Massive Cathay Data Breach, G Adventures Top 2019 Spots And More JimBits

Our friends at TravelPulse.com report that an estimated 9.4 million Cathay Pacific PAX have likely been impacted by a major data breach that leaked personal information, including passport numbers and credit card information.

According to Reuters.com, the Hong Kong-based airline revealed the security breach targeted passenger names, nationalities, dates of birth, phone numbers, email addresses, home addresses, passport numbers, identity card numbers, frequent flyer program membership numbers, customer service remarks and historic travel information.

"We are in the process of contacting affected passengers, using multiple communications channels, and providing them with information on steps they can take to protect themselves," Cathay Pacific CEO Rupert Hogg said. "We have no evidence that any personal data has been misused."

While the carrier revealed the unauthorized access to the public Wednesday, Cathay Pacific actually discovered the breach seven months ago. After calling the police in March, the airline's IT team worked to contain the event with the assistance of a leading cybersecurity firm.

The security breach had no impact on flight safety, as the data hack did not reach Cathay Pacific's flight operations systems. As a result of the breach, though, the carrier has set up helplines and a dedicated page on its website for concerned PAX.

It's that time of year, and the folks at G Adventures have come up with a Canadian take on the best places to explore in 2019.

From destinations on the rebound, to places where events, new infrastructure and political changes are making it more exciting or accessible to visit, the adventure pros at G Adventures have mined their data and married it with customer insights and topical world events to forecast the 12 hottest spots to experience adventure travel in 2019.

"We think of this list as the essential Adventurer's Dozen; places to put on your short list for vacation consideration in the new year", said Canadian Marketing Director Aizaz Sheikh. "The list blends lesser-visited places like Bolivia and Central Asia this year, with long-trending hotspots like Italy, Jordan and Iceland that we think deserve a new look. In each case, our message to travellers is: now more than ever, as boundaries blur, cultures connect and the need to spread good vibes grows, the world deserves more you. Here's a list to kickstart your planning."

1. Japan

2. Uzbekistan

3. Senegal

4. Taiwan

5. Northern Sri Lanka

6. Bolivia

7. Galapagos Islands

8. Jordan

9. Iceland

10. Ethiopia

11. Italy

12. Patagonia (Argentina)

Air Canada announced this week that it will enhance services to North Carolina beginning next spring, including with the launch of a new, non-stop daily flight between Montreal and Raleigh. The airline will also deploy larger aircraft on flights between Toronto and Raleigh and Charlotte to increase capacity on these routes and introduce Business Class service.

"Air Canada is pleased to expand its services to North Carolina with a new route from Montreal and larger aircraft operating out of Toronto. The new Montreal-Raleigh service will be the only non-stop flight between these cities, while customers travelling between Toronto and Raleigh and Charlotte will now have the option of Business Class, offering an upgraded flying experience. While always a popular leisure destination, North Carolina is also experiencing strong economic growth and Air Canada is making it more convenient and comfortable for customers to travel between Canada and the state," said Mark Galardo, Vice President, Network Planning, at Air Canada.

"We're very excited that Air Canada is continuing to invest in Raleigh-Durham International Airport and our region with service to Montreal, our seventh nonstop international destination. This is one of our top unserved international markets, providing travelers with exciting new opportunities and access to Air Canada's global network," said Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Landguth.

New Montreal-Raleigh daily, non-stop service begins June 3, 2019 using a 50-seat Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ). From Toronto, starting May 1, 2019, three-times daily flights to Raleigh and twice-daily service to Charlotte will be upgauged to a 76-seat, Embraer E175 from a CRJ. All flights are timed to connect with Air Canada's global network through its Toronto and Montreal hubs, and provide for Aeroplan accumulation and redemption, Star Alliance reciprocal benefits, and, for eligible customers, priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounge access at mainline airports, priority boarding and other benefits.

Southeast Asia has always enjoyed an aura of exoticism for travelers, reserving its treasures for those able to make their way across the many countries that make up the region.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours in Canada is opening the doors on this wonderful part of the world by melding the luxury of its SE Asia river ships with the depth of its experiential excursions, delivering a truly all-inclusive experience to its guests. And in keeping with their policy of rewarding the guests who book the earliest, Scenic is offering those early planners the lowest prices, along with first choice on sailing dates and itineraries.

