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Wednesday, January 8, 2025
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Five years after the world was alerted of a novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China – which turned into a global pandemic, crippling the travel industry – a virus that causes respiratory infections is making headlines once again. But HMPV, it's called, doesn't pose the same threat as COVID-19, experts say. PAX spoke to the Public Health Agency of Canada to get more details about the disease, which hasn't prompted specific travel measures in Canada.
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As of today (January 8), Canadian citizens will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit or transit through the United Kingdom. The digital application process costs £10 ($18 CAD). Each authorization is valid for multiple trips over two years (or until the traveller’s passport expires) for stays of up to six months at a time. Eligible visitors can apply for their ETA through the ETA app
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Dangerous wildfires have been tearing through Los Angeles County, fanned by hurricane-strength wind gusts. Four life-threatening fires have been reported across LA, the largest of which has hit Pacific Palisades, leaving tens of thousands of people under evacuation orders, reports say.
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Singapore has reclaimed its crown as the most powerful passport in the world with visa-free access to 195 out of 227 destinations worldwide, leaving Japan as runner-up with a score of 193, according to the 2025 Henley Passport Index, released Wednesday (Jan. 8). The U.S. is the second-biggest faller between 2015 and 2025. How does Canada rank?
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Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino, part of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection, has officially opened Il Mare Adults-Only Preferred Club, an ultra-modern, 52-bungalow section, steps from Piscadera Bay. The 377-square-foot free-standing accommodations are within walking distance of the resort grounds, and offer a king-sized bed, bathroom with two vanities, an indoor sitting area, with an Italian inspired design.
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Atout France Canada has announced the return of Destination France, running February 17-20, 2025. Travel advisors will have opportunities to meet French partners who are flying in to present at the roadshow, which will stop in Montreal (Feb. 17), Toronto (Feb. 18), Vancouver (Feb. 19) and Calgary (Feb. 20). Tour operators and wholesalers can also compete for the "Destination France 2025 prize" by presenting one French product that was marketed in 2024,
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It’s that time of year again. Wave Season – when cruise lines, from winter through to spring, unlock money-saving promotions – has arrived. From discounted fares to onboard credits to stateroom upgrades to savings on land packages, the deals are sailing in like a fleet of ships on a favourable tide. There’s a lot to keep track of, but PAX has your back. Here’s a roundup of the latest deals that have crossed our news desk so far!
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Holland America Line has announced a $70 million investment that it says will expand guest capacity while elevating the line's Denali property, enhancing its land and sea Cruisetours. The project will begin with enhancements to the riverside interpretive trail and public space improvements for the Cottonwood and Canyon Lodge guest room buildings.
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Four Seasons has appointed Keisha Smith as executive vice-president and chief people and culture officer, effective January 6, 2025. Based at the company's corporate office in Miami, Smith joins the executive leadership team and reports directly to Four Seasons President and CEO Alejandro Reynal.
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Transat and Air Transat have unveiled their Winter Sale, giving Canadians an opportunity to fly for less and escape the cold. The promo includes to 40 per cent off South packages, for bookings made by January 23, 2025, for travel between January 7 and December 15, 2025.
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Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) has once again broken its annual passenger record, welcoming 5.6 million cruise passengers in 2024. This marks the second consecutive year of record-breaking growth for the port, which completed a $300 million revitalization project in 2023. The growth is “directly linked to the substantial growth in the Bahamian economy,” NCP says.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Political change is in the air after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday (Jan. 6) announced that he will step down once the Liberal Party has chosen a successor. What does this mean for the Canadian travel industry? "Trudeau's resignation marks “a pivotal moment for Canada” and could “significantly influence the future of the nation's travel sector,” Trevello's Zeina Gedeon told PAX. Greg Luciani, president & CEO of TravelOnly, calls it a "wait and see" situation.
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Iberostar Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its international footprint with the opening of two new hotels in Miami: Iberostar Waves Berkeley Shore and Iberostar Waves Miami Beach, both located in South Beach. The two properties, which mark Iberostar's return to the city, offer premium accommodation under the Iberostar Waves brand.
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Stephen Goulding has joined Virgin Atlantic as country manager for Canada, effective Jan. 6, 2025. Goulding, formally of the WestJet Group, will support the airline’s strategic growth in Canada, most immediately with the launch of its daily service between Toronto and London Heathrow and in connecting markets across the world.
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