The glitziest night in the travel trade calendar is back!
Far-flung getaways and authentic adventures await. (Pg. 17)
Sit back and bask in the luxury on a once-ina-lifetime journey. (Pg. 20)
Luxury is in the eye of the beholder according to this Travel Counsellor. (Pg. 8)
Far East
Luxury Holidays
NEWS
Stay up to date with the latest headlines to hit the trade floor. 04
PUZZLE BULLETIN
Try your hand at our Sudoku to be in with a chance of winning a £20 M&S voucher.
NOSTALGIA TRIP
TUI delves into the top destinations that bring travellers back to their childhoods.
STAR AWARDS PREVIEW
The glitziest night in the calendar is back with a whole new look! 11
Far-flung gems and authentic adventures await. 17
20 FAR EAST
LUXURY HOLIDAYS
Opulent getaways to make your clients feel like royalty.
AS RETRO and throwback experiences continue to surge in popularity across social media, with the algorithm continuously highlighting ‘inner child’ and ‘kidcation’ content, demand for nostalgia travel is at an all-time high. With this in mind, TUI’s latest study analysed over 150 European destinations to uncover the perfect holiday spots for adults to reconnect with their younger selves.
TUI’s head of product and proposition, Ian Hill, said, “British travellers are increasingly looking for holidays that let them switch off, have fun and reconnect with their playful side. Sunshine is part of the appeal, but it’s really about those carefree moments, chasing gelato down cobbled streets, stumbling across a carousel in a hidden square, or spending hours by the water with nowhere else to be.”
Based on TUI’s ‘Entertainment Score’ that looks at the availability of ‘kid-like’ activities
in the area, Rhodes tops the charts with a score of 9.22/10. The Greek hotspot boasts 92 TUI Musement excursions and experiences, with a broad mix of child-like attractions including 17 ice cream parlours, 27 playgrounds and two waterparks.
Following on, Naples ranks second with a score of 9.19/10, with a strong balance of accessibility and entertainment on offer for travellers. In terms of activities that bring that childish joy, the destination offers eight swimming pools, three ice cream parlours and one toyshop per 10km². The colourful street markets and seaside promenades create a joyful backdrop for any traveller.
In joint second place is Lisbon thanks to its abundance of green spaces for exploration as well as 211 TUI Musement excursions and experiences.
The other destinations rounding out the top 10 of perfect places to release your inner child include Catania, Crete, Limassol, Porto, Barcelona, Majorca and Antalya.
Showcase Calendar
May 11th
Sign
May 18th
May 19th May 20th
Cunard’s Queens unite in Liverpool
THE BRITISH luxury cruise line has announced a landmark moment where all four Cunard ships will come together in Liverpool for the first time in 2028.
On May 16th, 2028, Cunard's four ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Anne, will unite on the River Mersey in a landmark moment for the brand.
The last Cunard ship gathering occurred on the Mersey in 2015, where the then three ships joined forces to celebrate the brand's 175th anniversary, attracting more than one million spectators.
Queen Mary 2’s arrival in Liverpool on May 16th 2028 will also mark her first-ever transatlantic crossing from New York directly to the city.
Solmar offers 25% off summer bookings
Solmar Villas is offering up to 25% in savings on earlysummer holiday bookings
The discount is eligible on all early-summer holidays booked before the end of May, for arrival dates from May 1st, 2026, to June 30th, 2026, for a minimum of seven nights.
Over 800 properties are included in the offer, in desirable destinations such as Spain, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, Cyprus, Turkiye, and the Canary Islands.
Prices for a week in the Dalaman region of Turkiye lead in from £1,120 per person.
CLIA reveals top cruising statistics for 2025
CLIA HAS stated that holidaymakers from the UK and Ireland took 2.54 million ocean cruises last year, surpassing the previous highest total of 2.4 million in 2024.
The Mediterranean topped the charts, with 34.5% of passengers sailing around the islands and coasts. Northern Europe followed behind with 27.2% of passengers, and the Caribbean fell into third place with 13.7% of passengers. The Caribbean saw a year-on-year passenger growth of 12%.
Other statistics CLIA shared include: the average age of cruisers is 54.6 years old; there is a 7% increase in children under 12 hitting the high seas; the average cruise length sits at around 9.6 days; and seven-night departures accounted for 44% of sailings.
