Leisure

Agents want to complete training before they join ship visits, says ECN chief

The trade body believes that its new training platform, Expedition Cruise Academy, will boost agents’ understanding of the sector for years to come

Scottish agency Munro's Travel downsizes amid transition to flexible working

New office space in Aberdeen reflects ’evolving nature of modern business travel management’

Holidays remain a 'top priority purchase' despite economic fears, says Barclays

Travel bucks the trend once again in Barclays spending survey as the bank says people still feel holidays are a top priority despite fears about rising bills and the effects of tariffs

Beverley Travel plans rapid retail expansion as Budget measures take effect

The award-winning agency has outlined plans to recruit several new members of full-time staff, plus apprentices, to work in the agency’s existing branches, as well as a new shop in an as-yet-undisclosed east Yorkshire location

NCL reveals private island upgrade as Norwegian Aqua is christened

Norwegian Cruise Line christens its latest ship as it reveals plans for new amenities at its private island in The Bahamas

Black Tomato founder talks 'massive growth opportunities' after momentous win

The brand broke the mould when it started focusing on experience-led travel 20 years ago

Thomas Cook auditors fined millions for failings in run-up to 2019 collapse

Cook’s auditors have been fined nearly £5 million for failing to properly investigate the company in the two years before it collapsed, a damning report by a financial watchdog reveals

InteleTravel's UK boss: 'I'm rising above the energy-sapping "side hustle" sneers'

Speaking at the Institute of Travel and Tourism’s Leadership dinner on Wednesday, Tricia Handley-Hughes heaped praise on group chief executive James Ferrara despite admitting not knowing who he was when he first approached her

Agents say Trump effect is real, but operators play down president's impact

Two-thirds of respondents to a snap TTG poll this week said Donald Trump is putting off potential clients from travelling to the US, while some operators say Canada is benefiting

Agent seals bumper wedding booking following TTG Top 50 Champions trip

La Vida Travel owner Karen Marin Reyes made the booking following the trip to Malta last year – a country she had never visited before

Universal names Bedford as the site of its first European theme park

Universal Destinations & Experiences has chosen a former brickworks south of Bedford for the location of its first theme park in Europe, with a planned opening date of 2031

Jetline Travel goes into administration after ceasing trading as Atol holder

The Barnet-based agency ceased trading as an Atol holder in early March before administrators were appointed on 28 March

Poll: is Donald Trump's trade war putting your clients off visiting the US?

What ripple effects are President Trump’s actions and rhetoric having on the UK market to the US?

From longevity to Gen Alpha: top trends luxury agents need to know

Elite sports tourism and inclusive experiences are just two of the priorities on luxury traveller’s radars, according to to Globetrender’s latest insight report

Agent reveals fam-inspired 'add-on' that made £100,000 safari booking

Mark Davidson of Oasis Portfolio reveals how he sold the Kenya trip to a longtime customer who had previously taken more straightforward holidays.

'Disappointing' package travel shake-up 'a missed opportunity for meaningful reform' – Aito

Aito has said the proposed changes to the Package Travel Regulations do not go far enough in alleviating the industry of some of its regulatory burdens, while Abta is more welcoming

Package travel back on government agenda as industry views sought on revised reforms

The government has proposed changes to insolvency protection and Linked Travel Arrangements in its reform of the EU’s Package Travel Regulations, opening a three-month consultation period

Virgin Atlantic touches down in Canada after more than 10-year absence

Virgin Atlantic says it is ’here to stay’ after resuming flights to Toronto following an absence of nearly a quarter of a century

'An extra £20,000 a year': agents count the cost as Budget measures take effect

Adjustments to National Insurance, minimum wage and business rates may mean smaller agencies feel the pinch, with larger travel businesses able to absorb the cost

GoCruise & Travel targeting more than 10 new franchisee recruits this year

Agency reveals investment in new year-long mentoring programme to bring new-to-travel recruits up to speed

Lack of aircraft means higher air fares set to continue, industry warned

Leading aviation lawyer tells Abta Aviation Forum the lack of supply of new aircraft and leased alternatives mean consumers will face high air fares for some time to come yet

Jet2 chief: Luton base launch opens up ‘whole new catchment’ for ‘loyal agents’

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays boss Steve Heapy has played down any crossover between its existing Stansted base and its newly launched Luton base

Baldwins Travel's appeal to have Abta membership reinstated ends in failure

Baldwins has lost its appeal against its expulsion from Abta after the association’s members’ committee ruled the agency had ’failed to provide the financial information required of them as an Abta member’

Three tips from Hays Travel's senior leaders to help you grow your business this year

Diversifying product, future-proofing businesses using strategic thinking and the power of asking for help were among key talking points touched at Hays Travel’s IG conference this week