PAXnews - Restrictions will be in place for "as long as needed," says Trudeau; Tour ops respond to travel rules; sun destinations prepare for losses

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Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Travel restrictions will be in place for "as long as needed," says Trudeau

Speaking to reporters in Ottawa on Tuesday (Feb. 2), Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada’s new travel restrictions will be in place for “as long as needed" to ensure the safety of Canadians.

“Don’t stop dreaming”: Tour operators sound off on Trudeau’s travel rules

Trudeau's new travel restrictions put even more strains on Canada's travel industry. The situation continues to raise questions, but also renews the call for collaboration, tour operators say.

Mexico, Jamaica, Cuba brace for "huge" losses in wake of Canada’s flight suspensions

Canada’s decision to suspend flights to sand and sun destinations for three months comes as a major blow to tropical countries that heavily rely on Canadians for tourism.

Urgent & vital: Transat CEO urges Canada to "define a clear plan" for the future of travel

In an open letter, President and CEO of Transat Jean-Marc Eustache says it's urgent that Canada embrace a long-term policy around air travel and "make sure we maintain our connection with the world." Read Mr. Eustache's complete letter here.

Sophie Raymond departs role at Velas Resorts

Sophie Raymond is no longer regional sales director in Canada for Velas Resorts, PAX has learned. Raymond fulfilled her responsibilities at Velas Resorts, with mastery, for six years.

"Untold damage": WTTC condemns Canada's "drastic measures" to restrict travel

The World Travel and Tourism Council is speaking out against Canada's decision to tighten international travel restrictions, calling it a move that will cause "untold damage" to the sector.

Sunwing secures $375M to protect jobs thanks to LEEFF loan

The Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corp. has announced a new loan under the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF), giving Sunwing Vacations Inc. and Sunwing Airlines Inc. access to $375 million to protect jobs in Canada's airline sector.

$2,000 is a “ballpark” figure for hotel quarantine that could change: Alghabra

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra has offered some clarification around the $2,000 international arrivals will soon have to pay for quarantining in a hotel for three nights.

Snowbirds blast “ridiculous" $2,000 quarantine while figuring out next moves

Trudeau's tough new travel rules has left Canadian snowbirds asking themselves if they should stay or if they should go. While The Canadian Snowbird Association is supportive of COVID-19 testing regimes, they are opposed to a mandatory hotel quarantine.

“A punch in the gut”: Agents, industry reacts to Canada's new travel restrictions

Canada's tightening of international travel and quarantine restrictions has triggered a wave of response within the travel industry. PAX spoke with travel advisors and agencies to get their reaction to the new rules.

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