: Top: Chris Ison (Cunard), Bottom: Solmar Villas
Newmarket and CroisiEurope join forces
NEWMARKET HOLIDAYS and CroisiEurope’s partnership has launched six all-inclusive European river cruises for 2027, which broadens the award-winning tour operator’s programme across some of the continent's most established waterways.
The six itineraries include the ‘Andalusion River Escape’; ‘River Seine Discovery’; ‘Rhone & Saone River Delights’; ‘Grand Capitals of the Danube’; Delights of the Douro’; and ‘Treasures of the Rhine – Amsterdam to Basel’.
Early demand has been strongest for the ‘Andalusion River Escape’ cruise itinerary, which takes guest along the hidden gem of the Guadalquivir.
A 10% early booking saving is available on all 2027 departures for bookings made before May 31st, 2026.
Hayley Morris, head of trade sales and partnerships, said, “River cruising continues to grow in popularity, and we’re delighted to partner with CroisiEurope to bring our customers a range of allinclusive European sailings that combine exceptional value with immersive experiences.”
P&O CRUISES has released its 2028 summer programme — its biggest sale programme to date. More than 215 cruises are on offer for the season, including sailings from Southampton and fly-cruises to Malta. The programme will set sail to 121 destinations across 29 countries between March and October 2028.
ABTA opens registration for annual conference
ABTA’S 2026 Travel Convention in Funchal, Madeira, has opened for registration.
ABTA’s Travel Convention is designed to connect senior leaders with an opportunity to influence the future of the travel sector with meaningful insights.
The convention will take place from October 12th to October 14th, 2026, at the fivestar Savoy Palace Hotel. Visit Portugal and Visit Madeira will host the event, and
delegates have the chance to explore the archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executvie at ABTA, said, “This will be the first time we’ve hosted the Convention in Madeira, so we’re really looking forward to exploring the island with delegates and our hosts giving them an unforgettable experience.”
Delegates can save 20% on registration fees if they register before May 13th, 2026.
Spectate takes the wicket with new package
THE LUXURY sports travel specialist has released new South Africa Cricket Tour 2026/2027 packages, with cricket legend Mike Gatting OBE joining the exclusive experience. Spectate will take customers on a full South African journey, from celebrating New Year’s Eve with cricketing royalty and watching the game in exclusive hospitality suites to embarking on safari experiences, winery tours and helicopter tours of Table Mountain.
Taking place between December 29th, 2026, and January 8th, 2027, Spectate’s packages lead in from £7,950 per person, including a welcome drinks soiree, test match tickets, State of Play event, farewell dinner, flights, transfers and accommodation.
Princess makes Southampton her home
PRINCESS CRUISES’ Majestic Princess will homeport in Southampton for the first time ever. Majestic Princess’ homeport will mark the beginning of her firstever UK season, which marks a significant milestone since her launch in 2017.
P&O Cruises, Top Left: Newmarket Holidays, Bottom Left: Princess Cruises, Bottom: Canva Pro
AGENT INCENTIVES
● AGENTS HAVE the chance to win an out-of-this-world Cruise & Stay trip in the firstever combined Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line incentive. Running until May 29th, the incentive offers 25 agents the chance to win a place aboard Disney Wish with a combined stay in the magical Walt Disney World Resort, Florida. To enter the prize draw, agents must complete a series of themed missions on the division’s trade platform, PixieDust HQ. ‘Mission credits’ will be won with every completed activity: the more credits, the higher the chances of winning.
● BARBADOS TOURISM
Marketing Inc. is offering a new incentive for agents in partnership with Aer Lingus. For a limited-time, travel agents can earn double points on every qualifying Barbados booking with Aer Lingus. Agents can obtain their doubled points by logging their bookings on to the Barbados Elite Club and automatically receive their points to achieve their rewards and recognition within the programme. Eligible entries for these double points are bookings to Barbados with Aer Lingus, and clients must travel before May 31st, 2026.
