WestJet’s controversial takeover of Sunwing is set to be approved today by the Trudeau government. WestJet also has been given federal licenses for flights to Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia. The Globe and Mail this morning (March 10) reported that the announcement will be made today, providing WestJet with a huge increase in its share of the packaged vacation business. Calgary-based WestJet and Toronto-based Sunwing announced the proposed merger in March, 2022. The federal Competition Bureau later stated that the takeover would lead to fewer choices for Canadian travellers, and higher prices. The Globe story said the Trudeau Read more
March 2023
Lynx Air has announced the addition of Montreal to its network starting June 5, and they’ve got a promo code that can get you up to 50% off flights to and from Montreal. Canada’s new ultra-affordable airline will operate services from Montreal – Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to both Calgary International Airport (YYC) and St. John’s International Airport (YYT). Frequencies range from two to four services a week, depending on the market. Tickets went on sale yesterday, and Lynx is launching a limited-time seat sale with up to 50% off all base fares to and from Montreal. The sale will Read more
Great Canadian Entertainment, Canada’s leader in gaming and hospitality, announced today that its $1 billion, brand-new entertainment resort will be known as Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto when it opens its doors at the intersection of Highways 401 and 427 this summer. With its transformative architecture and impressive 33-acre footprint, the destination adjacent to Woodbine Racetrack will feature a modern Vegas-style casino, integrated 400-room hotel, 5,000-seat live entertainment venue, and multiple on-site dining options, bringing to life a new, one-of-a-kind entertainment district in Toronto with best-in-class gaming, entertainment and hospitality experiences. The existing Casino Woodbine will continue to operate with no interruption Read more
According to the latest Longwoods International tracking study of American travelers, 93% of them have trips planned in the next six months, the highest level in three years. A fifth of them have trips planned within a month, a quarter will travel in one to two months and almost a third have travel planned in three to five months. “Inflation, higher interest rates and other economic headwinds are no match for consumer demand for travel,” said Amir Eylon, President and CEO of Longwoods International. “The outlook for spring break travel and summer travel is very positive.” The latest Destination Analysts Read more
The economy is a bit of a mess, but young Canadians remain eager to travel. A new Scotiabank study says 61% of Canadian Gen Z’ers and a third of Canadian Millennials (32%) plan to travel this spring. Overall, nearly one-in-four Canadians (23%) say they’re planning to vacation this spring, with another 17% considering travel. Among those officially planning a trip, the majority want to venture internationally (53%), while 42% plan to stay within Canada’s borders. What’s more, younger Canadians (aged 18-34) are mostly looking to travel domestically (53%), while Canadians aged 35-54 (58%) and 55+ (70%) are looking at an international destination. Read more
