Giving agents the edge
Giving agents the edge
Short & BreaksCity
Weekends away and iconic metropolises
Where to start when planning the honeymoon your clients dream of (Pg. 10)
ROADSHOW ROUNDUP
See what we’ve been up to at our Train & Gain, LGBTQ+ and Celebrate Luxury events!
A MORE FULFILLING BREAK
Travelzoo has found that eight in 10 people are willing to swap their beach holiday for an active adventure.
A RECENT Travelzoo survey suggests that, while over half of Brits are looking for a beach break this year, 83% overall would be willing to swap a coastal escape for a more active adventure.
38% of those surveyed said they have returned home from a more traditional 'relaxing' holiday exhausted; hence the eight in 10 who crave a more fulfilling active break instead.
Almost four in 10 (36%) of those looking to stay active abroad attributed their demand to a motivation to feel healthier or more active; while 49% said they believe the travel style is more conducive to creating lasting memories.
Almost a third (32%) believe a more active break contributes to a genuine
Brits also report feeling are more fulfilled (35%), more energised (31%) and more culturally enriched (26%) after an active holiday. 41% believe this vacation style proves beneficial to both their mental and physical health.
Inspired by the survey results, Travelzoo has unveiled a month-long 'Guide to Soft Adventure' campaign, encouraging guests to break out of their comfort zone without 'roughing it'. The campaign sees partnerships with Inntravel, Titan Travel and Trafalgar Travel (among others) to develop exclusive deals and content for those inspired, including countryside walks, yoga retreats, jungle treks and cold water swimming.
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What’s trending this summer?
ACCORDING TO RateHawk’s new 2025 summer trends report, the top 10 outbound destinations favoured by the Brits this year include Spain, Italy, Greece, France, the UAE, the US, Türkiye, Portugal, Switzerland and Saudi Arabia.
Chantal Tomlinson, head of business development in the UK & Ireland, said, “Emerging destinations today are shaped
by a variety of factors, from global climate change to the latest TV series [...] To stay ahead of evolving customer preferences, travel agents need to adapt quickly.”
The report looks into the fast-growing hot spots including Switzerland and Canada, as well as the continuous demand for Asian destinations such as Japan and Thailand.
Wendy Wu launches China brochure
WENDY WU Tours has launched its China brochure for 2026-2027, filled with over 30 itineraries that aim to capture the essence of the country and surrounding region.
New tours await including the 15-day ‘Best of Mongolia’ group tour exploring the Gobi Desert and more iconic landscapes; and
the nine-day ‘Taiwan by Rail’ tour taking guests through the bustling streets of Taipei and the quieter peaks of Alishan.
There are only a couple of days to left to take advantage of the operator’s biggest-ever China sale, with up to £795 off when booked by June 30th.
Princess announces 2027 European programme
RUNNING FROM February to November 2027, the UK and Europe season will feature more than 200 sailings across five of Princess’ fleet.
Within the 2027 European season, Princess will offer two Total Solar Eclipse sailings in the Med as well as see the return of Sky Princess and Majestic Princess to the UK where they will sail roundtrip from Southampton with 45 departures between them, embarking on voyages around the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Sun Princess will also make her return between April and November 2027, sailing from either Athens, Barcelona or Civitavecchia. Caribbean Princess will sail roundtrip from Copenhagen for first time, while also making the cruise line’s debut in Aberdeen.
Last chance for TAP’s Brazil discounts
ONLY A few days remain for TAP Air Portugal’s Brazilian promotion.
UK holidaymakers can travel to the beaches of São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro from £426 return. The promotion will end on June 30th, 2025, and is valid for travel between September 1st, 2025 and March 30th, 2026, to 13 destinations across the country.
A 10% discount is also available for UK
travellers heading to Brazil when purchasing extra baggage as well as a 15% discount on lounge access.
TAP currently operates directly from Lisbon to São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belém, Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Fortaleza, Natal, Maceió, Porto Alegre, Recife, Salvador, Florianópolis and Manaus. Flights to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are also available from Porto.
Flight bites
TTC unveils global growth plan
THE TRAVEL CORPORATION has announced its new growth plan which has been designed to strengthen brand and product leadership and better support trade partners through enhanced investments.
A key element of the strategy is the expansion of its on-road sales team as well as substantial investment in the Travel Agent Portal, white labels and APIs available to trade partners to make the Tour Brands & River Cruise product as accessible and seamless as possible. There will also be a deeper brand focus and clearer customer segmentation into Youth, Mainstream and Luxury.
DOLCE BY Wyndham
Siracusa Monasteri Golf & Spa has opened its doors in Sicily. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Siracusa, the enchanting 102-key property blends the regions mythological influences with the true essence of la dolce vita. Adjacent to the hotel is an 18-hole golf
course spanning 90 hectares, perfect for those looking to keep their handicap while lapping up the sunshine abroad.
Valor to make West Africa debut
VALOR HOSPITALITY Partners
has signed two new management deals with IHG Hotels & Resorts for properties in Nigeria and Senegal.
Valor will be responsible for the successful opening of the new Holiday Inn SD City in Dakar and a new Crown Plaza hotel in Lagos.
These new signings mark the arrival of the Valor brand in West Africa, and join its others properties in Central, East and Southern regions of the continent.
