Skip to main content

Essential

Atlantis The Royal Maldives
A new giant of a resort is coming to the Maldives: here's what to expect
Atlantis The Royal, one of Dubai's most iconic hotels, is opening the Maldives – but not until 2029
Karen Hollands
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions hires Karen Hollands to increase support for agents
Hollands will serve as the main point of contact for all trade partners and will report into Danielle Bates, the line's head of UK sales
Ambition ship
Guest scores and passenger numbers soar following Ambassador Cruise Line-Compagnie Francaise de Croisieres merger
The group said there merger has created a 'financially robust and resilient organisation'
Fred Dixon
Brand USA to target UK luxury agents by showcasing lesser-known premium product
The US tourism board is determined to introduce the UK travel trade to its hidden luxury offerings
steve byrne
Travel Counsellors hopes AI tool launch will support international expansion plans
The UK's largest homeworking agency is keen to grow its global presence after unveiling its new AI tool
emma mackley
Top luxury agents celebrated at Lusso Luminari Awards 2025
Agents and agencies from across the UK luxury travel sector were recognised for performance, growth and innovation at the lavish event
RSSC's Seven Seas Prestige
Regent Seven Seas confirms ship order to continue 'measured, strategic' expansion
Two sister ships – Seven Seas Prestige and an unnamed vessel – are slated to come into service in 2026 and 2030
steve byrne
Travel Counsellors' boss urges agents to embrace new AI tool: 'it will amplify your humanness'
Steve Byrne, chief executive officer of Travel Counsellors, says the new resource will enable its travel agents to focus more on their client relationships
ITC's Haley Powell
ITC hands Haley Powell first 'on the road' role to help build trade relations in the north
Haley Powell will replace Vicky McGlynn, who recently joined Constantinou Bros Hotels, and will report into national trade partnership manager Gary Bates
Travel Counsellors
Travel Counsellors names its top performing agents of the year
The company recognised its highest achievers during its annual conference in Liverpool at the weekend
JTA Travel Group's Mark Schmitt
JTA Travel Group hires former SeaDream Yacht Club's UK sales chief Mark Schmitt to 'strengthen its cruise position'
Mark Schmitt joins JTA Travel Group with a travel industry career spanning more than 20 years including roles at AmaWaterways, Fred Olsen Travel, Tradewind Voyages
Richard E Grant
Richard E Grant shares his travel tales and thoughts on The Celebrity Traitors
WTM London came to a spirited conclusion yesterday, with a keynote event featuring Richard E Grant in conversation with Sir Chris Bryant MP – here's what the actor opened up about
Barrhead Travel Rushmere
Barrhead Travel pledges further Northern Ireland growth at Craigavon launch
The Rushmere Shopping Centre branch soft launched in September and has already "enjoyed high levels of footfall"
Hays Travel has acquired 14 Millington Travel branches
Hays Travel acquires Midlands miniple Millington Travel
Agency giant acquires all 14 Millington branches – its fourth retail buyout of the year – and promises staff their jobs are safe
On The Beach's Si Morris Green
'Ship just got real': Ex-Classic chief Si Morris-Green to lead new cruise offering from On the Beach
Customers will initially be able to book cruise-only fares from three lines, but On the Beach plans to expand the offering in the coming months
Kelly Green
Hays Travel’s Kelly Green joins Virgin Voyages as line hails 17% UK growth
Virgin Voyages has strengthened its on-the-ground presence with key appointments across its core international markets
phuket
Virgin Atlantic to launch UK's first scheduled direct route to Phuket
Agents will be able to book clients on direct flights from the UK to Phuket from next year.
A poster of the famous Lord Kitchener (complete with bucket hat) insisting: “Tourists – Spain wants you”
Why On The Beach is using Lord Kitchener (in a bucket hat) to insist: ‘Tourists – Spain needs you’
On the Beach has taken moves to tackle anti tourism protests – by putting up posters of the famous Lord Kitchener (complete with bucket hat) across Spanish resorts and the Canary Islands
Amirandes
Grecotel marks 50 years with Cretan refurbishments and new experiences
The agent-friendly hospitality brand has marked its 50th anniversary with a major investment programme
Tourism minister Stephanie Peacock
WTM London confirms new tourism minister will attend the event
Stephanie Peacock, who was appointed tourism minister in September, will attend the opening day of WTM London, it has been confirmed
Royal Beach Club Santorini
Royal Caribbean Group claims new beach club site will help ease 'congestion' in Santorini
Both Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises guests can visit Royal Beach Club Santorini on the Greek island from next summer
Sandals Foundation Island Challenge
Sandals Foundation Island Challenge raises £130K to support paediatric care across the Caribbean
Athletes raised more than £130,000 to support the Millennium Heights Medical Complex in Saint Lucia as well as paediatric healthcare across the Caribbean
New ITT partnership
Institute of Travel and Tourism secures new strategic partnership with Planet Technology
ITT's agreement with Planet Technology collaboration aims to accelerate communication transformation in travel within the wider industry – including the travel agent community
Thai beach Krabi
Travel agents told to 'continue selling' Thailand following death of Queen Mother Sirikit
Visitors – including travel agents – to the country are encouraged to wear subdued colours for 90 days as a gesture of remembrance and respect