News

Celebrity Cruises partners with TTG to launch interactive virtual training for home-based agents

Taking place between November 2025 and April 2026, the Xcelerator Programme aims to support home-based agents in running stronger businesses, connecting with like-minded peers and gaining the practical tools and confidence to grow their sales.

Malta succeeds in cutting peak traffic to Blue Lagoon

Introduced on May 1 this year, a new online booking system has succeeded in reducing visitor concentration at the popular yet fragile beauty spot by 68%.

Last year up to 12,000 visitors were recorded at Comino’s Blue Lagoon at any one time during peak hours, and the new free booking system allows a maximum of 4,000 visitors at any one time. Bookings generate a QR code, and wrist bands are issued at entry points.

The average number of visitors at the Blue Lagoon at each of the three daily time slots introduced this summer is 1,979.

Mauritius: 'Come to us for high-end curated experiences'

Tourist board realigns its strategy with the global trend that has travellers seeking out more meaningful cultural experiences, as well as restorative and sensory-rich activities

Agency takes to the streets with cabin trolley full of fizz and snacks to celebrate 10th anniversary

The team at Olive Lounge Travel, which was named TTG Top 50 Top Agency in Yorkshire earlier this year, said they wanted to bring 'a touch of travel magic' to the town and make it 'a community celebration'

Cayman Islands: 'Holidays are broken, but we can fix them'

“Welcome to vaCay” is a new platform and campaign that offers travellers the antidote to over-scheduled, exhausting holidays. It’s been conceived off the back of new research, commissioned by the tourist board, which shows the vacation (or holiday) is broken.

Jet2 matches Tui with earliest summer programme launch, putting 2027 on sale

Operator joins Tui in seeking to capture ultra-early 2027 business amid concerns about the UK economy

'New-to-cruise – let's go!': agents told market ripe for new business, plus nine other Advantage cruise conference highlights

Is now the time for agents to grow their cruise customer databases? Why a cruise holiday can give customers peace of mind financially? And why if staff are loyal to agencies and cruise lines then customers will keep coming back for more?

Tui launches summer 2027 early offering free kids' places on long-haul trips

Operator puts summer 2027 on sale, which features free child places in Mexico and the Dominican Reublic, and new touring options – including China

Explore teams up with Incredible Journeys to offer bespoke packages

Agents will now be able to package up the adventure specialist's trips through dnata's touring brand under one commissionable Atol booking

Marrakech to become easyJet's first African base in spring 2026

EasyJet will station three aircraft in Marrakech from next spring as the Moroccan government targets becoming a global top 10 tourist destination

Richard E Grant to bring WTM London to a close as keynote speaker

Actor and writer will address the event on Thursday 6 November on 'storytelling beyond the screen'

'We're always trying to think outside the box': Advantage to trial new one-to-one meetings concept for cruise members

Advantage is hopeful its Cruise One-to-Ones trial will help members – either new-to-cruise agents or 'seasoned retailers' – to build their knowledge

Expect new EU border checks to be rolled out 'very, very slowly', parliament told

Just three countries implementing EU Entry-Exit System in full from 12 October launch

Cyber expert flags EU visa waiver data worries ahead of launch next year

Poor data from the EU's newly launched Entry-Exit System could cause difficulties when travellers register for Etias

Jet2holidays brings amendments into online self-serve capabilities for agents

Operator to direct more agents away from its call centre with enhanced Manage My Booking platform

Some governments want to 'move away' from allowing helicopters to fly in Antarctica

'I can tell you there is a strong movement within the Antarctic Treaty Parties to move away from helicopters,' John McKeon tells TTG

P&O Cruises flagship Britannia to sail year-round from Southampton for first time for a decade

Britannia's return to Southampton among a number of changes outlined in P&O Cruises winter 2027 and spring 2028 deployment plans

Aruba chases affluent visitors for high value, low impact

Tourist board keeps faith with the Aruba Effect creative campaign, in order to attract those visitors who contribute meaningfully to the local economy and who respect island culture

Iceland planning to harness the magic of a solar eclipse

Destination preparing to host an influx of eclipse chasers, with West Iceland closest to the point of maximum eclipse

Six in 10 travellers heading to Europe aware of new EU border rules ahead of Entry-Exit rollout

However, association warns of 'short-term delays', particularly at peak times, as system takes effect

Travel by B Corp launches initiative to encourage flight-free travel to Europe

Group wants to 'break down barriers' limiting flight-free sales and has created a survey to identify potential obstacles or put-offs

Aito resumes offering financial protection and begins welcoming first members

Association becomes third 'approved body' authorised by government to offer protection

APT's UK boss Paul Melinis stresses need for river sector to find its 'voice' as lines add capacity to meet demand

APT Luxury River Cruises and Tours, UK and Europe, managing director Paul Melinis highlighted the 'demand' the company is currently seeing for its river cruise products

Sani/Ikos vows never to ‘migrate’ agents’ clients in renewed trade partnership push

The luxury hospitality group has announced three new initiatives as part of its longterm strategy to solidify its trade relationships