Jet2holidays pledges £1.4 million to apprentices
AFTER A strong response over the last two years, Jet2holidays is committing its biggest pledge of £1.4 million in funding to its Appoint an Apprentice scheme, enabling agents to recruit a budding apprentice into the business. Alan Cross, director of travel agent relationships, said the huge investment means Jet2holidays can “support even more partners to recruit the next generation of talent.”
Wyndham brings the sweet life to Sicily
VIETNAM AIRLINES has announced the launch of a non-stop route connecting Ho Cho Minh City to Copenhagen from December 2025.
EMIRATES HAS expanded its Far Eastern footprint with the addition of new routes via Bangkok to Da Nang and Siem Reap, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s broader connectivity strategy.
New tours await in Newmarket’s summer brochure
NEWMARKET HOLIDAYS’ new summer brochure features 10 new tours as well as discounts of up to 15% on the operator’s best-sellers. The 2025-2027 collection introduces new itineraries exploring New Zealand’s North and South Islands, as well as scenic rail
journeys through the Douro Valley and new destinations across Europe and the US. The operator’s Premier Collection is also expanding with the addition of new tours in the Italian and French Rivieras while the Tour and Cruise collection has been updated with new land and sea options across the Greek Islands, Alaska, the Caribbean and Costa Rica.
Hayley Morris, head of trade sales and partnerships, said Newmarket’s escorted packages are a “highly compelling offer for customers looking for value, experience and peace of mind, and a great opportunity for agents to secure profitable bookings right through 2026 and 2027.”
The brochure launch is backed by a nationwide TV campaign and discounted offers of up to 15% off available on more than 120 UK, shortand long-haul tours until the end of July.
EXODUS ADVENTURE Travel’s Private Group Adventures have gained an increase of over 55% in bookings over the last year, indicating a strong demand for this bespoke collection that the operator is now pushing as a standalone product. Exodus offers more than 500 Private Group Adventures, including popular itineraries in Finland, South Africa, Costa Rica and Vietnam. Agents can offer their customers one free place for every 10 guests booked as part of the private tours.
TCs unveil ‘most exciting’ incentive yet
TRAVEL COUNSELLORS has unveiled its biggest global incentive to date.
TCTravelfest will rank teams of up to 50 Travel Counsellors based on bookings, margin, customer care and lates performance.
Over 2,200 agents will compete in total, led by captains drawn from the Travel Counsellors and support colleague communities.
The top team will earn an all-inclusive Norwegian Cruise Line voyage in the Caribbean, with other spot prizes on offer throughout the scheme.
Jim Eastwood, Travel Counsellors' global sales director, labelled the programme the "biggest and most exciting global incentive yet. This initiative celebrates the passion, dedication, and collaborative spirit that defines our Travel Counsellors community.”
Finnair makes Canadian return after a decade
TORONTO HAS been named as Finnair’s latest North American destination as the airline continues its transatlantic expansion.
Set to take to the skies from May 4th, 2026, the new route will bridge the airline’s home hub of Helsinki with Canada’s largest city. The service is expected to operate thrice weekly during the summer season, and marks the first time Finnair has flown to Canada in over a decade.
Anssi Partanen, Finnair market director UK & Ireland, said he is “excited to be re-adding Canada to our extensive network” as the destination is “fast becoming one of the most popular long-haul destinations for European travellers.”
Additional flights to Türkiye this summer
TURKISH AIRLINES is bringing additional flights from the UK and Ireland to Istanbul and beyond. Harun Basturk, SVP sales at Turkish Airlines, said that as demand for holidays to Türkiye continues to grow, the increased capacity will “meet this demand and offer more flexibility for travellers.”
Exodus Adventure Travel, Left: Newmarket Holidays, Bottom Right: Turkish Airlines, Bottom: Finnair
AGENT INCENTIVES
● TITAN TRAVEL’S Trade Rewards revamp guarantees agents a £10 reward on every booking, plus the chance to spin the 'Winning Wheel' to boost earnings by up to £250.
● TO CELEBRATE the opening of the new waterpark at Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana, Playa Hotels & Resorts is offering its agent community double rewards for every booking made to the resort by July 31st, 2025.
● IT’S YOUR last chance to enter Quark Expedition’s ‘Summer in the Arctic Sweepstake’ where six lucky winners will set sail on an 11-day Arctic expedition next year. Agents must complete a registration form, then each entry into the Sweepstakes is based on Arctic bookings made until June 30th, 2025. Entries are counted per passenger booked.
● CELESTYAL AND Visit Qatar are giving away 100 tickets to the Qatar Goodwood Festival at the end of July. Celestyal bookings logged by June 30th will be entered into a draw.
AUDLEY TRAVEL whisked eight agents on a 12-day adventure to New Zealand’s South Island. Pictured above are Paul Rice, Off Broadway Travel; Rebecca Edmonds, Not Just Travel; Carla Hutching, Swords Travel; Angela Sutcliffe, Designer Travel; Joan Jones, Once In A Lifetime Holidays; Claire Bowman, Plum Travel; Natasha Flack, HPB Travel Club; Victoria Songhurst, Ponders Travel; Sarah Turner, Audley Travel; Lindsay Sheridan, Audley Travel; Tammy Bakker, Pacific Destinations; and Linda Mcintosh, Destination Queenstown.
Agent bulletin Competition
YOU COULD win an all-inclusive fivenight stay for two at the Sentido Apollo Palace in Corfu, Greece!
