TORONTO — Air Canada’s rollout of its updated seat selection policy is on hold – for now – as confirmed by the airline with Travelweek. Air Canada spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick told Travelweek the implementation of the new policy is currently paused. From the sounds of Air Canada’s statement, however, it’s likely a matter of when, not if, for the changes. While Air Canada passengers have typically been able to select their seats for free at check-in (or for a fee pre-check-in), the revised policy assesses a fee for seat selection at check-in (or Air Canada would select the seat for the pas ..read more

TORONTO — Food service workers say they have reached a tentative agreement with airline caterer GateGourmet nearly two weeks after walking off the job, meaning travellers through Toronto may soon find a full menu option on flights once again. Teamsters Canada says a vote on whether to ratify the deal will take place throughout Monday. The union says that if they approve the collective agreement, employees will be back on the job Tuesday. About 800 catering workers at Toronto’s Pearson airport went on strike on April 16, leaving thousands of passengers without meals. The employees cook, pack ..read more

VANCOUVER — Condor Airlines’ brand new Airbus A330neo aircraft has officially arrived in Vancouver. Flight DE2454 from Frankfurt touched down in Vancouver on April 25 with the airline’s new Airbus A330neo aircraft decked out in its eye-catching, striped branding. The aircraft arrived just in time for the start of the summer transatlantic travel season, during which Condor will offer five weekly flights (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) to its Frankfurt hub, with easy connections to over 100 destinations throughout Europe and beyond. “Vancouver is part of our growing network ..read more

THE BAHAMAS — Royal Caribbean Group has welcomed its first Celebrity Cruises guests to Perfect Day at CocoCay, its award-winning private destination in The Bahamas. Introduced by sister brand Royal Caribbean International, the island destination is now part of Celebrity Cruises’ new short Caribbean itinerary offerings. Its first guests arrived aboard Celebrity Reflection on April 22 and Celebrity Beyond on April 23. “Guest feedback inspired the new shorter Caribbean itineraries, designed to offer year-round opportunities to unwind with loved ones,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Cel ..read more

DUBAI — Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, will move its operations to the city-state’s second, sprawling airfield in its southern desert reaches “within the next 10 years” in a project worth nearly US$35 billion, its ruler said Sunday. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s announcement marks the latest chapter in the rebound of its long-haul carrier Emirates after the coronavirus pandemic grounded international travel. Plans ha ..read more

TORONTO — G Adventures is wishing Dr. Jane Goodall a happy 90th birthday by adding five new trips to its popular ‘Jane Goodall Collection.’ Endorsed by Dr. Goodall herself, the wildlife-focused collection aims to promote responsible wildlife tourism and support conservation efforts across the globe. With these new itineraries, travellers will embark on life-changing adventures in Tanzania, the Amazon, Galápagos Islands, Costa Rica and the United States, with highlights that include the chance to observe chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, where Dr. Goodall began her trailblazing resear ..read more

Weir has been part of the leadership team at Destination Toronto for the past 18 years, most recently as Executive Vice President   SYDNEY — Scenic Eclipse II officially arrived in Australia, making a memorable entrance into Sydney Harbour before embarking on its first-ever exploration of Australian waters, a two-year series of voyages in the Oceania region. The Sydney Harbour debut of Scenic Eclipse II was a special moment for the Australian-founded Scenic Group, and the Scenic Eclipse executive team was at Circular Quay to welcome valued guests and celebrate the occasion. Scenic Eclip ..read more

With Scenic Cruises’ New Zealand In Depth, travellers can go deeper into the Land of the Long White Cloud on an epic exploration. The 18-day sailing takes passengers to New Zealand’s most famous sites as well as some hidden gems. Aerial shot of Urapukapuka Island, Bay of Islands, New Zealand 
 Cruising from south to north, passengers also visit remote islands and enjoy an indulgent time at sea. Scenic Eclipse II sailings from Queenstown through beautiful Milford Sound, around the bottom of the South Island and onto the isolated outpost of Stewart Island. Other ports of call include Dunedi ..read more

Clients can discover Australia in ultra-luxury with Scenic Cruises. And to the famed Kimberley region specifically, Scenic passengers can enjoy updated lead-in pricing from Cdn$16,570 per person, double occupancy on the 11-day ‘Uncover the Kimberley Coastline: An Ancient Wilderness’. Geiki Gorge River Cruise, Kimberley, Western Australia 
 Sailing from Broome to Darwin, this unforgettable itinerary includes the Lacepede Islands, the Buccaneer Archipelago, Talbot Bay, Montgomery Reef, Hunter River, Bigge Island, Ashmore Reef, Vansittart Bay and more. Sailing onboard the six-star Scenic Ecl ..read more

With Scenic Cruises’ New Zealand In Depth, travellers can go deeper into the Land of the Long White Cloud on an epic exploration. The 18-day sailing takes passengers to New Zealand’s most famous sites as well as some hidden gems. Aerial shot of Urapukapuka Island, Bay of Islands, New Zealand 
 Cruising from south to north, passengers also visit remote islands and enjoy an indulgent time at sea. Scenic Eclipse II sailings from Queenstown through beautiful Milford Sound, around the bottom of the South Island and onto the isolated outpost of Stewart Island. Other ports of call include Dunedi ..read more