Essential

Brands rapped for misleading hotel pricing as ASA keeps travel in the spotlight

Booking.com and several hotel brands have been sanctioned by the Advertising Standards Authority over misleading prices in promotional ads

Classic Collection's Manisha Blair launches marketing agency for the trade

Blair, who most recently led Classic Collection’s marketing activity, before On the Beach announced it was closing the brand, brings nearly a decade of B2B travel expertise to the new consultancy, offering immediate support as agents prepare for the crucial peaks January trading period.

Blair says she has a track record of working with agents and suppliers to “accelerate brand growth and deepen customer engagement”.

Holiday sector left feeling the heat in huge crackdown on online pricing practices

Holiday and travel businesses issued nearly 20 written warnings by the Competition and Markets Authority – the most of any sector in the spotlight

Garstang Travel owner Nicole Eaves sells up to Althams Travel after 42 years

Garstang will continue to trade under its existing name and branding, and in the same premises, as part of Althams Travel Group, with all nine members of the team staying on

Irish agency Best4Travel grows retail network by 50% with acquisition

Ireland’s Best4Travel has acquired Just Split Travel Group and its five branches as part of its expansion mission

InteleTravel secures industry backing for accessibility push

Agency to host Inclusive Travel For All workshop on 29 November as part of a diversity initiative

Explora Journeys names new executive director for the UK and Ireland

Tate Husband has been appointed by the luxury ocean travel brand to help accelerate growth in the region

HX promotes Nathaniel Sherborne as top team shake-up continues

Sherborne moves into senior sales and commercial post overseeing broader range of markets

Tui to partially resume Jamaica programme as hotels firm up plans to reopen

Operator to restart stripped back Jamaica programme next week following Hurricane Melissa, while several major hotels – include Sandals – detail their longer-term plans to reopen

Rivals step in after Blue Islands suspends operations and cancels all flights

Government of Jersey pulls support for the airline, which has served the Channel Islands for more than 25 years

Andy Squirrell to leave Titan Travel after more than 20 years

Chief commercial officer Squirrell, who joined the Saga-owned brand in 2003, will leave the business at the end of the year

Virgin Atlantic secures $745 million loan against Heathrow slots to invest in fleet revamp

Cash will allow Virgin to refurbish its Boeing 787-9 aircraft and bring free Starlink WiFi to its entire fleet

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

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

Dnata to close B2C Travel Republic and Netflights brands amid 'changing market'

Gold Medal parent says consultation under way with affected staff following 'detailed review of the group's UK-based travel businesses'

Jet2 to launch flights and holidays from Gatwick airport next year

Gatwick to become airline and operator's 14th UK base next spring, flying to an initial 29 destinations

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'

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

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

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

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 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 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

Classic Collection's Chloe Turner follows colleagues to Specialist Holidays Group

Turner to join ex-Classic colleagues Jorge Quibell and Kim Sellman at new Citalia parent SHG this month