Travel industry news

Which destinations are top of mind for 200,000 Wanderlust readers?

Japan was named Most Desirable Country (World) for the first time in more than a decade, with Costa Rica in second place and Canada in third.

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"

New tourism minister talks up her 'positive' experiences using travel agents

Stephanie Peacock praises travel agents but stops short of backing a campaign encouraging people to use them

'A prompt solution was never likely': trade braces for US flight disruption as government shutdown continues

From domestic flight cancellations to free national park entry, US-specialist travel agents and tour operators have shared how their clients are faring during the shutdown

Kuoni adds Saint Kitts & Nevis and Turks & Caicos to its Caribbean range

Operator brings two more Caribbean destinations into its programme, offering a range of products from luxury beach stays to hiking trips

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

Universal’s new four-park pass to drive longer stays from UK market

The Universal Orlando All Parks Ticket allows visitors to access Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay and the newly opened Universal Epic Universe

Jet2 inks deal to grow UK tourism to Croatia with three new routes planned for 2026

Is the Adriatic hotspot set to become the airline and operator's next big destination?

Malaga to host 2026 ITT conference next June

Conference to return to Spain for the first time since 2010 over 8-10 June next year

On the Beach ordered to remove ‘misleading’ promotions offering free lounge access

The complainant challenged whether the ads omitted significant information and were misleading, understanding that there was a cap on the total number of free airport lounge passes that could be offered.

Celestyal's global sales chief invites agents to host their clients in new Guildford shop

The Greek specialist cruise launched a tour operator – called Celestyal Travel – in July before opening a shop premises to support the new brand in early September

Three Sandals resorts to remain closed until May following Hurricane Melissa

Sandals Resorts and Beaches will begin welcoming guests back to some of its resorts in Jamaica from Saturday 6 December

Penny Naoum launches consultancy after 'unexpected' departure from Domes Resorts

'When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade', Naoum said of her departure from Domes Resorts

Olympic Holidays to invest in becoming 'one-stop shop' for all agents' needs

Olympic Holidays has set out its strategy for 2026, promising an upgraded booking system, more experiences and new destinations

'We've listened': Kuoni to launch new online platform to agents this month featuring 'AI-powered sales coach'

Kuoni Connect to provide agents tools, offers, learning and 'AI-driven support', as well as new ways to contact the operator – including WhatsApp

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

'My gut is telling me to hold back': wary agents put plans on hold as chancellor's latest Budget looms

Already feeling the pinch from increased National Insurance costs and a rise in minimum wages, the sector braces for make-or-break Autumn Statement

Travel tech platform Inspiretec sold to Spain's Juniper Group

Inspiretec, founded by serial travel tech entrepreneur Simon Powell, provides travel CRM, software, reservations systems and digital tools for agents and operators

Audley Travel to 'immediately' fly customers in Tanzania home amid election protests

The nation's election was marred by protests, which have continued after the result was confirmed on Saturday (1 November), prompting an FCDO alert

Agent: 'What happened to suppliers' duty of care to their Jamaica-bound passengers?'

Travel agency boss Lee Hunt asks why suppliers don't issue customers credit notes when a hurricane is heading towards destination where thousands of Brits enjoy holidaying

Join TTG's Travel Industry Quiz for the MS Society on 20 November

Travel’s finest quizzing brains are invited to TTG Towers for a fun-packed charity event

Iconic Jamaica hotels give update on condition following Hurricane Melissa

The major hurricane made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday (28 October), bringing exceptional levels of rainfall and strong winds to Jamaica

Operators confirmed for TTG Expedition Cruise Fest

AE Expeditions and Scenic are among the expedition cruise operators set to take to travel agents’ screens during TTG Expedition Cruise Fest 24-28 November

Hays Travel snaps up all 15 Polka Dot Travel shops in latest acquisition

The travel agency will continue to trade under its own name from shops in the north west, Midlands and north Wales, with all staff remaining in their posts