A new, high-frequency rail corridor for eastern Canada, a splashy new W Hotel in Sydney, and a Jamaica travel expo for Toronto. Today’s travel notebook. HIGH-FREQUENCY RAIL BETWEEN TORONTO AND QUEBEC MOVES CLOSER I’ll believe it when I see it, but the Canadian government today announced the launch of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for what could be a future, high-speed rail project between Toronto and Quebec City. The RFP process will be ongoing until summer 2024. Following the evaluation period, the government will select the group who will become the private developer partner to work collaboratively with VIA HFR Read more
Caribbean
A new airline is coming soon that promises low fares from Canada to the Caribbean. Arajet, a discount airline based in the Dominican Republic, says it will launch flights to the D.R. this fall from both Toronto and Montreal. Canadian Press notes that the announcement by the year-old carrier marks the latest entrant to an already crowded field of low-cost airlines, including Lynx and Flair, and comes two weeks after U.S. budget carrier Breeze Airways made a pitch to Quebecers bound for Florida. By the end of next year, Flair Airlines aims to beef up its fleet to 26 planes Read more
Canada Jetlines has announced the launch of an expanded winter flight schedule, including flights from Toronto Pearson Airport to both Montego Bay, Jamaica and Orlando, Florida. The new flights are in addition to existing services to Cancun, Mexico, and Las Vegas. “We’re delighted to announce the expansion of our winter flight schedule, providing travellers with a wider range of options to escape the cold and experience unforgettable destinations and holiday options,” said Canada Jetlines CEO, Eddy Doyle. “With our expanded schedule and exceptional service, travellers can look forward to convenient and hassle-free journeys with Jetlines, to sought after destinations including Read more
Air Canada today announced the expansion of its award-winning in-flight entertainment with the addition of exclusive Apple TV+ original programming beginning Aug. 1, 2023. The partnership marks Air Canada’s latest investment in the customer experience, adding critically acclaimed original programs including Ted Lasso, Bad Sisters, Severance, Foundation and many more for its global customers. New and existing AppleTV+ subscribers will get 2 free months as a result of this new partnership. “At Air Canada, we know that in-flight entertainment is an important part of our customers’ travel journey, particularly on long-haul flights. We continually evaluate opportunities to expand our entertainment Read more
The new Barbie movie is inspiring pink-themed parties and clothing. It’s also sparking interest in pink-themed travel, which is good news for colorful hotels in California, Hawaii and Florida, as well as Bermuda and the U.S. Virgin Islands. I also have news on a poll that suggests American and Canadian travelers are frustrated about a lack of airline reliability. Here are some fun pink travel options: Boca Raton Resort and Club, Florida This is a stunning and luxurious spot on the Atlantic side of the Sunshine State, north of Miami. Barbie and Ken would love a couples massage at Read more
