John Kirk

Canada

Executive Director and Editor-in-Chief at Travel Market Report

Editor in Chief & Founder - Travel Pulse Canada | Travel Expert & Industry Personality | Lover of life, music, and laughter.

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Articles

Bahamas Tourism Leader Latia Duncombe Honoured At CMEx Awards

Dec 10, 2024 | travelpulse.ca | Bruce Parkinson |John Kirk

Latia Duncombe, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA), was honoured for her exceptional leadership in the tourism sector at the 2024 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards. A ceremony held at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel in Miami celebrated the trailblazing achievements of Caribbean pioneers and influencers across tourism, media and public health, highlighting their transformative impact on the region and beyond.
5-Star Luxury for Less: Northern Portugal Hotels You Need to Know About

Dec 10, 2024 | travelpulse.ca | Bruce Parkinson |John Kirk

“Start the car, start the car!”The infamous advertising slogan that signifies a deal so good you’re stealing, made its way more than once into our conversations and site checks on last week’s FAM in Northern Portugal. The FAM was to educate and celebrate the launch of Air Canada’s new direct Montreal-Porto flight that begins June 4, 2025. (Air Canada currently flies into Lisbon)Portugal is often listed on global travel lists as being one of the more affordable countries in Europe.
CATSA’s CT Screening Technology Arrives At Toronto Pearson

Dec 10, 2024 | travelpulse.ca | Bruce Parkinson |John Kirk

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority's (CATSA's) CT X-ray technology is now available on one screening line at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) Terminal 1 International checkpoint, with more to come in 2025. The new piece of 3D X-ray technology allows liquids, aerosols and gels to remain packed away during screening, as long as they don't exceed the 100-ml limit. Medical devices and other large electronics — including laptops — can stay in the carry-on bags as well.
IATA Calls Supply Chain Issues “A Triple Whammy” For Aviation Industry

Dec 9, 2024 | travelpulse.ca | Bruce Parkinson |John Kirk

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects severe supply chain issues to continue to impact airline performance into 2025, raising costs and limiting growth. The organization representing most of the world’s airlines quantified the scale of the challenges caused by supply chain issues in its latest airline industry outlook:• Average age of the global fleet has risen to a record 14.8 years, a significant increase from the 13.6 years average for the period 1990-2024.
Second-Annual Railbookers Group Summit Celebrates Rapid Growth

Dec 9, 2024 | travelpulse.ca | Bruce Parkinson |John Kirk

With twice the number of vendors and 50% more staff in attendance, Railbookers Group (RBG), wrapped up the second iteration of its Global Summit last week at the Hilton Blue Lagoon in Miami. Bringing together more than 200 staff, plus travel advisors and rail, hotel, sightseeing and technology vendors, the company celebrated a record 2024 that featured +30% revenue growth. That rapid path is set to continue, with the company already tracking +31% ahead of the previous year.
TLN's New Affiliate Advisory Board Includes Two Canadians

Dec 9, 2024 | travelpulse.ca | Bruce Parkinson |John Kirk

Travel Leaders Network is welcoming six new members toits Affiliate Advisory Board, including two Canadians. The Advisory Board consists of a wide variety of Travel Leaders NetworkAffiliate (non-franchise) members and is a think tank for Travel Leaders’ executives as they seek todevelop programs and tools to serve the membership. “As we and past board members,” said John Lovell, President, Travel Leaders Network.
Cruise Industry Gets Reprieve As Mexico Delays New Cruise Tax

Dec 9, 2024 | travelpulse.ca | Bruce Parkinson |Catherine Maisonneuve |John Kirk

Mexico’s new $42-per-guest cruise tax has been delayed following pushback from the industry. Following a meeting with Mexican government officials, the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association said the charge is now expected to go into effect on July 1, 2025 rather than January 1.
Vienna Fam Soaks Up The Christmas Market Magic

Dec 9, 2024 | travelpulse.ca | Bruce Parkinson |John Kirk

Led by Armando Mendonca, who represents Vienna in the Canadian market, a recent fam explored the storied city at one of the most atmospheric times of year. Christmas Market, Rathausplatz. © WienTourismus/Christian Stemper (Photo Credit: Vienna Tourist Board)The group toured Vienna's majestic and charming Christmas markets, open each year from mid-November until Christmas Day. The aroma of festive baking delights, hot punch and toasted almonds filled the air, stirring the spirit of the season.
TravelPulse at Confidant Connect Live 2024: Two Canadian Agents Recognized!

Dec 9, 2024 | travelpulse.ca | Catherine Maisonneuve |Bruce Parkinson |John Kirk

The 5th edition of Confidant Connect Live, the flagship end-of-year event that aims to celebrate and thank the 100 best performing agents in the Hyatt Inclusive Collection portfolio, is being held this year at the recently opened Secrets Tulum resort. For the occasion, 25 agents from Canada and 75 from the United States (in addition to media representatives) were invited by HIC to discover the recent Secrets Tulum complex during three days of training, conferences and festive evenings.
Bahamian Deputy PM Chester Cooper with John Kirk: Will Airport Improvements Drive Tourism?

Dec 8, 2024 | travelpulse.ca | Bruce Parkinson |John Kirk

If you build it, they will come. Or, in the case of the island of Exuma in the Bahamas, increased visitor demand is driving an infrastructure development, rather than the other way around. Exuma is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and famous swimming pigs, so it's not surprising that it has rebounded strongly post-pandemic. The Bahamas in general has seen a strong tourism recovery. Improved air access is crucial for island destinations like Exuma.