Be prepared to pay more for the privilege of travel this winter. Experts say that while airfares have so far remained steady, experts predict a price spike for fall and winter flights as demand returns. Canadian Press reported earlier this week that experts feel demand could rise further if remaining COVID-19 restrictions such as vaccine mandates are lifted, encouraging travellers who were previously hesitant to fly due to the restrictions. “No doubt,” said Martin Firestone, president of insurance provider Travel Secure Inc. “My gut tells me with the removal of restrictions, more people than ever will travel.” Firestone told me Read more
U.S.A.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has agreed to end mandatory vaccines and random testing of travellers at the border, as well as making the controversial ArriveCAN optional. But the mask mandate could remain in place for now. The CBC this afternoon quoted a senior government source as saying the agrees with his Cabinet, which the Toronto Star said had voted unanimously to make the changes. CTV News and the Toronto Star both said two government sources told them the same thing. The network said an announcement was likely on Monday, but that Cabinet was still debating the mask mandate as of Read more
Today’s travel notebook looks at a variety of subjects, including WestJet trimming flights to Halifax and other cities in Atlantic Canada, a new, long flight between New York City and New Zealand, and the slow opening of Japan to tourism. WEST JET TO TRIM ATLANTIC CANADA FLIGHTS The CBC reports that WestJet, which announced earlier this year it would retrench and focus more on Western Canada, has cut fliights to several cities in Atlantic Canada. Flights between Halifax and Montreal will be suspended Oct. 28, while flights from Halifax to Ottawa and St. John’s will be suspended in early January. Read more
“It was a long time coming, but we’re thrilled to be back.” VISIT FLORIDA held their first tourism event in Canada in more than three years on Thursday, Sept. 15, taking over the 43rd floor Sky Suite at the posh Bisha Hotel during the middle of the Toronto International Film Festival. “This is our first visit to Canada since June of 2019,” Meagan Dougherty Lowe, public relations director for VISIT FLORIDA, said in a one-on-one chat during a break in the reception. “It’s so great to be back.” Representatives from The Florida Keys, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, Destin/Fort Walton Beach, Discover Read more
Air Canada is getting into the electric airplane business. Canada’s largest airline today announced a purchase agreement for 30 ES-30 electric-hybrid aircraft under development by Heart Aerospace of Sweden. The revolutionary regional aircraft, expected to enter service in 2028, will generate zero emissions flying on battery power and yield significant operational savings and benefits. Under the agreement, Air Canada has also acquired a US$5 million equity stake in Heart Aerospace. Saab also is buying a stake, according to published reports. “Air Canada has taken a leadership position in the industry to address climate change. The introduction into our fleet of Read more
