TB 3rd April 2026

Giving

Canada

Book your clients on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure across the Great White North.

The latest updates across the travel trade industry.

EMBRACING THE FUTURE

Adido CEO Andy Headington shares his top takeaways from the ABTA Travel Innovation Day as travel brands must adapt to keep up with the changing pace of digital spaces. NEWS

ROADSHOW ROUND-UP

See what we’ve been up to with our record-breaking week of agent training showcases!

CANADA

Picturesque paradises to wild wildernesses. 12

LAST MONTH, ABTA held its second Travel Innovation Day where 12 senior industry experts gathered together to explore and discuss the latest tools and strategies shaping the world of travel marketing. Andy Headington, CEO of specialist travel digital marketing company Adido, moderated the session and has shared his top takeaways.

AI is transforming how travel companies interact with customers, with AI-powered chatbots and ‘agents’ now able to handle customer enquiries. This technology frees up agents to be able focus on more complex customer needs and enables companies to manage the increasing volumes of enquiries.

few years. For travel brands, there are multiple avenues to explore if hosting their own podcast is out of the question. Sponsoring established podcasts can provide access to highly-engaged audiences, while creating a unique branded podcast themselves offers a longer-term option to share stories, showcase expertise with audiences and build brand loyalty.

One of the clearest messages from ABTA’s Travel Innovation Day is the travel digital marketing landscape is expanding rapidly: while Google and Meta are still important channels, they are no longer the only options.

New openings, increased airlift, and more across the lush tropical islands.

CRUISING

The biggest news from the waterways to the high seas. 21 CARIBBEAN

In terms of engagement with customers, podcasting remains one of the most engaging media forms on the market: according to Ofcom, around 22% of people listen to a podcast each week, with listener numbers steadily increasing over the last

AI-powered customer service, podcasting, and generative engine optimisation are all avenues that should be explored and included in any travel brand’s toolkit. There is a real opportunity in today’s day and age to embrace a new era of audience engagement.

Showcase Calendar

April 13th

Sign up to our showcases: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/events/agents

April 20th

Hoedowns on the high seas

CRUISE.CO.UK HAS partnered with Ambassador Cruise Line for the launch of an exclusive ‘Nashville Nights’ country music sailing.

Departing from London Tilbury on March 25th, 2027, the four-night voyage will host a number of themed events aboard Ambience, including quizzes, dining experiences, silent discos, line dancing

classes and open mic sessions. There will also be tribute acts in the form of Johnny Cash, Shania Twain and Luke Combs to tie the entertainment together, and the traditional formal night will be replaced with ‘Denim & Diamonds’.

Prices for the cruise lead in from £489 per person. The voyage will call into Bruges and Amsterdam.

TURKISH AIRLINES has added London Stansted to its flight network, making it the third London hub the airline operates from, joining London Heathrow and London Gatwick.

The new Stansted service will operate with 15 weekly frequencies.

Turkish Airlines vice president of sales, Middle East and Northern Europe, Fuat Firat, said, “We believe this new route will not only meet regional demand but also contribute to both commercial and tourism activity across the region.”

Millions of seats on sale with easyJet’s Big Seat Release

EASYJET HAS launched its Big Seat Release, with more than 12 million seats now on sale for the Winter 2027 season, including February half term.

Travellers can enjoy big savings across easyJet’s vast network for flights between February 1st and March 27th, 2027, with one-way fares leading in from £24.99.

UK county manager Kevin Doyle said, “Putting millions more seats and package holidays on sale today for next winter means our customers across the UK can book early and enjoy great value to Europe’s most popular leisure destinations, including firm favourites such as Amsterdam, Paris, Alicante, Tenerife, and Malaga.”

The airline offers flights to more than 140 destinations across Europe and North Africa from 22 regional airports across the UK.

Families save £75 per day with Trafalgar

FAMILIES CAN save big this summer with select Trafalgar tours offering up to £75 off per day for every guest booked under the age of 18.

Available on departures between June and August 2026, families can save on tours spanning Europe and further afield—from Italy and Spain to Peru and Costa Rica.

