I was recently at an event discussing affordable options in destinations that are often considered pricey. This makes our cover feature on Botswana (a notoriously exclusive and expensive country) very timely, as we examine budget versus luxury safari options on page eight. Discussions around AI and its use in the travel industry continue to come up more and more, so we spoke to agents in our Foursight column to gauge what its pros and cons might be. Head over to page four. The popularity of The White Lotus, now in its third series, makes our feature on the positive impact that starring in TV or on the silver screen has, very well-timed. There are tonnes of set-jetting location suggestions online, so we’ve taken it back to what agents really want to know – how to sell them. Read it on page 20. And our multicentre feature, written by industry stalwart Mark Stratton, takes a look at complementary destinations and activities, so that clients can make the most of a holiday. Check it out on page 24. Enjoy the fruits of our labour!
To be honest, I feel a bit slow to the party with AI. I’m sure it is a fantastic tool for many things, but holidays? Call me a dinosaur, but surely we should use our own skills and years of expertise to tailor trips for our clients, rather than rely on a computer to do the thinking for us.
A prospective client contacted us recently armed with a Costa Rica trip she’d “created” using AI, asking us to improve it and put prices on it. I wonder why she didn’t just come to us in the first place to get our advice, rather than letting a computer suggest the best place to go.
THE CRUISE SPECIALIST
I am getting too old for all this stuff. When asked to write a few words about how I use AI, I thought I was being asked about when I travel on the Great North Road – that is a name for those of us who remember life before motorways.
However, I do realise that when I am researching a destination or operators to put together a client proposal, much of what I read has been produced by AI! Knowledge is power and clearly clients can get this knowledge quicker, and make a purchase decision based on research, rather than seek the advice of an agent.
Anneka Desrosiers
Co-Director, Southern Cross Travel, Wadhurst
As it was, she booked with one of the other agents she’d sent the AI itinerary to, so we didn’t even get a chance to quote. Travel is such a special thing – not to mention hard-earned and high in value – and great holidays rely on an agent understanding a client’s needs and wishes and then tailoring a trip to suit them as an individual. Give me a human any day!
So AI is both a help and a threat – and just a continuation of the ease of booking on the internet. But a good agent knows that it is the personal knowledge or in-depth awareness of the difference between various operators that can ensure the client books the right holiday and comes back again. AI paints the picture, but the agent gives the picture depth and form.
How do you feel about AI?
James Hill Director, GoRiverCruise, Worcestershire
Is it a benefit to travel agents or a threat?
Do you use it to create itineraries?
THE HIGH STREET AGENCY
AI is a very topical subject at present and I’m sure it will help us as long as we have our own knowledge and experience to back up the results.
I recently put AI to the test with a suggested sightseeing itinerary for a couple I booked to Budapest, and they loved the recommendations “I” gave. Having visited the city myself, I was confident the information was valid.
However – a bit like a Google search or a Tripadvisor review – I won’t always 100% trust the results given!
AI could help us in so many ways, for example replicating itineraries, suggesting hotels and resorts based on past holidays, and helping with data analysis. Plus travel agents could use AI to report on booking trends and analyse the best times to book.
Liz Beaty Director, The Travel Team, Brampton, Cumbria
I do believe that in terms of what you get out of it, AI is only as good as the information that’s put in and the role of a human travel agent is still very important.
THE PATA AGENT
Technology has changed the way we plan and book holidays. I perceive the emergence of AI as the latest step in that ongoing evolution.
AI offers consumers the ability to “design” a tour itinerary. That’s not revolutionary because itineraries are readily available in guidebooks and brochures. The evolution is the convenience of using one’s own device and the speed of response.
AI trawls through a wealth of data to produce an itinerary – however, it captures the most common information. Plus, AI can’t juggle the complexity of a multicentre holiday in Asia Pacific, for example, with all the flights, transfers and hotels.
Agents need to emphasise the human interaction which results in a unique itinerary, one designed specifically for the client. They should stress that their service does not end there and will be supporting the client throughout their journey.
John Coles Managing Director,
Kew Bridge Travel, London
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Jenny Taylor Page, Australia and New Zealand Expert at Prestige Travel, visits Australia’s Northern Territory on a fact-finding mission
1 Our journey into the heart of Australia began with the Mereenie Loop, a breathtaking scenic route from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon.
The drive itself was an adventure, offering rugged landscapes, stunning rock formations, and endless red earth vistas. Along the way, we took the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region, with a refreshing swim stop at Ellery Creek, a crystal-clear waterhole.
2 Upon arrival at Discovery Kings Canyon Resort, we were greeted with spacious and beautifully designed rooms. One of the standout features was the bathroom views — an unexpected luxury in the outback.
