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JANUARY 09 2026 | ISSUE NO 4,284
Giving agents the edge
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JANUARY 09 2026 | ISSUE NO 4,284
Giving agents the edge
Caribbean
Say goodbye to the winter blues with the latest offerings under the Caribbean sun.
more in... Peaks News The busiest selling time of the year has officially begun! (Pg. 4) USA The latest openings and experiences ahead of a milestone year stateside. (Pg. 15)
A fam trip that gave back to the people of Jamaica. (Pg. 12)
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NEWS BULLETIN
JANUARY 09 2026 | travelbulletin.co.uk
04
this week
NEWS Your first headline round-up of the year!
09 PUZZLE BULLETIN Try and win an M&S voucher by entering our sudoku!
11
2026 IS HERE! As the New Year is upon us, ANTOR has shared its Travel Trends report for the year ahead. ANTOR HAS released its ‘Destination
Caribbean and West Africa, remain below
Trends Report 2025/2026’, highlighting the
pre-pandemic levels, they are showing
factors shaping the UK travel choices
strong signs of a rebound, while holidays to
heading into the New Year. Considerations
Asia continue to perform well.
around the cost of living, changing weather and political landscapes all play a role in
cost of living pressures have meant off-
influencing travellers’ behaviour.
peak travel is becoming more popular with
The report shows that 76% of ANTOR
CARIBBEAN Escape the January blues in this winter sun hotspot.
12 FAM TRIP The JTB invited agents to see firsthand the country’s resilience in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.
15
Extreme changes in weather and the
members have seen an uplift in tourism from the UK market by 11% compared to
UK travellers, with winter travel in 2024 the only quarter to outperform 2019 levels. Not only is the tide turning for the time of
2024, with UK outbound tourism also
year UK travellers are choosing to go on
performing well.
their holidays, but also the type of holiday
In terms of where travellers are spending
they are embarking on, authentic and
their holidays, ANTOR reports that
luxury experiences are becoming
holidaymakers are increasingly seeking
increasingly popular with younger
better-value sunshine destinations closer to
generations, with ‘more local experiences’
home. Destinations in southern and
and ‘more trips to lesser-known
western Europe are performing strongest
destinations’ forming the top trends for
compared to pre-pandemic levels, while
2026. Searches for ‘luxury experiences’ is
short-haul city breaks are showing
on the up, reflecting a growth in higher net-
declining results compared to 2024. While
worth travellers willing to spend more on
long-haul hot spots, including the
their holidays.
USA Stateside staples gearing up for their biggest year yet!
Published by : Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place London, SW1W 0EX
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020 7973 0136 www.travelbulletin.co.uk
@TravelBulletin @TravelBulletin Travel_Bulletin
3
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Showcase Calendar
JANUARY 09 2026 | travelbulletin.co.uk Sign up to our showcases: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/events/agents
19th January Africa Showcase
27th January
28th January
Ascot
Family Holidays Showcase
Family Holidays Showcase
Liverpool
Middlesbrough
26th January Train & Gain Day
Hampton Court
New Year savings from Scenic and Emerald SCENIC AND Emerald have launched a
40% are available on selected departures,
multi-brand ‘New Year Savings Event’,
spanning European rivers, luxury yacht
giving travel agents a fresh opportunity to
cruising and ultra-luxury ocean voyages.
secure strong-value bookings across both river and ocean programmes.
MD of sales and marketing Nichola Absalom said, “Whether discovering
The promotion applies to new bookings th
Europe’s iconic rivers or sailing vibrant
made up until February 16 , 2026, and
coastlines, every voyage promises a
covers a wide range of itineraries sailing
memorable experience at unbeatable
between 2026 and 2028. Savings of up to
value.”
