Author: Nova Ray

Bookings from Europe to the U.S. during the crucial travel window from May to July have seen a significant decline, with analysts forecasting a year-over-year drop of approximately 10%. This downturn in travel interest highlights concerns over perceptions of safety and comfort among potential visitors. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian addressed these challenges in an interview with The Sunday Times. He pointed out the underlying political sentiments surrounding immigration in the U.S., emphasizing the need for a welcoming environment for international travelers. Bastian noted, “There’s a political question in the U.S. around immigration, but we need to make certain…

TORONTO — The question on many Canadians’ minds is: when will the decline in travel to the U.S. come to an end? Recent data from Statistics Canada suggests that this trend is set to continue, with no signs of recovery in the immediate future. Statistics Canada reported that in May 2025, air travel by Canadian residents returning from the U.S. dropped a staggering 24.2% compared to the same month the previous year. This significant decline follows a downward trend observed earlier in 2025, where April showed a decrease of 19.9% and March recorded a drop of 13.5%. In contrast, international…

MSC Cruises Expands Fleet with Innovative LNG-Powered Ships MSC Cruises is marking a significant advancement in sustainable travel by expanding its World Class fleet with the addition of two new ships, named World Class 5 and World Class 6. These vessels will be constructed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France and are slated for delivery in 2029 and 2030. This new development will elevate the total number of MSC’s World Class ships to six. Investment in the Future of Sustainable Cruising The investment of €3.5 billion in these new ships emphasizes MSC’s dedication to sustainable cruising and its ongoing partnership…

Flight frequency at regional airports across Canada has seen a stark decline of 36% since 2014, significantly complicating travel for various communities. This concerning trend was highlighted in a recent study conducted by the Canadian Airports Council and InterVISTAS Consulting, which analyzed data from 51 regional airports. Impact on Communities The reduction in flight services has particularly affected regions in Alberta, Manitoba, and Atlantic Canada. As air travel becomes increasingly complex and less accessible, the economic strain on these communities intensifies. “This is a trend that is going in the wrong direction and is straining our economy,” noted a spokesperson…

Central Florida’s cruise industry is set for a significant boost with the recent appointment of John Diorio as the new Head of Sales for North America at Celestyal Cruises. Reporting directly to Chief Commercial Officer Lee Haslett, Diorio is expected to leverage his vast experience and strategic insights to drive growth in the North American cruise market. Lee Haslett expressed enthusiasm about Diorio’s arrival, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome John to the Celestyal team. He brings a wealth of experience in the North American cruise market and a proven track record of working closely with the trade to drive…

Recent trends indicate a significant shift in Canadian travel preferences, especially regarding European river cruises. A survey conducted by Nexion Travel Group involving nearly 80 travel advisors reveals that late bookings for these cruises are increasingly popular, driven by a desire to avoid U.S. ports amid growing concerns regarding border treatment. The Shift in Travel Preferences With geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and currency fluctuations influencing travel plans, Canadian travelers seem to be opting for serene European river journeys instead of itineraries that include U.S. destinations. Specifically, 58% of travel advisors reported that geopolitical issues are top-of-mind for their clients, while…

An Air Canada pilot recently expressed frustration to passengers on a flight from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), shedding light on significant issues with air traffic control staffing. During the intercom announcement, the pilot criticized the current operational conditions managed by the private company Nav Canada, highlighting that an inadequate number of air traffic controllers has led to delays and operational challenges at the airport. The pilot stated, “It’s very annoying,” emphasizing the negative impact of these staff shortages. He added that not only is the delay costing Air Canada substantial amounts of money,…

Governor Declares National Guard Deployment Unnecessary Amid Protests California’s Governor Gavin Newsom has formally requested President Trump to withdraw National Guard troops that were recently deployed to Los Angeles. In a letter sent on Sunday afternoon, Newsom denounced the move as a “serious breach of state sovereignty” while holding discussions with local law enforcement regarding increasing protest activity related to immigration policies. This deployment marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement. It is notably the first instance in decades where a state’s National Guard was activated without its governor’s approval, raising concerns about federal overreach in…

Viva Miches by Wyndham has officially opened its doors with an initial investment of $80 million. This stunning resort features 538 guest rooms, five internationally inspired restaurants, and a variety of entertainment activities. The resort is not just about luxurious stays; it offers a captivating Viva Vibe entertainment program that includes themed parties such as beach parties, neon parties, and lively DJ nights, ensuring visitors have an unforgettable experience under the sun and stars. Future Expansion Plans Looking ahead, Viva Miches plans to expand its capacity to 750 rooms through a second phase, which will bring the total investment to…

Royal Caribbean is set to make waves in the South Pacific with the anticipated launch of its private destination, Lelepa, in early 2027. This landmark project marks a significant milestone for the cruise line, aiming to enhance the allure of South Pacific itineraries departing from Australia and New Zealand. Location and Features of Lelepa Spanning 42 acres, Lelepa is situated on a 395-hectare island off the west coast of Efate, Vanuatu. Its proximity to Port Vila, a common port for South Pacific sailings, makes it an ideal stop for cruisers. Designed as the first cruise line-developed private island in the…