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Tuesday, June 2, 2026
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Sunwing Vacations Group is determining next steps as foreign hotel operators leave Cuba amid looming U.S. sanctions. “We are aware of recent reports regarding the withdrawal of certain foreign hotel operators from Cuba and are closely monitoring the situation,” the company told PAX on Tuesday (June 2). The tour operator is working to understand the scope of the developments and how they may impact operations.
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Air Canada is setting the record straight with customers, sharing in an email Tuesday (June 2) that it is not running low on fuel and will operate its summer schedule as planned. “While global fuel markets remain dynamic, Air Canada has a diversified and sophisticated fuel supply in place,” the email reads.
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Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles is urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to block the Ford government’s plan to expand Billy Bishop airport, saying, in a letter, that he is the “only one who can stop this expansion." The statement, made public this week, repeats arguments made last month that the expansion lacks both public support in Toronto and business rationale.
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Windstar Cruises has named Jennifer West as the company’s new vice president of sales for North America. She joins Windstar at a moment of growth and brand momentum, following the launch of Star Seeker in December 2025 and ahead of the debut of Star Explorer in December 2026.
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Valiant Lady is back. Fresh from dry dock, Virgin Voyages' second Lady Ship returns renewed and reimagined, with new dining, redesigned spaces and a wave of 20+ new Happenings that bring fresh energy to every deck, including Ariya by Razzle Dazzle, a restaurant inspired by India’s spice markets.
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The Travel Industry Council of Ontario's (TICO's) Board of Directors is now accepting applications from experienced leaders within and beyond the travel industry for two positions on the board. The council is looking for one industry director (who is involved in the travel industry) and one public director (who has no direct personal or business interest in the travel industry).
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Voyzant has expanded into the Philippines, naming Genaro ‘Bong’ Velasquez as its general manager for the region. Bong is a “highly respected executive" in the Philippine aviation and travel industry, bringing more than four decades of leadership experience spanning airline sales, distribution, business development, and market management, the company said.
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Intrepid Travel has launched a Premium Family range of itineraries designed to offer more inclusions and hands-on experiences for families. “Canadian parents see travel as more than a holiday, it’s a way to help children learn about the world,” said Christian Wolters, president, Canada at Intrepid Travel, in a press release Monday (June 1).
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Great news for travel advisors: Transat is adding a tw per cent commission bonus on South packages booked during its Early bird sale. Valid from June 1 to 21, this offer applies to new bookings for departures between September 1, 2026, and April 30, 2027, an excellent opportunity for advisors to maximize their earnings on winter sales.
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Türkiye’s flag carrier, Turkish Airlines, will add additional frequencies on its routes connecting Toronto Pearson airport (YYZ), Vancouver International Airport (YVR), and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Istanbul Airport (IST), offering Canadian travellers more options than ever to reach Türkiye and beyond through its network.
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Royalton Hotels & Resorts has officially opened Royalton Vessence Barbados, an adult-oriented, Autograph Collection all-inclusive resort. The hotel marks the company’s first property in Barbados and the global debut of the new Royalton “Vessence” brand.
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Air Canada has released its Accessibility Plan for 2026–2029, outlining its progress since its inaugural 2023 plan along with a three-year plan to continually reduce barriers in travel and employment for persons with disabilities. The plan details objectives, ongoing work and progress in improving accessibility at the airline across the focus areas of the Accessible Canada Act.
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Trafalgar River Cruises: from now through July 31, 2026, Canadian advisors can earn a CAD$150 e-gift card per qualifying passenger on eligible new bookings. The top-selling advisor in North America, with a minimum of five qualifying passenger bookings during the incentive period, will win an air-inclusive trip on Trafalgar Harmonie.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Iberostar has ended its partnership with Gaviota, the tourism company controlled by Cuba’s military-run Gaesa, according to reports. The move relinquishes management of 12 hotels linked to that entity. It appears Iberostar will, however, continue operating in Cuba through hotels partnered with other state tourism groups, including Cubanacan and Gran Caribe. The move follows in the footsteps of Canada’s Blue Diamond Resorts (Royalton International).
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In this week's Shoptalk, Canadian travel advisors share how rebranding helped them clarify their market, reach new clients and grow their businesses. From changing agency names to narrowing a niche, they explain what worked, what cost more than expected and why communication with clients, staff and suppliers matters.
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AmaWaterways recently welcomed the The Travel Agent Next Door’s leadership team, top-performing travel advisors, and a select group of supplier partners aboard the AmaMagdalena for a seven-night journey through Colombia. With the ship dedicated entirely to the group, participants enjoyed an intimate experience while exploring one of river cruising’s newest and most exciting destinations. See pics here!
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