ABTA to inspire consumer confidence during peaks THE ‘BOOK it' phase of the association's ongoing Travel with Confidence campaign runs until early February 2026, and hopes to capture consumer demand and instill the confidence to book with an ABTA member. Graeme Buck, director of communications, introduced
Have it all with HAL HOLLAND AMERICA Line's
the offer "is one of our
members and we want to do all we can to support them.
wave campaign, running until
biggest promotions yet [...] By
Our research shows just how much trust people place in
February 26th, 2026, promises
combining savings with
ABTA members [...] The ‘Travel with Confidence’
stateroom upgrades, free
benefits such as stateroom
campaign is designed to build on that trust. One phase of
parking and reduced kids'
upgrades, free parking for our
last year’s campaign brought a 74% increase in people
fares on 'Have It All' packages
popular Dover itineraries, and
using our member search on abta.com – demonstrating
across its fleet.
onboard spending money,
how it drives interest in booking with ABTA members.
we’re giving guests more
This year’s activity is about continuing that momentum
America Line's associate VP
flexibility to shape the holiday
and supporting members during the peak booking
of sales and marketing, said
they really want.”
season."
Karen Farndell, Holland
Image Credits: Top: Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Bottom: Holland America Line
the campaign. "The peak booking period is vital for our
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NEWS BULLETIN
JANUARY 09 2026 | travelbulletin.co.uk
Save £500 with Havila Voyages GUESTS CAN enjoy savings of up to £500
types and will automatically be added to all
across all of Havila Voyages’ 2026 and 2027
trade bookings made by March 15th, 2026.
sailings.
Sustainability will be a driving factor for the
Matthew Valentine, global head of sales,
cruise line heading into the New Year, with a
highlighted the importance of supporting
plan to phase out LNG ships by the end of
agent partners with new offers “to encourage
2027.
sales during the key wave period [...] that’s
Matthew added, “Agents can book their
why we have discounts available on every
clients with us, knowing they will be travelling
single sailing!”
on the most environmentally responsible
The discounted offers apply to all cabin
ships on the Norwegian coastline.”
Wendy Wu kickstarts the New Year SAVE UP to £1,680 per person in Wendy Wu’s New Year sale, available until spaces are full. The operator is offering free return flights on selected 2026 and 2027 departures; free or half-price single supplements for solo travellers across all destinations and tours; and no regional flight supplements when flying from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham or Belfast.
NJT reports Boxing Day booking boom THERE IS only one week left
NOT JUST Travel has reported a 20% year-on-year increase in Pre-
win a place on a Jordan fam trip
to enjoy Club Med’s New
Christmas and Boxing Day sales, with Christmas Day and Boxing Day
with every booking entered into a
Year sale discounts of up to
bookings up nearly 30% compared to 2024.
prize draw.
15% off across its sun, sea
Steve Witt, co-founder of Not Just Travel, said, “Large operators who
and ski offerings. Bookings
launched early with their Peaks campaign on December 19th have seen an
must be made by January
early spike in sales, with some operators up as much as 175% for the
16th, 2026, for travel until
same period last year. Our consultants were primed, on their phones and
th
November 27 , 2026. One of the properties included in the sale is brandImage Credits: Top: Havila Voyages, Top Right: Adobe Stock, Bottom Right: Swan Hellenic, Bottom Left and Bottom: Canva Pro
Agents also have the chance to
ready to make the most of these optimal booking conditions [...] The rise in early bookings gives us extreme confidence of a very busy Peaks period ahead.”
Swan Hellenic elevates voyages
Beach & Safari, opening in
Guernsey anticipates growth from new BA route
THE CRUISE line has unveiled its
July, with prices leading in
STRONG EXPECTATIONS for 2026
Elevated Expeditions offer, giving
from £1,787 per person for
come following British Airways’
guests the chance to save up to
seven nights.
announcement of new year-round
£1,150 per person and enjoy $500
daily routes to the Islands of
onboard credit.
new Club Med South Africa
Guernsey from London Heathrow
One cruise included in the sale
beginning in April.
is the 20-night expedition voyage
Sam Claxton, marketing
from Ushuaia to Cape Town,
manager at VisitGuernsey, said,
voyaging across three continents
“The new route is a fantastic
Whether coming for a short break
from £10,510 per person,
opportunity for more visitors to
or longer holiday, the new route
departing on March 5th, 2026.
access the incredible holiday
means greater flexibility and
opportunities our islands offer.
choice for all visitors.”