● GET READY to mingle with the best of British TV as Travelsphere and Just You are offering VIP tickets to the National Television Awards this September. The ‘Race to the NTAs’ incentive is now live and will run until May 28th. There are various ways to enter: agents must make bookings for select ‘Showcase’ tours featured on the Just You and Travelsphere Facebook pages, which count as three entries; make bookings for any other tour, counting for two entries; and share relevant Travelsphere and Just You content on social media for one entry.
Agent bulletin
TRAVEL COUNSELLORS has marked the first Gold trip of 2026 with an unforgettable experience in Iceland, bringing together some of the highestperforming business owners. This Gold trip included 35 Gold Travel Counsellors, along with four support team colleagues. The itinerary blended immersive Icelandic experiences with dedicated time for connection and celebration.
Competition
Win a romantic five-night retreat with the Jamaica Tourist Board and Couples Resorts.
AGENT TRAINING
● THE GUATEMALA Tourism Institute has launched the Guatemala Insider, a new online travel trade platform designed to support agents in selling Guatemala to their clients. The platform features short, interactive modules that guide agents through the destination’s key selling points and highlights. Agents who complete the course by May 30th will be entered into a prize draw to win a sixnight trip for two to Guatemala. The prize can be redeemed from July 30th, 2026.
● TRAVEL NEVADA welcomes agents to discover the quirky and quaint experiences found only in the Silver State via the Travel Nevada Trailblazers Program. Through this programme, agents will gain the tools and knowledge they need to best promote, match and sell Nevada products to their clients to show there is more to the State than what happens in Vegas.
● TEST YOUR St. Pete Clearwater knowledge and have the chance to become one of 30 agents to enjoy a four-night fam trip to the destination this June. Agents can dive into a series of training modules to earn their badge and unlock top selling tips and practical insights to help boost bookings to the Sunshine State.
● STILL FEELING the moon joy from the Artemis II mission last month? You can follow in the astronauts’s footsteps and learn everything there is to know about space. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Florida’s Space Coast brings to life the epic story of the US space programme, and agents can become certified experts when they complete the UK Travel Agent Training Programme.
● BECOME A Rocky Mountaineer expert to gain access to discounted agent rates. Learn more about the company’s award-winning service and how to create life-changing experiences.
AGENT INSIGHT
KATRINA SMITH
PEOPLE OFTEN think of luxury travel as five-star hotels, first-class flights, and extravagant spending. While this can certainly be part of the experience, true luxury travel is less about price tags and more about how a journey makes you feel.
I believe luxury travel is defined by comfort, personalisation, and meaningful experiences. It means having the freedom to move at your own pace, to avoid stress and inconvenience, and to really immerse yourself in your surroundings. This may be a private villa overlooking the ocean, a quiet boutique hotel with exceptional service, or even a carefully planned itinerary that matches your interests.
It can mean access to places and experiences that feel unique. Whether that’s a guided tour with a local expert, a secluded natural setting, or a cultural experience not available to the average traveller.
Another important aspect is attention to detail. I often anticipate needs before they arise, ensuring that everything from transportation to dining is seamless. This transforms a trip from ordinary to extraordinary.
In the end, luxury travel means different things to different people. For some, it is indulgence and opulence. I recently had a couple book a tailor-made trip that included the top suite on a cruise at a total cost of £218,000. For others, it is more about keeping things simple, private, and authentic.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to wanting a more meaningful travel experience. I endeavour to focus on quality over quantity and create memories that stick with you long after you get home.
Riyadh Air expands UK trade offering with Manchester route
RIYADH AIR is entering the UK market with the launch of a new route from Manchester, alongside its daily London Heathrow route, as it expands its network and builds more opportunities for the UK travel trade.
The new Manchester route, which will fly directly to Riyadh, is not the only new service the airline is introducing. New routes from Jeddah and Madrid are also scheduled, adding to the previously announced routes to London Heathrow, Dubai and Cairo.
Agents can book flights with Riyadh Air easier than ever before with the airline’s Modern Air Retailing programme which is designed to simplify bookings for the trade.
News Bites
• SILVERSEA HAS opened its general sale for the 2029 World Cruise, A Pacific Awakening. Sailing from the San Diego in January 2029, the 125-day odyssey on Silver Whisper will take guests to more than 60 destinations in 19 countries.
• INVOLVED HOLIDAYS has launched a new website offering enhanced functionality and search facilities to allow agents to quickly and easily search for the perfect holiday for their clients.
