CRTA INSIDER
Vacation Ownership News & Updates

Canadian Resort & Travel Association

CRTA MEMBER NEWS

After Hurricane Helene, a vacation became a voluntourism opportunity

Source: Travel Weekly

After initial pleas from government officials for tourists to stay away, some areas here are reopening and want tourists back.

Visit Smokies, a nonprofit tourism-promotion group, put up a billboard in Clayton, Georgia, en route to the Smoky Mountains. It read "Visitors Needed" in capital letters and listed 11 towns in southwestern North Carolina, including Franklin, Highlands and Cashiers.

Bank of Canada makes a chunkier rate cut, lowering by half point for 1st time since pandemic

Source: CBC News

Macklem outlined the economic conditions that informed the bank's rate cut decision. He noted that core inflation is within the bank's target. Housing inflation, which has been driving headline inflation up for much of the year, is gradually easing, though prices are still elevated. And global oil prices have fallen.

He noted that the economy is seeing an excess of supply of goods and services. Canadians are still cutting back on discretionary spending as inflation and high interest rates have pummelled their purchasing power in the last few years.

Is it safe to visit Cuba? What Canadians need to know about the current advisory

Source: Vancouver Is Awesome

Canada gives the green light (normal security precautions) for travel to resort areas, including Cayo Largo del Sur, Jibacoa, Marea del Portillo, Playa Ancon, Playa Santa Lucia, and the Varadero Peninsula. It also says travellers are relatively safe to travel to the country's capital, Havana, and the Archipelago of Jardines del Rey (Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Paredon Grande, and Cayo Santa Maria).

TSA Makes Final Ruling on Real ID Requirements at Airport Checkpoints

Source: TravelPulse

Effective November 25, 2024, this final rule allows states to apply to TSA for a temporary waiver of certain REAL ID requirements written in the REAL ID regulations. Once approved, those states Mobile Driver’s Licenses (mDLs) will continue to be accepted at TSA airport security checkpoints.

Biden administration launches broad inquiry into air travel competition market

Source: Reuters

The U.S. Justice Department's Antitrust Division and the Transportation Department said on Thursday they are launching a broad public inquiry into the state of competition in air travel.

USDOT last month opened a probe into the frequent flyer loyalty programs of major airlines and pressed them to adopt new customer service protections.

Cuddle Cap Limits Airport Farewells

Source: Travel Industry Today

Emotional farewells are a common sight at airports, but travellers leaving the New Zealand city of Dunedin will have to be quick. A new three-minute time limit on goodbye hugs in the airport’s drop-off area is intended to prevent lingering cuddles from causing traffic jams.

“Max hug time three minutes,” warn signs outside the terminal, adding that those seeking “fonder farewells” should head to the airport’s parking lot instead.

Canadian Resort & Travel Association

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