Bookings must be made by February 28th, 2026.
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NEWS BULLETIN
JANUARY 09 2026 | travelbulletin.co.uk
Sovereign lines up UAE luxury LUXURY HOLIDAY curator Sovereign has expanded its offering by marking its presence in the UAE for the first time, with three new destinations for holidaymakers to choose from: Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi.
FOLLOWING A successful launch of its summer 2026 roster, Jet2 has announced its winter 2026/2027 programme from London Gatwick. Featuring 24 destinations, including 15 winter sun, five ski and four Christmas market destinations, the new programme from the airline’s 14th UK hub is expected to provide agents and holidaymakers with huge amounts of choice and flexibility for their next winter getaway.
The decision comes as
MSC reveals revamp ahead of World Cruise
2025 saw a 13% rise in UK
READY FOR winter sailings in the
tourism to Dubai.
mediterranean ahead of the 2026 MSC World
The ship has already set sail on her 2026
Cruise, MSC Magnifica now features two new
World Cruise odyssey, which will last until
features stays in prestigious
speciality dining venues, a redesigned spa
May 2026. The vessel will also embark on the
properties along the Persian
and fitness centre, and an expanded outdoor
2027 World Cruise sailing, visiting 45
Gulf, including Atlantis the
area.
destinations over 121 nights.
Sovereign’s new offering
Palm, Emirates Palace
While guests can enjoy the aforementioned
Northern Europe itineraries.
Bookings for the 2028 edition of the cruise
Mandarin Oriental, and Rixos
upgrades immediately, the MSC Yacht Club
are now open, promising guests a 115-night
Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah.
experience will only be available from the
journey visiting the Med, the Caribbean,
summer once MSC Magnifica sets sail for her
Australasia, Asia and the Arabian Peninsula.
Heather Green, head of product at Sovereign, said, “Adding the UAE to our
Explore Worldwide launches Big Blue Sale
portfolio marks an exciting
TRAVELLERS CAN take advantage of up to 20% off on over 2,000
milestone at Sovereign as we
departures as Explore Worldwide launches its Big Blue Sale.
expand into a highly sought-
Running until January 21st, the offer spans across a vast selection of
after market. We’re
2026 departures, including the 11-night ‘Silk Road of Uzbekistan’ from
committed to evolving with
£1,236 per person; the eight-night ‘India’s Golden Triangle’ itinerary from
customer demand, and the
£556 per person; and the eight-night ‘Cycle the Dalmatian Coast’ trip from
UAE represents the perfect
£1,356 per person.
step in our long-haul journey. “We look forward to
Four new tours join Just You’s portfolio
The sale spans Explore Worldwide’s diverse portfolio of classic discovery, walking, cycling and family adventures across the globe.
SOLO SPECIALIST Just You has
welcoming travellers to our
revealed four new tours to
luxury holiday collection,
coincide with its latest brochure
where they can enjoy
launch. The new tours will takes
breathtaking beaches, world-
guests to Germany, France,
class shopping, and the rich
Scotland, Greece, Turkiye and
culture that makes the
Canada, with 12 departures
country so unique.”
scheduled in 2026 and 2027.
Image Credits: Top: Jet2, Left: Canva Pro, Bottom Right: Just You, Bottom: Explore Worldwide
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PUZZLE BULLETIN
JANUARY 09 2026 | travelbulletin.co.uk
SUDOKU
Win a £20 M&S voucher in the SuDoku prize puzzle
A
Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9. Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name, company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if applicable to:
B C
competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, January 22nd. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week. December 12th Solution: B=8 C=4 D=2 For allA=6 competitions visit http://www.travelbulletin.co.uk/component/r sform/form/1593-Travel-Trivia-Quiz
D
where
am i ? THIS PORT town on the north coast of Jamaica is lined with hotels, a cruise ship harbour, rainforests, rivers and a famous waterfall.