Find out more at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions
AGENT TRAINING
● BECOME A specialist in everything El Gouna as the destination has launched its new AI-based training platform, complete with five knowledge-building modules, quizzes, AIpowered coaching sessions and roleplay scenarios. Agents who complete all the modules will be entered into a prize draw to win a spot on an El Gouna fam trip.
● THERE IS still time to sign up to the free Magical Kenya Travel Specialist E-Learning Program to learn more about the destination itself and the unique itineraries that can be curated for travellers. Any agents who sign up by June 30th will be entered into a prize draw to win one of four Amazon vouchers worth £25.
● BRAZIL TRAVEL Specialist hopes to showcase the destination’s authentic and sustainable experiences, with personalised training modules and marketing materials exclusively designed for agents.
● BARBADOS ELITE Club earns you access to exclusive agent rewards, a variety of different themed training modules, and fam trip opportunities.
● ANY AGENTS who complete Visit Isle of Man’s training course can log their bookings in exchange for points and have the chance to win hundreds of pounds’ worth of Amazon vouchers.
Julia Lo Bue-Said: OBE
ADVANTAGE TRAVEL
Partnership’s CEO Julia Lo BueSaid has been awarded an OBE for her services to Business and Tourism. Since taking the role in 2018, Julia has transformed Advantage into a leading community for independent travel businesses.
movers shakers&
VICKY BILLING has been promoted to the role of director of trade and partnerships UK & Ireland for Riviera Travel, stepping up from her previous role as head of trade partnerships.
CELESTYAL HAS appointed Cameron Watling as the new marketing manager. His role will be to drive brand growth and boost trade and consumer engagement to help support Celestyal’s ‘next chapter in its evolving journey.”
FREE MUSEUM admission, access to all national historic sites, 25% off rail travel for young adults and more are available this summer with the Canada Strong Pass. From June 20th to September 2nd, 2025, travellers can enjoy the very best of Canada’s natural and cultural attractions across the country.
Capella to debut in 12th century Florence
CAPELLA HOTELS & Resorts is set to make its European debut in 2027 with the opening of Capella Florence.
The reinvented complex, located in the historic heart of Florence, will continue the brand’s luxurious legacy while breathing new life into one of the city’s most storied properties. The property itself dates back to the 12th century where it was once home to convents of Sant'Agata, San Clemente and
Santa Lucia di Camporeggi and hosted renowned artists including Arcangela Paladini. Cristiano Rinaldi, Capella Hotel Group president, said, “Capella Florence represents a natural evolution of our vision, bringing the Capella experience to a city where culture, history, and artistry are deeply ingrained in everyday life. It is a privilege to be entrusted with the renewal of this historic part of Florence's cultural and communal heritage.”
KE Adventures adds more pioneering expeditions
THREE NEW adventures are joining the KE Pioneer Collection, each one limited to a single exclusive departure in 2026.
The 14-day ‘Western Cape Epic’ offers an extraordinary gravel cycling expedition through South Africa’s Western Cape from £2,995; while the 17day ‘Svalbard Crossing – A Self Supported Expedition’ requires a different kind of strength as guests will journey across the Arctic Wilderness pulling their own survival gear. Prices lead in from £6,795. For its first foray into Rwanda on two wheels, the 14-day ‘Rwanda Rising – Gravel Bikes and Gorillas’ covers some of the best biking routes on the country. Prices lead in from £5,845. All prices listed include flights.
Choose your own European Waterways adventure
AVAILABLE AS private charters, European Waterways has launched the Active Experience Cruises for guests who want to enjoy the ultimate freedom in curating their own tailor-made itinerary to suit their holiday needs.
Top: Destination Canada, Left: Advantage Travel Partnership, Right: European waterways, Bottom: Canva Pro Movers & Shakers: Top: LinkedIn, Bottom: Celestyal
SUDOKU
Win a £20 M&S voucher in the SuDoku prize puzzle
Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9.
Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name, company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if applicable to:
competition@travelbulletin.co.uk
Closing date for entries is Thursday, July 10th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.
June 13th Solution: A=4 B=6 C=2 D=9
For all competitions visit http://www.travelbulletin.co.uk/component/r sform/form/1593-Travel-Trivia-Quiz
1 Hotel brand part of IHG, ___ Plaza (6)
3 Airline alliance (4)
7 Croatian coastline, sounds like a breed of dog (9) 8 American actress, Cameron (4) 9 Country with a history dating back to the time of the pharaohs (5) 13 US airline, and a letter of the Greek alphabet (5) 14 Famous statue in Piccadilly Circus (4) 17 Mount Everest is the highest peak in this range (9) 19 Hawaiian island (4) 20 Tiny oil-rich sultanate on the island of Borneo (6)
NICKNAMED THE ‘City of a Hundred Spires’, this European capital is full of Gothic churches, baroque buildings and the iconic Astronomical Clock.