Before settling in for the evening, we gathered at the viewing platform to witness the captivating Bruce Munro art installation, Light Towers
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we sipped drinks and enjoyed canapés while being mesmerised by the interplay of light and nature. The night concluded with a dramatic lightning storm, which I watched unfold from the comfort of the bathtub – a surreal moment that highlighted the sheer unpredictability and beauty of the landscape.
The next morning, we set out to explore Kings Canyon National Park.
Thanks to recent rainfall, the usually arid landscape was transformed into an oasis of cascading waterfalls and flowing creeks. I loved the contrast of the vibrant greenery against the striking red rock formations during our hike.
After a morning of exploration, we made our way to Curtin Springs for lunch and an engaging presentation about the region’s history and significance. It provided a deeper appreciation of the cultural and environmental aspects of the NT, shedding light on the resilience of those who call this landscape home.
3 Our journey continued to Ayers Rock Resort, where we checked into Sails in the Desert Hotel.
Later that day, we experienced a Uluru Highlights tour as well as a private Kata Tjuta Tour, which provided a deeper understanding of the cultural and geological significance of the area.
Our expert guides led us through key sites sharing captivating stories of the Indigenous people and their connection to the land. The peacefulness and spiritual energy of Uluru made this a truly unforgettable experience.
reshaped Perceptions
Before visiting I had a mix of expectations about the NT. I imagined vast, arid landscapes and extreme heat but didn’t fully appreciate the diversity and richness of the region. The trip reshaped my perception: it is not just all harsh desert landscapes but is a place of unexpected beauty, with lush pockets of greenery, incredible wildlife, and a deep cultural and historical significance.
TOP Selling TIPS
• Luxury in the Outback: High-end places like Longitude 131 and Discovery Kings Canyon Resort prove that comfort and adventure can go hand in hand.
• Unique Experiences: Attractions such as Field of Light and Light Towers offer unique one-of-a-kind experiences.
• Ever-Changing Landscape: The NT’s scenery is dynamic. Shifting with the seasons, this is a destination worth visiting multiple times.
• Cultural and Historical Depth: Learn about the land’s significance through presentations and guided experiences. This blend of adventure, luxury and cultural immersion makes it an easy sell for those looking for the extraordinary.
Jenny Taylor Page
Jenny Taylor Page has been an Australia and New Zeland expert for over a decade.
Her passion for the two countries was ignited during a year spent travelling and working in Australia.
Pictured: (clockwise from top) The group toast; Map of the NT; Wading the creeks at Kings Canyon National Park; The group on the Uluru tour.
Pictured: (left to right from top) More lodges are often in community areas, offering the chance to experience local cultures; A steenbok pauses to observe the photographer; Close up of a crocodile eye; Bella
enjoying the view from her veradah; Curious hyena cubs approach the game drive vehicle; Sunset over the plains is uninterrupted from Mombo’s private deck. All pictures credited to Bella Falk, Passport and Pixels
With its UNESCO status, the Okavango Delta camps can charge premium rates, but head 100 miles south to the Central Kalahari and you get intimate animal encounters for a fraction of the price.
Bush Ways runs two lodges in the Deception Valley Private Game Reserve, a 43,000-hectare expanse of semiarid wilderness that’s home to desertspecialised species like oryx and brown hyenas, alongside lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and giraffes.
Despite being mid-range, Deception Valley Lodge, where I spend three nights, exudes luxury, with huge chalet suites connected by a gleaming boardwalk, a pool, spa treatments, and a small gym.
Meals are top-notch too – spicy shakshuka for brunch, Thai chicken for dinner, and the squidgy brownies they serve at afternoon tea (I eat two).
I visit in rainy season, when the waterlogged landscape makes approaching wildlife more difficult. Knowledge, my guide, takes this as a challenge, powering our 4x4 through overgrown bush to track down a family of lions sheltering under the trees.
“It’s much easier in dry season,” he reveals. “Animals congregate around the waterholes in huge numbers. Last year we had six honey badgers in front of the lodge.”
High-end luxury with Wilderness
If you can have all this on a budget, why pay more?
I get my answer as soon as I walk into my room at Tubu Tree, one of Wilderness’s 20 spectacular lodges in
Botswana. Newly rebuilt in 2024, it’s an oasis of zen, a contemporary refuge with 12 enormous suites, each one with a private veranda, soothing interior design and beds so restful I struggle to rise in the morning, even with the wildlife calling.
From the bathtub with a view to the well-stocked mini bar (all-inclusive, naturally) they’ve thought of everything – and while you don’t need this stuff, I admit it’s lovely to have.
“I don’t believe a safari is just about the wildlife,” says fellow guest Nadia, from South Africa. “The lodge is so important. You don’t want to come back from a dusty game drive and feel uncomfortable.”
As well as the luxury, Wilderness is about location. Their camps are set deep in Botswana’s most remote and pristine areas, where visitor numbers are limited and conservation levies are high, creating perfect conditions for abundant wildlife.