Across
Down
1
1
3
7 8 9 12 13 15 16
2 4 5 6 7 10 11 14 15
Former Lioness who recently lifted the Strictly glitterball (5,6) Scottish island and P&O cruise ship (4) East Midlands international airport code (3) Southeast Asian archipelago composed of more than 7,000 Pacific islands (11) Capital of Liechtenstein (5) Mediterranean island with historic links to the Knights of St. John (5) Lloret de Mar is a popular resort on this Costa (5) Florida location renowned for diving, Key ___ (5) Major car rental company (4) Idris Elba was granted this title in the New Year Honours List (3)
Across: 1 KUONI, 3 KEMP, 7 MONTANA, 8 NILE, 9 MUMBAI, 12 ARARAT, 13 HARP, 15 SEGOVIA, 16 YORK, 17 SWISS. Down: 1 KAREN CARNEY, 2 IONA, 4 EMA, 5 PHILIPPINES, 6 VADUZ, 7 MALTA, 10 BRAVA, 11 LARGO, 14 AVIS, 15 SIR. Mystery Word: PALMA
Image Credits: Canva Pro
17
Premiun tour operator and exclusive travel partner of John Lewis (5) Surname of Roman and Harley Moon who won BBC's 2025 Celebrity Race Across the World (4) Helena is the state capital (7) The longest river in the world (4) City, once known as Bombay (6) Turkish mount with biblical connections (6) Musical instrument and national symbol and emblem of Ireland (4) Historic city close to Madrid with an iconic Roman Aqueduct (7) English city, home of the National Railway Museum (4) Airline with hubs at Zurich and Geneva airports (5)
CROSSWORD
FILL IN THE CROSSWORD TO REVEAL THE MYSTERY LOCATION HIGHLIGHTED BY THE PURPLE SQUARES.
9
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caribbean PLAYA’S PEAKS PERKS 20% discounts can be had across Playa Hotels & Resorts portfolio during Peaks season.
SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS can be had
can immerse themselves in the all-
for everybody, from its waterpark with
across Play Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio
inclusive, adults-only resort for a serene
white-knuckle tube slides and
this peaks period, with agents able to
break on the south coast. Steps away
meandering lazy river to the extreme
save their clients up to 20% across its
from the property is the secluded beach
water sports at the beach. The resort
Dominican Republic and Mexico
overlooking the crystal clear blues of
offers a picturesque environment to
properties.
the Caribbean sea, promising a
spend quality time together as a family
Some of the resorts included in the
romantic haven for couples looking to
while basking in the sun. A Kids Club is
offer is the Secrets La Romana Resort &
reignite their spark or celebrate their
also available for children ages four to
Spa in the Dominican Republic. Guests
love. Along with the resorts signature
12, and a Teen Club for those aged 13 to
Unlimited-Luxury experience, guests
17. While the kids have their fun, the
Dine with authenticity in Barbados
can also unwind in the two outdoor
adults can sit back and relax in the
pools, a luxurious spa day and all-fresco
luxurious setting.
TRAVELLERS LOOKING for a more
dining.
authentic Barbados experience away
If travellers are looking for fun for all
The 20% offer is available to book until February 10th, 2026, with travel
from the sun, sea and sand can now
the family, the Dreams La Romana,
valid between January 4th, 2026, and
experience genuine Bajan life through
Dominican Republic, offers something
March 31st, 2027.
the relaunch of the ‘Dine with a Bajan’ programme. The unique initiative invites travellers to savour authentic Barbadian Image Credits: Top: Playa Hotels & Resorts, Bottom: MSC Cruises
cuisine while enjoying the warmth and
Ride the Wave with MSC Cruises
hospitality of the locals in their own
AS WAVE season approaches, MSC Cruises is offering
homes.
savings across its summer 2026 and winter 2026/2027
Guests can choose from eight hosts
itineraries. During the sales period, guests can sail the
who will share their traditions, dishes
Caribbean from £2,359 per person aboard MSC Seaview,
and stories. The initiative goes beyond
visiting Kingstown, Saint George, Fort-de-France, Pointe-a-
cuisine: it is an invitation to discover
Pitre, Basseterre and Roseau. Departures are scheduled for
Barbadian culture in an authentic and intimate way.