Country host of the recent G7 summit (6)
Flows through 9 Across (4)
Major holiday organisation based in Luton (3)
Currency of South Africa (4)
Musical theatre singer Elaine ___ who recently became a Dame (5)
7 Surname of the English explorer/privateer who circumnavigated the globe in the sixteenth century (5)
Popular city-break destination (5) 11 European country with a flag of green, white and red vertical stripes (5)
12 City famous as the birthplace of St Francis, the patron saint of animals (6)
15 Columbus is the state capital (4)
16 English actor Danny ___ probably best known for his 9 year stint as Mick Carter in Eastenders (4)
18 Mahon international airport code (3)
11 ITALY, 12 ASSISI, 15 OHIO, 16 DYER, 18 MAH. Mystery Word: CRETE
10
AGENT INSIGHT
SARAH DOE
THE HONEYMOON FIXER
AT THE Honeymoon Fixer, we’re seeing a growing trend among couples who want more than just relaxation on their honeymoon. Increasingly, newlyweds are opting for a two-in-one experience and combining the adventure of a safari with the serenity of a beach escape.
Africa is the natural choice, offering an unmatched blend of wildlife and coastline. Tanzania, in particular, is proving especially popular. Often described as “one of the world’s most understated destinations”, over a quarter of its land is protected for conservation. It’s home to iconic wildlife havens such as The Serengeti National Park and the Selous Game Reserve, which together support roughly 20% of Africa’s large mammal population. Accommodation ranges from authentic tented camps to luxurious lodges that offer a wilderness experience without compromising on comfort. Many couples then head to Zanzibar, renowned for its white sandy beaches and high-end resorts, perfect for relaxing and winding down.
Another favoured pairing is South Africa and Mauritius. The Kruger National Park, one of the largest in the world, offers spectacular game viewing and a broad range of places to stay, from rustic to refined. South Africa’s private reserves add exclusivity and personalised service, appealing to honeymooners looking for a more bespoke experience. Mauritius remains a toptier beach destination with its turquoise lagoons, fine dining and romantic ambience, so it is no surprise couples are choosing to spend time here either at the beginning or end of their holiday. While travel trends are always evolving, today’s honeymooners are looking for meaningful, memorable experiences. With growing eco-awareness and a desire to connect with nature, the safari-and-beach honeymoon continues to stand out as a timeless and enriching way to begin married life.
Accor announces world-wonder hotel
A LANDMARK project is coming to Victoria Falls in 2028 as Accor has announced the signing of a new Novotel property in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The 111-key new-build will overlook the Masuwe River, blending the natural beauty of the region with familyfriendly hospitality. Guests will enjoy a series of meticulously designed areas, including an outdoor pool, a kids’ club, all-day dining options and a destination bar, all against the backdrop of one of the world’s Seven Wonders.
The agreement marks Accor’s entry into Zimbabwe.
News Bites
• EL GOUNA has launched an AI-based training platform to give agents the tools and tips they need to sell the Red Sea destination, complete with virtual assistants and AI customer roleplays.
• RADISSON COLLECTION has made its French debut with the opening of Cour des Lodges Lyon, A Radisson Collection Hotel in the heat of Lyon’s historic centre.
THE FIRST cohort of graduates have successfully completed CLIA’s two cruise training programmes, with 33 agents qualifying from the river programme and 32 from expedition. CLIA’s UK & Ireland managing director Andy Harmer said, “The dedication, commitment and engagement they have demonstrated has been outstanding and we’re thrilled to see their achievements recognised.”
Image Credit s : Top: Accor, Bottom, CLIA
Train & Gain St Albans
THE LATEST instalment in our Train & Gain series, where agents enjoy a daytime event format with dedicated supplier presentations in a lush venue, took place in St Albans this month.
A big thank you to Air Canada, The Wellwind Collection, Sandals, Benidorm, SPL Villas, Inmood Hotels & Flip Flop Hotels, and Sandos Hotels & Resorts for joining us, as well as all our fantastic agent attendees!
Our next #TBTrainAndGain takes place in Bath on September 9th! To confirm your place or find out when we will be hosting our next event near you contact events@travelbulletin.co.uk
MTTC Summer Ball
Midlands Travel Trade Club's annual Summer Ball was held on June 12th at Hogarth's. Sponsors of the evening (JTA Travel, Emirates, Travel Bulletin, Belleair Holidays and Birmingham Airport) along with a host of attendees from across the Midlands travel fraternity enjoyed wonderful weather, great company and entertainment.
LGBTQ+ Holidays Showcase
IN FITTING fashion for Pride Month, we celebrated all things inclusive at our LGBTQ+ Holidays Showcase in Bristol!
Joined by Anex Tours, Zeus International Hotels & Resorts, Greater Miami & Miami Beach CVB, United Airlines and Florida Keys & Key West, agents learned all about the destinations and suppliers that open their arms to the LGBTQ+ community.
#TBShowcases’ summer lineup continues throughout July, when we bring a Japan roadshow to Dorking and Southampton on July 7th and 8th—registration is open at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/events!
greece & Cyprus
HALKIDIKI HEATS UP
Halkidiki’s hottest new property has opened its doors just in time for summer
READY TO make its debut on the Kassandra Peninsula for its first-ever summer season, Zelia Halkidiki promises to be an adults-only haven providing the ultimate comfort in the birthplace of Aristotle.
Housing 104 guest rooms and 18 suites, each of which offer sweeping views of the Aegean’s clear waters
Just Go! boosts winter sun schedule with Cypriot double
LIMASSOL HAS been added to Just Go! Holiday’s programme due to the growing demand for winter sun getaways, The new destination addition doubles the operator’s Cypriot range, with Limassol joining Paphos where capacity has also been expanded. All-inclusive holidays are available for eight, 11, 15, 22 and 29 days at the Park Beach Hotel for departures between November 2025 and March 2026. Prices lead in from £1,699 per person for 29 days as Just Go!’s ‘four weeks for the price of three’ offer is applicable. Excursions are included in the package, with visits to Lefkada, Omodos and others available.
and the resort’s surrounding canopies, anyone looking for a serene escape should look no further.
