In depth

Specialist agency hires Neal Hussey to help build client base

The luxury expedition sector is a major target for Cruise2's new head of commercial and business development Neal Hussey who took up his new role on 5 January

Lines resume Caribbean fly-cruise operations after US military action in Venezuela

US and UK airlines began cancelling flights on 3 January after Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured and flown out of the country

'We need agents to call out unethical snorkelling excursions in the Maldives'

I’m treading water in the Indian Ocean surrounded by an 80-strong swarm of snorkellers. We’re in the South Ari Atoll, at the site of a manta ray “cleaning station”. Alongside me, anxious swimmers thrash about in lifejackets, as numerous boats – I count 17 – idle nearby. Feeling uneasy, I dive down briefly, just in time to watch a lone manta escape the chaos of flailing limbs and GoPros. An unruly free-for-all, it’s a far cry from the magical encounter I’d dreamed of. Resurfacing with a sinking feeling, I head back to the boat. I’ve seen enough.

Agents confident of Sunshine Saturday sales boost but warn peaks 'aren't what they used to be'

Shifting consumer habits have lessened January's hold on agents, with bookings expected to pick up in the latter half of the month

JF Travel steps in to secure future of fellow Northern Irish independent

JF Travel's managing director Jonny Fielding told TTG he had been in talks with Northcoast Travel since September to ensure the agency continues to thrive on the high street

How Rick Stein is going to entice your clients to Australia

A new travelogue, Rick Stein's Australia, is airing on BBC One in January, and it focuses on Sydney and New South Wales

PR chief opens London travel agency with novel sales approach

Every book at Travellers’ Tales has been hand-picked so it can be matched to an itinerary

'I saw the best and worst of Sri Lanka, and it's changed how I sell it'

After experiencing overcrowding during an elephant safari, Travel Counsellor Caroline Joyner is now committed to recommending positive impact tourism operators in the destination

'Joy of travel' ensures agents withstand broader downturn in consumer spending in 2025

Consumer spending on 'experiences that bring them joy' ensured travel agents were insulated from the first downturn in consumer card spending for two years

Cruise ship stuck on reef after running aground off coast of Papua New Guinea

The vessel suffered a 'grounding incident' off the eastern coast of Papua New Guinea around 30 kilometres from the city of Lae

Returning agent uses TikTok to land biggest bookings of her career

Shortly after returning to the industry in August, Staffordshire-based homeworker Lisa Phillips decided to set up a TikTok account – and she hasn't looked back since

5 trends travel agents can use to shape their travel marketing in 2026

Adido chief executive Andy Headington outlines the key factors to consider for travel marketing as the peaks get underway

Azamara allocates extra $1 million to pay commissions in 2026 after flurry of new agent registrations

Azamara, which operates four ocean-going vessels, has enjoyed several record-breaking sales days over Cyber Monday and the week of Black Friday

A new wellness sell for agents: Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay’s Medi-Spa

Morocco’s Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay proves to be the perfect place to sample a new longevity retreat, unlocking the keys to living an enjoyable, healthier life whilst still being immersed in nature

Craig Travel's third branch off to 'mind-blowing' start, boss says

The agency secured funding from Jet2holidays' Scale Up Your Street initiative to open the new branch, which complements its shops in Workington and Cockermouth

Agent signs up for 1,000km all-women charity rickshaw rally across India

Not Just Travel consultant Jo O'Connell, who will complete the challenge with her sister Lisa, told TTG that when the email seeking entrants popped into her inbox, she didn't think twice

Five 'long view' trends shaping ultra-luxury travel for 2026

Demographic shifts, scientific innovation and cultural transformation are reshaping how, and for whom, the luxury sector designs experiences

Could this country be the next Costa Rica?

Fresh from a visit to Honduras, Helen Bateman from Firecrest Travel is convinced the destination is an underrated gem that needs to be explored before mass tourism takes hold

'Some cruise lines are too reliant on promotions at this time of year'

Azamara's former UK and Ireland managing director Richard Twynam shares his views on cruise's 'promo dependency' problem ahead of wave season officially kicking off

Top five major travel brands likely to attract M&A activity next year revealed

BDO's prediction follows busiest year for travel M&A activity since 2018 but comes with a warning that the bar to get deals completed 'is higher than ever'

Operator credits targeted campaign for 45% growth in £60,000+ bookings

The next phase of Carrier’s Limitless is aimed at agents with clients who have a £60,000+ budget

Agency takes over town hall to celebrate fifth anniversary with more than 300 client and supplier guests

Travel agent Hannah Porter said she wanted the five-year anniversary of her business to be a celebration to remember

Top five things your clients need to try at Disney Adventure World this spring

Opening in March 2026, Disneyland Paris’ theme park expansion promises guests even more immersive experiences inspired by their favourite childhood films

'Quotes aren't just a quick price check': Why I posted about being ghosted on my business social media

Travel agent Annika Nickson poured herself into a tailor-made itinerary. However, when the client went quiet, she called it out on social media. She tells TTG why