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Monday, June 8, 2026
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The band’s back together. After a stint at The Armstrong Collective. Desirée Rolle is back at Exoticca, returning as director of sales for Western Ontario and Atlantic Canada, PAX has learned. "I'm so excited to see everyone again and give out some giant hugs!” Rolle tells PAX.
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It's the ultimate Shanghai-Toronto reboot. PAX reports from China, where Canadian travel pros are exploring ancient gardens, temples, tea houses, and water towns with Air Canada, which resumed its Toronto-Shanghai service last week. The FAM comes as China enjoys renewed momentum, buoyed by its introduction of visa-free access for Canadians.
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Porter Airlines has joined IATA, opening doors for more interline and codeshare partnerships. “We have seen strong interest from international airlines in working with us and IATA membership gives us the platform to build on those relationships," said Michael Deluce, Porter's CEO.
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Air Transat has enhanced the flexibility conditions that apply to its Eco Standard and Club Standard fares for a limited time. Additionally, the airline confirms it has secured enough fuel to operate its full summer program. "Operations are running as planned," the airline said.
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Air Canada and Abra Group have signed a memorandum to evaluate opportunities for a broader commercial partnership connecting Canada and Latin America. If implemented, the partnership would enhance network connectivity across Canada, Central America, South America, and other international markets.
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WestJet and Icelandair signed a reciprocal codeshare agreement at the 2026 IATA AGM, offering guests in Iceland and on both sides of the Atlantic enhanced access to a broader network of destinations with the ease of a single booking and ticket, as well as through checked baggage.
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Skyrocketing jet fuel costs, fueled by ongoing tensions in the Middle East, are expected to drive more airlines into financial distress and accelerate industry consolidation over the coming year, says Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
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Air Canada launched its direct service from Toronto to Budapest over the weekend, signalling a milestone in the development of connections between Hungary and North America. The seasonal route will run until October. Francois Berisot, CEO of Budapest Airport, calls it “one of the most eagerly anticipated connections of this summer."
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For William Gu of On the Go Groups DBA The Bear Travel, travel is about helping clients see the places they have always wanted to visit. In today’s Monday Minute, he discusses East Africa safaris, small luxury groups, changing travel trends and why advisors should avoid competing on price: “Use your professionalism to gain trust from your clients,” he says.
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Air Serbia and WestJet have entered into a commercial partnership by inking a special prorate agreement (SPA), further improving connections between Europe and Canada. Passengers of Air Serbia and WestJet will now have access to an expanded network of destinations in Canada and Europe.
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CATO’s latest Economic Impact Analysis shows continued growth among Canadian tour operators, with direct economic impact rising to $6.1 billion in 2025. The report also flags employment gains, declining Canada-to-U.S. travel demand and increased focus on Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America and domestic Canadian travel.
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The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has appointed Charmaine Spencer as chief marketing officer, effective June 1. Spencer, who has spent 15 years with the Authority, will oversee global marketing, brand development, public relations, trade partnerships and events strategy as the destination reports growth in first-quarter stay-over arrivals.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Sunwing Vacations Group – inclusive of Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and WestJet Vacations Québec – has suspended all of its Cuba operations until further notice. The update comes on the heels of Air Canada Vacations announcing the same decision Thursday. The Cuba Tourist Board has issued a statement, addressing the situation.
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Air Canada’s new A321XLR marks a major fleet milestone, opening the door to new long-haul routes in markets too small for wide-body aircraft. The narrow-body jet, which was previewed in Toronto on Thursday (June 4), also debuts the carrier’s “Glowing Hearted” design standard, with updated cabins and new onboard tech.
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Patricia Di Benedetto has been promoted to director of sales for Canada at Explora Journeys, PAX has learned. In her new role, Di Benedetto – formally a business relationship lead for national and key accounts – will assume broader responsibilities and a more strategic national focus.
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