White Lotus is spurring Canadian searches for hotels in Thailand, the price of a NEXUS travel pass is going WAY up, and Canada Jetlines Announces flights between Toronto and Miami. WHITE LOTUS FILMING SPURS SEARCHES FOR THAILAND HOTELS Queue the White Lotus theme song—KAYAK data shows Canadian searches for five-star hotels in Thailand are up 62 per cent year-over-year since the show’s season three location was released on Instagram, along with an eight per cent drop in hotel prices year-over-year. The most popular resort destinations for Canadians include Bangkok (avg. $113/night), Pattaya (avg. $80/night), Phuket City (avg. $123/night), Read more
Flights to Florida
Canadians are looking for trips to Asia for March Break, but Florida also is high on the list. According to data from KAYAK, the world’s leading travel search engine, Asia continues to be the top trending spot for Canadians over spring break, with a 14 per cent increase in flight searches since last year. And with overall airfare costing less (down 12% in cost) in 2024 compared to 2023, now may be the time to take that trip. Their study found that Shanghai is the top trending March Break spot, but that the best deals are for Tampa. Read more
Canadian tourism is bouncing back, a new report says. I also have travel news from WestJet (a new Caribbean destination), Porter Airlines, Air Canada and Accor hotels worldwide. CANADIAN TOURISM REBOUND Destination Canada’s latest report says total tourism revenue across the country is set to exceed 2019 levels. The report states that tourism will generate $109.5 billion by the end of 2023. This represents the recovery of the tourism sector from the COVID-19 pandemic, one year earlier than projected. Tourism generated $105 billion in 2019. The current growth trajectory for Canada is $140 billion in revenues by 2030, the report Read more
Toronto Pearson is hoping to be on Santa’s “good” list this winter. Ahead of the 2023-2024 winter travel and holiday season, Toronto Pearson International Airport today announced a number of operational improvements designed to meet and maintain its readiness throughout the winter season. These initiatives include increased staffing, expanded deicing capacity, newly commissioned advanced snowplows, and the implementation of cutting-edge predictive technologies for weather and delay forecasting. An innovative AI system has also been put into place for more efficient baggage handling through the proactive identification and resolution of common, potential issues that may otherwise interrupt the flow of operations. Read more
Ontario residents have a new way to reach one of the world’s most popular destinations. Porter Airlines is taking to the skies for two new routes to Orlando International Airport today, with flights departing from Toronto Pearson International Airport and Ottawa International Airport. The start of service to Orlando marks the third new Florida destination that Porter has touched down since the start of November, following Tampa and Fort Myers. Flying aboard the new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, Porter brings its genuine hospitality and elevated onboard service to a new market with free, fast WiFi, a selection of premium snacks, and Read more