Those looking for a secluded getaway with a loved one can opt for the Swim-Up Suites, complete with spacious private terraces for lounging under the Grecian sun. If it’s a full family getaway your clients are after, the Panorama Loft Sea View Suite stretches across two floors with a private balcony to take in the sights and enjoy quality time together over an evening night cap.
After a day spent relaxing under the sun or exploring everything Halkidiki has to offer, guests can unwind in the
Last-minute deals at Giannoulis
Zelia Amazonia Spa, promising to be a tranquil oasis by the sea. Personal trainers are on site as well to create bespoke workouts for guests using state-of-the-art equipment.
Curated hiking and e-bike tours are available through the dedicated concierge with routes winding through sand dunes and coastal forests, with pit-stops along the way to soak up the vast landscapes.
Zelia Halkidiki’s dining experiences are led by Chef Vassili Papatheodorou, whose menus blend international flavours with local produce, creating delectable delights for all palettes.
FAMILY-RUN Giannoulis Hotels & Resorts is offering lastminute summer holidays in Crete from under £3,000 for a family of four.
This July or August, families can take advantage of discounted rates at the five-star Giannoulis Cavo Spada Luxury Sports & Leisure Resort and the four-star Giannoulis Santa Marina Beach
Jet2 spotlights Samos
NEXT YEAR travellers have more options when it comes to their summer holidays under the Grecian sun as Jet2.com and Jet2holidays will be introducing its 15th airport in Greece: Samos. Both Manchester and London Stansted airports will offer exclusive direct routes to Samos between May and October 2026, giving holidaymakers more flexibility in choosing their Greek getaway. As well as flights, over 30 hotels are available to book across the island through Jet2holidays.
A boutique haven in the heart of Crete
A FAVOURITE with families and spa-lovers, Phaea Blue in Crete offers guests an authentic Greek experience in a luxuriously private haven.
With panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and Spinalonga Island, guests can enjoy a sevennight stay in a Signature Room from £1,755 per person when booked by October 6th, 2025 for travel between October 16th and 31st, 2025.
President’s Cruise heads to Greece in 2026
GUESTS WHO sail on Celebrity’s President’s Cruise next year will be among the first to experience the Mediterranean aboard the new Celebrity Xcel vessel.
The annual cruise is sailing to new heights in 2026, welcoming Captain’s Club members on an elevated eight-night itinerary through Greece and Türkiye. Departing from Athens on September 13th, 2026, guests will explore the Greek Isles of Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini before heading to the historic Ephesus and Malta before wrapping the voyage up in Barcelona.
The sailing itself will offer an array of shore excursions yet to be announced as well as special events and unique experiences that can only be had on the 2026 President’s Cruise.
Celebrity’s president Laura Hodges Bethge said, “Our annual President’s Cruise is my favourite sailing of the year as we
dedicate a full itinerary to celebrating and spending time with our Captain’s Club members. “The entire Celebrity team love hearing guests' stories and experiences, and the feedback we receive while onboard is instrumental in shaping the future Celebrity Cruises’ guest experience.”
Princess Resort unveils upgrades
SANTIKOS COLLECTION property Princess Resort, Skiathos, opened last month for the season following successful refurbishments made to a select number of rooms.
The new Signature Double Sea View Rooms exude elegance, featuring private balconies and enough space to sleep two adults and a child. Rates lead in from £196 per night based on two adults sharing on a half board basis.
Alongside the revamped
accommodations, the resort has also invested a significant amount of time and funding into upgrading its pool area to enhance guest experience. Upgraded comforts and aesthetics fill the transformed area, with new loungers surrounding the pool to provide increased lashings of luxury. A renovated pool bar is also in the works, promising to be a chic and relaxed setting for guests to unwind.
Konstantinos Santikos, managing director of Santikos Collection, said, “We’re excited to launch these upgrades as part of our ongoing commitment to providing an exceptional experience for our guests. The new Signature Double Sea View Rooms and revitalised pool area will further elevate the serene, stylish ambiance that defines our resort, making it a perfect escape on the shores of Skiathos.”
An autumn in Athens
ARE YOUR clients looking for an autumnal twist to the traditional Greek summer holiday? Planet Holidays is offering a luxury seven-night break in central Athens with a stay at the Roc Club of Vouliagmeni this September.
For £4,322 per person, guests will spend two nights in the heart of the ancient city followed by five nights in the panoramic Roc Club of Vouliagmeni in a deluxe sea view room. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick.
Greece is the word for PTC
THE PERSONAL Travel Consultants joined Travelpack for its first-ever fam trip earlier this month in Poros to develop knowledge around the up-andcoming Greek destination. The agents were treated to an exclusive boat tour around the island to kick off the trip as well as ticking off a range of activities including excursions to Hydra, quad biking and visiting the historic Monastery.
Celestyal ‘sales’ into summer
CELESTYAL’S CRUISERS can save up to 60% across 87 of the cruise line’s voyages, departing from June 2025 to March 2027 as part of its summer sale running until August 31st, 2025.