That’s why Mombo, my final stop, is known as the ‘Place of Plenty’.
This is Wilderness’s palatial flagship camp, which was recently named one of the best resorts in Africa by Condé Nast Traveler. Here, no comfort is spared, no detail disregarded: from my private deck with plunge pool overlooking grasslands grazed by buffalo to the state-of-the art gym, high-speed WiFi and in-room amenities like iPads and yoga mats.
Meals are à la carte, and afternoon tea looks like it’s been crafted by a top pâtissier. There’s a walk-in wine cellar, and even a pizza oven available all day.
“This feels like a magical place, where magical things happen,” says my friend Amanda, as we leave for our first afternoon drive, every vivid green blade of grass sparkling after the rain.
Sure enough, moments later we see five painted wild dogs make a kill. Later we sip G&Ts by the firepit while the sun sinks in an incandescent blaze. Wilderness can’t control the weather or the wildlife we see, but it doesn’t feel like much of a stretch to say they might. The lion we saw is the father and we watch him settle down with his family –the happy ending we were praying for.
BOOK IT
Wilderness offers three nights at Tubu Tree and three nights at Mombo on a fully-inclusive basis from £11,239pp sharing. wildernessdestinations.com
Bush Ways offers three nights at Deception Valley Lodge and three nights at Sango Safari Camp, from £4,133pp sharing. bushways.com
Pictured: (top left) A top notch meal (top right) Communal area at Deception Valley Lodge. (Bella Falk)
Bella Falk is a travel writer, photographer and documentary director. She writes the award-winning travel blog Passport and Pixels.
BELLA FALK
projects, along with local communities.
At a time when habitat is under threat globally from extractive industries such as oil, gas and mining, visiting national parks and wilderness areas can encourage governments to pledge they will protect them, if only for the economic benefits the parks attract.
As Kristina Plattner, Managing Director of Kamba African Rainforest Experiences – which operates three lodges in the Republic of the Congo – says: “Just by being present in the national park, visitors are helping to protect the Congo Basin’s gorillas and show their global importance.
“Our guests are very much ‘Guardians of the Forest’ and all the animals that call it home.”
FIVE New Wildlife Experiences
1 Go on an ethical elephant adventure in Thailand: Mahouts Elephant Foundation works in partnership with Thailand’s remote Karen hill tribes to offer a four-day Mountain Adventure near Mae Sot, which includes a homestay in a local villageand the chance to observe elephants rescued from the tourist entertainment industry, roaming free. experiencetravelgroup.com
2 Book an accessible safari in Africa: Wild Paths has introduced bespoke African safaris for guests with mobility challenges. The ‘Cape Town, Kruger and Victoria Falls’ accessible safari includes visits to Table Mountain and the Falls, and uses adapted safari vehicles to explore Kruger National Park, with 30% of profits supporting grassroots projects. wild-paths.co.uk
3 Join overnight whale-watching in Australia: Fraser Island Boat Charters has launched Australia’s only overnight whale-watching experience. Up to six guests can enjoy a two- or three-day private yacht cruise to search for humpback whales in the UNESCO Heritage-listed Great Sandy Strait on the Fraser Coast. The cruise is skippered. fraserislandboatcharters.com.au
“Visiting national parks and wilderness areas can encourage governments to protect them”
4 Release baby turtles in Malaysia:
Tourism Malaysia has introduced a Turtle Discovery Experience, offering visitors the chance to contribute to the conservation of endangered green sea turtles and release baby turtles into the wild at the Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary on Redang Island, off the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia. almuneertours.com
5 Explore the Amazon and the Galapagos: Certified B Corp, Exodus Adventure Travels has programmed a new 15-day ‘Highlights of Ecuador and the Galapagos’ guided group tour, which includes a night safari and visit to the amaZOOnico rescue and rehabilitation centre in the Amazon Rainforest, plus snorkelling with wild sea lions in the Galapagos Islands. exodus.co.uk
booK it
Windows on the Wild offers a 13-night ‘Costa Rica Wildlife and Wonder’ itinerary from £3,050pp, including accommodation.windowsonthewild.com
Pictured: (clockwise from top) Kambo Laga Lodge (Scott Ramsay); Observation at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp; Wild sea lions can be spotted in the Galapagos (iStock. com/ guenterguni); Whale-watching in the Great Sandy Strait, Australia.
Janine Park, Managing Director and Founder at Journey Angels, explains that agents who understand accessibility needs can gain a competitive edge
“many travellers are increasingly searching for a more inclusive experience”
Assisted travel is redefining the traveller experience, opening up opportunities for OTAs, independent travel consultants, high street agencies, and their clients.
Offering travel companionship adds significant value to an agent’s offering, providing options for those who would not otherwise travel. For example, older travellers may require assistance with mobility, medical needs or simply navigating unfamiliar places.