Some of the tours available with the discount include the 13-day ‘Best of Italy’

sightseeing tour of Rome, Florence and Capri from £3,038 per person, with under 18s saving £975; and the eight-day ‘Costa Rica Nature Adventure’ leading in from £2,066 per person, with under 18s saving an additional £1,125 on the adult price.

This sale will run until April 16th, 2026, and is combinable with Trafalgar’s Best of Summer sale, which is currently still available to book.

BA increases airlift to Costa Rica this winter

Convert hotel stays to flights and vice versa

TO CELEBRATE the start of the spring season, Wendy Wu Tours is offering solo travellers up to £1,680 per person off select itineraries as part of its ‘Free and Half Price Single Supplements’ offer. Some of the tours included in the sale are the 22-day ‘China by Rail’ itinerary, priced from £6,390 per person; the 17-day ‘Angkor to the Bay’ tour from £4,690 per person.

Savings made during the Solo Sale can be combined with Wendy’s Loyalty Club discount.

BRITISH AIRWAYS is increasing its airlift from London to make it easier than ever before for British travellers to swap the winter blues for the ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle.

From October 2026 until March 2027, the airline will fly to San José five times per week from London. The service is also changing UK bases, with flights departing from Heathrow instead of Gatwick.

The bolstered schedule follows the Costa Rica Tourism Board’s first-ever pan-European marketing campaign, ‘live.life.now’, which highlights the lifechanging experiences available in the country, from the lush dramatic scenery to the ever-present community feel

Sisters at Sea: Virgin Voyages plans full fleet meeting

THE ADULTS-only cruise line is bringing together all four ships at sea for the first time: a move which Virgin Voyages says will be the “largest coordinated fleet gathering in history”.

The event, named ‘Sisters at Sea’ will take place on February 16th, 2027, when Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant

Lady will meet at a fixed point in the Caribbean. More than 15,000 passengers and crew are expected to be onboard across the vessels.

MARRIOTT BONVOY has partnered with Ethiopian Airlines to give travellers more opportunities to earn and redeem points and miles across both hotel stays and flights. Eligible members of Marriott Bonvoy and ShebaMiles, the airline’s loyalty scheme, can convert points between the two programmes. Andrew Watson, chief commercial officer for Marriott International, said, “This partnership reflects our continued commitment to deliver the most rewarding travel experiences for our members.”

builds momentum for 2026

RADISSON Hotel group has closed 2025 with more than 272 new hotel signings and openings, with Radisson Blu retaining its title as Europe’s largest upper-scale brand with a presence in 154 cities.

Elie Younes, executive vice president and global chief development officer, said, “The momentum that we achieved over the last years will secure more growth, resilience and opportunities in 2026 and beyond.”

Crystal Cruises and A&K release new voyages

CRYSTAL CRUISES and Abercrombie & Kent have announced a full collection of 10 new voyages debuting in 2027. The expansion follows a strong demand for the partnership’s inaugural sailings, which sold out within weeks.

Each voyage begins with a

two-night stay at a luxury hotel selected by A&K.

With priority embarkation privileges, guests will sail in Sapphire Veranda Suites aboard Crystal Serenity or Crystal Symphony, with solo travellers accommodated in Aquamarine Veranda Suites at no single supplement.

One of the new voyages is ‘An Epic Voyage Around Southeast Asia’ which begins in Thailand and travels through Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines. The itinerary spans 16 days from April 8th, 2027 with prices starting from £19,545.

Fernando Delgado, Chief Product Officer at AKTG, said, “Guests instantly connected with the combination of A&K’s deep cultural expertise and Crystal’s unparalleled onboard atmosphere. That success gave us the momentum to expand into 2027 with even more departures.”

TOURISM AUSTRALIA has launched a new sustainability initiative, ‘Green is Our Gold’, to rally the Australian tourism industry around a shared promise to protect and strengthen natural environments, cultures and communities. ‘Green is Our Gold’ responds to growing demand for tourism experiences that deliver positive social and environmental impact.