Applicable sailings in Greece and the Med include seven departures of the three- and four-night ‘Iconic Greek Islands’ cruise sailing roundtrip from Athens. Prices lead in from £299 per person
Prices for seven-night cruise itineraries in the Arabian Gulf start from £539 per person.
Pre-payments loaded onto CelestyalPay, the line’s onboard speciality beverage and dining tab, will generate an enhanced bonus top-up amount. Guests will receive 25% extra on credits added to their CelestyalPay tab before departure, earning up to €250 onboard spend.
Using CelestyalPay will also unlock free shore excursion offer on select Greek and Mediterranean night sailings in 2026,
including the seven-night ‘Idyllic Greece’ and ‘Heavenly Greece, Italy and Croatia’ cruises. Calling the offers "destination immersive cruises at unbeatable value", Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said, "There’s never been a better time to try a Celestyal cruises.”
The legend of Andronis
LEGENDS ARE colliding in Santorini as Andronis Luxury Suites, the original property of the Andronis hotel group, has become a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection alongside its sister property, Andronis Arcadia.
The accolade has coincided with the resort’s grand opening for the summer season after an extensive property-wide transformation, with newly-designed rooms and upgraded wellness experiences for all guests.
Guided under the new mantra ‘memories that matter from people who care’, Andronis has reimagined its vision to in the name of guest experience, with redesigned suites, an expanded Mare Sanus Spa, and elevated dining concepts, including the award-winning Lycabettus Restaurant and the debut of traditional taverna Milto’s Greek Table (named after the founder Miltiadis Andronis).
Any guests who choose to stay in one of the Pool Villas will also gain complimentary one-day use of a MINI Cooper Cabrio to explore the island in style.
Roberta Possenti, vice president of Europe for Preferred Hotels & Resorts, said the Andronis Luxury Suites is an “extraordinary property [which] captures the spirit of the Legend Collection, offering a harmonious blend of elegance, authenticity and truly unforgettable guest experiences.”
AFRICAN EXPANSION
Hilton plans to almost triple its footprint across the continent over the next few years.
MORE THAN 100 hotels are expected to open across the African continent over the next few years as Hilton has outlined plans to almost triple its presence in a market that Carlos Khneisser, chief development officer for the Middle East and Africa, said is “brimming with potential and opportunity”.
A wild tapestry come to life
DEEP IN the heart of Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park, an intimate eco-luxury retreat awaits guests at the Ubuyu, A Banyan tree Escape.
Home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, the world’s highest concentration of lions and more than 570 bird species, this rich biodiverse landscape offers guests a sanctuary to escape into while looking out into a wild tapestry unlike anywhere else on Earth.
The property, consisting of six villas blending into the surrounding terrain, is scheduled to open in late 2025 with rates leading in from $2,000 per night.
New properties are penned to open their doors in Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Angola and Madagascar over the course of the next few years, following the recent openings of Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof; DoubleTree by Hilton Addis Ababa Airport; and Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston in Johannesburg.
The expansion will see Hilton’s debut in Angola next year with the opening of the DoubleTree by Hilton Cabinda Futila Residences, as well as two new properties scheduled to open in Luanda under the flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand in 2027 and 2028 respectively.
In Nigeria, 93 stylish rooms will be available to travellers 10 minutes from Abuja’s Commercial Business District at The Wave Hotel Abuja Jabi, Curio Collection by Hilton, which is slated to open in 2029. Hilton Lagos Ikeja and Hilton Garden Inn in Kano make up the trio of new Nigerian openings. Later this year, the Hilton Accra Cantonments will be the first Hilton property to open in Ghana, bringing 145 guest rooms to the upscale suburb. Hampton by Hilton Accra Airport will follow in 2026.
Currently, Hilton operates 63 properties over the continent, with more than 100 now in development.
Norse Atlantic commits to Cape Town connectivity
A NEW Cape Town service will operate out of London Gatwick for eight months this year courtesy of Norse Atlantic, with six flights a week taking flight during the service's peak months.
After a successful inaugural season last year, 2025's service will begin on October 2nd, 2025 from the capital and operate until May 31st, 2026. Fares are already available to book via Norse’s GDS partners.
Virgin reopens
Mahali Mzuri
THE CURTAIN has been lifted on Sir Richard Branson’s luxury safari complex, Mahali Mzuri, following a full interior redesign.
Located in the heart of Kenya’s Maasi Mara National Reserve, the Virgin Limited Edition property has reopened in time for the annual Great Migration event, which occurs during July and August.
Rates lead in from $3,100 per tented suite per night, including all meals, twice-daily game drives and transfers.
Somabay’s latest lifestyle stay
FOLLOWING A successful 2024, Somabay has welcomed guests into its latest hotel, The Kaktus Hotel & Co-Working Hub, marking a new step into becoming an ultimate lifestyle destination. Offering 189 rooms and suites, all of which feature either private balconies or terraces, the property sits in an idyllic location along Egypt’s Red Sea coast which guests can enjoy from £100 per night.
A Solos journey of ancient grandeur
WALK IN the footsteps of the great Pharaohs of the past with a group of likeminded travellers in Solos’ nine-night ‘Timeless Treasures of Egypt’ itinerary, bringing an adventure steeped in ancient lore, legends and legacy to the hearts of single travellers eager to learn more.
Solo travellers will venture on a 4,500year-old journey from the Great Pyramids to the banks of the Nile before soaking up the sun by the Red Sea.
