We all remember the headlines from last summer: “Canadian airport chaos,” “A sea of lost bags,” and “Toronto Pearson ranked worst airport in world.” I did a series of CBC radio interviews last Friday to talk about whether we’ll see a repeat of the 2022 Summer of Travel Chaos. Here’s what I had to say. What do thing look like for the summer of 2023? There appears to be tons of demand. Air Canada last Friday reported operating revenues for the first quarter of this year were nearly double 2022 numbers. A Mastercard report issued last Thursday found that leisure Read more
toronto. Pearson Airport
Toronto Pearson Airport passenger traffic nearly doubled in the first quarter of this year. The Greater Toronto Airports Authority Passenger activity significantly increased by 4.8 million or 90.4 per cent to 10.0 million during the first quarter of 2023, when compared to the same period of 2022. Passenger activity increased due to the pent-up travel demand and the removal of pandemic-related government travel restrictions that existed during the first quarter of 2022. During the first quarter of 2023, passenger activity recovered to 86.0 per cent of the first quarter of 2019 passenger activity. “Strong growth in passenger traffic continuing into Read more
Visit California says the Golden State’s tourism industry grew 32 percent in 2022 and that the state is poised to pass pre-pandemic records for visitor spending, employment and tax generation. “I’m happy to report California tourism has bounced back from the devastating human and economic toll of the pandemic and continues to provide value for all Californians,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California, the state’s tourism marketing organization. “California’s iconic destinations are again welcoming visitors from around the world, growing tourism’s economic contributions beyond 2019 levels and putting hundreds of thousands back to work.” Visit California officials Read more
Architectural Digest has a good piece on high-end hotels and resorts that are frequented by celebrities. Included in their list is the Four Seasons Whistler in British Columbia, Amangiri in Utah, Alila Ventana Big Sur in California and Island House, a quiet spot on super remote Lord Howe Island, Australia. I don’t think I’ve stayed there but I believe I’ve had a meal or two at the Four Seasons in Whistler. I haven’t stayed at Amangiri in Utah but I hear amazing things. I also haven’t stayed at Alila Ventana, but I’ve spent a bit of time in Big Sur, Read more
Air Canada officials say they’re very optimistic about the future, and they say more expansion news is on the way. Speaking at a Toronto event to honour outgoing Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Lucie Guillemette, who has announced her retirement, senior executives said the Montreal-based company has emerged strongly from the pandemic and is eager to rise even higher. “We are emerging from the pandemic better equipped than ever,” said Guillemette. “We feel we are back in full force.” Guillemette joked she’ll probably still check on Air Canada advance sales over coffee every morning, even when she’s retired. Read more