Isle of Man partners with Virgin

ISLE OF Man Experiences and Virgin Experience Days have announced a new partnership to reach the UK gift market.

Experience gifting is a growing trend where consumers prioritise activity-led travel over traditional physical gifts.

The collaboration will make it easier than ever for UK travellers to book curated, smallgroup trips to the Isle of Man. Through Virgin’s digital and retail platforms, customers

can now purchase heritage-led cultural tours designed for short breaks.

Richard Howarth, travel manager at Isle of Man Experiences, said, “Working with a national brand like Virgin Experience Days allows us to introduce the Isle of Man to a much broader audience. It simplifies the booking process for visitors and helps drive more people to explore what the Island has to offer.”

THE OFFICIAL tourism board for West Hollywood has unveiled it’s latest campaign, ‘Unmistakenly West Hollywood’, that exhibits a dynamic, new way to experience West Hollywood and spotlight one-of-a-kind experiences.

In addition to the campaign, the tourism board has also released its brand-new, redesigned website that reflects the forward-thinking spirit of the city itself. The site introduces all-new AI-powered trip planning tools to make personalised itineraries with ease.

The campaign and platform aim to provide visitors with a variety of trip planning resources to base their stay in the most vibrant area of LA.

Singapore Airlines increases frequency

LONDON GATWICK will have a double-daily service to Singapore from July 3rd, 2026 until August 29th, 2026.

Between March 31st to July 2nd, 2026; and September 1st to October 24th, 2026, the airline will add three more flights a week.

AGENT INCENTIVES

• SPRING HOTELS has unveiled a new incentive for agents to have the chance to win a five-night stay for two at one of the hotelier’s signature properties. The ‘Easter Bunny Challenge’ tests agents’ knowledge of the Spring Hotels portfolio in a playful quiz, with those who answer correctly entered into the prize draw. Any agents who have made existing April bookings will receive an extra entry. The incentive will run until April 30th, 2026.

• AGENTS CAN set sail on an expedition cruise of their own with National Geographic-Lindblad Expedition’s latest incentive. The ‘Sell Three, Expedition Free’ initiative will run until April 30th, 2026. To qualify, agents must make three 2026 expeditions to the Arctic, Europe or Mediterranean by the closing date to win a cabin for both themselves and a guest. Once three itineraries have been booked, agents must email the booking references to agency.sales@expeditions.c o.uk to claim their free cruise.

• THIS APRIL, Domes Resorts is offering a collection of booking incentives for agents. One booking equates to one complimentary night for agents, with one Aulūs booking equalling two complimentary nights for the agent. Every booking made will earn FAM Points, with a standard booking equal to one Point, whereas an Aulūs booking will earn the agent three FAM Points. Once the season closes, the highest performers will earn their seat at the table, with the top five agents winning a guaranteed Mega FAM seat, with the next seven agents entered into a prize draw for the four remaining seats. Three additional seats will be awarded to the highest Aulūs producers.

Agent bulletin

AMARI PHUKET recently welcomed a group of UK Kuoni agents for a fam trip, offering them the opportunity to experience the property, and destination, firsthand. The agents who took part in the trip include Jessica Taberner-Atkin, Daisy BrandTraverso, Kelly Eroglu, Holly Wheeler, Monique Powell, and Pawinee Panan (Dao).

Competition

AGENT TRAINING

● BECOME AN expert in all things Mann by taking Visit Isle of Man’s online training course for the trade. Learn about the ancient history and folklore that shapes everyday life on the island, and gain an insight into why 98.7% of visitors said their Manx holiday ‘exceeded expectations’. Once the course is complete, agents will earn a shout out on the trade platform. Agents can also log their bookings and be in with a chance of winning £100s worth of Amazon vouchers.

● TRAVEL NEVADA welcomes agents to discover the quirky and quaint experiences found only in the Silver State via the Travel Nevada Trailblazers Program. Through the 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.