Dietary requirements and environmental considerations can also be addressed when travelling with assistance. Travellers vary widely in their needs and preferences, so offering the right kind of support is key to providing a
valuable service.
Having a companion can help with more than essential travel needs. It can combat feelings of loneliness and enhance the client’s experience by having an individual to enjoy the trip with. Meanwhile, the companion can enable communication with loved ones back home should the person need help making calls or sending texts
good business
Hotels, resorts and holiday rentals are increasingly offering accessible rooms, with additional consideration for mobility, dietary requirements or quieter spaces. This extends to tourist attractions and guides. However, the
additional support stops for many individuals once they leave their accommodation. There is a huge business opportunity for agents to help these individuals.
When an individual comes to an agent looking for accompanied travel, assistance should start from the first meeting. It is important to consider the client’s experience and ensure that they are aware of accessible destinations where public transport, services and attractions are suited to them – as well as accommodation where they feel properly supported.
preferred partner
Travel agents can partner with a service such as Journey Angels, to match the customer with a suitable DBS-checked companion based on interests, skills and personality traits.
The companion will be able to provide personalised assistance and companionship to customers, from the beginning through to the end of their trip.
Agents can undertake training to enhance their service offering. This can enable them to better serve clients with additional needs and is crucial in creating an inclusive environment. The company can also appoint an accessibility ambassador who is well-versed in the considerations that should be given to serving a variety of clients and able to give tailored recommendations,
Accessible travel is growing as a focus area with many travellers increasingly searching for a smooth and more inclusive experience. Travel agents who are proactive in understanding these needs will gain a competitive edge.
Pictured: (clockwise from above) Janine Park; Travellers are seeking more inclusive experiences; (istockphoto.com Valeriia Kuznetsova); Travelling with a companion combats feelings of lonliness.
The sky is coming towards us at speed. What before seemed a soft blue canopy now feels like a threatening oblivion as the venousred Formula Rossa rollercoaster silently speeds ever, ever upwards.
Beneath us, families busying themselves at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi scurry from ride to ride, shrunk to manic ants. The air thins and every muscle in my body clenches (thankfully).
Briefly, I query the structural integrity of the restraints strapping me into my seat, before a whipcrack launches us to speeds of 240km/h – or more technically, really fast.
My cheeks fly back so fast at the force, I could swear they clap at the back of my head. Reborn as a frantic, fluid Formula One driver, my carriage hugs hairpin turns and my anxiety transmutes into sheer elevation. I am told the views from the Formula Rossa are sonnetworthy; I confess I didn’t register them.
I emerge from the fastest roller coaster in the world jellylegged but filled with giddy adrenaline. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is jockeying to become the theme park epicentre of the world – move over the U.S. – and if Ferrari World is anything to judge from it is making a convincing argument.
adventure playground
“Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World have become favourites, offering thrilling rides and interactive entertainment for all ages.”
Neigbouring Dubai offers one of the world’s largest indoor theme parks, IMG Worlds of Adventure. Sorry Mr Disney, there are new sheriffs running Theme Park Town.
These are solicitious nations: anything you want, you got it. You will not struggle to find food for fussy eaters of any age. Global cuisines, from burgers to teriyaki, middle eastern mezze to Francophilic crepes, are readily found in local hotels, shopping malls and, of course, also in those theme parks.
If thrill rides get too much, there is a growing list of attractions that help you delve into the region’s rich history.
“Cultural attractions, such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan Palace, provide enriching experiences for families wishing to combine fun with learning about the region’s history and heritage,” says Mohsen.
“The Middle East offers hours of uninterrupteds sunshine, plush hotels, and theme parks for kids”
Your first thought of Middle Eastern epicentres – Dubai, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Saudi – may be power brokers conducting huge business deals and logic-defying towers, and while these elements exist in abundance, the region is nonpareil for family holidays.
Fundamentals are ticked off swiftly: hours of uninterrupted sunshine, plush hotels, fantasy beaches, designer shopping malls. And if you want to keep the kiddies entertained, the theme parks and attractions are galactic in scale.
“What makes the UAE stand out are its futuristic entertainment options, such as Yas Island’s theme parks,” says Mashaal Mohammed Ahmed Mohsen, Concierge from Visit Abu Dhabi, referencing the country’s purpose-built leisure and resort destination, Yas Island.
areas via a series of bridges over the river – not unlike a certain Italian city.
Or check out Dubai’s answer to the London Eye, the Ain Wheel, with its views over the sprawling metropolis.
For a more authentic slice of Emirati life, travellers can visit a Bedouin camp on a desert safari, where they may spot Arabi an oryx and gazelles. The four-hour time difference makes jetlag minimal for families on tour.
Sell it: Trailfinders offers seven nights at luxury resort Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, with flights and halfboard included, starting at £1,099pp.
