Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer, provided a comprehensive update on the progress it is making against its targeted growth strategy for Edmonton. He outlined the airline’s strategy and commitments for 2024 and beyond in collaboration with key partners at his first annual address to business and community leaders at the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce yesterday. “As the capital city of our home province, we are unwaveringly committed to maintaining and growing our title as Edmonton’s leading air carrier, as exhibited by our growing network and ..read more

“Food, I like to think, is a language in itself. Where the ingredients were grown, how they were sourced; the preparation technique; right up to their plating and presentation all tell their own story,” writes Editor Christine Roberti in the spring edition of Baxter Media’s Culinary Travels. The new issue explores the concept of going back to basics through the use of organic ingredients and a holistic approach to cooking. In Madaba, Jordan, read about one farmer’s mission to restore regenerative farming practices throughout the region. At Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines, learn more ab ..read more

Travel professionals keen on learning how artificial intelligence will impact their jobs have the chance to hear just that from the Vice President of Expedia TAAP, Robin Lawther. He will be interviewed live by Bob Mowat, executive editor of Canadian Travel Press, on April 30 at 1pm EDT. Robin has a wealth of experience in the retail travel industry and leads teams across strategy, operations, and commercial domain. Expedia TAAP prioritizes travel advisors’ experience, employing A.I.-powered technologies to ensure they can deliver world-class experiences to clients. Robin and Bob will delve in ..read more

Travel Edge Network has announced the winner of its ‘Big Ticket’ campaign to identify, inspire and train new travel advisors. Jonathan Lim of Alpharetta, Georgia was selected following a social media campaign designed to showcase the myriad of benefits and opportunities for careers as a travel advisor. The ‘Big Ticket’ contest, featured across platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google, TikTok, and YouTube, attracted a diverse audience passionate about travel with the opportunity to kickstart their careers as travel professionals. To enter the contest, participants were required ..read more

G Adventures has added five wildlife-focused trips to its ‘Jane Goodall Collection’ in celebration of Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th birthday. The collection, which is endorsed by Dr. Jane Goodall herself, aims to promote responsible wildlife tourism and support conservation efforts across the globe. The update will see travellers embark on life-changing adventures to Tanzania, the Amazon, Galápagos Islands, Costa Rica and the USA, including a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe chimpanzees in the wild in Gombe Stream National Park, the place Dr. Goodall began her trailblazing research in 1960 ..read more

Off-season travel is becoming increasingly popular, with Avalon Waterways reporting that since 2023, the company has increased its off-season cruise offerings by 88%; adding new departures to an already robust menu of Wine Cruises during harvest season and Festive Cruises celebrating Christmas to meet demand. Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways, points out that: “Cruising in the off-season goes together like winter and a warm sweater.” Hoffee continues: “Every year, our November and December Festive- and Wine-themed cruises sell-out, encouraging us to add more departures. Next season wi ..read more

TravelBrands has appointed Nicole Davey as its new Business Development Manager for British Columbia. With over 10 years of experience in the travel industry, both as a selling agent and an office manager, Davey brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. During her career, Nicole has showcased exceptional training and coaching abilities while successfully leading and mentoring teams of agents. Nicole has also forged strong partnerships within the industry and spearheaded innovative marketing initiatives, impactful sales events, and training programs, all of which have contrib ..read more

Royal Caribbean International has awarded The Travel Agent Next Door its Canadian Partner of the Year Award. It marks the second year in a row that TTAND has won this award. Lisa Connell, Director of Sales, Canada RCI, said: “Royal Caribbean International and The Travel Agent Next Door have consistently grown over the past decade, but we have shared substantial growth these past few years.” Connell continued: “The advisors are exceptional– they exemplify the meaning of delivering the quality and energy of our brand. The definition of teamwork starts at the top and it is why everyone at T ..read more

Petra Hedorfer, the CEO of the German National Tourist Board, used a sports analogy to showcase how well the country is performing as a top travel destination. “We’re playing in the Champions League of tourism destinations,” she told delegates on location in Chemnitz for the 50th Germany Travel Mart. Speaking of soccer, Germany is set to host the UEFA Euro 2024, kicking off in Berlin on June 14. A real time survey of its top source markets found that 92% of respondents attending are not just coming to see a match but are also planning on staying in Germany for a longer period of time. “We wil ..read more

In new reports from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Microsoft, the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its role in shaping the future of travel and tourism is highlighted. The WTTC’s final two reports of a series on Artificial Intelligence — Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI): Overview of AI Risks, Safety & Governance and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Global Strategies, Policies & Regulations — underscore a commitment to a digital future that prioritizes safety, ethical considerations, and responsible AI adoption. Launched during ..read more