PAXnews - On Location: PAX explores "the new Cuba" with agents, Transat; Negative COVID test for China "political," expert says; 2,000 bags sit unclaimed at YVR

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Tuesday, January 3, 2023

On Location: Free Wi-Fi & hotel upgrades – agents explore “the new Cuba” with Transat

Free internet. Hotel upgrades. New rules for beach bars. "The new Cuba" is ready to welcome back Canadians after a challenging two years with new and improved services. PAX recently got an on-the-ground look at Varadero and Havana with Transat and Canadian travel advisors. Read our exclusive on-location report!

Canada to require COVID-19 testing for flights from China starting Jan. 5

Ottawa will temporarily require people flying from China, Hong Kong and Macao to test negative for COVID-19 before leaving for Canada starting Jan. 5. But one medical expert says point of entry screening is not effective, calling the move politically motivated.

Some 2,000 bags still sit unclaimed at Vancouver airport

The aftermath of the chaos that ensued at Canadian airports during the peak holiday period continues to make headlines as some 2,000 luggage items, as of Jan. 2, remain unclaimed at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The reunification process could take weeks to complete, officials say.

Stranded Sunwing customers fly home on New England Patriots’ jet

A group of Canadians that were stranded in the Dominican Republic after their return flight home with Sunwing was cancelled experienced a voyage that gives re-patriation a new meaning. As reported by Global News, 14 Sunwing customers from Quebec were recently flown home on a jet owned by the New England Patriots football team.

Cruise lines ordered to pay $400M+ for “trafficking” in confiscated Havana ports

Carnival, MSC SA, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian have been ordered by a U.S. judge to pay more than US$400 million in damages for use of port piers in Havana, Cuba that were expropriated by Fidel Castro in 1960.

A "milestone for tourism revival": Hong Kong scraps most COVID travel rules

Travellers heading to Hong Kong are no longer required to undergo a mandatory PCR test upon arrival, the Hong Kong SAR Government announced. In addition, the city's Vaccine Pass has been lifted. Meanwhile, Canada has announced new testing rules for travellers arriving from China.

Playa promotes Dayna Blank to EVP, chief people officer

Playa Hotels & Resorts has promoted Dayna Blank from senior vice-president, human resources to executive vice-president and chief people officer. Blank will lead the expansion of Playa's employee culture across a growing portfolio of independent owners that look to Playa's management arm for long-term success.

Swoop transports 10,000+ guests in a single day for first time

Swoop is kicking off 2023 with a milestone – the carrier says it transported more than 10,000 travellers in a single day for the first time in the company's history. On Jan. 1, 2023, the ultra-low-cost carrier had its single largest travel day, operating 64 flights and flying 10,268 travellers.

"The beginning of a new era": Porter takes delivery of first Embraer E195-E2

The first two of 50 Embraer E195-E2 ordered by Porter Airlines have been delivered in a ceremony at Embraer’s headquarters in Brazil, the airline announced Wednesday (Dec. 21). “The official delivery of these aircraft is the beginning of a new era for Porter,” said Michael Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines.

Nexion Canada LLC named "Canada Account of the Year" by Celebrity

Nexion Canada LLC has been recognized by Celebrity Cruises as a top performing partner in North America for the year. The honour, which recognized several partners, was based on overall business growth, partnership support and innovative marketing efforts that drove increased consumer awareness throughout 2022.

From mess to success: The stories that shaped the Canadian travel industry in 2022

PAX dives deep into the events, people, companies and issues that shaped the Canadian travel industry in 2022. From the renewed uncertainty brought on by the Omicron variant to the easing of travel restrictions to operational issues at airports and passport offices, the year was full of drama. But as new ships and airlines launch, and as sales continue to break records, the industry's recovery, this winter, is real.

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