The hotel has three pools, complimentary water sports, a spa, and is a 20-minute drive from Wild Wadi Waterpark. trailfinders.com
Dubai
The UAE’s most densely populated city is a gift to agents looking to provide a one-stop-shop for families heading abroad. Theme parks run the gamut, from Dubai Parks’ Hollywood-themed Motiongat to Atlantis Aquaventure, the world’s largest waterpark. IMG Worlds of Adventure will thrill any pop culture tweens, with Marvel and Cartoon Network zones, not to mention dinosaurs.
Younger children will relish the chance to experience the bricktastic fun of Legoland, or all the magic of the favourite toy combined with water play at Legoland Water Park.
Another great pit stop for water babies is Wild Wadi Waterpark, with its aquatic rollercoasters and a surfing wave machine which adults will also enjoy.
Families seeking a slower pace can visit Riverland, the ‘most Instagrammable location’ in the city.
Reconstructions of a 1600s French village and 1950s American boardwalk join the 19th century-inspired Peninsula, the central hub connecting the various
Abu Dhabi
If you’re catering to a family of adrenaline junkies, point them in the direction of Abu Dhabi. Yas Island offers four league-beating theme parks in close proximity, from the aforementioned Ferrari World – which managed to thrill even this Formula One refusnik – to Warner Bros. World, now home to the world’s largest Harry Potter-themed park zone.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is both a cultural and spiritual haven
Pictured: (Clockwise from left) Fireworks at night over Riverland, Dubai; An aerial view of Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi; Legoland, Dubai, is best for younger audiences.
“Later this year Six Flags Qiddiyah will open just outside Riyadh and will be the largest theme park in the world”
and an architectural wonder. For a spot of sunbathing and seaside larks, nearby Saadiyat Beach is an idle paradise, with all white-sand beaches, calm warm waters and sunshine.
An hour’s drive from Dubai, it is easy to organise a twin-city holiday to both destinations.
Sell it: TUI offers family holidays at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island from £1,534pp (seven nights, B&B). The package includes daily access to one Yas Island Theme Park per person (Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros., SeaWorld) and access to a kids’ club and splash pad. tui.co.uk
Saudi Arabia
Later this year, Saudi Arabia will also enter the fray for the ‘biggest and best’ when Six Flags Qiddiyah City opens. Located just outside of the capital Riyadh, the US$ one billion project will see the largest theme park in the world, with its flagship ride, Falcon’s Flight, the world’s tallest, fastest, and also longest rollercoaster.
Saudi is relatively new to the tourism game. Its no-alcohol policy is nonnegotiable, so it’s better suited to teetotal mums and dads or parents
looking for a detox. However, there’s still plenty for the entire family to enjoy.
Saudi is clean and safe, and its public facilities are very family-friendly, with babies and children always accepted in restaurants, even late at night.
Jeddah also has bragging rights to the world’s largest fountain, King Fahd Fountain, which blasts Red City water 260m into the sky in a stunning display, while the Riyadh zoo houses 1,300 animals from zebras, elephants and giraffes to endangered red pandas. Sell it: Wendy Wu Tours offers the nine-day ‘Secrets of Saudi Arabia’ tour from £5,390pp, fully inclusive. A tour with cultural focus, it explores Riyadh, AlUla (Hegra) and Jeddah and is best suited for families with older children interested in history and discovery. wendywutours.co.uk
Qatar
Smaller and less touristy than other Emirates, Qatar is nevertheless a
delightful options for families. The capital, Doha, has positioned itself as a more culture-rich destination and there’s the option to visit the Museum of Islamic Art and the Byzantine local market Souq Waqif. An hour’s drive away, Duhkan Beach provides a sundrenched spot for camping.
If thrills are still required, younger kids will adore Bounce Trampoline Park, a mecca to all things boingy, while Doha Quest has a multitude of rides and attractions catering to all ages, in an indoor setting out of the heat. It also houses the world’s largest indoor rollercoaster – because it wouldn’t be the Middle East if it wasn’t the biggest. Sell it: TUI has family packages to Qatar’s Hilton Salwa Beach Resort from £1,310pp (seven nights, B&B). This includes complimentary access to the Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park and the resort’s kids’ club and playground. Various family rooms are available. tui.co.uk
Pictured: (clockwise from top) Motiongate, Dubai, features themed rides from favourite movies; Kids will love one of the numerous waterparks across the Middle East; The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha; Katara Cultural Village, Doha.
release, which is why Audley offers a range of tours such as a ‘Coastal California’ family road trip which takes clients to iconic filming locations from La La Land and Iron Man, among others.
“Our country specialists can include other legendary filming locations in itineraries, such as the Lord of the Rings sites in New Zealand, Indiana Jones in Jordan, My Brilliant Friend in Italy, and Inventing Anna in the U.S.,” adds Alex Bentley, Head of Product at Audley Travel.
