PAXnews - On Location: TravelBrands’ 10th SeaU sets sail; Flair launches Mexico packages; Railbookers expands luxury rail offerings

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Wednesday, November 11, 2026

On Location: TravelBrands’ 10th SeaU brings training and connections aboard Scarlet Lady

TravelBrands’ 10th SeaU brings roughly 265 Canadian travel advisors aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady for five nights of cruise training, supplier meetings and onboard experiences. PAX is on location as the Encore Cruises event combines professional development with sail-away celebrations, industry networking and visits to Grand Cayman and the Bahamas.

The wait is over: Flair Vacations launches first Mexico packages

Flair Vacations has opened bookings for sun packages from Edmonton and Calgary to Puerto Vallarta and Cancun, launching first in the airline’s home province of Alberta.

Railbookers capitalizes on the luxury rail boom with an expanded global portfolio at their Global Summit

Rail travel is enjoying renewed momentum, and Railbookers is positioning itself to help travel advisors capitalize on growing demand by taking the complexity out of planning and selling rail-based vacations.

Pearson traffic climbs 5.3% as domestic, overseas travel offset U.S. dip

Toronto Pearson welcomed 13.8 million passengers in the third quarter of 2026, up 5.3 per cent from the same period last year, as strong domestic demand and growth in international travel outside North America offset a marginal decline in U.S. travel.

Costa signs 10-year deal securing La Romana cruise hub

Costa Cruises has signed a 10-year partnership with Central Romana Corporation for fly-and-cruise operations in La Romana, Dominican Republic, securing a long-term framework for ship calls, flights, berths and supporting port and airport infrastructure.

Advertorial: When it comes to host agencies, size does matter!

When evaluating a host agency, size isn't just about numbers—it’s about what that collective strength makes possible for your business. Here’s a closer look at the power of scale in the travel trade.

MSC Cruises Canada names Jerome Gallant BDM for Eastern Quebec

MSC Cruises Canada has appointed Jerome Gallant as business development manager for Eastern Quebec, strengthening its support for travel advisors across the region.

Holland America opens early access to Black Friday savings on 800-plus cruises

Holland America Line has opened early access to its Black Friday sale, offering up to 30 per cent off cruise fares, free prepaid crew appreciation and free or reduced fares for third and fourth guests sharing a stateroom.

Qantas’ Project Sunrise aircraft breaks world distance record

An Airbus A350-1000ULR being developed for Qantas Airways’ Project Sunrise has broken the Guinness World Record for the longest flight by distance by a commercial airliner.

MSC Cruises & Heineken bring Formula 1 race weekends to sea

MSC Cruises and Heineken are expanding their longstanding relationship with Formula 1 watch parties, live screenings and themed activities at sea throughout the 2026 and 2027 racing seasons.

Globus family of brands launches Black Friday savings on 2027 travel

Black Friday Sales Event, offering discounts on select 2027 tours and river cruises with Globus, Cosmos and Avalon Waterways.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Castles, choirs, Loch Ness & prison pours: RIT brings Ireland & the U.K. to Toronto

From private cathedral tours and stately homes to Highland hotels and whiskey tastings inside a former prison, RIT Vacations brought a taste of Ireland and the U.K. to Toronto.

« Canada has become an increasingly important market for Intrepid. »

Canada is the fastest-growing market for Intrepid Travel, which was founded in Australia in the late 1980s. In September alone, bookings made through travel advisors increased by 43%. As the company has just announced the acquisition of the French brands Altaï, Atalante, and Altaï Travel, PAX spoke with Christian Wolters, president of Intrepid Travel in Canada.

On Location: Wading into Costa Rica’s Water Access Lodges and Coastal Sanctuaries

Wading through the water toward the bobbing panga boat, I prayed I wouldn’t lose my footing or drop my bag filled with electronics. Jimmy Tosso, our tour guide, had advised us to wear waterproof shoes for the boat transfer to our accommodations. But I quickly learned that flip flops weren’t up to the task.