2026 MARKS the 50th year of Servatur Hotels & Resorts since its inception in 1976. To celebrate the milestone, Servatur returned to its birthplace of Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria with some amazing new refurbishments and a partnership with Playitas to create Gran Canaria’s first dedicated sports hotel, catering to the wellness and active lifestyle market.
SUDOKU
Win a £20 M&S voucher in the SuDoku prize puzzle
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:
competition@travelbulletin.co.uk
Closing date for entries is Thursday, May 14th Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.
April 17th Solution: A=2 B=4 C=6 D=1
For all competitions visit http://www.travelbulletin.co.uk/component/r sform/form/1593-Travel-Trivia-Quiz JAPAN’S CULTURAL treasure trove, which houses more than 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, was once the country’s capital for over 1,000 years.
Las Vegas hotel and casino, ___ Grand (3)
Home state of 1 Across (6)
operator with tagline: No one knows Italy like we do (7)
and Etihad both act as flag carriers for this country (3)
of Jordan (5)
Currency of Switzerland (5)
Yorkshire city (5)
County which borders both the English and the Bristol Channels (5)
He started in a band of five, became a solo star and is now the subject of a movie release (7)
Muscat international airport code (3)
Estimated time of arrival, initially (3)
Island in the Caribbean, linked to The Netherlands (5)
Arrecife international airport code (3)
Resort known as the "Gateway to the Costa Brava" (6)
similar to a trilby (6)
Capital of the West African country of Guinea (7)
The Nile flows through this country (5)
Skopje International Airport code (3)
Band formed by Roger Daltrey, sounds like a question (3)
Holiday Inn is part of this hospitality company (3)
star awards TRAVEL STARS SHINE
The Travel Bulletin Star Awards is back, bringing travel’s most star-studded event to a new venue this October!
IT IS that time of year again: the Star Awards 2026 has officially launched!
Now celebrating its 27th year, the event continues to be a standout star in the travel trade calendar, shining a spotlight on the industry’s excellence and achievements over the previous year.
As voting is exclusively conducted
Voting is now open!
VOTING IS now officially open so it is time to help your favourite companies lift the coveted trophy this October.
You can vote for your favourites across five categories: Star Operators, Star Destinations, Stars of Land, Stars at Sea & in the Sky, and Supporting Stars. Suppliers will be asked to nominate for their favourite agencies in the Star Agencies category.
The Star of Sustainability award will be judged by a panel of experts, and you can have your say on who you think should win by submitting an online entry at www.travelbulletin.co.uk/ starawards/voting.
by trade professionals, each accolade is a true mark of peer recognition. Winning one of the coveted starshaped trophies is no small feat — only the best of the best will earn a place among the industry’s elite.
With the categories confirmed (browse through your top choices on the previous page), the nominations round is now open, so nominate the industry champions you would like to wear the crown this year!
The competition in 2026 is set to be fierce. Those who receive the most nominations will be revealed as finalists on May 29th, when the
A shining new home
second, and final, round of voting will begin.
The highly-anticipated awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, October 27th, 2026, at a brand new location: the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane!
In the brand-new venue, attendees can expect a night of elegance and entertainment, complete with a threecourse dinner, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere.
As voting is well and truly underway, attendees are encouraged to secure their places early for what promises to be the standout event of 2026!
THIS YEAR, the Star Awards ceremony will be heading to a new venue! The Sheraton Grand London Park Lane will host the starstudded evening, bringing a touch of art deco flair and 1920s elegance to the ceremony.
To book your places at the star-studded event, head over to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/starawards/tickets to secure your tickets to the unforgettable evening.
Read what a few of our sponsors have to say ...
EXPEDIA TAAP is proud to be a sponsor of Travel Bulletin’s Star Awards. We offer travel agents access to the Expedia Group’s wide breadth of travel inventory, rates and availabilities.
The ready-to-use web-based booking platform combines accommodations, flights, car rentals, and activities, enabling agencies to earn competitive commission on bookings.
Expedia TAAP helps travel agents fulfil bookings for their clients with impressive rates and last-minute availabilities. These include access to a world class booking platform with flexible self-service agent tools designed to provide travellers a seamless booking experience. Agents can also earn rewards for eligible property bookings which they can redeem for gift cards.
