If you’re one of my American friends and are looking for a last-minute option for the Fourth of July, here are some of my fave places in the U.S., including California, New York State, Hawaii, Texas and Florida. VERMONT – Lovely villages with brilliant white church steeples and pretty mountain scenery. Also likely to be cooler than many U.S. destinations in July. Burlington is a great city to check out. DENVER – Not sure being a mile high will keep you cool, but there are always the nearby mountains to explore. Try an electric Tuk Tuk ride of downtown Denver Read more
July 2024
Leisure travel is booming in Canada. The loyalty program is going strong. And there are new Marriott hotels coming across the country. I recently sat down with Paul Cahill, the Senior Vice-President for Canada Operations for Marriott International Inc., to talk about Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of hotels in Canada. There are currently 275 Marriott properties in Canada, and 90 more are in the pipeline. Cahill said Marriott is especially focused on lifestyle, upper-midscale and extended stay brands. Ninety new hotels is a lot, but Cahill noted that Marriott saw leisure revenue in Canada increase by a remarkable 36% in 2023, Read more
A prominent travel agents’ group says WestJet customers should be fully reimbursed for any losses they suffered as a result of the WestJet mechanics strike. It says travel advisors who had to work to rebook clients should be compensated. The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies today (July 2) issued a press release saying WestJet “should take full responsibility” for the strike. “ACTA is deeply concerned about the impact of the recent WestJet disruptions on travellers, travel agencies, and travel advisors,” the group said. “While we’re relieved the strike has concluded, we recognize the significant challenges it has created. “We’ve heard Read more
The WestJet mechanics strike is over. But WestJet today cancelled more than 300 flights for Canada Day and Tuesday, July 2, and said it will take considerable time to get things back to normal. The good news is that WestJet and its striking mechanics reached a deal shortly before midnight Calgary time. The bad news is that crews and planes are scattered across the country, and it will take time to get everything right. “As a result of the active labour disruption that began on June 28 and concluded on Sunday, June 30, WestJet parked 130 of its 180 aircraft,” Read more
