CRTA Weekly Insider Jan 12, 2024

CRTA INSIDER
Vacation Ownership News & Updates

Canadian Resort & Travel Association

Jan. 12, 2024

CRTA MEMBER NEWS

Words of Wisdom from Two Seasoned Timeshare Executives

Source: Resort Trades

Gordon McClendon, Bill Ryczek, and their companies remain connected in more ways than baseball. They are both intrepid leaders in the timeshare “game,” with a vision for the future fueled by a total dedication to the customers they serve.

ACTA reminder: CEBA, RRRF deadlines looming

Source: Travel Press

The repayment deadline for eligible CEBA loan holders to qualify for partial loan forgiveness was extended to Jan. 18, 2024.

Additionally, CEBA loan holders that require a grace period to finalize the payout of their CEBA loan can still qualify for partial loan forgiveness if the outstanding principal of their CEBA loan (other than the amount of potential debt forgiveness) is repaid by March 28, 2024 – and they submit a refinancing loan application by Jan. 18, 2024 to the financial institution that provided their CEBA loan

Air Transat reaches tentative deal with union representing flight attendants

Source: CBC News

Air Transat and the union representing its 2,100 flight attendants say they have reached a new tentative agreement.

The proposed contract between the airline and the Canadian Union of Public Employees comes after the flight attendants rejected an earlier agreement reached in December.

Canada embarks on preclearance pilot project on U.S. side of Quebec/N.Y. land border

Source: CTV News

Canada is embarking on an effort to test the boundaries of its shared border with the United States, launching a pilot project that would allow northbound land travellers to clear customs while still on U.S. soil.

While the U.S. has been pre-clearing southbound air travellers since 1952, Canada currently has no preclearance operations anywhere in the world.

Snowbird Report Card: How does each province rate for health coverage?

Source: Travel Industry Today

As the busy winter travel season continues, Canadian travellers are being reminded that, in most cases, their health coverage does not follow them abroad. Only the Canadian territories and the province of Prince Edward Island are obeying the requirement of the Canada Health Act to provide portable universal health care for the more than 56 million trips Canadians take abroad each year.

Why Does it Take Tragedy to Spur Change in the Airline Industry?

Source: Travel Pulse

As sad as it is to say, it's going to take a tragedy among the airlines to spur governmental or regulatory action. Because right now, it just seems like the industry is banking on luck and near-misses.

Planning a winter escape? Experts caution rise of dengue fever in warm climates

Source: Global News

With a staggering global surge in dengue fever cases over the past years, health experts are warning Canadian travellers about the risks when journeying to warmer climates, including popular destinations in the southern United States.

Over the last 20 years, there has been a tenfold surge in dengue fever cases globally, according to the World Health Organization

These 6 Passports Are the Most Powerful in 2024

Source: Travel + Leisure

The No. 1-ranked countries all provide visa-free access to 194 countries with their respective passports.

Travelers from the United States can take appreciation that an American passport is still helpful around the world, tying with Canada and Hungary for the 7th spot with access to 188 different countries.