There’s also scope to sell trips closer to home, with the UK and Ireland serving as the backdrop for numerous big name franchises such as the Harry Potter films.
For instance, the recently released film adaptation of Raynor Winn’s memoir The Salt Path depicts the author and her husband walking the entire South West Coast Path, including a big chunk of Devon’s coastal path. Travellers can now walk in their shoes too on a two-night Exmouth stay with Great Little Breaks.
HOW TO SELL
Along with providing inspiration for that next holiday location, the experiences depicted in TV shows and movies may also spur travellers to take an educational
trip, which agents can take advantage of.
“More and more destination-based TV programmes or documentaries are highlighting the experiences available in destinations as well as travel tips and insight into different cultures,” says Deborah Wadhams, Head of Long-Haul Product at Gold Medal
The fascination with “cowboy culture’’ is just one example, she says. “We have seen ranches and national parks become more popular recently, which could be impacted by the American neo-Western drama television series, Yellowstone Brand USA also reported this as a big trend across the UK Market.”
Specialist tour operator’s such as America As You Like are offering the chance to step into the world of Yellowstone on a seven-night ‘Yellowstone National Park’ holiday.
It’s wise to consider a client’s specific interests too, and how these could translate into a wider holiday. Food is one example, especially as it is so often closely aligned with travel anyway.
“Recently, a client requested a visit to a restaurant featured in Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy,” says Bentley.
“Similar celebrity food docuseries have also driven enquiries.”
“More and more destination-based TV programmes are highlighting the experiences available, as well as travel tips and insights into different cultures”
Another example is Gary Barlow’s new series, Gary Barlow’s Food & Wine Tour: Australia, which aired throughout April, and is expected to drive more bookings down under. For his Gary Barlow’s Food and Wine Tour: Australia, the Take That singer, alongside some famous friends, embarked on a culinary adventure across six states and territories.
As with the stars themselves, the endorsement of a celebrity-led TV show can’t help but add a dash of glamour to any destination.
Book it with...
Fans of Netflix’s Emily in Paris can join Contiki’s limited-edition departure of its brand-new trip, where they’ll explore the best of Northern France’s culture with an Emily twist. The seven-day ‘France in a Week: Inspired by Emily’ itinerary is priced from £1,315 per person, departing on July 20, 2025. contiki.com
Pictured: Buffalos in Yellowstone National Park (America as you like it), where the Yellowstone TV series was filmed; Fire performer on Koh Samui, the setting of The White Lotus; Dunn’s River waterfalls in Jamaica, the site of an iconic James Bond scene.
Utah’s Training Programme
Utah offers travellers some of the most dramatic and varied landscapes in the U.S., making it ideal for exploration during road trips and a truly outstanding destination for outdoor activities.
The Wasatch Mountain Range provides a dramatic backdrop to the Beehive State’s capital, Salt Lake City, and is also home to the Mighty Five® national parks.
where is utah?
Bordered by Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada and Wyoming, Utah is in the west of the USA.
Approximately 300 miles (or a fourhour drive) separate Salt Lake City in the north of the state and St George in its southwest.
Salt Lake City International Airport is
a 10-hour and 20-minute direct flight from London Heathrow. with Delta Air Lines.
who does utah appeal to?
Dotted with charming small towns, state parks and the Mighty Five® national parks, Utah is an outstanding destination to explore during a classic American road trip.
The Utah Film Trail guides aficionados to movie locations, while rock carvings known as petroglyphs are a legacy of Native American heritage.
The state appeals to active travellers because of the breadth of outdoor activities, including white-water rafting, rappelling and climbing. Offroad rides, guided canyoneering and hiking trails facilitate exploring the wide range of scenic locations.
year-round activities
The state is a year-round destination, with high-quality winter sports resorts whose season runs between November and May. The ‘Greatest Snow on Earth®’ is a joy to carve through on skis or a snowboard.
Park City Mountain is the country’s largest ski resort and offers runs for winter sports enthusiasts of all ability
levels, including groomed pistes for families and steep slopes for thrill seekers.
In summer, hikers and cyclists head to the mountains, and Moab is a famed base for outdoor adventures. Slickrock and Porcupine Rim are high on the list of trails favoured by keen mountain bikers. Guided canyoning is also a memorable way of exploring the narrow canyons sculpted over centuries by wind and water erosion. Notable for its sandy beaches and water sports, the western hemisphere’s largest inland body of saltwater – Great Salt Lake –provides habitat for a wealth of birdlife. Antelope Island State Park is popular with birdwatchers and for its horse riding.
“Astrotourism is a reason to extend the day, after viewing remarkable landscapes”
Bonneville Salt Flats International Raceway is a famed motorsports venue but more sedate exploration rewards drivers on Utah’s nine national and 20 state scenic byways.
