TravelPulse Canada

06/19/2026

Air Transat has officially launched non-stop flights from Montreal to both Reykjavík, Iceland, and Dakar, Senegal, adding two new destinations to what the airline says is its largest summer schedule to date.

Air Transat has launched non-stop flights from Montreal to Reykjavík and Dakar, marking the start of its largest summer schedule with new routes operating twice weekly until 2026.

06/19/2026

Let's talk about commissions.

MSC Cruises Canada Country Manager Ian Patterson doesn't mince words when it comes to the advisor channel:

"They're in the business to make money. They're in the business to make commission."

From cruise fares to flights, shore excursions, drink packages and more, Patterson shares why commission opportunities remain a key part of MSC's strategy.

We also dive into:
✈️ Fly-cruise packages
🌴 New Caribbean itineraries
🚢 MSC World Asia’s debut
✨ The growing popularity of MSC Yacht Club

What cruise trends should advisors be watching?

🎧 Listen and subscribe: https://www.travelpulse.ca/voices/podcasts

06/19/2026

Ontario residents heading to sun destinations may soon have a new way to soften the disappointment of a rainy vacation.

Ontario Blue Cross has introduced a new insurance product called Rainy Day coverage, compensating travellers with $100 for each rainy day at their destination.

06/19/2026

Due to increased demand this year for Women’s Only Departures, Tauck increased the number of these small-group tours from three to seven for 2027.

In 2027, Tauck is expanding its Women's Only Departures from three to seven tours due to increased demand, offering itineraries in Italy, France, Portugal, Scandinavia, England and Canada.

06/18/2026

Transat Distribution Canada celebrated its annual Ovation trip with 50 of its top-performing advisors for a seven-night stay in the Algarve region of Portugal.

Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) celebrated its annual Ovation trip with 50 of its top-performing advisors in Portugal.

06/18/2026

There is nothing quite like first-hand experience to help travel advisors showcase and sell a destination to clients. In Iceland, the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA) recently put that philosophy into action.

The itinerary spotlighted Iceland’s spectacular fjords, with Zodiac wet landings and guided hikes through the rugged Nordic scenery.

06/18/2026

Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism was named Best Tourism Board – Domestic at the 2026 TravelPulse Canada Readers' Choice Awards, which are voted on by Canadian travel advisors.

Named Canada's top domestic tourism board by travel advisors, Newfoundland offers visitors a mix of wildlife, culture and natural beauty that is difficult to find anywhere else in the country.

06/18/2026

165 people have been hospitalized, including eight who required treatment in intensive care units. Four people have died.

The CDC has issued a Level 1 travel notice for Manitoba due to a hepatitis A outbreak that has resulted in four deaths and over 700 cases.

06/18/2026

The Collette Foundation matched monetary donations up to $25 per contribution and donated $1 for every food item collected.

Collette concluded Travel Advisor Appreciation Month with six events in North America, focusing on relationship-building and supporting local food banks.

06/18/2026

As Europe heads into the peak of its summer travel season, a record-breaking heatwave is rolling across large portions of the continent.

Temperatures in some European countries are expected to soar this week, reaching the mid-30s celsius or about 95 degrees Fahrenheit.