News

Catalonia channels energy into cultural tourism for 2026

One of Catalonia’s key messages at WTM London this year will be focused on cultural tourism as a central theme for the region’s tourist board in 2026.

Demand for travel continues unabated despite Trump's return and Israel-Gaza war

Around 95% of the 2,0001 survey respondents said they weren't discouraged from travelling overall as a result of the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East or political changes in the US.

This figure is even lower for those who travelled abroad in the past 12 months, with 97% saying they would travel overseas regardless.

Around 14% of respondents visited the US in the last 12 months, which is no change from the year before.

Abta: Travel agents driving people's 'confidence and keenness' to travel

Chief executive Mark Tanzer praises role of travel agents in driving up confidence among travellers, despite a slight drop in people using travel professionals to book

Windjammer Landing expands luxury footprint with new Pitons-view villa

As well as upgraded guest rooms, the Leading Hotel of the World now offers La Belle Helene, an exclusive private villa in a seductive location

The Travel Network Group to launch new IT and payments platforms to members

The consortium has confirmed an introduction date for an updated IT system while also signing with a new payments platform

Club Voyages ends eight-month search for second retail shop as business expansion continues

Club Voyages boss Sam Ballard revealed he has been searching for the 'perfect' premises in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, since the start of the year

Jet2.com pays out £58 million to staff as Covid-era share scheme matures

Almost 6,000 Jet2 staff investors will receive an average £10,175 after a share option offered to them in the pandemic matures

MSC Cruises to replace MSC Virtuosa in the UK and drop 'taster' cruises from 2027 programme

MSC Meraviglia will operate 19 voyages ranging from six to 14 nights, visiting new destinations including Ibiza, Gibraltar and Moroccan port Tangier

'There's growth ahead': MSC Cruises weighs up ex-UK deployment changes following 'another strong year'

Antonio Paradiso, MSC Group's cruise division's international sales vice-president, says UK and Ireland currently sits among MSC Cruises' top three source markets

Agent pledges £10,000 to support next generation of travel talent

Doug, Ruth and Chris Wardle, of Wardle Travel, have created a bursary to help young people attend the ITT conference

The luxury eco villas that will be like 'living in a geography book'

One of South Australia's most iconic properties is adding to its accommodation portfolio with the ultimate secluded hideaways

Hurtigruten to operate first 'climate-neutral' cruise this month

Richard With will sail from Bergen to Kirkenes and back again using only advanced biofuel

Tui River Cruises unveils debut programme for first new-build ship Tui Luzia

Tui Luzia will part of a five-ship fleet deployed across the Danube, Belgian and Dutch Waterways, Rhine and Moselle rivers throughout the summer 2027

Ocean Florida launches first travel trade guide

US specialist is promoting a glossy new agent brochure, designed to drive bookings across Florida and beyond, and with a dedicated section for Fifa 2026

EasyJet holidays vows to 'redefine premium travel' with launch of luxury brand

Operator to put more than 80 five-star hotels in its portfolio under a new upmarket sub-brand

CAA's head of Atol Michael Budge to join Abta as director of finance

Budge has been with the CAA since 2012 following a career in corporate finance

Cruise boom, itinerary builder and travel in 2040: 8 takeaways from the InteleTravel conference

Everything we learnt as InteleTravel revealed plans to leverage AI, put more tools at agents' disposal, and expand into new markets

French strikes prompt Foreign Office warning as major ATC walkout looms next week

FCDO says strikes by eight French unions could cause travel disruption on Thursday (2 October) with larger action by air traffic controllers due to get under way on Tuesday (7 October)

Travel Counsellors announces Simon Reeve as first speaker of 2025 global conference

The homeworking agency is ‘delighted’ to have secured the travel industry veteran for its upcoming gathering

British Airways poised to launch new route to St Louis next year

Link would be London's first for 20 years with the city, which straddles Missouri and Illinois

Florida boosts agent engagement with new UK event

Sunshine State's first dedicated event – held in London last week – for partners to meet one-to-one with the trade has been hailed a great success

Chancellor confirms government backing for UK-EU youth mobility scheme

Rachel Reeves says government working towards arrangement that would allow British youngsters to work abroad for a set period

Viva Cruises hires Riviera's Stephen Sands to drive expansion into Ireland

Sands 'played a pivotal role' developing the Riviera Travel brand in Ireland, said Viva

Barrhead Travel bullish as sales soar during 50th anniversary year

Quality over quantity focus for Scottish independent, managing director Nicki Tempest-Mitchell tells Barrhead conference delegates