Norwegian Cruise Line today announced that it has updated its global health and safety protocols by removing all COVID-19 testing, masking and vaccination requirements effective Oct. 4, 2022. Given the significant, positive progress in the public health environment, the cruise line said it updated its health and safety guidelines, which are now more aligned with other global travel organizations. “Health and safety are always our first priority; in fact, we were the health and safety leaders from the very start of the pandemic,” said Harry Sommer, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer. “Many travelers have been patiently waiting Read more
vaccinations
Airlines, cruise companies and other tourism-related groups are welcoming the announcement that Canada will end all travel restrictions and end the Canadian mask mandate for planes and trains on Saturday, October 1. The Trudeau government today announced that mandatory vaccination rules will end on that date, as will random border testing of travellers. Ottawa also is making the controversial ArriveCAN app optional, and ending the requirement for masks on airplanes and trains. “Air Canada welcomes the removal of these restrictions, acknowledging that air travel is safe and that the measures were not justified by science,” We believe it will greatly Read more
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) says it’s “heartened” by news that Canada will drop its COVID-19 vaccine border requirements by the end of September, make the ArriveCan application optional, and end the outstanding random COVID-19 testing for travellers. A southern Ontario MP went much further, saying delays in changing the rules badly damaged Canada’s tourism economy. Published reports say Prime Minister Justin Trudeau yesterday signed off on the concept. Ottawa brought in the rules under an order-in-council earlier this year, but that order expires on September 30. Which would mean Canadians and other travellers will have a new Read more
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
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