December 15th, 2026.
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Jamaica ‘Stronger Together’ fam trip TRAVEL BULLETIN, along with seven travel agents, were invited to Jamaica to provide charitable relief to the communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. From December 5th to 8th, 2025, the group visited a selection of hotels that are ready to welcome back guests to the beautiful island (more information on those across the page) and had the privilege of providing Christmas gift bags and charitable items to the members of the Philadelphia Life Centre.
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JANUARY 09 2026 | travelbulletin.co.uk
13
COUPLES SAN SOUCHI IF YOUR clients are looking for a romantic hideaway nestled into lush vegetation against the waterfront, look no further than Couples San Souchi. The resort places relaxation and escapism at the forefront of any getaway, providing a serene atmosphere for guests to let go of their everyday stresses and lose themselves in the tranquility. Boasting a colonial style aesthetic in each of its 150 rooms, the resort sets a striking picture against the backdrop of the Caribbean sea, complete with private spa rooms, an outdoor gym/training area, golf course and even local turtles who pop up to say hello. It is no wonder this property has one of the highest repeated guest figures across the Caribbean, with each returning customer able to decorate their own stone to the ever-growing display.
RIU OCHOS RIOS THE ISLAND vibes have returned with a bang at RIU Ochos Rios! From the tunes blasting into the lobby to the vibrant atmosphere at the pool and waterpark, guests can party from dawn ‘til dusk in the heart of Ochos Rios. Providing both an unforgettable setting for family fun and a rambunctious retreat for the adults, the resort is a perfect choice for guests looking to unwind in a different way and dance the days away under the sun. With more than 900 rooms across the property, revamped family suites, a restaurant that takes guests around the world, pool activities, and jaw-dropping views over the rolling hills, this resort is a must for those travellers looking to keep the rum punch flowing and the vibes pumping.
JAMAICA INN OLD WORLD charm meets timeless elegance at the family-run Jamaica Inn. After welcoming some of histories greatest figures (Marilyn Monroe and Winston Churchill to name a few), this historic gem has maintained its original charm from the 50s, with its own modern twists. A quiet serenity fills the air around the property, creating an indulgent essence that has to be experienced to be believed. The property boasts 52 rooms and private cottages, a secluded spa, al fresco dining under the sunset, a fully stocked library, and to top it all off, Shadow the welcome dog to greet each guest with a wag of her tail. Time slows down at the Inn, encouraging guests to take a moment for themselves and bask in the intimacy and allure of the hotel.
COUPLES TOWER ISLE THE HOST hotel for the fam trip, Couples Tower Isle provided us with stunning sunrise views, wonderful food and unmatched hospitality from all the staff. With 226 rooms and suites, numerous eateries (including one specialising in authentic Jamaican cuisine and a fine dining experience), daily programmes full of activities, and spa facilities, this hotel is the perfect choice for travellers looking for a bit of everything on their On-site watersports are available, including kayaking, paddleboarding and catamaran adventures, as well as options for sunset cruises and journeys to the remote island located off the resort’s beach.
Image Credits: Travel Bulletin
holiday, from lively party evenings to tranquil relaxation by the sea.
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CARIBBEAN
JANUARY 09 2026 | travelbulletin.co.uk
Sandals reopens in Jamaica FIVE OF Sandals’ properties reopened last month in Jamaica after the effects of Hurricane Melissa, with the remaining three properties penned to open on May 30th, 2026. Sandals Resort International's executive chairman, Adam Stewart, reported "a real sense of momentum across Jamaica right
Spice up your clients’ life
now.