During the nine-night itinerary, guests will explore the Pyramids of Giza before flying into Aswan to tour the ancient Temple of Isis. A three-night Nile cruise is next, followed by a tour into the Valley of the Kings.
Prices for the nine-night tour lead in from £2,525 per person for a departure on September 30th, 2025. Prices includes
return flights and transfers, accommodation in Cairo and Hurghada, the three-night Nile cruise, guided tours in Cairo, Aswan and Luxor, and the services of an Egyptian specialist tour leader.
Marriott strives for continental expansion
BY THE end of 2027, Marriott International is anticipating an additional 50 properties and more than 9,000 rooms to be integrated into its portfolio across Africa.
A cornerstone in its strategic expansion plans is the entry into five new markets: Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Mauritania.
Jerome Briet, chief development officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, said that the industry is “witnessing a transformation of
Africa’s tourism sector” which is paving the way for a “thriving hospitality sector.”
There is strong momentum growth in North and East Africa for Marriott, a region which will account for more than 60% of the company’s planned additions (with Egypt and Morocco slated to lead the expansion). Plans in Egypt include the opening of the highly-anticipated debut of Aloft Hotels in the continent with the opening of Aloft Ghazala Bay along the North coast. Expansion highlights for Morocco include the debut of AC Hotels by Marriott in Casablanca.
Demand for safari lodges and camps remains on a positive trajectory in East Africa as the appeal for adventure travel continues to grow. Marriott is expected to open six safari projects across the region by the end of 2027, including The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp.
Short & City Breaks BOHO BELFAST
A bohemian hidden gem in the Northern Irish capital revitalises local legends
THE HARRISON Chambers of Distinction is part-art collection, part-hotel, and partjourney through the legacies of Belfast icons, housed in an impressivelypreserved Victorian merchants' home. Despite – or perhaps because of – its quirks, the property bleeds Belfast. Carpets were supplied by the same company who furnished the Titanic. The
Scandinavian minimalism meets modern hospitality
NH HOTELS & Resorts has strengthened its footprint in Scandinavia with the launch of NH Copenhagen Grand Joanne, its second property in the Danish capital and third in the Nordic region.
Located in the heart of Copenhagen’s lively Vesterbro district, the hotel occupies a 19th-century building that has welcomed guests since 1928. Following a major renovation completed in 2023, the property now offers a contemporary yet character-filled experience where Scandinavian minimalism meets modern hospitality. 162 rooms and suites are bookable.
city's icons like Oscar Wilde, Van Morrison and Angela Lansbury (the most recent addition, whose mother grew up minutes away from The Harrison) are brought to life on ornate bookshelves, vintage radios and a Bedknobs and Broomsticks-inspired brass bed, respectively. Owner and namesake Melanie Harrison is also committed to spotlighting those who are perhaps less celebrated yet no less important in the city’s canon. Among those is John Lavery, an artist whose legacy can be explored a couple of minutes from the property at the Ulster Museum (home to a large collection of his works), and Lillian Bland, the first
woman to design, build and fly her own aircraft.
Whilst the hotel embodies and celebrates the past, the future looks bright, too. Last year, Harrison acquired an adjacent townhouse that will add 11 additional suites to the 16 original keys, with no shortage of historic Belfastians to serve as inspiration.
The Harrison Chambers of Distinction is bookable via several trade-friendly operators including easyJet Holidays, which offers three nights at the four-star property on bed-and-breakfast basis from £283 per person. The sample package includes flights from Newcastle International in April 2026.
Eurostar to introduce new continental routes
NEW SERVICES from London to Frankfurt and Geneva will begin operating from the early 2030s, with up to 50 new trains, worth almost £1.7 billion, joining the fleet.
Ahead of the new services, Eurostar has confirmed a fourth and fifth daily service to Amsterdam (via Rotterdam) will operate from September and December, respectively, after the reinstatement of the service in February of this year.
GetYourGuide unveils Manc-tionary
WITH A recent survey finding that one in three Oasis fans worldwide struggle to understand the iconic band’s frontman, Liam Gallagher, GetYourGuide has released a ‘Manc-tionary’ and collated the most fitting tours for fans visiting the band’s home city ahead of its summer reunion. Among them is a music-themed city walking tour, tracing the footsteps of Manc musical icons, and an Etihad Stadium tour. Agents can register at GetYourGuide to sell those and over 150,000 more.
Scotland, 65 million years in the making
AS THE iconic Jurassic Park franchise returns to screens this summer, courtesy of Jurassic World: Rebirth, Scotland’s iconic dino attractions await.
Those include the iconic fossilhunting opportunities on the Isle of Skye, Dino Park in Dumfries, the Michaelswood Dinosaur Trail in Shetland, and the National Museum of Scotland’s T-rex cast, taken from one of the most complete speciments on Earth.
Shearings reinstates £1 deposits
SHEARINGS’ POPULAR £1 deposit scheme has been reinstated for a limited time, with almost 30 new tours joining the roster for 2026 and head of retail sales Ashley Dellow telling agents "it's time... to start selling 2026.
“Customers don’t have to worry about payments for a long time and booking early also usually secures first-choice destinations and dates. With lots of new tours, there are new routes, new views, but the same hassle-free holidays!"
