My travel report for today looks at travel trends for Canadians, as well as what looks like an inevitable, major expansion of the Toronto Island Airport. I’m also debuting a new “Cruise News and Views” section on my blog to help people keep track of the booming cruise industry. And I’ve got a report on Hilton hotels use of artificial intelligence to help travelers make decisions, as well as an update on European travel.
CANADIANS CAUTIOUS ABOUT TRAVEL: DOMESTIC TRIPS STILL A PRIORITY
According to the Canadian Automobile Association’s Travel Wise survey, more than half of Canadians (51%) now say geopolitical and economic factors, such as instability abroad, a perception of the U.S. as being less welcoming, and rising travel costs, are influencing where Canadians choose to travel.
The survey conducted late last year, shows that only 22% of Canadians planned to visit the U.S., an 11% drop from 2024. Instead, many are opting to stay within Canada (40%) or explore international destinations. The perception of the U.S. as less welcoming, coupled with rising travel costs and global instability, is prompting Canadians to reconsider their travel plans.
“We’re seeing a clear trend toward exploring closer to home and seeking out new international experiences, all while keeping an eye on safety and value,” said Kaitlynn Furse, Director of Corporate Communications for CAA.
A famous red chair along the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia. JIM BYERS PHOTO
The latest reports from Statistics Canada, published this week, finds that Canadian return trips from the U.S. in February of this year were down a solid 31.5% from February of 2024, which is well in advance of U.S. President Donald Trump’s sudden tariff war. The study also found that return trips from the States by Canadians were down 5.7% from February of 2025, when Trump’s unofficial trade war began.
It’s a scary number for U.S. tourism, which has traditionally relied on strong, incoming travel from its northern neighbour. I read today that the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Board of Directors on Tuesday approved a three-year, $3.48 million USD with Toronto-based Reach Global Marketing to help bring more Canadians to the destination, which has seen a sizable drop in visits from Canada.
It’s not a great situation for U.S. hotels and resorts, or for Canadian airlines that fly to the States. But you have to consider that a 31.5% drop in Canadian visits still means more than three quarters of Canadians who traditionally have travelled to the States are still doing so.
Toronto-based Porter Airlines recently announced a series of new flights to the U.S., including routes to Boston, Miami and Phoenix. I also note that Toronto’s Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport this week today officially opened its long-awaited U.S. Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance facility, allowing U.S.-bound passengers to clear American customs and immigration before departure.
The facility could pave the way for new U.S. routes and increased passenger traffic through YTZ. That seems all but certain now that the Ontario government has stated it will take over the city of Toronto’s role in helping manage at the Island Airport (YTZ).
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Toronto needs a larger second airport to relieve congestion at Pearson Airport and to help the city’s economy at a time when there’s a trade war with the U.S. He’s also big on the idea of adding jets at YTZ.
With Ford in charge, and with partners who seem eager to expand operations at the Island Airport, it’s only a matter of time before we see runway expansions and the introduction of jet aircraft to the once sleepy facility on the Toronto waterfront.
CRUISE NEWS AND VIEWS
Norwegian Luna Debuts
Norwegian Cruise Lines today revealed the first official architectural images and videos of Norwegian Luna, offering a first look at the ship’s design as she begins her inaugural transatlantic voyage. NCL’s newest ship welcomed her first guests in Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, on March 10, 2026 and will make her U.S. debut in Miami, the Cruise Capital of the World, on March 23. I had a cruise with Norwegian between Vancouver and Los Angeles several years ago and quite enjoyed it.
Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Norwegian Luna.
Explora Milestones
Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, this week celebrated another important milestone in its mission to redefine high-end hospitality at sea and further strengthen its position in the ultra-luxury travel segment. During a triple ceremony held at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Genoa, Italy, Explora officials and local dignitaries marked three pivotal stages in the construction of the brand’s next-generation fleet: the Technical Launch (Float Out) of EXPLORA IV, a Coin Ceremony (a cruise ship tradition where a coin is welded into the keel) for EXPLORA V, and the Steel Cutting of EXPLORA VI.
Officials said the triple event reinforces Explora Journeys’ momentum, as well as its commitment to having six ultra-elegant ships on the water by 2028.
Star Clippers Tall Ships in the Greek Islands
With hundreds of islands scattered across the Mediterranean, and its hillside villages steeped in centuries of maritime history, the Greek Islands remain one of the world’s most captivating sailing destinations. Star Clippers’ 2026 Greece sailings invite travelers to experience this timeless region the way it was meant to be explored—under sail aboard a traditional tall ship, gliding between islands and arriving directly into the heart of historic ports. For a limited time, guests who reserve select 2026 Greece sailings by April 30, 2026, will receive one complimentary pre- or post-cruise hotel night in Athens with breakfast and a complimentary transfer between the hotel and ship (or reverse). Offer is valid for residents of North, Central and South America only.
Santorini, Greece. Dan-Unsplash Photo
Trafalgar Cruise Deal
Global guided vacation company, Trafalgar, is offering summer savings up to 30% off on river cruises along some of Europe’s most iconic waterways, inviting travellers to experience the ease and immersion of exploring the continent by water. From now through April 16, 2026, Canadian travellers can save up to CAD$3720 off per couple, plus earn a $300 flight credit per couple on select 2026 river cruise departures between June 1 and Sept. 30, 2026.
New Viking Ship Delivered
Cruising Bits
Avalon Waterways’ Artistry II river cruise ship will reposition to the Seine River in France beginning next year and following the completion of its Bordeaux sailings in 2026. Officials said the move strengthens Avalon’s capacity in the high-demand Paris/Normandy corridor, a strong region for the company. I had a wonderful trip on the Danube River with Avalon a few years ago … Royal Caribbean is making waves with the debut of a brand-new America’s Got Talent stage show on Legend of the Seas. In August 2026, America’s Got Talent LIVE on Legend of the Seas will deliver a reimagined extension of the beloved global variety show to families from around the world, marking the first time the series will headline at sea.
HILTON A.I. HELPS AVOID TRAVEL CONFUSION
Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii.
THE EUROPE BEAT GOES ON
The Dordogne Valley of France. JIM BYERS PHOTO
It seems everyone who travels these days is heading to Europe. According to UN Tourism data, France recorded an impressive 8.9% year-on-year growth in tourism revenue between January and November 2025. The United Kingdom saw an 8.8% year-on-year increase in tourism revenue in that same period, while Greece’s tourism revenues jumped 8.4%.
Things were almost as rosy in Spain, which saw a 7.1% year-on-year rise in tourism revenue between January and November 2025. Italy’s tourism revenue increased at a 4.9% rate, the UN said.
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