GRENADA’S SPICE Island Beach
"Our airports are open and welcoming
Resort is inviting travellers to
flights from around the world. Tours and
enjoy its coveted Private Pool
attractions, including the iconic Dunn’s
Holiday Retreat for 20% less on
River Falls, Negril’s famed Seven Mile
st
stays before January 31 , 2026.
Beach and Mystic Mountain for fans of
The Retreat includes 20%
Jamaican bobsledding, are all ready and
savings on accommodations in a private pool suite sanctuary,
waiting for you." This year will mark the 45th anniversary
complimentary round-trip airport
of Sandals Resorts; Jamaica has been the
transfers and in-suite room
home of the brand since it opened its first
they come back, they’ll feel that same
service. Guests will be
property, Sandals Montego Bay, on the
magic the moment they arrive. Jamaica is
welcomed with Grenada’s
island in 1981.
ready to welcome them home," Adam
famous spiced rum paired with
"Our guests love this island, and when
concluded.
dark chocolate for a perfect indulgent escape in paradise.
Caribbean cruises to Christmas number one CRUISE SPECIALIST cruise.co.uk has
hassel-free nature of voyaging, followed by
completed a customer survey revealing the
the joy of spending Christmas in a warmer
huge appetite for a Christmas spent at sea.
climate.
71% of travellers have said they are open
Tony Matthews, managing director at
Star Seeker readies for inaugural season
to enjoying their Christmas dinner at sea,
cruise.co.uk, said that Christmas cruising is
while one in five respondents say they will
becoming “an increasingly attractive option
STAR SEEKER has officially
‘definitely’ embark on a Christmas cruise
for a broad range of travellers.
joined Windstar Cruises fleet and
within the next two years.
is ready for her inaugural season
For ocean voyages, the Caribbean is at
“For many, the appeal lies in removing the stress that can come with the festive
in the Caribbean this month.
the top of the wish list over the festive
season, while still enjoying a memorable
The 224-guest luxury yacht
season, with 24% favouring its warmer
holidays—particularly as cruise ships
will embark on January 15th,
temperatures and beach getaways over the
embrace the festive season onboard with
2026, making calls to the
UK’s abysmal weather. The biggest draw for
seasonal dining, themed entertainment and
Dominican Republic, the British
embarking on a Christmas cruise is the
special celebrations.
Virgin Islands, and San Juan, as
“The strong demand for the warm
well as a series of small ports
weather of the Caribbean reinforces the
larger vessel can’t reach. Star
wide range of choice for holidaymakers—
Seeker marks the first new build
whether that’s sunshine, sightseeing or
in Windstar’s Star Class.
simply switching off.”
Image Credits: Top: Sandals Hotels & Resorts, Top Left: Spice Island Beach Resort, Bottom Left: Windstar Cruises, Bottom: cruise.co.uk
14
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USA OLD MEETS NEW As America kicks off its 250th anniversary celebrations, where better to celebrate with a heavy dose of ‘Phill-good’ spirit than Philadelphia, where America’s old meets its new
PHILADELPHIA HAS long been
most photographed attraction: atop the
celebrated as the city of many American
72 steps leading up to the near-150-year-
firsts; it might just be the city of many of
old Philadelphia Art Museum stands a
and Stripes: Philadelphia's underdog
the nation's best, too, with its culinary,
bronze statue of a victorious Rocky
spirit platforms the paradox of the
historical and cultural relevance
Balboa, commissioned by Sylvester
American Dream. Those stories stand to
spanning further than the cheesesteak
Stallone himself just before Rocky III
attention at the African American
and Rocky might have you believe.
came out in 1982.