Additionally, they can take advantage of $495 premium economy airfare or free economy flights on Mekong River departures of 13 days and longer and free economy flights on Irrawaddy River cruises. Booking the company's 11-day sailings on either river means $700 per couple off the fare. These special offers are good on bookings made by Dec. 31, 2018.

More than 200 agents attended a Hawaii tourism event in Toronto on Tuesday night. Titled Aloha Canada, the evening featured wonderful, live Hawaiian music, Hawaiian dishes at dinner and tons of great information about all the islands and many of the hotels and resorts.

Donn Dougherty of Marlin Travel took home the grand prize; a flight credit from Air Canada Vacations, a three-night stay at the Outrigger Reef in Waikiki (I was there earlier this year and had a great time), a helicopter tour for two with Novictor Helicopters and a Polynesian Cultural Center Package.

Deanna Isbister from the Hawaii Big Island Visitors Bureau told TravelPulse Canada that the island has almost fully recovered from the volcano eruptions that caused a media sensation but did very little damage to most of the island's main attractions. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park re-opened in September and the town of Pahoa, the nearest community to the eruption and a fun, casual place to explore, also is open, she said.

Over on the Kona side of the island, where you'll find most resorts, "the volcano fog is gone and the skies are blue and the sunsets are beautiful," Isbister said.

At a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Tampa-based Mainsail Lodging & Development announced a staged opening for the new Fenway Hotel (453 Edgewater Drive). A member of the Autograph Collection® of Marriott International, the boutique historic hotel is a project in collaboration with the Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA. Located just a few blocks from downtown Dunedin, the Fenway will be opening in stages over the coming weeks, starting with the hotel's signature restaurant, HEW Parlor & Chophouse, which will open for dinner-only service Oct. 25-28. Reservations for HEW are highly recommended. Normal outlet operations will begin on Monday, October 29, and will feature breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour and a fabulous weekend brunch. Overnight accommodations are available now beginning November 8, well in time for the holidays and high season.

"Our vision for the Fenway Hotel has become a reality, with a spectacular finished product that beautifully blends touches of the past in a modern setting, giving new life to this integral piece of the destination's charming, offbeat character," said Joe Collier, president of Mainsail Lodging & Development. "We're grateful for all the tremendous work and support behind the project, allowing us to introduce a new generation to 'The Grand Lady of Dunedin'."

Originally opened in 1927, Fenway Hotel is an icon of the jazz age, playing host to notable explorers, artists, politicians, musicians and living legends in its time as an operating hotel. Considered to be the "most historically valuable structure" in Dunedin, the hotel was also home to the first radio station in Pinellas County, which began broadcasting from the roof of the Fenway in 1925. Today, the new hotel features 83 guest rooms and suites; HEW Parlor & Chophouse, featuring chophouse cuts, chef-driven seasonal preparations and extensive whisky and Scotch collection; Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar overlooking St. Joseph Sound; a combined 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, featuring the Caladesi Ballroom with water views; a resort-style pool; and an expansive front lawn ideal for croquet, badminton and special events.

The lobby will feature live music throughout the week (Monday through Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday during brunch from 10 to 3 p.m.), celebrating Fenway's musical heritage and providing a jazzy soundtrack to the guest experience.

Dunedin, of course is home to the Toronto Blue Jays during spring training baseball season. There currently are many hotels in the area, but none with this kind of ambience or boutique feeling.

It's one of my favourite towns in Florida.

Travelers looking to explore Alaska's natural wonders in 2019 will have 133 cruises and 15 different Land+Sea Journey configurations to choose from aboard Holland America Line's mid-sized ships, which are the perfect size for Alaskan ports and uncrowded glacier viewing and tour experiences. The premium line just introduced its "We Are Alaska" branding to emphasize its leadership, expertise and history in Alaska for more than seven decades - longer than Alaska has been a state.

In 2019 Holland America Line will offer a robust season of cruises on eight ships with more visits to Glacier Bay than any other line, the introduction of soft-adventure EXC In-Depth Alaska cruising and the continuation of the only cruise options that combine overland travel to the Yukon's hidden gems. As the first tour operator in the region and the only cruise line offering Yukon explorations, Holland America Line leverages its relationships with the communities and locals to craft unique and memorable Alaska and Yukon adventures.