JETSET IS delighted to once again be sponsoring the Travel Bulletin Star Awards. It is a truly special event that celebrates the very best in travel and Team Jetset love being a part of it.
Jetset as a business continues to go from strength to strength, delivering great levels of technology, service and support. HighFliers is the fun and highly rewarding Jetset incentive scheme. In breaking news, we can reveal that the final part of the HighFliers trilogy will launch July 4th, 2026, providing a new and exciting benefit for our agents.
Back to the main event, the Star Awards enables agents to also deliver a message and which operators they think have been shining bright... Please use that vote!
GRAN CANARIA is proud to return as a Travel Bulletin Star Awards sponsor. We celebrate British tourism on the island, which is experiencing a truly positive trend, and is consistently increasing its UK market share on the island.
Gran Canaria has been constantly improving our stunning holiday resorts, known for the golden sand beaches and Maspalomas dunes, long ocean front promenades, new and upgraded luxury hotels and excellent facilities, making this all year round destination idyllic for summer holidays and winter escapes.
AT NEWMARKET Holidays, we believe travel agents are at the heart of everything we do. As proud sponsors of the Star Awards, we're celebrating the incredible people who go above and beyond to inspire their customers to explore the world.
With over 40 years of escorted touring expertise, we offer agents a trusted, rewarding partnership — from our diverse range of holidays to dedicated trade support. Whether it's a classic European break or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, we're here to help agents deliver unforgettable experiences.
Here's to the stars of the travel industry we're honoured to champion you.
Want to join in the fun? Here's what a couple of our agent guests thought of last year's Star Awards!
TAILOR MY TRAVEL - NOT JUST TRAVEL GOPAL SHAH
“It was such a well executed event (as always), a great balance of fun, entertainment and ample time to network too! Until next time!”
TRAVEL COUNSELLORS
MARIE RAYNER
“Yet again what a fabulous evening! Travel Bulletin are the best for putting on events and the Star Awards, the food was amazing, as were all the games: you definitely know how to get everyone involved on the night!”
DISCOVER CHINA
Experience Beijing, the Terracotta Army, and become immersed in China’s megacities with Newmarket Holidays.
NEWMARKET HOLIDAYS is offering a tour like no-other in collaboration with Victoria Cruises.
‘Highlights of China with Yangtze Cruise’ allows travellers to become fully immersed in the livelihood of China, from quaint temples and rivers to megacities and historic landmarks.
In Beijing, guests can roam around
Capella graces Kyoto, Japan
CAPELLA KYOTO recently opened in Kyoto, Japan on March 22nd, 2026. This opening marks Capella’s inaugural property in Japan and is located steps away from the Kenninji temple and the Kamo river where Kabuki was born.
The 89-room hotel reimagines the city’s traditional townhouses and reinterprets Kyoto’s characteristic spatial composition.
The hotel offers extraordinary gastronomy with SoNoMa, a threemichelin star restaurant, and houses the brand’s signature sanctuary.
Rates lead in from £1,681 per person.
Tianamen Square, and the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The Great Wall of China at Badaling will also be up for visiting, alongside Qianmen Street, where guests will immerse in the mock-period frontages which line the road.
The Terracotta soliders is an unforgettable excursion, which features thousands of life-sized warriors buried over 2,000 years ago. Xi’an is home to the Muslim Quarter, which is Xi’an’s most well known cultural and culinary districts.
It is impossible to think of China without pandas, so an included visit to
the Panda Research centre is a must. The research centre is one of China’s leading conservation facilities.
The Victoria Cruises’ Yangtze River cruise is a three-night adventure that will take your clients to Mount Shuanggui, the Three Gorges, and Sanduoping.
Other locations on this tour include: Suzhou and Shanghai, many unique UNESCO heritage sites and other ancient landmarks.
Prices lead in from £3,255 per person, for a duration of 16 days with 28 included excursions and 33 included meals.
Princess Cruises’ largest Asia season
PRINCESS CRUISES has unveiled its most expansive Asia deployment to date. The 2027-2028 season features 96 departures across 61 itineraries, visiting 55 destinations in nine countries. New additions to the programme include new festival offerings, such as the Osaka Bon Odori, with dedicated ship visits, traditional tea ceremonies, and historic excursions to iconic landmarks.
