PAXnews - Travellers face rising airport fees as facilities grapple with debt; Young Canadians are prioritizing spring travel, survey says; Intrepid debuts women's expedition in Pakistan

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Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Canadian travellers face rising airport fees as facilities grapple with debt

Canadians face increased airport fees after the pandemic nearly halted revenues for at least two years, resulting in higher debt levels. Airports in Canada, collectively, have added some $3.2 billion in combined debt, says credit rating agency DBRS Morningstar. As a result, air travellers can expect to pay more.

Young Canadians are prioritizing spring travel despite dull economic outlook: poll

Young Canadians are prioritizing travel this spring despite a dull economic outlook, according to a new survey from Scotiabank, released Tuesday (March 7). Overall, nearly one-in-four Canadians (23%) say they're planning to vacation this spring, with another 17% considering travel.

Transat now charging agents for tasks that can be done using self-service tools

Transat’s new call centre fees kicked in on Monday (March 6) as the tour operator urges travel advisors to use its new self-service functions. Transat will now charge $25 per file when its contact centre performs a task that can be done independently. A fee of $25 per paying traveller will also apply if the centre creates a booking that could have been booked using a reservation system.

WestJet adds seats, increases frequencies to summer schedule; YYZ-YOW reduced

WestJet is making significant increases to its summer schedule by bringing more seats and additional flight frequencies to popular routes across its network. "Our summer schedule reflects a strengthened commitment to providing seamless domestic and transborder connectivity for our guests," says John Weatherill, WestJet Group EVP & chief commercial officer.

Intrepid debuts women's expedition in Pakistan

Intrepid Travel is introducing brand new women’s trips and experiences for 2023, including its first-ever Women’s Expedition in Pakistan. Intrepid’s Women’s Expeditions debunk misconceptions about gender norms and celebrate the similarities and differences of women around the globe.

Anita Emilio named VP & GM of Flight Centre's Independent & Luxury pillars

Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) has announced the appointment of Anita Emilio as VP and GM, Independent and Luxury pillars in Canada. Starting March 6, Emilio will form part of the Global Independent and Luxury taskforce’s who have been responsible for the strong growth results that have been highly visible in the FCTG leisure performance.

AmaWaterways reveals two new ships for Magdalena voyages in Colombia

AmaWaterways has shared details on two newly-designed ships and itineraries debuting in 2024 on the Magdalena River in Colombia. The luxury river cruise line is now accepting reservations for its new program into the heart of Colombia on board the custom-built AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia.

Discounts & events during Myrtle Beach's Can-Am Days, March 11-19

Myrtle Beach's 62nd Annual Can-Am Days, happening this March 11-19, is fast approaching and visiting Canadians can expect some great discounts and special events. Here's a taste of what visitors can expect.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

A "very strong" sargassum season ahead: Tulum to install sea barriers

Due to an early arrival of sargassum on Mexican state beaches, Tulum is being forced to deal with this issue earlier than usual, according to a report. The Tulum Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (Zofemat) has announced that, towards the end of April, the Navy will install an anti-Sargassum network off the coast.

Monday Minute: Heather Clifton of Cruise CEO

B.C.-based Heather Clifton of Cruise CEO has been a travel advisor since 1997. Her speciality? Cruises. "Wherever there is a body of water that a passenger ship can travel," Clifton tells PAX in today's Monday Minute. Travellers these days are interested in longer cruises and bucket list destinations, she says. And when travel reopened, she saw more clients book World Cruises!

Trash talk: United Airlines hires Oscar the Grouch to explain green fuel

United Airlines has undergone a leadership shake-up: the U.S.-based carrier has named Sesame Street's Oscar the Grouch as its first “Chief Trash Officer” as he and the airline celebrate his love of rubbish. The move comes amid a campaign designed to promote the benefits of using sustainable aviation fuel.