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
Flights to Florida
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
Canadians have a great, new way to get to Fort Myers, Florida. Porter Airlines has launched its daily, roundtrip service between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. The Fort Myers area is home to exceptional resorts and beautiful islands, including Sanibel and Captiva. Captiva and Sanibel are known to have some of the best seashell hunting in the world. Fort Myers is the home of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, where Thomas Edison and Henry Ford used to go to escape northern winters. The Fort Myers River District features monthly art Read more
Canadians have a great new way to get to one of the top destinations in Florida. Porter Airlines today launched daily, roundtrip service between Toronto Pearson International Airport and Tampa. This is the first U.S. route operated by any airline with the state-of-the-art Embraer E195-E2. Porter is the North American launch customer for Embraer’s newest family of E2 jets. The 132-seat, all-economy aircraft has a two-by-two configuration, which means no middle seat on any Porter flight. Porter passengers also enjoy free WiFi, a selection of premium snacks, and free beer and wine served in glassware. Priority check-in, extra legroom seats, Read more