Pandaw links India together
PANDAW ELIMINATES unnecessary complications, logistics and layovers with a new 18-night expedition that combines two of its India sailings together and connects the Kerala backwaters and the Hooghly river into one seemless journey.
This connection is offered only by Pandaw, which makes it the only river cruise line to link over 2,000 kilometers of India in a single itinerary.
Prices lead in for this itinerary from $10,388 per person.
Hotels join the Hotel Alliance
TOKYU HOTELS has become the first Japanese hotel chain to join the Global Hotel Alliance. The GHA is the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands with 950 hotels in 100 countries.
Joining the GHA allows Tokyu to increase its international competitiveness, sustainable growth, and strengthen its global profile whilst maintaining its Japanese identity.
Etihad’s A380 has its Thailand Debut
IN OCTOBER, Etihad’s A380 will debut in Thailand and operate on an evening service.
The A380 is the world’s only three-room suite in the sky, and has signficantly increased its capacity on one of its most popular leisure routes.
The aircraft will operate evening daily services between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and Bangkok Airport, which further strengthens connectivity between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
With its upper-deck featuring The Residence, First Apartments, lounge and refined Business class with fully lie-flat seats, as well as a comfortable Economy cabin, the A380 feels like a destination in itself. On-board, guests can indulge in private seating, a serviced lounge and bar area, and even a shower room.
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commerical Officer for Ethihad Airways, said, “We’ve
seen huge excitement around where our next A380 would fly - and Bangkok has been one of the most requested destinations. It’s a city that blends energy, culture and world-class hospitality, making it the perfect destination for our flagship aircraft.”
Anurak embraces the 4Cs of regenerative tourism
ANURAK LODGE in Thailand has embraced the ‘4Cs’ in its quest for regenerative travel.
The eco-lodge is located on the edge of Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand, and has published its 2025 impact report.
The report outlines Anurak’s progress towards regenerative tourism principles by the ‘4Cs’, which represents Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce. The ‘4Cs’ is a framework developed by the
sustainable tourism advocacy body, The Long Run.
The impact statement demonstrates how the lodge is embedding sustainability in all aspects of its operations. A key milestone in 2025 was the completion of a full year of consistent electricity, water, and waste measurement.
The lodge expanded its on-site gardens with 18 herb and vegetable varieties for garden-to-table dining, and the lodge has also purchased a HASS Food Waste Composter.
Community impact is central to operations, as 82% of staff are hired locally. Anurak lodge regularly supports community initiative, with five community initiatives supported in 2025.
Regenerative tourism aims to enhance or improve a place through tourism, not just mitigate negative impacts.
Tokyu
Left: Pandaw, Top Right and Bottom left: Canva Pro, Bottom Right: Anurak
LUXURY Holidays ADVENTURE IN STYLE
ATLAS OCEAN Voyages has revealed its Suite Collection for the Atlas Adventurer, which is the world’s first luxury expedition sailing yacht.
The luxury yacht accommodates up to 400 guests with a crew of 274. The yacht is scheduled to launch in 2028 and sets a new standard in expedition yachting.
The yacht introduces an all-suite accommodation concept that pairs residental-style living with nextgeneration maritime innovation.
The design was led by the acclaimed Portugese studio, Oitoemponto, and was inspired by the golden age of travel
of the 1930s. The vessel is shaped with warm modernism and a seamless dialogue between the interior spaces and the natural world.
The Suite Collection is organised across several categories: Signature Collection, Concierge Collection, and Reserve Collection. The Reserve Collection offers unparalleled opulence, offering the two-bedroom Owner’s Suite and the Penthouse Suites. The Concierge Collection and the Signature Collection are just as spacious as their more-refined counterparts, and can be adjoined with other rooms to create the perfect family safe-space for a multi-
Journey beyond Australia by rail
room residential experience. Purpose-built for responsible exploration, Atlas Adventurer integrates advanced engineering with environmental performance. Reservations for the Atlas Adventurer will open for the general public from June 10th, 2026.
