CRTA Weekly Insider Feb 23 2024

CRTA INSIDER
Vacation Ownership News & Updates

Canadian Resort & Travel Association

Feb. 23, 2024

CRTA MEMBER NEWS

SPI Software CEO Gordon McClendon Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at GNEX 2024

Source: Press Release

Cathy ArSPI Software, the global leader in software and technology solutions for the timeshare industry, is thrilled to announce that its CEO, Gordon McClendon, has been recognized with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent GNEX 2024 conference in Miami Beach. This esteemed honor acknowledges McClendon's exceptional leadership of SPI Software and his significant contributions to the advancement of the timeshare industry.

ARDA-ROC and TBMA Announce Strategic Partnership

Source: ARDA

The ARDA-Resort Owners’ Coalition (ARDA-ROC) and the Timeshare Board Members Association (TBMA) are excited to announce their strategic collaboration focused on enhancing the educational and networking experiences for independent timeshare board associations. This partnership marks a significant step forward in bolstering the support and resources available to timeshare owners and board members across the industry.

Stress Down, Optimism Up: Canadians Eager To Continue Travel Surge

Source: Travel Industry Today

A new study by Blue Cross says Canadians are still eager to travel and, buoyed by an optimistic attitude are finding creative and cost-efficient ways to do so in the face of rising – and the perception of rising – prices.

However, the study also reveals that more Canadians are feeling optimistic about travel and are planning more trips this year.

Lynx Air to cease operations, passengers told to seek refunds from credit card providers

Source: The Globe and Mail

Discount airline Lynx Air says it is struggling to fund daily operations and will stop flying on Sunday night after being granted creditor protection in an Alberta court.

The Calgary-based airline, which flies nine Boeing 737 Max aircraft and launched in April, 2022, told employees in a memo it was unable to secure enough financing to stay in business.

Bahamas government gears up for space tourism

Source: Travel Press

SpaceX, a pioneer in space exploration, is currently finalizing mission designs where one of the company’s autonomous droneships will serve as a Falcon 9 landing location east of The Exumas, offering a spectacle that will be visible only in The Bahamas.

Sonder sheds 17% of its corporate workforce

Source: Phocuswire

Short-term accommodation provider Sonder is cutting its corporate workforce by 17%, or approximately 106 roles.

This is not the first time Sonder has reduced its workforce, with the company announcing a restructure in June 2022 just six months after its public listing. The restructure included shedding 21% of corporate employees and 7% of front-line staff.

Alberta, Canada: Frozen Landscapes and Warm Hearts

Source: Paste

In the winter months, plenty of people head south for a break from the cold weather, but this Southern lady decided to head to the frozen north—namely Alberta, Canada. Unless you love to ski, I don’t know of many people who fly north to enjoy a cold snap on purpose, but now I think I will be taking a winter break every year.