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Wednesday, April 8, 2026
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Sustainability is no longer a niche talking point in luxury travel—it’s becoming an expectation, subtly shaping how travel advisors guide clients and how travellers evaluate their choices. At Virtuoso’s On Tour event in Toronto on Tuesday (April 7), three Virtuoso advisors shared how environmental awareness, AI and U.S. sentiment is redefining the luxury space, from the early stages of trip planning to the execution.
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Luxury travel among affluent Canadians is becoming more intentional, personalized, and increasingly influenced by sustainability – even as cost and practical considerations shape decisions. That picture came into focus at a media luncheon Tuesday (April 7) at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, where Virtuoso Canada offered a detailed look at how the affluent are reshaping the travel landscape.
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Bermuda Tourism Authority used a CN Tower event in Toronto on Tuesday (Apr. 7) to pitch the island’s accessibility, year-round appeal and growing airlift to Canadian advisors. Officials highlighted BermudAir’s expanding service, rising Canadian arrivals, new hotel development and the destination’s push to broaden perceptions beyond luxury and peak-season beach travel.
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It was a night for Canadian travel prosto step up to the plate and enjoy some big-league hospitality, as the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Tuesday night (April 7), treated partners in Toronto to a Blue Jays vs. L.A. Dodgers matchup. The Dodgers brought their A-game, topping Toronto 4-1 to hand the Jays their sixth consecutive loss, but the win was the glimpse into L.A.’s growing sports and travel scene.
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Transat has become the latest travel company to impose a surcharge due to increases in fuel costs brought on by ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In a memo to travel advisors on Tuesday (April 7), the company said it will implement a carrier surcharge of CAD $50 per passenger on new bookings of South packages as of April 10, 2026.
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Air Canada is beginning a limited pilot of an “Alternative Dispute Resolution” (ADR) process to test its effectiveness in settling customer claims for compensation filed under Canada’s Airline Passenger Protection Regulations. “Everyone wants a swift and satisfactory resolution when disputes arise over travel disruptions," says Marc Barbeau, executive vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary at Air Canada.
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Oceania Cruises will refurbish its 1,250-guest ship Marina in October 2026 as part of its OceaniaNEXT program. Updates include redesigned staterooms, refreshed public spaces, new dining concepts and expanded culinary programming. The overhaul is part of a broader plan to align the fleet with the brand’s upcoming new ships.
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Emerald Cruises has launched its latest yacht, Emerald Kaia, and completed river trials for Emerald Astra, which will enter service in Europe in May 2026. The developments mark the latest phase of the brand’s fleet growth across yacht and river cruising, with more ships planned for launch in 2027 and 2028.
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Air Canada and WestJet ranked in the lower half of Cirium’s North America on-time performance list for March. WestJet placed eighth and Air Canada ninth, while Alaska Airlines led the region. The monthly report also highlighted broader operational disruption across global aviation, including conflict-related cancellations in the Middle East.
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Air Canada Vacations has relaunched its “Made for Two” summer promotion, offering up to 50 per cent off the second traveller on select packages. Travel advisors can also earn double ACV&ME points on qualifying bookings made by May 3, 2026, for travel through Oct. 31, 2026.
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Virtuoso has announced two key C-suite appointments as part of an evolved leadership structure. Brad Bourland, who has been serving as Virtuoso’s chief operating officer since 2020, assumes the role of president, while Tristan Dowell joins the organization as chief commercial officer.
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Crystal has released new renderings of specialty dining venues aboard its upcoming ship Crystal Grace, debuting in 2028. The preview includes Umi Uma, Osteria d’Ovidio and Beefbar, along with expanded outdoor dining areas. The ship’s design emphasizes updated restaurant concepts and open-air dining across multiple onboard venues.
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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has donated $50,000 to support flood relief efforts in Hawaii following severe storms. Funds will go to two local organizations assisting impacted communities in Maui and Oʻahu, supporting immediate needs and long-term recovery as residents rebuild after the worst flooding in more than 20 years.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Exclusive: “You can go from A to B on a highway,” said our tour leader Safi. “But when you’re cycling, you pass through villages where buses can’t go. You see the real India.” What's it like to see Southwest India on two wheels? PAX joins Exodus, BDM Krista Rothfuchs and travel advisors on an eight-day cycling adventure along the lush coast of Kerala to find out, staying in hotels, houseboats and homestays along the way. “Adventure tourism is booming," says Rothfuchs.
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As jet fuel prices climb due to shortages tied to ongoing Middle East conflict, more Canadian travel companies are introducing temporary surcharges on packages and airfares. Flair Airlines, Sunwing Vacations and Vacances WestJet Québec are the latest to add fuel surcharges, joining WestJet, Air Canada Vacations and Porter. Rising prices are the latest sign of the economic ripple effects stemming from the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran.
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Air Canada has added new sun destinations for its winter 2026-27 season, including the only non-stop flights from North America to Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The airline has also added Roatan, Santo Domingo, Merida and Mazatlan, plus several new non-stop flights to Caribbean and Mexico destinations, all of which are available for purchase now.
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