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Monday, November 13, 2023
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Escalating volcanic activity in Iceland has led to the evacuation of a coastal town and temporary closure of a famous spa, triggering fears of possible flight disruptions brought on by ash. Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa and resort southwest of Reykjavík, has closed for a week as the "likelihood of a volcanic eruption is high," says the Icelandic Meteorological Office.
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Visit Anaheim wrapped up its Western Canada roadshow on Thursday (Nov. 9), concluding a series of special events that engaged with travel advisors and partners in select cities in Alberta and British Columbia. The events showed appreciation for the trade, showcased all that is new in Anaheim, and gave attendees an opportunity to make new contacts.
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In 2023, Air France is celebrating 90 years of elegance. 90 years of technology, innovation and comfort on board its aircraft. 90 years of travel, fine dining, design, haute couture, art and architecture. To commemorate this milestone, Air France presented a collection of five iconic dresses designed by Xavier Ronze, Head of Costume Design at the Paris Opera Ballet.
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MSC Cruises has confirmed the order of two liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessels with French ship builder Chantiers de l’Atlantique. This sees the two World Class options confirmed as firm orders with an option for a fifth ship, the cruise line said in a press release Monday (Nov. 13).
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The upscale and all-inclusive Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal resort now offers guests brand new ways to enjoy their idyllic beachside location. The hotel now offers updated dining options with more palate-pleasing dishes to savour and new room categories, including intimate swim-up rooms. See more in this week's videotorial courtesy of Transat.
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The European Travel Commission (ETC) has released its latest year-to-date data on Europe’s post-COVID recovery, revealing that international tourist arrivals were just 3.2 per cent below 2019 levels. But around 65 per cent of reporting destinations are still below pre-pandemic figures, the ETC says.
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The International Air Transport Association has once again reported an uptick in post-COVID passenger traffic, releasing its latest data for September. Total traffic in September rose 30.1% compared to September 2022, IATA says, and globally, traffic is now at 97.3% of pre-COVID levels. The value chain needs to get ready to handle the demand that is coming, says Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general.
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As PAX first reported, the Jamaica Tourist Board was named Tourism Board Partner of the Year by Ensemble at the consortium’s conference in Las Vegas. “This incredible recognition is a testament to our strong partnership over the last year and the destination’s ongoing efforts to engage and empower travel advisors within the Ensemble community," said Angella Bennett, regional director, Canada, JTB.
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Flair Airlines has announced new routes launching next summer from St. John's and Deer Lake in Newfoundland. The low-cost airline will be bringing service to St. John's for the first time as it establishes its first connection between Deer Lake and Toronto.
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Peter Hunt will be joining Virgin Voyages as the cruise line's CFO, starting in early December, according to a company press release. Hunt is a seasoned executive, bringing with him significant financial and operational experience, not to mention a strong Virgin acumen with prior leadership roles at Virgin America.
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Quark Expeditions has launched its Black Friday Sale, offering up to 50 per cent off on select voyages for a limited time, from Nov. 13 to 27, 2023. "History has taught us that berths on polar voyages sell quickly during the annual Black Friday extravaganza," says Thomas Lennart, VP of sales and client experience at Quark Expeditions.
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Karisma Hotels & Resorts has announced its Black Friday Sale, offering big savings of up to 70 per cent on stays at hotels in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Belize. Guests can book from Nov. 16, 2023, to Dec. 7, 2023, and travel between Nov. 16, 2023, to Jan. 2, 2026.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
“Suppliers make the difference of who we are as an organization,” said Flemming Friisdahl, founder of The Travel Agent Next Door. “Without their support, we wouldn't be here." TTAND held its annual VIP Supplier Event Thursday night (Nov. 9) at Toronto's Fairmont Royal York hotel, where the team shared key updates, including its record-breaking sales, growth and tech plans, and expansion in Quebec.
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VisitBritain on Thursday (Nov. 9) announced the appointment of Cathy Stapells to director, Canada. Based in VisitBritain’s Toronto office, Stapells will lead the implementation of VisitBritain’s integrated travel trade and communications strategy in Canada.
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The 2024 Summer Olympics is expected to be one of the biggest events in Paris' history. Big crowds are expected, so Atout France is urging travel advisors to "think differently" about ways to book travel in France next year. To help inspire new itineraries, and travel hacks, destination partners, including Air Canada, Occitanie, Normandy and Le Boat, met with media last night in Toronto.
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