Destinations
Claims Approved By TICO Board
The Travel Industry Council of Ontario’s (TICO) Board of Directors approved 31 claims against Albarkah Travel and Tours Inc. to assist 94 consumers who did not receive the travel services for which they had paid. Approved on June 29, 2021, the claims totalled $124,700.64. One claim was denied as it was not based on a payment for travel services. In addition, three claims against Tucan Travel Inc. were approved assisting four consumers who did not receive the travel services for which they had paid. Claims totalled $9,248. Seven claims were denied as the consumer purchased...
Air Canada Rebuilds Network, Adds Key Global Routes
Air Canada has unveiled additional details of its planned international schedule for the summer of 2021, including the resumption of 17 routes and 11 destinations across the world from its hubs. The airline is resuming its service between Calgary and Frankfurt, as of Aug. 1, up to four times weekly, and is also offering for the first time a unique non-stop service from Montreal to Cairo, Egypt, three times weekly. Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada, said that: “As travel restrictions ease across the globe, we are committed to...
Air Canada Connects Montreal-Kelowna
Air Canada has launched non-stop service between Montreal and Kelowna. The flights operate three times weekly, increasing to four times in mid-July and five times in August. The carrier will use Airbus A220-300 equipment on the route. This new route adds to the significant impact Air Canada has on the local economy and that of the province of British Columbia as a whole. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Canada contributed approximately $2.2 billion to BC's GDP, annually. Additionally, Kelowna is now connected to all four of the airline's hubs which connects the Okanagan Valley...
Billy Bishop Is Back
PortsToronto is advising that commercial airline service to/from the downtown airport will resume Sept. 8, 2021. The announcement from PortsToronto – which is the owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport – follows Porter Airlines announcement that it will restart its operations on Sept. 8, 2021. PortsToronto’s CEO, Geoffrey Wilson indicated that: “PortsToronto … has begun the process of recalling staff, preparing the airport and counting down the days until we can welcome back travellers to our successful and award-winning airport.” Wilson continued:...
Flair Adds Lift From Victoria, Montreal
Flair Airlines continues its grow its service from Victoria International Airport (YYJ), with the addition of non-stop flights to Kitchener-Waterloo, Calgary, and Edmonton. The ultra-low-cost carrier has also announced that it is expanding its service from Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL), introducing non-stop flights to Vancouver, Abbotsford, Halifax and Toronto. Stephen Jones, president and CEO of Flair Airlines, observed that: “Additional competition in the Victoria market is critical to ensuring a sustainable future of low-fares remains available for people in...
Traveller Confidence Soars
In its latest tracking study of American travellers, Longwoods International reports that three quarters of Americans now feel safe traveling outside their local communities and shopping in local stores and dining in local restaurants, the highest levels in more than a year. It also reports that even with cautions from public health officials about more contagious coronavirus variants, two thirds of travellers support opening their communities to visitors. Amir Eylon, president and CEO of Longwoods International, said of the findings: “The 2021 leisure travel boom is real. Barring...
Taking A Big Hit
In a new report, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reports that the crash in international tourism due to the coronavirus pandemic could cause a loss of more than $4 trillion to the global GDP for the years 2020 and 2021. And it notes that the estimated loss has been caused by the pandemic’s direct impact on tourism and its ripple effect on other sectors closely linked to it. Jointly presented with the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the report says that international tourism and its closely linked sectors suffered an estimated loss of $2.4...
Take To The Road With CanaDream
For Canadians looking to hit the road this summer, CanaDream RV is offering them an option to get away from it all. Kathryn Munro, VP Sales & Marketing, CanaDream, said that: “As restrictions ease from coast to coast, CanaDream is ready to help Canadians get back to touring their stunning country and discovering hidden gems in their own backyard. Whether you’re an expert or brand new to RV travel, our team is here to ensure you feel safe and comfortable every step of the way.” The company is also making sure that guests can experience adventure travel without compromising...