Adriatic Hotels has opened its portfolio
ADRIATIC LUXURY Hotels has announced the opening dates for its luxury portfolio all over Croatia.
Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, and Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik have been open since the beginning of the year, with Hotel Excelsior following shortly after. Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik opened on March 27 th , and Hotel Croatia Cavtat, Hotel Supetar Cavtat, and Supetar Residence all opened together in April.
Villa Argentina will reopen in August 2026, after a multi-year, intensive transformation to elevate guest experience and facilities.
Atlas Ocean Voyages unveils Suite Collection for Atlas Adventurer.
Image Credit s : Top: Atlas Ocean Voyages, Bottom: Canva Pro
JOURNEY BEYOND is offering a three-night, four-day, northbound itinerary with a departure from Adelaide. The iconic luxury train journey begins with a celebratory dinner to set the tone for the journey ahead. Guests will explore Flinders Ranges and Long Plains, alongside Marla, Alice Springs, and Katherine before finishing in Darwin.
SeaDream Yacht Club announces 2028 Med voyages
SEADREAM YACHT Club, the boutique luxury cruise line, has announced its summer 2028 Mediterranean season.
The new 2028 summer season for the Mediterranean offers 24 new voyages between May and October aboard SeaDream II. The SeaDream II has been repositioned from Northern Europe to the Mediterranean due to the luxury cruise line's high demand for its Mediterranean programmes.
Andreas Brynestad of SeaDream Yacht Club commented, "We continue to listen to our guests, and their desire for Mediterranean yachting is clear. They want more time in port, more intimate destinations, and the freedom to explore at their own pace.”
The vessel will travel across 12 countries with over 70 ports of call.
THE LUXURY seafront JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa has reopened for the summer season, ready to welcome guests to a serene coastal retreat.
This season will mark the property’s first full operational season, with summer rates leading in from around £278 per night.
Serene summers in Crete
Take it slow on a luxurious Nordic honeymoon
SCANDINAVIA’S PREMIER luxury operator, Up Norway, has launched a new romantic pilgrimage designed for honeymooners seeking a slower experience. The three-week itinerary allows the couple to explore at their leisure, offering time and space to enjoy slow movement through cities, remote islands and mountainous terrains.
Couple’s will head to Oslo, Geilo, Bergen, Bekkjarvik, Steigen, Lofoten, and Trondheim, with a range of activities on offer including a glacierside lunch, overnight stays in treehouses and exclusive glass cabins, and a guided mountain hike with a promised sauna stop along the way.
Prices for the three-week itinerary
lead in from $18,552 (around £13,733) per person, including 21 nights’ accommodation; eight romantic dinner experiences; all transportation via rental car; domestic flights and all other transport methods; and a full programme of curated experiences at each destination. The slow-themed honeymoon is available to book from May through to September.
AFTER THE launch of the ‘Me-Moon’ experience at Casa Velas last year, Velas Resorts has expanded the personal celebration programme to its other destinations. The bespoke solo experience is now available at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Velas Vallarta and Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts. For a truly luxurious selfescape, the package at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit leads in from $3,690 (around £2,730) for three nights, including accommodation in the newly renovated Grand Terrace Suite, personalised in-suite dining, a full wellness programme and out-ofresort experiences
Being the best events coordinator in Travel Bulletin
Angel Gallagher-Dasso
Digital Editor
angel.gd@travelbulletin.co.uk
Being the coolest person ever (non-debatable).
William Mann Events Coordinator
william.mann@travelbulletin.co.uk
Most Likely to Turn Up for the Afterparty Before the Event Award.
Image Credit s : Top: Up Norway,
Bottom: Velas Resorts
Train & Gain
WE BROUGHT our daytime Train & Gain event to Marlow last month where a host of agents were treated to an afternoon full of presentations and prizes!
The day was huge success thanks to our lovely suppliers: SPL Villas, Thanos Hotels & Resorts, Inmood Hotels, Ras al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, Intrepid, Benidorm, Prestige Travel, Princess Cruises, and Drive Away.
A big thank you to everyone who attended and we hope to see you at the next one!
Want to get in on the #TBShowcases action? Our next Train & Gain event will be taking place in Wilmslow on June 8th. To confirm your place or find out when we will be hosting our next event near you contact events@travelbulletin.co.uk