100 attendees and representatives from more than 30 local travel agencies. Hosted at Parkview Manor, the event featured 18 “preferred partners,” including newcomers like Air Transat, Expedia TAAP, and Club Med. Connecting the Travel Industry Commencing in the summer of 2023, the Dine & Discover events aim to foster connections among travel agency owners, advisors, and preferred partners. These gatherings are designed to facilitate learning through informative presentations, helping enhance business relationships and service offerings in the travel sector. Insights…

Mountain biking in Botswana’s Tuli Block offers an extraordinary blend of adventure and wildlife encounters, creating a unique experience for travelers seeking alternatives to traditional safaris. Here, visitors can discover remarkable landscapes while riding along ancient elephant highways, bringing them closer to nature than ever before. Nestled between the borders of Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, the Tuli Block stretches across a vast 2,300-square-mile wilderness, aiming to establish itself as the premier active adventure destination in southern Africa. Remarkably, this region remains relatively undiscovered by international tourists, presenting a rare opportunity for those in search of uncharted territories. Exploring Ancient…

In a significant move for the tourism industry, the Jordan Tourism Board North America (JTBNA), which has been vital for promoting Jordan as a travel destination, is poised to close its office by November 30. This decision follows a storm of challenges stemming from geopolitical tensions, specifically the ongoing [Israel-Hamas conflict](https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Jordan-tourism-is-casualty-Israel-Hamas-war). The JTBNA was originally established in 1997, following a partnership agreement between Jordan and Israel, aimed at co-marketing their tourism sectors in the U.S. Before this, Jordan lacked a dedicated tourism office anywhere, including within its borders, until Malia Asfour was appointed to spearhead the effort. Since then, she…

As travel trends shift, Guadeloupe is emerging as a captivating destination for North American travelers, thanks to enhanced airlift, a vibrant cultural calendar, and a concerted effort to engage travel advisors. While traditionally not a hotspot, Guadeloupe is steadily increasing its visibility among U.S. and Canadian tourists. ### Growing Air Connections to Guadeloupe In September 2025, Guadeloupe welcomed 104,517 air passengers, reflecting a slight decline of 5.3% from the previous year. However, total traffic for the year remains promising, showing a 3% increase compared to 2024 with over 1.6 million passengers recorded. According to Audrey Yacou, USA Marketing Executive for…

Alaska Airlines is set to expand its operations in San Diego next spring, adding five new destinations to its flight schedule. The Seattle-based airline will introduce routes connecting San Diego to Dallas-Fort Worth, Raleigh-Durham, Oakland, and Santa Barbara, California, starting April 22. Additionally, flights between San Diego and Tulsa, Oklahoma, will launch on March 18, marking Alaska Airlines’ inaugural service to Tulsa. The new Oakland service will operate four times daily, with twice-daily flights to Dallas and Santa Barbara, while Raleigh and Tulsa will offer daily flights. This expansion positions Alaska Airlines to compete against American Airlines and Southwest Airlines,…