"The 'We Are Alaska' theme perfectly sums up our expertise, knowledge and robust cruise and land tour offerings and reinforces that anyone who wants the best trip to The Great Land and the Yukon should make Holland America Line their first choice," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's president. "Holland America Line has been in Alaska for more than seven decades - longer than Alaska has been a state - and we're still the only cruise line going overland to the Yukon because of our experience; we know how to deliver it."

From May through September, cruisers can select from seven-, 14- or 21-day itineraries aboard Amsterdam, Eurodam, Maasdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Oosterdam, Volendam and Westerdam. New for the 2019 season, Oosterdam takes over the Sunday roundtrip Seattle, Washington, itineraries, adding more verandah staterooms to that route. Also new are three 21-day Ultimate Alaska & Pacific Northwest Adventurer EXC In-Depth Voyages roundtrip from San Francisco, California, aboard Maasdam.

Those ships using Vancouver as a gateway - Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Volendam - offer Holland America Line's signature Alaska Land+Sea Journeys that combine a Holland America Line cruise with a stay at Denali National Park or journey to Denali and the Yukon. With six different Yukon+Denali itineraries and nine Denali options, departure dates offer a choice to cruise first or enjoy the land segment first.

Texas Tourism officials are in Toronto this week to chat with agents and man a booth at the Zoomer Show on the weekend.

Rosalyn Hunter of VOX International in Toronto said 503,000 Canadians touched down in Texas last year.

"The numbers keep climbing and climbing as Canadians discover the amazing diversity of Texas, including music, outdoor adventures, golf, spa, great wine, mountains, cycling, amazing food and a great arts scene."

The plan was to hold an educational session in town on Thursday night with agents, ,and then have more meetings on Friday at a Travel Network luncheon.

I had a chance to talk on Thursday with Debra Bustos, who works in economic development and tourism in the office of the governor and who told me about new developments around the state, including a new Buddy Holly Centre being built in Lubbock and a new rail line that connects Dallas-Fort Worth Airport with downtown Fort Worth. Karyn Mayo from the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau filled me in on the great wine, food and shopping opportunities in her community (more on that in a coming story from me on this site, as I was there last week). I also chatted with Teresa Rodriguez about the endless beaches, great gulf coast cuisine and other offerings in booming Corpus Christi, including the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington aircraft carrier.

Porter Airlines celebrated its 12th birthday this week. The little airline that could has become a fixture in Canada over the past decade and a bit and now serves 23 destinations on either a year-long or seasonal basis.

"Emphasizing refined service offerings, including complimentary in-flight amenities, and developing its main base at the uniquely-located Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Porter has created a sophisticated brand appealing to a range of business and leisure flyers," officials said. "In the last year, the airline invested in people and infrastructure aimed at supporting its ongoing mission to provide competitive and affordable travel options."

"Porter has developed a loyal following based on our willingness to do things differently," said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines. "I want to recognize our entire team for contributing to a culture that values passion, perseverance and treating people with respect. This is what attracts customers and creates bonds among our team."

Just in time for peak holiday travel planning, KAYAK launched its 2018 Holiday Travel Trend Forecast, revealing this year's hottest holiday destinations. Key insights from this year's Travel Forecast include:

· Canadians are travelling outside their comfort zone this holiday season. A combination of warmer temperatures and quick, nonstop flight routes often make cities in the US and Mexico longtime favorites amongst Canadian travellers. However, this year there is a departure from that trend with cities like Cartagena, Belize City, Punta Cana and Willemstad (Curacao) replacing the usual suspects on the top trending destinations list.

· Dublin named Canada's #1 Holiday Trending Destination. With direct flight routes from five Canadian cities coupled with YYC's most recent announcement to launch service between Alberta and Dublin next summer, it's no surprise that Ireland is top of mind for Canadian jetsetters seeing a 48 per cent increase in flight searches year over year. The royal tour and a more favourable exchange rate than years past are making Dublin a hotspot for the holidays.

· Edmonton cracks this year's trending list for the first time. Seeing a 20 per cent increase in interest compared to last holiday season, Edmonton is the only Canadian city to make an appearance on this year's list. With flight prices 25 per cent cheaper compared to last year, Edmonton has experienced a flurry of new travel options that are making the city more accessible and affordable to visit than ever before.