Europe

New trade-friendly Italy specialist launches to UK market

Magari Tours is offering “off-the-beaten track” sustainability-focused trips

Windstar boss promises to 'do more' in the UK and Ireland amid winter sales surge

President Christopher Prelog said 312-passenger Star Legend’s 2023/24 winter programme would soon be full following a surge in demand

Venice debuts booking platform ahead of €5 entry fee launch in April

City authorities say the measure, which was initially proposed before the pandemic, will help Venice strike a better balance between the needs of tourists and those of residents

MSC Cruises' Antonio Paradiso handed new expanded role

Antonio Paradiso receives expanded role in recognition of the continued growth and success of the UK and Irish market, MSC Group said

AE Expeditions expands BDMs' remits as line focuses on new markets

Senior business development manager Andy Tait will assist agents in the Middle East and Africa as well as Europe and the UK

Ryanair confirms more London airports expansion this summer

Ryanair has added more aircraft and new summer routes at Luton and Stansted, including destinations in Slovakia, Spain and Italy

Celebrity Cruises’ UK boss vows to hold pricing as wave sales soar

Giles Hawke told TTG that ‘early indications’ from wave season were ‘positive’ after finishing last year on a ‘massive high’

Cruise industry veteran returns to Regent Seven Seas

Steve Odell will be responsible for ‘maximising opportunities’ across every booking channel at Regent Seven Seas

New tour operator promises to ‘put sustainability first and the destination second’

Sustainable Journeys is the new UK tour operator launched by Melissa Tilling, chief executive of Charitable Travel with Estonia as its launch destination.

EasyJet agrees partnership deal with Tui-owned Musement

The tie-up means all easyJet’s customers can now book thousands of Musement’s excursions, activities and attraction tickets

Iceland’s Blue Lagoon shuts down again due to new volcanic eruption

The geothermal facility has been open on and off for the past two months due to high volcanic and seismic activity in the surrounding area

Travel Counsellors achieves two record sales days in a row as peaks bookings soar

Tuesday (9 January) and Wednesday (10 January) entered the agency’s top 10 best sales days in the company’s history.

The homeworking giant has made 14 bookings over £50,000 this month, while 26 TCs have achieved total sales of more than £100,000. One TC has made an £84,000 booking this month.

TC Heather Lee, who has 24 years’ experience, said: “I have already achieved 50% of my last January sales in the first week, with much more on my desk.

Iceland’s Blue Lagoon reopens after two-month closure

The geothermal facility has confirmed all operational units are now open to the public, with operating hours adjusted to between 11am and 8pm

Citalia shares top 10 spots and expert tips for selling Italy

Italy specialist Citalia has published a destination guide detailing key selling points and sharing its top places for a holiday in the country.

Everything you need to know about the upcoming EU border rules

Following years of delays, the much-discussed EU border schemes are set to be implemented over the next 12-18 months. Here’s all you need to know about it…

Celestyal to move to year-round operations with new Persian Gulf programme

The line will operate seven-night Desert Days itineraries from Doha from 9 November

Thousands face flight cancellations in wake of mid-air blowout

The US aviation regulator said the 171 Boeing 737 Max 9s must be grounded for checks

‘Eurovision partnership gives Royal huge appeal', says UK boss

Ben Bouldin, the line’s EMEA vice-president, decided to push for a partnership with Eurovision after failing to secure tickets to last year’s event

Jet2holidays receives ‘record’ bookings from independent agents

Operator is gearing up for “even stronger” demand on Sunshine Saturday

Arrival figures: are there better ways to measure tourism success?

Is chasing ever higher visitor numbers sustainable? And is it even the best way for destinations to measure tourism success?

Jet2 brings forward launch of Manchester-Porto flights

Route to Portuguese city will now start in July 2024 rather than summer 2025

Advantage members enjoy post-Xmas surge in sales

Momentum expected to continue this weekend on “Sunshine Saturday”

Baggage handler and security staff strikes to disrupt Italy travel next week

The walkout has led to flag carrier Ita Airways cancelling 20 national flights while guaranteeing all international ones

APT launches BDM recruitment drive following national account manager appointment

APT and Travelmarvel is currently recruiting for two BDMs following Robin Griffiths’ promotion and ahead of the departure of Koral Lipton