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Thursday, November 16, 2023
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Porter Airlines hosted a Toronto edition of its “Mr. Porter’s House Party” Wednesday night (Nov. 15) at Evergreen Brick Works. The disco ball-lit bash coincided with Porter’s North American expansion, immersing guests in the airline's onboard experience with unique activations. Kevin Jackson, Porter's EVP and COO, spoke to PAX about reintroducing the airline to Toronto, success in Florida, and plans to enhance Porter's loyalty program.
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Flight Centre Travel Group's Independent Division concluded its inaugural Independent Icons trip, uniting independent travel agency owners and mobile advisors from Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The voyage featured 71 agents from 55 agencies and 11 reps from nine suppliers, sailing the Danube aboard the SS Beatrice with Uniworld’s CEO Ellen Bettridge.
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The Granite Travel Trade Expos will be returning for 2024 after seeing a strong demand from travel agents in smaller markets across the country, according to a press release. Supplier /vendors are invited to now register to participate in the 2024 expos, which will be happening in 11 key secondary markets across the country.
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Celebrity Cruises announced its 2025-2026 season of sailings on Thursday (Nov. 16), calling it its most ambitious ever with more than 800 sailings to over 290 destinations in 72 countries across seven continents. The new program for the cruise line’s fleet of 16 ships includes the debut Caribbean season for the fifth ship in the Edge Series, Celebrity Xcel, along with new ports in Europe.
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The Jamaica Tourist Board brought the spirit of the island to Canadian travel advisors and consumers last week during Canada Trade Week. The cross-country campaign included travel agent engagement events in Calgary, Montreal and Toronto, followed by the first-ever Jamaica Travel Expo consumer event at the Pearson Convention Centre in Toronto.
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TRAVELSAVERS Canada wrapped up its Dine & Discover event series last week in Toronto, spotlighting new partners to showcase its growth. Held at Parkview Manor, more than 100 people attended the event, with over 30 local agencies represented. As well, 18 preferred partners were featured, including newcomers Air Transat, ExpediaTAAP and Club Med.
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Celestyal confirm the acquisition of a second new vessel this year. The Celestyal Discovery, follows the recent arrival of the Celestyal Journey, signaling a fleet refresh and further commitment to significant investment into the customer proposition. The cruise line reports that the Celestyal Discovery will now join her fleet mate in Athens, where they will both undergo multimillion-euro winter refurbishment programs ahead of the new season, which commences in March 2024.
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Toronto-based public relations and digital marketing firm Faulhaber will represent the Dominican Republic tourism this winter, the company has announced. In addition to its all-year-round offering, Dominican Republic recently launched a Winter Campaign, called Change The Season.
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Riviera River Cruises has announced eight new themed European river cruise itineraries for 2025. On these eight-day itineraries, guests can indulge in their love of art, music, history, food, wine and nature with experiences tailored to each interest on the continent’s most popular waterways, including the Rhine, Danube, Rhône and Douro rivers.
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Black Friday, a period that kickstarts the holiday shopping season, is in full swing as retailers unleash a flood of limited-time offers and money-saving deals. The travel industry is no exception, and ahead of the official day (Nov. 24), suppliers have already been unlocking bargains on select itineraries. Here's a roundup of the promos that have crossed our news desk so far.
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Saint Lucia is boosting its visitor experience with the launch of a new local shopping guide featuring more than 30 shops and stalls. The guide is a resource designed to assist tourists discover the many independent businesses offering locally-made products throughout the island.
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Universal Orlando Resort's annual Holidays celebration officially kicks off this Friday (Nov. 17) – inviting guests and clients to set their festive side free with merry experiences across the theme park destination.
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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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Transat and Air Transat invite travellers to take advantage of their Black Friday mega sale today to save big on flights and packages from Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. Plus, travel advisors get 5X BONBON per booking, which means $5 per flight and $25 per package.
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Bookings are now open for Holland America Line's 2025-2026 South America and Antarctica season. Featuring longer cruises up to 22 days, guests can experience the region's blend of diverse cultures, natural landscapes and historical heritage — including 16 UNESCO World Heritage sites and UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Canada Jetlines is expanding its operations with the launch of Jetlines Vacations, a bonded tour operator that will offer packaged vacation deals and 10% commission to the trade. In a Q&A interview with PAX, Marketing Director Julie Rempel explains what the new venture means, how it will simplify the booking process and how it plans to work with travel agents.
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While the timing is little off due to an impending volcanic eruption, WestJet has nonetheless officially announced new service to Iceland, a route that will connect Calgary with Reykjavik (Keflavik). The airline is also reconnecting eastern Canadian cities to Europe this summer, with service from Toronto to Dublin and Edinburgh, Halifax to Dublin, Edinburgh, and London, and St. John's to London.
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Blue Diamond Resorts has announced the opening of Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only, as it welcomes its first guests. Situated in Montego Bay, Jamaica, this oceanfront resort features 352 modern accommodations, twelve dining options, pools, a private islet, and endless entertainment.
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