Viewing the Ancestral Puebloan remnants at Anasazi State Park Museum is one of many reasons to
Pictured: (Clockwise from top) The impressive Zion National Park (istock. com/edb3_16); Roadsign welcoming drivers to Utah; The state has a total of 15 ski resorts.
Bedazzled by Bangkok’s gilded palaces and chanting monks in ancient wats, I eat fiery green papaya salad at a street vendor’s stall and bicycle the waterway klongs radiating out from the languid Chao Phraya river. I have two and a half weeks in Thailand and am determined to see as many sides to the country as possible during my stay.
From cultural blast to jungle I make my way by train to the northern capital of Chiang Mai. As an animal lover I want to experience the north’s tropical wildlife, so I volunteer for a week at an ethical sanctuary called Elephant Nature Park. Being around the 100 or so elephants – all older females rescued from cruel riding attractions – is enchanting. I spend a rewarding week chopping up their fruit and shovelling out their barns.
After a week it was time to drop a few gears. I drift down to Koh Tao Island in the Gulf of Thailand to savour the warm tides and breezes that scythe through the humidity. I snorkell effervescent corals and watch sunsets with a cold beer from a beachside bar. From beach to urban break to eco-volunteering, I’d maximised my short stay and left with a more complete idea of what Thailand was all about.
been called “travelling”. Footloose and fancy free, moving between destinations during travels, absorbing different experiences as you go. But it’s a different dynamic for those who have to fit a holiday into limited time using their modest annual leave.
Yet with evermore adventurous options available beyond the ilk of sedentary, packaged beach holidays, short stay multicentre trips are booming. These can be defined as either experiencing different locations, or perhaps even countries, in a single holiday, to partaking in varying experiences, such a cultural city break combined with relaxing beach time.
Noel Josephides, Chairman of Sunvil, explains that multicentre trips have been pioneered by the operator since its inception in the 1970s.
“With evermore adventurous options available beyond the ilk of sedentary, packaged beach holidays, short stay multicentre trips are booming”
a multitude of options
Many years ago this would have simply
“They now represent about 80% of what we sell,” he says. “Some of our multicentres to Greece can cover up to as many as five or six different islands.”
It’s certainly a growing market, outlining that multicentre trips require thought and effort to compile.
“We give suggested itineraries, but you have to refine these to suit a client’s taste. Some are very complicated and take many hours to put together, as they involve multiple overseas agents, individual owners, transfers, car hire, domestic flights and ferries, plus excursions,” says Josephides.
“Some involve two or more countries, for instance, the Alentejo in Portugal and Extremadura in Spain. Many of our Latin America holidays are multi-country and multicentre within these countries”.
Deborah Wadhams, Head of Long Haul Product at Gold Medal, agrees.
“We have seen multi-centre bookings grow by 18% over the last twelve months. Popular destinations have included Thailand, Australia, the U.S., Bali, and Singapore – with some significant growth into Japan and Vietnam too,” she says.
“Customers want to see and experience as much as possible during their time away from home. Doing a few
nights in one location and then moving to another combines different holiday styles and widens both their knowledge and memories of the destination.
“With many transport options available, a multicentre trip is great for those wishing to explore on a deeper level,” adds Wadhams.
culture and adventure
If you’re looking to create an itinerary that seamlessly combines ancient culture and architecture with adventure then Southeast Asia offers the everyday exoticism and transport options to fashion exciting multicentred trips.
“Southeast Asia has a vast array of different landscapes, places and people with rich cultures which vary so much from country-to-country,” says James Mundy, PR and Partnerships Manager of Inside Travel Group.
“It is the people that make places and trips special and that’s who we try and introduce our travellers to,” he adds.
Vietnam is often tied in with Cambodia and a trip to Siem Reap or Luang Prabang in Laos, but each country has so much more. Cambodia has some of the region’s best islands, swathes of rainforest, and Indigenous people. Since the introduction of the train to Laos a few years ago, travel across the country has been transformed and it is much more accessible.
Mark Stratton Mark Stratton is a full-time travel writer and radio broadcaster. In between his travels he occasionally makes it home to the wild moors of Dartmoor National Park.
Pictured: (left page top and below) Thailand is popular for its many beautiful temples; Colourful boats on a Thai beach. (right page, clockwise from top) The Greek islands; Kafalonia; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Two women on a boat go to market.
Manuel Butler, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office in London and former Executive Director of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, discusses reasons to visit inland Spain
Spain’s appeal lies in its perfect blend of convenience and variety
Why is Spain a UK favourite?
I believe Spain’s appeal to UK holidaymakers lies in its perfect blend of convenience and variety. It’s an easy getaway for travellers seeking everything from sun-soaked beaches to vibrant cultural city breaks and tranquil rural escapes, and the short flights and excellent accessibility allow for that.
Beyond that, a longstanding connection between the UK and Spain has cultivated a sense of familiarity with Spanish customs, cuisine, and language, making it a comfortable destination for many.
