With less than 24 hours before a potential strike by WestJet pilots, the airline has begun cancelling flights. “As the WestJet Group prepares for labour action by WestJet and Swoop pilots, the airline has started taking down its network,” officials said today in a statement. “This action ensures the airline can avoid abandoning aircraft in remote locations without support and enables the proactive communication with guests and crew to minimize the potential for being stranded.” According to the website FlightAware.com, WestJet had cancelled 111 flights (30% of today’s scheduled flights) as of 7 p.m. Eastern Time. According to the Ottawa Read more
Canada
Prince Edward Islanders now have year-round air access to the nation’s capital. Porter Airlines today is inaugurating flights between Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and Charlottetown Airport (YYG), while also confirming plans to serve the route year-round. As Porter arrives in Prince Edward Island, the airline now flies to all Atlantic provinces for the first time, reinforcing a commitment to building its presence in Eastern Canada. Porter is the only airline offering year-round, daily non-stop service between Charlottetown and Ottawa. The direct service begins with 11 weekly flights, increasing to 14 weekly round trips during the summer peak season. As of Read more
Great food. Lively atmosphere. And a new ballpark to admire. A meal at Sportsnet Grill is a great way to enjoy a Toronto Blue Jays game at the Rogers Centre. Located just off the lobby of the lively Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel, the grill has stepped up its culinary game with a new menu that debuted April 4. You can still get nachos and wings, as well as a Beast Mode Burger with a beef patty, bbq brisket, Nashville-style chicken, crisp bacon, chipotle, mayo and cheese, decked on a bed of lettuce and tomato. Hungry (make that starving) visitors Read more
Hong Kong airport officials are giving away 500,000 sponsored flights to visit the city, and Canadians are eligible. “Hong Kong is ready to welcome global visitors with its recent ‘Hello Hong Kong’ promotional campaign, launched in February. This initiative represents the city’s enthusiastic outreach to international tourists.” To entice travellers, Airport Authority Hong Kong is offering 500,000 sponsored air tickets across various markets via four major home-based carriers: Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong Express, Hong Kong Airlines and Greater Bay Airlines. In the Canadian market, these tickets are distributed through Cathay Pacific. Although the base fare is waived, Canadian passengers Read more
A new report from the World Travel & Tourism Council predicts the Canadian tourism and travel industry is poised for a major rebound and is close to recovering to 2019 levels. The council’s 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) reveals the Canadian Travel & Tourism sector continues to show strong signs of post-pandemic recovery. According to the latest report, the sector is set to contribute $162.6 billion to the Canadian economy this year, up 17.2% from last year and within touching distance of the previous peak of $173.9 billion in 2019. WTTC is also forecasting that Travel & Tourism will create Read more