Shearings' 2026 agent brochure, now available through TradeGate, stars 12 new European tours. Several are tied to continental events, like the 'Tall Ships Race — Antwerp 2026' itinerary and 'Polish Winter Wonderland: Kraków and Zakopane', with three new dedicated solo tours of Austrian Tyrol, the Dolomites and Lake Garda, and the Costa Blanca. 15 new UK and Ireland tours tick off
iconic experiences like the Irish coast on 'Coast to Coast – Dublin, Galway and Waterford' and West End theatre shows on 'Hakuna Matata: The Lion King Theatre Break in London'.
Tours lead in from £399 per person and span from four to 14 days in duration.
Agents central to new New York
PRESIDENT AND CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions, Julie Coker, iterated that the board is "focused on fostering strong trade relationships" and unveiled a Luxury Hub exclusively for agents to help bolster the city's affluent traveller figures—which surpassed 10.7 million in 2024.
As well as the new hub, exclusively for luxury travel agents and password protected, NYC Tourism + Conventions is bolstering its NYC Travel Trade Academy
with a luxury module and committed to updating its B2B NYC Luxury Guide regularly.
Continuing, Julie highlighted luxury travellers' three-fold economic impact on the city's economy against its average visitor, despite representing just 17% of total visitation last year.
"This influential segment delivers extraordinary economic impact, and we remain focused on... showcasing the oneof-a-kind NYC opportunities—from world-class accommodations and dining to culture and shopping—that can only be found across businesses in all five boroughs."
Several luxury staples return to the city's scene this year, with the reopening of the Four Seasons Hotel New York and Waldorf Astoria New York in quick succession offering two iconic accommodation options.
Slow travel through the Emerald Isle
TOURISM IRELAND’S latest campaign ‘Ireland Unrushed’ aims to encourage visitors to enjoy their exploration of the Emerald Isle and lean into quieter adventures than can be had with slow tourism.
Research has found that 80% of overseas visitors who searching for a non-sun getaway are looking for a holiday filled with exploration, and the new campaign highlights just that, showcasing the experiences that can be had in nature and within local communities.
Alice Mansergh, chief executive of Tourism Ireland, said, “We are excited to launch ‘Ireland Unrushed’ to inspire visitors to choose Ireland this year for their travel [...] When visitors choose Ireland, dwell for
longer and explore more, the economic and community benefits of tourism across the island are increased.”
Running throughout June, the campaign is live across video platforms and social channels in the UK, the US, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands, with an estimated reach of 70 million people.
TAP’s domestic summer bliss
TWICE PER week TAP Air
Portugal will operate a new domestic service connecting Faro to Funchal until September 11th, 2025. The route reinforces connectivity between the two destinations which are hot hits for tourists.
New destinations for Newcastle
11 NEW destinations will join easyJet’s operations out of Newcastle Airport next summer, with packages now on sale.
Malta, Rhodes, Corfu, Faro, Reus, Tunisia, Sharm el Sheik, Dalaman, Antalya, Nice and Prague join the roster for travel until October 2026.
To celebrate the launch of the new packages, easyJet Holidays’ trade team are extending the popular ‘Big Orange Store Makeover’ campaign to agencies in and around Newcastle. Natasha Marson, head of trade distribution at easyJet Holidays, said, “We’re thrilled to offer thousands of new package holidays to our valued trade customers in the North East, now available for our trusted travel
agent partners to book.”
“We truly appreciate the vital role our travel agents play in helping customers find their perfect getaway, especially as holidays remain a top priority for consumers, so we’re super excited to now be offering a wide selection of fantastic beach and city break destinations and travel dates extending through to October 2026.”
Dual expansion for Verdi Hotels
VERDI HOTELS is celebrating its first anniversary by announcing two new properties in Prague and Santarém. Panorama by Verdi Hotels, Prague, and Verdi Santarém, Portugal are both penned to open their doors later in the year. The two properties mark a significant step in Verdi’s strategic plan to expand its European footprint, bringing its complete portfolio up to seven properties in a single year. The hotel brand has also joined the Global Hotel Alliance and adopted its award-winning GHA Discovery loyalty programme.
Who is your dream Glastonbury headliner?
Jeanette Ratcliffe Publisher jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Coldplay every time!
Jeanette Ratcliffe Publisher jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk xxx
Simon Eddolls Sales Director simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Kylie.
Simon Eddolls Sales Director simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk xxx
Sarah Terry Senior Account Manager sarah.terry@travelbulletin.co.uk INXS or George Michael would be amazing!
Sarah Terry Account Manager sarah.terry@travelbulletin.co.uk xxx
Tim Podger Account Manager - Far East tim@travelbulletin.co.uk Would have been David Bowie.
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Holly Brown Events Coordinator holly.brown@travelbulletin.co.uk Chase and Status.
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Verdi Hotels
Celebrate Luxury
WE BROUGHT a taste of luxury to the gorgeous Luton Hoo for our latest Celebrate Luxury event earlier this month.
With some of the area’s finest luxury agents, we showcased Madeira, Orascom, Greater Miami & Miami Beach, United Airlines, Visit Portugal, and City of Dreams Mediterranean with daytime training and activities including laser clay pigeon shooting!
Thank you to our fabulous luxury partners and the agents who joined us in Luton.
The Luxury #TBShowcases return to Taunton and Plymouth on September 29th and 30th. Registration is open now at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/events/agents or by contacting events@travelbulletin.co.uk
