TORONTO — The guest of honour at Intrepid Travel’s meet & greet event last night was none other than company co-founder Darrell Wade. Normally based in Australia, Wade was in town and took part in the fun industry gathering at Intrepid’s offices on Spadina Avenue in Toronto. 
 It’s part of a ‘world tour’ for Wade, one that has him visiting each of Intrepid’s 27 offices this year to mark the company’s 35th anniversary Intrepid was founded in 1989 and is now the world’s largest adventure travel company. Wade talked strategy as the company looks ahead to 2030. “This strategy has me excited ..read more

TORONTO — TravelBrands has named Nicole Davey as the company’s new Business Development Manager for B.C. Davey brings 10+ years of experience in the travel industry to her new role, both as a selling agent and an office manager. From those positions she brings travel agent training and coaching abilities, as well as strong partnerships within the industry, experience with marketing initiatives, impactful sales events, and training programs. 
 “We are thrilled to have Nicole join our growing TravelBrands Sales team. Her background and talent, along with her great enthusiasm, will undoubtedly ..read more

VENICE — The Norwegian Aqua is one step closer to making its grand debut, celebrating its official float out yesterday in Italy. Scheduled to debut in April 2025, Norwegian Aqua, NCL’s first ship in its expanded Prima Plus Class, reached the major construction milestone on April 23 at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera (Venice), Italy, marking the first time the vessel made contact with the water. To celebrate the milestone, two ceremonial coins were welded into the ship, a maritime tradition that symbolizes and offering to ancient gods and goddesses of the sea in exchange for good luck and ..read more

TORONTO — The Travel Agent Next Door has been awarded the Canadian Partner of the Year Award by Royal Caribbean International. This is the second year in a row that TTAND has won this award. “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,” said Lisa Connell, Director of Sales, Canada, for RCI. “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 a ..read more

TORONTO — Toronto will soon welcome a new hotel gem, courtesy of Canadian hotelier Sukhdev Toor. The first TOOR Hotel, a lifestyle hotel and residences that spans 33 storeys, will open its doors later this year on Jarvis Street, just north of Moss Park, with 232 guestrooms and suites as well as 181 premium residential rental units. Among its many amenities will be a French-inspired bistro and bar set over two floors, valet parking, a 1,500 square-foot fitness centre and yoga studio, a 3,000 square-foot terrace, and an additional 1,100 square feet of meeting and event space.  
 The new ..read more

NEW YORK — First in Service (F1S) has appointed Gina Gabbard as its Chief Strategy Officer, effective immediately. Reporting directly to F1S CEO Fernando Gonzalez, Gabbard will be responsible for developing and executing partnership development strategies, overseeing marketing initiatives in each marketplace F1S operates, identifying threats and strategic opportunities, and collaborating with the executive team to expand the business. 
 She brings with her over two decades of experience in travel sales, marketing and business development. Prior to joining F1S, she served as Vice President o ..read more

LOS CABOS — Autograph Collection Hotels has announced the opening of Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos, Autograph Collection. Located in the prestigious real estate development of Cabo del Sol, just 15 minutes from the Cabo San Lucas marina and 40 minutes from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), the resort is designed to showcase Mexico’s heritage through its architecture, décor and cuisine.  
 Built in a typical Mexican hacienda style, Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos boasts 270 rooms and suites, including 242 deluxe rooms (Hacienda with garden view, Cabo with partial ocean view, and Baja ..read more

CALGARY — The expansion of WestJet’s codeshare agreement with Korean Air means plenty of new Asia routes for WestJet passengers. Starting May 17 WestJet will offer six additional cities across four Asian countries from Incheon (ICN) through an expansion of the carrier’s codeshare agreement with Korean Air. Benefits include a seamless single connection at ICN, the convenience of booking their entire journey with one ticket, baggage transfers, and earning WestJet Dollars throughout. 
 The six new WestJet codeshare destinations are … Bangkok (BKK) Da Nang (DAD) Hanoi (HAN) Ho Chi Minh City (S ..read more

MONTREAL — Transat has launched a new Family Promo that includes free stays for kids on select South packages. Running through May 7, 2024, the promotion is ideal for families who want to make the most of their summer vacation at an affordable price. Participating resorts in popular destinations like Cancun and Punta Cana are offering free accommodation and meals for kids. 
 Families can also save more by pre-ordering meals, available up to 72 hours prior to departure. In addition, the Bento Box – exclusively available for pre-order –  is a smart choice for children. Sales apply to ind ..read more

FORT LAUDERDALE — Princess Cruises is introducing its Sanctuary Collection aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess. Passengers booked into the cruise line’s Sanctuary Collection get exclusive access to the ship’s top deck retreat area, along with private dining and relaxation areas,  luxurious staterooms and the Princess Premier bundle. 
 Onboard Sun Princess, now in service, the spa-inspired, top-deck Sanctuary Club is now reserved for Sanctuary Collection guests who access the private entry via their Princess Medallion. In the adults-only (16 and up) area, there’s plush lounge furnitur ..read more