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Tuesday, March 11, 2025
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Twice as many Canadians are avoiding the U.S. than originally predicted, new data shows. Jane Clementino, SVP and GM at TRAVELSAVERS Canada, says the U.S. tariffs, combined with the weak dollar, has led to uncertainty. But advisors can present themselves as "essential resources" by offering alternatives, she says. Here, Clementino shares destinations where the Canadian dollar stretches further, along with insights on how the trade war is impacting cruise sales and U.S. suppliers.
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Virtuoso has announced its 2025 Virtuoso Cruise Icons, an honour for advisors whose sales performance excels within the industry. An esteemed group of 185 advisors from 13 countries worldwide have received the Virtuoso Cruise Icon designation, making an impressive 27 per cent increase from 2024. In Canada, 16 travel advisors made this year's Cruise Icons list.
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Avalon Waterways and ACTA have announced that applications are now open for its 2025 European River Cruise Summit – an educational and experiential opportunity for Canadian travel advisors to expand their river cruise expertise while soaking up the festive magic of Europe’s Christmas markets on the Rhine. Canadian travel advisors are invited to register their interest online before March 31, 2025.
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The Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa has a reputation of offering the perfect 5-star tropical holiday for its guests. But since they introduced The Signature Level, there’s a whole new elevated way to vacation in Montego Bay. This retreat has managed to turn an all-inclusive getaway into an even more indulgent and hassle-free experience by adding premium services to the mix. Explore more with Transat.
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Beaches Resorts has revealed details about its expansion with the addition of the new Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort. Now accepting reservations for Spring 2026 arrivals, guests can choose from 101 stunning multi-bedroom concierge and butler suites, including two, three and four-bedroom luxury accommodations.
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Ottawa’s plan to open Canada’s airports to private investment is a “bad idea” that will siphon off profits, suppress wages, and increase costs for travellers, says Unifor. "Privatization of Canada's critical infrastructure, like our airports, can put profit over public safety, removes public accountability, and as many airport workers know, suppresses wages and working conditions for those affected," says Unifor National President Lana Payne.
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Blue Diamond Resorts has announced its latest venture in the Caribbean: Royalton CHIC Jamaica Paradise Cove, An Autograph Collection All Inclusive Resort, set to debut in late 2026. The 345-suite, adults-only property will be located about an one hour from Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport and forty minutes from Ocho Rios International Airport. It will be Jamaica's first Royalton CHIC resort.
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In honour of International Women's Day (IWD), on Saturday (March 6), Sunwing Airlines took off for the clouds from Toronto and Montreal with two flights to Montego Bay and Cancun, respectively, operated by an all-female flight deck and cabin crew. The annual initiative serves as a powerful symbol of women's achievements in travel and Sunwing's longstanding dedication to fostering an inclusive environment.
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ZEL, a new lifestyle brand by Meliá Hotels and sports star Rafael Nadal, has officially unbolted its doors in the Dominican Republic. Blending relaxation, sports, fitness, and social connection, the 190-suite resort near Bávaro Beach debuted in December 2024 and officially celebrated its grand opening celebration on March 7. "ZEL Punta Cana is a true Mediterranean retreat," said Nadal in a statement.
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Toronto Pearson airport (YYZ) has reclaimed the award for "Best Airport over 40 Million Passengers in North America" by Airports Council International (ACI) World for the second consecutive year, and the seventh time in eight years. The ASQ Awards are based feedback from travellers through live surveys at airports worldwide. Other airports in Canada that won were St John's International (YYT) and Victoria International (YYJ).
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
The first official government data on Canada–U.S. travel patterns, ever since calls for a "boycott" in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada emerged, is now available. U.S. Customs and Border Protection data on international air arrivals shows that in February 2025, airlines carried two per cent fewer non-U.S. citizen passengers from Canada to the U.S. compared to February 2024.
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Canadian snowbirds, take note: a new immigration provision put into effect by the U.S. government may change the way you travel. Foreign nationals visiting the U.S. for more than 30 days will have to register with the government in order to avoid penalties, a shift that could impact the millions of Canadians who head south of the border for warmer climates each year.
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Starting later this year, any complete passport application—whether submitted online, in person, or by mail—will be processed within 30 business days, or it will be free of charge, says Service Canada. Online passport renewals will also launch this summer, says Citizens' Services Minister Terry Beech. The update comes as the Government of Canada aims to modernize its passport services.
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