Source: Forbes

The EU President has proposed that Canada become an associate member, and Canada has welcomed the proposal. But what might this mean for travel between the two regions? Would this change mobility and visa-free travel? Would Canada be included in the Schengen area? Would there be increases in remote working from Europe for longer periods, and would the same rights be returned to Europeans visiting Canada?

Source: cranky flyer

When the Tulum airport opened in late 2023, hopes were high that it would become a boost for the fast-growing tourism business in the region. That has not happened. Initial interest in flying to the airport has waned, and now even Aeromexico has filed an exit from the market at the end of this month.
Cancún has long been the center of tourism on the Yucatán Peninsula. The airport there is large with up to 350 daily flights. There are more flights from there to the US than there are domestically, but there are also flights to places as far south as Argentina and to more than 15 countries in Europe. It is a tourism powerhouse.

Source: CTV News

Cuba has always been one of the favourite destinations for Canadian travellers, and it’s often one of the best values when it comes to a winter getaway.
According to Flight Centre, 20 per cent of Canadians are now choosing other Caribbean destinations to visit this holiday season, with 14 per cent planning to visit Mexico and seven per cent to Florida

Source: Cayman Compass

Royal Caribbean has agreed to buy a 50% stake in the Sandals and Beaches resorts for approximately US$3 billion, valuing the resort business at roughly US$6 billion.
The deal would give the cruise operator a stake in 20 Caribbean resorts and provide Sandals with resources to expand. The deal is expected to close in early 2027, subject to approvals.

Source: Pacific Coastal Airlines

Pacific Coastal Airlines announced the launch of a new bilateral interline partnership with Air Canada, expanding travel options between communities across British Columbia and Air Canada destinations throughout Canada and around the world.

Through the agreement, customers can purchase a single ticket for eligible journeys involving connecting flights across the two airlines’ networks. Customers will also have the convenience of checking in and receiving boarding passes for all flights at their first point of departure.

The agreement applies to eligible itineraries combining Pacific Coastal Airlines flights with Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express flights.

Source: Travelweek

Canada’s airport privatization debate may be grabbing headlines, but aviation expert John Gradek says the real story will be found in the fine print.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Sept. 15 that Ottawa plans to seek private investment through long-term concessions to operate Canada’s four largest airports – Toronto Pearson, Montréal-Trudeau, Calgary and Vancouver – while the federal government retains ownership of the underlying land and assets. Ottawa says proceeds would be reinvested in regional airports and other infrastructure.

The proposal would represent a major shift from the not-for-profit airport authority model that has operated Canada’s largest airports for more than three decades.

Canadian Resort & Travel Association

3728 Riviera Dr.

Kelowna, BC V1X 8E4
Canada

[email protected]

canadianrta.org