Museum, which showcases the Black
There is no starker metaphor for Philly’s old-meets-new spirit than its
Admission to the Philadelphia Art
story of the first Stars and Stripes. It is not all Founding Fathers and Stars
experience throughout history, and the
Museum is included in the
President's House, an exhibit on the
commissionable Go City pass, alongside
former site of George Washington's
Cincy sees additional BA service
other attractions that weave the nation's
house which unpacks the first
250-year story, including the Museum of
President's slaves and the role the slave
BRITISH AIRWAYS has confirmed its
the American Revolution, which houses
trade played in writing America's story.
direct service from Heathrow to
George Washington's original tent from
Get your Phill with more at
Cincinnati will take flight on larger aircraft
the Revolutionary War, and the Betsy
www.travelbulletin.co.uk/news/philadel
and welcome an extra flight a week
Ross House, which brings to life the
phia-where-americas-old-meets-its-new
between March and October 2026. Six flights a week will now depart from Heathrow to Cincinnati/Northern
A Specialist New Year
Image Credits: Top and Bottom: Adobe Stock,
Kentucky International, representing an annual capacity boost of around 60%.
SPECIALIST HOLIDAYS Group’s peaks campaign runs until the
The larger aircraft will now offer 48
end of January: Each agent booking earns entry into a prize
business suites, 40 premium economy seats and 184 economy seats on each flight. The six-weekly operation, taking flight daily bar Thursdays, takes to the skies from March 29th, 2026 until October.
draw for a luxury fam trip with American Holidays. Bookings with the US specialist qualify for £200 off multicentre itineraries with three or more different hotels, and £100 off twin-centre and cruise-stay bookings.
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USA
JANUARY 09 2026 | travelbulletin.co.uk
A big year for Louisville IN WHAT promises to be a blockbuster year for Louisville, the city is unveiling a host of new attractions and celebrations as the nation prepares for America250. 2026 will see the $22 million expansion at the American Printing House for the Blind come to life with the Dot Experience,
Explore Utah after dark
aiming to become one of most accessible
UTAH IS home to the largest
features tactile, audio and braille-rich
concentration of International
exhibits, including the largest repository for
Dark Sky Parks (26 as of last
Hellen Keller’s archives, a piano once
year), making it a first-class
played by Stevie Wonder, and one of the six
turned-adventure featuring indoor and
destination for astro-tourism.
remaining copies of Louis Braille’s 1829
outdoor experimental play.
With more travellers eager to
manuscript. The expansion will open in
look out into the stars, Utah has
Autumn this year.
expanded it nocturnal
museums in the world. The expansion
The largest theme park in Kentucky will complete its £25 million upgrade in Spring,
Set to open in late 2026, the AHOY
showcasing new lands, new rides and the
experiences to teach visitors
Children’s Museum will become the first
debut of its first new rollercoaster since
about the dark skies, including
museum in Louisville especially for children.
2019: Flying Fox, becoming the park’s sixth
new stargazing workshops.
The building is a $4 million Victorian house-
rollercoaster.
Image Credits: Top: Canva pro, Top Left: Visit Utah
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USA
JANUARY 09 2026 | travelbulletin.co.uk
Ocean Holidays promises new agent platform in 2026 AFTER ANNOUNCING its biggest-ever
Those plans will soon come to light; Matt
peaks marketing campaign, doubling its
promised “several major promotions... that
2024 spend, Ocean Holidays’ director of
will make a real impact.” After peaks, the
sales Matt Rains spoke to Travel Bulletin
operator has “plans to expand our
about the operator’s success and plans for
destination portfolio,” and will finally launch
2026, including a new agent portal.
“the answer to our new most-asked
While Matt’s sights are firmly on 2026, 2025’s success was foundational to future trade plans. “It has been a fantastic year
question... we will open our travel agent booking portal!” More from Matt at
USA retains RateHawk ranking
across the board... it is great to finally [its
www.travelbulletin.co.uk/news/ocean-holidays-
RATEHAWK HAS reported its top
first brochure] out there, sitting in hundreds
promises-new-agent-platform-after-agent-success
five outbound destinations
of agencies nationwide. The feedback has
booked by its UK agent partners
been brilliant, and it has helped our partners
over the Christmas break, with
secure more bookings to the USA.”
the United States ranking
Matt revealed that Ocean’s trade business
second, only to the UAE, for
has doubled in the last year, which “says a
Christmas break bookings.
lot about the team we have here at Ocean
While 35% of bookings came
Florida and the partners we work with.”
for European Christmas breaks,
The goal for 2026 remains clear: “Our aim
and an overall decline to the
is always to make life easier for agents and
USA, the destination evidently
support the growth of their businesses.”
still remains a big player in the UK travel scene. Unsurprisingly, Orlando and New York led the popularity of the States over the Christmas break.