This relationship between the British and Spanish Tourism industries is outstanding, and has been based on trust for many decades now.
Why promote inland regions like Castilla la Mancha, Extremadura, Aragon, and Castilla y Leon?
Promoting the inland regions of Spain
offers a chance to experience a more authentic side of the country. These areas are rich in history and heritage; you will find medieval towns, ancient castles, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Gastronomy is another major draw, with regional specialties, wine routes, and traditional cuisine providing unique culinary experiences. Nature lovers can explore national parks, hike scenic trails, and enjoy outdoor adventures.
I think travel agents should focus on cultural experiences to sell these destinations effectively, such as visiting Toledo, the Roman ruins in Extremadura, or walking the Camino de Santiago.
Organising themed tours focused around wine tasting, historic architecture, or literary landmarks like Don Quixote’s La Mancha is also appealing for many visitors.
Additionally, highlighting seasonal events and festivals, such as Holy Week celebrations and local fairs, can add an extra layer of appeal for anyone seeking immersive cultural experiences.
Will UK travellers feel welcome in inland regions given recent protests in some popular areas?
Most definitely! Visitors to these areas are often met with genuine warmth, as locals appreciate those who show interest in their rich heritage and traditions. Additionally, these regions are increasingly focused on ecotourism, emphasising sustainable travel and respectful engagement with local
customs. This approach aligns well with the growing demand for responsible tourism, since it offers travellers a chance to explore authentically while minimizing their environmental impact.
What are the key themes and experiences awaiting visitors heading to Spain’s inland regions?
I would say history enthusiasts will be drawn to ancient castles, monasteries, and medieval cities, while food lovers can embark on culinary journeys featuring local wines, cheeses, and regional specialties. Nature and adventure seekers will find plenty to enjoy, from national parks and scenic hiking trails to bird-watching in serene landscapes. For those looking to spiritual and pilgrimage routes, iconic paths like the Camino de Santiago and other sacred sites provide meaningful and reflective travel opportunities.
What would you point to as inland Spain’s unique regional characteristics and cuisines?
Local agriculture and culinary traditions I believe are defined by their geographic diversity, with mountainous landscapes, rolling plains and fertile river valleys shaping everything. The rich cultural legacy of Moorish, Roman, and Christian influences is reflected in both the architecture and the regional cuisine. Each area boasts unique specialties: Castilla-La Mancha is known for its Manchego cheese, saffron, and hearty stews; Extremadura for its Iberian ham, paprika and traditional pastries; Aragon features roast lamb and wines from Somontano (to name just one of their five DO’s); and Castilla y Leon is celebrated for its cecina, local wines (Vega Sicilia comes from this area), and robust soups. This attracts foodies seeking authentic flavours and cultural experiences.
Region-by-region, what are some key selling points?
Castilla la Mancha
Key Draws: Toledo’s medieval architecture – a blend of Gothic,
Pictured: (above) Manuel Butler, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office in London
“Promoting the inland regions of Spain offers a chance to experience a more authentic side of the country. These areas are rich in history and heritage; you will find medieval towns, ancient castles, and UNESCO World Heritage sites”
Mudéjar, and Renaissance styles – the windmills of La Mancha and wine tours.
Unique Experience: Don Quixotethemed itineraries and artisan crafts like swords and damascene jewellery.
Extremadura
Key Draws: Roman ruins of Mérida, Monfragüe National Park, and Trujillo’s historic centre.
Unique Experience: Bird-watching, stargazing and gastronomic tours focused on Iberian ham.
Aragon
Key Draws: Zaragoza’s Basilica del Pilar, the Pyrenees for outdoor adventures, and the Mudejar architecture.
Unique Experience: Skiing in the Pyrenees, white water rafting, and visiting castles.
Castilla y Leon
Key Draws: Camino de Santiago, the historical city of Valladolid, and the Roman gold mines at Las Médulas, Unique Experience: Pilgrimage routes and tasting wines from Bierzo (godello grape variety).
What are the pros and cons of independent travel and guided tours?
I think both independent travel and guided tours offer distinct advantages. Independent travel provides the flexibility and freedom to explore off-the-
beaten-path areas at your own pace, but requires more planning and the ability to navigate local languages.
Guided tours, on the other hand, offer the benefit of expert knowledge and often include unique experiences that might be difficult to access on your own. However, guided tours come with less flexibility and more structured schedules, which may not suit travellers that prefer to be more spontaneous. Ultimately, the choice depends on the individual’s preference for independence versus convenience and insight. Whichever one they choose though, all these regions are very well connected by high-speed train or by highways, making them easily accessible.
Pictured: (left to right from top) Bike scenic trails; The Royal Monastery of SantaMaria de Guadalupe; Join a Don Quixotethemed itinerary; A scenic lavendar field; Explore the CathedralBasilica of Our Lady of the Pillar.
