Author: Nova Ray

Amanda Ierfino, Vice President, Sales and Cargo, WestJet In a strategic move aimed at enhancing commercial growth and strengthening B2B partnerships, WestJet has announced the appointment of Amanda Ierfino as the new Vice President of Sales and Cargo, effective June 1, 2025. New Leadership Role at WestJet A seasoned leader within WestJet’s commercial sector, Ierfino has been instrumental in developing the airline’s corporate and agency sales strategy. Her experience includes leveraging the airline’s Calgary hub to foster strong industry relations. Before this promotion, she held the position of Director of Sales since December 2022. Role Expansion and Responsibilities In her…

As the travel industry rebounds, some surprising destinations are emerging as favorites for summer 2023. According to industry experts, **Copenhagen**, **Athens**, and **Auckland** are experiencing significant booking increases compared to last year, with each city seeing double-digit growth. With its vibrant culinary scene and bike-friendly design, Copenhagen is enjoying a cultural resurgence. Athens, along with lesser-known gems like **Naxos** and **Rhodes**, benefits from improved airlift and its established role as a cruise hub. Meanwhile, Auckland is capturing the attention of Canadians seeking longer stays during the off-peak season, with many travelers taking advantage of layovers in nearby cities such as…

According to the latest Cruise Industry News report, the cruise sector is set to experience significant growth in the coming years. A staggering 70 new cruise ships are anticipated to enter service between 2025 and 2033, elevating the total global fleet to over 500 vessels. This expansion marks a pivotal moment for the cruise industry, catering to the increasing demand for unique travel experiences at sea. Surge in Passenger Capacity As part of this exciting development, passenger capacity is projected to rise dramatically. In 2025 alone, a 6.5% increase is forecasted, with the total number of cruise passengers expected to…

The travel industry plays a crucial role in boosting economies and fostering community connections, as highlighted by U.S. Travel. “Travel is a force for good – for communities, jobs, and the magical experiences that bring people together,” the organization stated, underscoring the positive impact of travel on societal well-being. In recent developments, Brand USA has once again found itself at odds with the U.S. administration. In April 2025, the board faced significant changes when five members were dismissed. This included chair Elliott Ferguson, President & CEO of Destination DC, vice chair Lauren Bailey, and three other members: Kristen Esposito, secretary…

Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port Beginning on July 1, 2024, the Mexican government will implement a new tax on cruise passengers, shifting from an initially proposed fee of $42 to a significantly reduced rate of just $5 per person. This new policy comes after considerable backlash from the cruise industry, particularly concerns from the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA). Background of the Fee Proposal The original fee plan called for a hefty $42 charge per cruise passenger, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025. However, widespread opposition led to a six-month delay in implementation. Industry stakeholders argued that the high fee…

Morocco is emerging as an exciting travel destination for Canadian tourists, offering a blend of experiences for both independent travelers and those preferring packaged tours. The interest in Morocco is particularly evident among Quebec travelers, who often gravitate towards organized travel due to a shared cultural and linguistic heritage. For many first-time visitors, tour operators and travel advisors serve as invaluable resources. These professionals help ensure a seamless and safe travel experience, meticulously customizing itineraries to reflect individual preferences. While group travel remains popular, Morocco’s robust domestic air and rail options make it increasingly accessible for those wishing to explore…

Royal Caribbean has announced its newest destination, Perfect Day Mexico, which is set to debut in fall 2027. This exciting addition will be located near the Costa Maya cruise port, an area Royal Caribbean acquired last year. This development marks a significant milestone for the cruise line, promising an unparalleled experience for visitors. Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean, emphasized the scale and ambition of the project, stating, “Perfect Day Mexico is bigger and bolder than anything we have done to date. This destination will be the ultimate vacation for families, and we cannot wait to welcome adventurers…

The second season of The Rehearsal, created by Nathan Fielder, delves into a compelling and crucial topic: aviation safety. Fielder, known for his unique blend of documentary-style storytelling and comedy, shifts his focus to the intricate dynamics within cockpits, specifically examining the communication styles between pilots. Addressing Communication Gaps in Aviation In this season, Fielder highlights several real-life pilots, using their interpersonal exchanges to illustrate a significant hypothesis: a substantial communication gap exists between the captain and the first officer. This gap, Fielder suggests, could play a pivotal role in airline safety. By altering the manner in which pilots interact,…

Canada’s travel industry is buzzing with excitement following the integration of the SNAP tool, which enables travel agencies to maximize their business opportunities. Christine James, VP of Travel Leaders Network Canada, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “It’s exciting for Canada to finally have full access to SNAP.” This robust platform allows members to utilize its extensive features to enhance service delivery and boost revenue generation. Since its initial rollout, Canadian agents have quickly adopted SNAP for booking hotel accommodations and car rentals, reaping the benefits through increased commissions. With the recent addition of air ticketing functionality, SNAP now presents travel agencies with…

According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, a concerning trend has emerged in cruise ship safety, with 48 reported crimes occurring on board between January 1 and March 30 of this year. This alarming statistic raises questions about the security and safety protocols implemented on these floating resorts. Overview of Reported Incidents The majority of the alleged crimes reported involve serious sexual misconduct. In detail, this includes 23 alleged rapes and 10 cases of sexual assault, highlighting a significant issue that plagues the cruise industry. Additionally, 7 cases of assault were reported during the same period, underscoring…