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Trying to transfer teams by France this week? Not so quick—air visitors controllers are on strike, grounding a whole lot of flights and inflicting ripple delays throughout Europe. Need to know what vacationers say they prioritize versus what they really ebook relating to sustainability? Journey.com’s newest report breaks that down. Considering of planning an incentive journey to the Mediterranean offseason? Windstar Cruises simply introduced a modern new yacht crusing winter itineraries beginning in late 2026.
As at all times, Good Journey is right here to convey you the newest updates shaping the way in which we transfer, meet and plan.
French Air Visitors Management Strike Causes Widespread Flight Disruptions
Planners with occasions in or close to France this week ought to brace for delays. French air visitors controllers started a nationwide strike on July 3, citing outdated tools and staffing shortages. The walkout has disrupted operations at main hubs, together with Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Orly, Good, Lyon and Marseille, with the affect anticipated to proceed into Friday, July 4.
In keeping with Reuters, France’s civil aviation authority (DGAC) has requested airways to chop flights, leading to not less than 525 cancellations and over 600 delays by early Thursday afternoon. Ryanair alone canceled 170 flights, affecting greater than 30,000 passengers.
“Regardless of these preventative measures, disturbances and important delays are to be anticipated in any respect French airports,” DGAC warned, encouraging vacationers to rebook if doable.
For assembly professionals with attendees flying into France or connecting by its airspace, this strike might create ripple results throughout Europe. Lengthy-haul flights, particularly these operated by Air France, seem much less affected for now, however regional journey stays unpredictable.
Journey.com Reveals the Actuality of Sustainable Journey Preferences
Journey.com Group’s 2024 report, based mostly on a worldwide survey of practically 10,000 vacationers throughout key markets, highlights each rising curiosity and chronic gaps in sustainable journey:
Excessive consciousness, modest dedication: Whereas over 90% of respondents say sustainability issues, solely round 60% have truly booked eco-friendly choices.
Price nonetheless a barrier: A majority are unwilling to pay greater than 5% further for greener decisions, exhibiting worth stays a major hurdle.
Demand for transparency: Over 70% count on clear sustainability labels on journey bookings, suggesting vacationers need each duty and readability.
Regional nuances matter: European vacationers are sometimes pushed by environmental considerations, whereas Asia-Pacific respondents focus extra on neighborhood and cultural affect.
Sustainability is now not a “nice-to-have”—it’s anticipated. To show intention into motion, occasion organizers ought to emphasize seen inexperienced parts, equivalent to selling low-carbon transport, clearly labeling eco-friendly lodging and providing significant incentives like carbon offsets or loyalty bonus factors.
Good Journey tip: Work with DMCs and venues that supply clear sustainability credentials and think about showcasing your occasion’s inexperienced initiatives in your advertising and marketing and attendee supplies.
Windstar to Debut New Yacht, Star Explorer, within the Mediterranean Winter 2026
Windstar Cruises is setting sail for a brand new season of low season Mediterranean magic with the debut of Star Explorer, a 224-guest yacht launching December 28, 2026. The brand new vessel joins Windstar’s Star Class fleet and can provide immersive itineraries designed to focus on Europe’s quieter, cooler months, with in a single day stays in Florence, Barcelona and Good, and visits to lesser-known ports like Genoa, Catania and Malaga.
“Winter is when the Mediterranean slows down—and that’s when Windstar steps in,” mentioned Jess Peterson, director of vacation spot expertise & itinerary planning.
For planners trying to prolong journey alternatives into the shoulder season, Star Explorer’s winter voyages might present a novel twist for incentive teams or leisure extensions. Highlights embody native pageant tie-ins like Venice’s Carnevale, Greece’s Epiphany celebrations and twinkling winter markets throughout the area.
Calgary to Welcome Three Luxurious Marriott Accommodations by 2030
Marriott Worldwide and Calgary-based developer Truman have introduced plans to convey three high-end lodges to Calgary’s Tradition + Leisure District, marking the model’s first luxurious choices within the metropolis. The lineup consists of W Calgary, JW Marriott Calgary and an Autograph Assortment Resort at Stampede Park, with openings anticipated in 2028, 2029 and 2030 respectively.
Learn Extra: Notes From the Street: Calgary
The W Calgary and JW Marriott Calgary will anchor two of Western Canada’s tallest towers, providing a mixed 505 resort rooms, practically 360 branded residences and over 48,000 sq. ft. of assembly area. In the meantime, the Autograph Assortment Resort, linked to Stampede Park, will provide 320 rooms, 15,000 sq. toes of occasion area and rooftop facilities with skyline views.
“As Marriott continues to increase our hospitality choices in Canada…these new lodges are poised to usher in an unparalleled degree of hospitality,” mentioned Paul Cahill, COO of Marriott Canada.
With a $1.47 billion funding, the event is predicted to help over 11,000 jobs and considerably enhance tourism and conference capability, aligning with Calgary’s ongoing revitalization of its downtown core.
Go to Seattle Launches AI-Powered Journey Planner ‘Emerald’
Seattle’s tourism board has rolled out a brand new software for guests looking for personalised journey recommendation. “Emerald,” a customized AI journey assistant powered by GuideGeek know-how from Matador Community, is now stay on Go to Seattle’s web site and accessible by way of WhatsApp.
Skilled on Go to Seattle’s deep vacation spot content material and linked to over 1,000 journey knowledge sources, Emerald presents real-time, tailor-made solutions for every part from parks and neighborhoods to eating places and native occasions. Customers can enter preferences like group measurement, pursuits or journey fashion and get customized itineraries or on-the-go ideas.
“Emerald helps every customer tailor their expertise in Seattle and its environment of their ultimate method,” mentioned Go to Seattle CEO Tammy Canavan. The software also can help worldwide vacationers forward of main occasions like FIFA Membership World Cup 2025 and World Cup 2026, providing multilingual help in over 45 languages.
Seattle joins a rising listing of world locations utilizing AI to personalize journey, providing planners and guests smarter, tech-forward methods to discover.
