Thinking of planning an event in Canada? You might want to keep an eye on new proposals that could open domestic routes to foreign airlines, shaking up travel options across the country. Looking for an incentive trip that blends luxury and culture? Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Sotheby’s just unveiled a Mediterranean voyage that promises to inspire as much as it indulges.
Dreaming of travel with a vintage twist? Pan Am has returned to the skies with a retro-inspired transatlantic journey that’s all about reliving the golden age of air travel. Trying to lock in budget-friendly group flights? A new DerbySoft and Ryanair partnership could make it easier than ever. And if New York’s JFK is on your radar? Capital One’s new flagship lounge offers a fresh, Big Apple-inspired spot for your attendees to relax before takeoff.
As always, Smart Travel is here to bring you the latest must-read travel and tourism news.
Canada Moves to Open Domestic Routes to Foreign Airlines
Canada’s Competition Bureau is calling for a bold shake-up in its aviation landscape with the release of Cleared for Take-Off: Elevating Airline Competition. The report recommends allowing foreign-owned airlines (even U.S. majors) to operate point-to-point domestic routes and boosts foreign investment in new Canadian carriers up to 100%. The goal: lower fares, more choices and improved service.
“With the right policy changes, governments can create the conditions for new airlines to grow and compete—and give Canadians access to more affordable, reliable options for flights,” said Matthew Boswell, Commissioner of Competition.
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That matters for planners organizing events in Canada. Greater carrier choice could mean better access to secondary cities and more competitive pricing for travel and logistics. But Canada’s two dominant carriers, Air Canada and WestJet, warn that high fees, not ownership rules, are the real price drivers.
For meeting profs it’s a storyline worth watching; federal action could unlock easier routes to smaller destinations, enabling you to craft more adventurous and diverse Canadian meeting itineraries if reforms take off.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht and Sotheby’s Offer Art-Filled Mediterranean Voyage
Looking to blend high art with high seas? The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Sotheby’s have unveiled Masterpieces & The Mediterranean, a one-of-a-kind travel experience up for auction later this month. The winning bidder and a guest will sail aboard Luminara, the newest Ritz-Carlton superyacht, on a seven-night cultural journey from Rome to Barcelona in October 2025.
Along the way, guests will enjoy exclusive art encounters, from private tours of the FAMM museum in Saint-Tropez to behind-the-scenes access to private collections and iconic institutions like Fondation Maeght. “This initiative sheds light on [the Mediterranean’s] legacy, inviting guests to experience art as a living continuum,” said Ottilie Windsor, Co-Head of Contemporary Art, London.
For planners, this offering reflects the growing demand for curated, immersive experiences that blend luxury with deeper purpose—a reminder that future incentive trips might not just reward but inspire. Bidding runs June 20–30 through Sotheby’s Sealed.
Pan Am Returns with a Retro-Inspired Transatlantic Journey
This week, the legendary Pan Am brand took to the skies once again—this time as part of a luxury, nostalgia-filled charter. In partnership with Criterion Travel and Bartelings, the experience features a 12-day transatlantic journey aboard a Boeing 757-200, styled to evoke the golden age of air travel. The itinerary, which kicked off at JFK, includes stops in Bermuda, Lisbon, Marseille, London and Shannon, with premium onboard service, uniformed crew and mid-century-inspired touches.
“This is a rare opportunity to relive a golden age of travel,” organizers shared, as passengers enjoy high-end dining and exclusive experiences along the way.
For planners, it’s another sign that experiential and story-driven travel is capturing attention. Whether as inspiration for future incentive programs or VIP journeys, attendees are hungry for trips that go beyond the ordinary and create lasting memories.
DerbySoft and Ryanair Team Up to Expand Low-Fare Access
DerbySoft has announced a new strategic partnership with Ryanair, becoming an “Approved OTA Aggregator” for Europe’s largest airline. The agreement allows DerbySoft to distribute Ryanair’s exclusive fares and ancillaries across its network of OTA partners, offering travelers seamless access to over 230 destinations at Ryanair’s famously low prices.
“We are proud to be selected by Ryanair as one of its approved distribution partners,” said Jason Sui, divisional CEO of flight services at DerbySoft. “This partnership enables our distributors with trusted access to one of the world’s leading low-cost carriers.”
For meeting profs and group travel planners, this collaboration means greater ease in securing budget-friendly flights for attendees, with the added confidence of real-time updates and direct myRyanair account access for travelers. The partnership underscores Ryanair’s focus on transparency and customer protection, while giving planners more reliable tools for crafting cost-effective travel solutions.
Capital One Opens NYC-Inspired Flagship Lounge at JFK
Travelers passing through New York’s JFK Airport now have a new spot to recharge. Capital One has officially opened its 13,500-square-foot flagship lounge in Terminal 4, designed as a tribute to the Big Apple. The space features a Central Park-inspired dining area, a Manhattan-style bar and a bodega-style coffee counter serving up local favorites like Ess-a-Bagel bagels and Bean & Bean espresso.
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“We wanted to create a space that celebrates the energy and spirit of New York City while offering travelers a comfortable and elevated experience,” Capital One shared.
For planners coordinating VIP arrivals or group departures through JFK, the lounge offers a polished pre-flight experience, complete with curated cheese boards from Murray’s Cheese, craft cocktails and even a “Midnight Snack” trolley honoring the city that never sleeps. Venture X cardholders enjoy unlimited access, while others can purchase entry for $90 with a same-day boarding pass.