Audley partners with Ponant TAILORMADE OPERATOR Audley Travel has partnered with Ponant for a pair of land-cruise
CityPASS, Bottom Right: Audley Travel/Ponant
Image Credits: Top Left: Ocean Holidays, Top Right: RateHawk, Bottom Left:
itineraries, one of which takes in
Atlanta’s Civil Rights stories
the Great Lakes region.
ATLANTA’S NATIONAL Center for Civil and
opened in 2014, and stands to celebrate,
Lakes with a Ponant Cruise’
Human Rights has now reopened after an
commemorate and collate the stories of
itinerary starts from £11,100 per
expansion worth over $50 million, which
those involved in America's ongoing human
person, and blends two-night
saw the addition of several expanded
and civil rights struggle.
stays in both Chicago and
galleries. The museum, which is included on the commissionable CityPASS in Atlanta,
Two new museum wings and several
The 15-day ‘The USA’s Great
Toronto with a nine-night Ponant
interactive exhibits have been added, as
cruise throughout the Great
well as a Special Exhibitions Gallery.
Lakes.
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USA
JANUARY 09 2026 | travelbulletin.co.uk
Georgia unveils World Cup travel guide
How did you ring in the New Year?
EXPLORE GEORGIA has begun its
map, trip-planning tools, and a range
countdown to the FIFA World Cup
of sample itineraries to make more
with a dedicated 2026 Georgia Travel
out of the matchdays for those
Guide, a 130-page document
making the trip to the World Cup this
showcasing the stories to be told long
year.
after kick off. Georgia governor Brian Kemp introduced the guide. “As a record
The guide can be downloaded online. 2024 saw 174.2 million visitors
number of travellers choose to spend
head to Georgia, inspiring over
time in Georgia, this travel guide will
US$45 billion in visitor spending.
Jeanette Ratcliffe Publisher jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Fireworks party with friends!
Simon Eddolls Sales Director simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Drinks and canapes locally.
provide them a glimpse into the people and places that make this state so great. “Whether the Peach State is their
Sarah Terry Account Manager sarah.terry@travelbulletin.co.uk Watched the fireworks with family.
destination or they are just passing through, we hope this resource inspires our visitors to keep Georgia on their mind as they learn about everything we have to offer.”
Tim Podger Account Manager - Far East tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk On a bridge with family watching fireworks.
The guide includes a fold-out state
Matthew Hayhoe Assistant Editor matthew.hayhoe@travelbulletin.co.uk On a beach in Florida.
Melissa Paddock Events Coordinator melissa.paddock@travelbulletin.co.uk Had a quiet one with friends.
Holly Brown Events Coordinator holly.brown@travelbulletin.co.uk Not a lot.
Lake Tahoe‘s resort transformation
Leah Kelly Deputy Editor leah.kelly@travelbulletin.co.uk Had a games night with my family and was asleep by half past midnight.
VISIT LAKE Tahoe is celebrating a wealth of resort renovations and new experiences in 2026. Caesars Republic has undergone a US$160 million reimagination, embedding
EVENTS events@travelbulletin.co.uk
a ‘mountain-modern’ spirit into its 740 guestrooms, the Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe has wrapped up a full remodelling of all its Sunset Tower rooms ahead of ongoing renovations to the Heavenly Tower due to be completed this year, and Gurney’s Resorts closed in November ahead of a comprehensive reimagination.
PRODUCTION production@travelbulletin.co.uk CIRCULATION circulation@travelbulletin.co.uk
Image Credits: Top: Explore Georgia, Bottom: Visit Lake Tahoe
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