Tour Operators
Intrepid expands local operations as demand for Italy, Mexico surges
With demand for travel to Italy and Mexico surging, Intrepid Travel has expanded its local operations in two of North Americans’ favorite destinations. The adventure travel company has appointed its first-ever General Manager in Mexico and opened a new destination management company (DMC) office in Rome, as bookings to Italy climbed 93% between 2022 and 2025 and travel to Mexico grew 22% last year alone. The moves reflect the company’s strategy to expand locally managed operations in destinations where traveler demand continues to grow, while ensuring trips operate with the...
Intrepid Travel launches new Women’s Expeditions
Intrepid Travel has launched three new Women’s Expeditions in Peru, Cambodia and Bhutan. Led by a local female leader, the new trips range from 8 to 11 days and feature unique, women-led activities that break down gender barriers and support women-owned businesses, while delivering exceptional experiences to travellers. On the eight-day Peru Women’s Expedition, highlights include traversing the lesser-known Chinchero to Urquillos hike in the Peruvian Andes with an all-female crew. In Cambodia, the eight-day itinerary features a street food tour with TukTuk Srey, a women-led...
Safe and Sound: Business as usual in Quintana Roo
Quintana Roo says its tourist trade remains strong following an outbreak of violence in different parts of Mexico last month after security forces killed a prominent drug trafficker. "Tourism activity continued normally during Feb. 21-28, a period in which the state's destinations saw an average hotel occupancy of 85.4% and approximately 574,706 tourists, which reflects the confidence national and international tourists have in Quintana Roo," the Quintana Roo government said in a March 1 statement. "The state's 12 tourist destinations are operating without interruption, with...
Sunwing, Vacances WestJet add Montreal-Cozumel offerings
Sunwing Vacations and Vacances WestJet Québec are now offering travellers direct access from Montreal to Cozumel, Mexico. The first flight departed March 6, 2026 and those flights will operate out of YUL through Sunwing and Vacances WestJet Québec. Andrew Dawson, President, Sunwing Vacations Group, said that: “If you’re considering Mexico right now, Cozumel perfectly blends adventure and relaxation. Guests can dive, explore, or unwind, all in a welcoming environment with trusted resorts and reliable infrastructure. It’s the ideal destination for a safe and memorable Caribbean...
Contiki expands active trip offer with small group adventures in Nepal
Contiki is expanding its active trips portfolio with the launch of new small-group tours in Nepal. The new offering is designed for travellers seeking bucket-list ventures without logistical stress, the new itineraries blend culture, wildlife, adventure, and must-see landmarks with Contiki’s signature social style and expert support. Tom O'Hara, Head of Brand at Contiki, explained that: “We’re seeing a real shift in how Gen Z and millennial travellers define a great vacation. For over half of our 2025 Voice of a Generation respondents, a balance in types of experience while on...
Brendan Vacations unveils St. Patrick’s Day savings
Brendan Vacations has unveiled its new spring campaign, “Taking You Beyond the Green,” and which features limited-time savings across its classic guided tours, new small group tours, and flexible independent travel styles in Ireland and Scotland. Timed to St. Patrick’s Day and peak Celtic booking season, the campaign offers travel advisors added value to help drive Ireland and Scotland bookings. Catherine Reilly, Managing Director of Brendan Vacations, said: “This spring is an ideal time for booking travel to the Celtic Isles as travellers seek journeys to Ireland that can...
Santas trade reindeers for a river cruise with Avalon Waterways
Now this will get people’s attention. Close to 50 professional Santas and/or Mrs. Clauses will trade reindeer for river views on Avalon Waterways’ Danube Dreams itinerary departing Aug. 5, 2026 for what certainly should be billed as the jolliest river cruise ever to sail in summertime. This affinity group – procured by Small World Big Fun travel agency – has secured 30 staterooms aboard Avalon Waterways’ Avalon Visionary. And in true North Pole fashion, the itinerary will sprinkle in seasonal surprises for this affinity group throughout Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and...
Collette reports ‘best year ever’ in Canada
Collette is reporting that its Canada business achieved its best year ever in 2025, marking a milestone for the company’s long‑standing commitment to offering exceptional worldwide travel experiences to Canadian travellers. The company said that the record year was fueled by strong demand for immersive cultural experiences, renewed interest in European travel, and travelers’ growing preference for having a dedicated tour manager, all of which helped drive increased bookings and exceptional satisfaction. Christian Leibl‑Cote, Executive Vice President of Global...