The Canadian travel surge is here, and Canadians are booking trips around the world. Canadian agents say they’ve definitely seen a bump in requests since the federal government announced last week that, as of February 28, it would no longer require expensive PCR-style/molecular tests for people coming into Canada. Instead, Canadians and visitors will be able to show negative rapid antigen test results taken within 72 hours of their scheduled departure, or their arrival at a Canadian land border. “For sure removing the PCR Test was the catalyst. It was not only costly; it was time consuming running around trying Read more
Europe
Travel to Europe could get a lot easier very soon. The European Council has recommended that EU members ease travel restrictions on passengers arriving from “third” countries, such as Canada and the U.S., starting March 1. Business Travel News Europe said the council recommends that member states allow non-essential travel for people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or who have recovered from the virus. To qualify as vaccinated, travellers must have had their last dose of their primary vaccination “at least 14 days and no more than 270 days before arrival or they have received a booster dose,” Read more
By Jim Byers Member, Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) There’s further evidence of a travel rebound in Canada and around the world. Air Canada today announced an expanded Summer 2022 international schedule with 34 routes relaunching across the Atlantic and Pacific. Starting next month, non-stop services will begin resuming from Toronto to Tel Aviv, Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna and Edinburgh, signs that recovery is well underway. Service from Montreal to Casablanca, Nice, Rome, Tel Aviv and Tokyo will also be resuming. From Vancouver, Air Canada will be offering service to Frankfurt, Dublin, and Zurich. Air Canada is also relaunching Read more
Switzerland is easing travel restrictions on Thursday, making it much easier for Canadians and others to visit. Swiss tourism officials tell me that fully vaccinated Canadians (vaccinated within the last 270 days) may enter Switzerland. They no longer need a Swiss Covid Certificate or a Passenger Locator Form. There are no more mask requirements in shops, restaurants or other public settings, such as event spaces, and there are no more restrictions on private gatherings. Masks are required for public transportation and health institutions until March 31. NEW HEAD HONCHO AT WESTJET Alexis von Hoensbroech is officially the new CEO at Read more
With an important barrier cast aside by the Trudeau government, Canadian and European tourism industry officials say they expect a huge travel rebound. The Canadian government on Tuesday said it will eliminate the need for those coming into Canada to get costly, PCR-style or molecular testing. Instead, Canadians and visitors will be able to take a rapid antigen-style test within 24 hours of their scheduled flight to Canada or within 24 hours of their arrival at a land borer crossing. “I am pleased to see the government of Canada make a wise choice,” said Paul Nursey, CEO for Destination Greater Read more