● LOCATED ON Florida’s Space Coast, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings the U.S space programme to life through a series of educational activities and inspirational films. Agents can become a Space Expert by completing a series of lessons: More than a Museum - The Basics; The Visitor Complex; and Enhancing the Stay. Agents will earn their certificate once the three lessons have been completed.

● PALLADIUM PRO rewards agents with points and benefits, including individual stays. Points obtained with the PRO programme can also be transferred to a Palladium Rewards account, allowing discounted rates, and longer stays. Participants will benefit from reward points for bookings and increased engagement on the Palladium platform which can be redeemed for gift cards or hotel stays; special rates; and access to Palladium’s extensive online training system.

Croatia Signature Roadshow

THE ADRIATIC Icon came to Edinburgh, Manchester, Bristol and Dorking last month in partnership with Travel Bulletin to host a series of agent training evenings across the UK. Agents walked away with deeper insights into the wonderful destination as well as a host of prizes including goodie bags, return flights and five-star hotel stays, courtesy of our lovely suppliers: The Croatian National Tourist Office, Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board, Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board, City of Dubrovnik Tourist Board, City of Hvar Tourist Board, and Adriatic Luxury Hotels.

Want to get in on the #TBShowcases action? Our next event will be the Train & Gain in Marlow on April 13th. To confirm your place or find out when we will be hosting our next event near you contact events@travelbulletin.co.uk

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, April 16th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

March 20th Solution: A=8 B=6 C=7 D=3

For all competitions visit http://www.travelbulletin.co.uk/component/r sform/form/1593-Travel-Trivia-Quiz

AGENT INSIGHT

RACHAEL CASSAR-EGAN

HAYS TRAVEL

AS A specialist and self-proclaimed addict of onboard life, my love for cruising has really elevated my sales, with my business now being 80% cruise, earning me a place on the Captain’s Table for Hays Travel top cruise agents.

When the world got very small during Covid, I set sail —like many other UK travellers—on a ‘seacation’ from Southampton. During the ‘no fly’ time, there was no way I was missing out on holidays for any longer! Five years later, I still prefer to sail out of UK ports, and I see the same with lots of my customers.

I’m often asked why this market continues to see such huge growth—the answer is simple. You unpack once and see multiple cities and countries in one holiday, with seamless embarkation and no airport fuss or worries about luggage restrictions.

But aren’t cruises for old people? If I had a pound for every time someone has said this to me, I’d be very rich! With modern cruise ships offering myriad activities and experiences onboard for couples, groups of friends and families alike, the cruise customer demographic is changing quickly, plus the value for money is exceptional. Multi-generational cruise travel is a key trend in my own bookings as there is something for everyone onboard, with activities, dining and entertainment for every age range.

For the summer months, Fjords sailings, the Canary Islands and the Med are the most popular options with the UK market, with Northern Europe attracting winter city explorers, especially for Christmas market sailings. There are also some world cruise options (both full and partial) sailing from UK ports, so you really can see any country you choose if you have enough days to spare!

The entire world is on our doorstep, and it's never been easier to get onboard. There really is a cruise for everyone!

Uncover the Arctic with Swan Hellenic’s new offer

SWAN HELLENIC’S new offer, ‘Arctic Uncovered’, allows late bookers to save up to £2,775 per person on remaining adventures.

This offer is also combined with onboard credit of $300 per person, and special group pricing is also available upon request.

Swan Hellenic CEO, Andrea Zito, commented, “Arctic Uncovered pulls out all the stops to help ensure latecomers don’t miss out, offering exceptional last-minute opportunities to discover the North’s great white wilderness with us and ‘see what others don’t’.”

News Bites

• EMERGING TRAVEL Group has expanded its international inventory by directly integrating the nine brands of Melia Hotels International, adding more than 400 hotels to its roster.

• LAS VEGAS’ latest luxury wedding venue, Bliss Wedding Chapel, has launched ‘Bliss by Candlelight’ — its most romantic ceremony experience yet.

Luxury Holidays Marketplace

A HUGE thank you to all the fantastic agents who joined us for our brand-new showcase event that we brought to Norwich, Nottingham and Leeds last month, and congratulations to those lucky enough to take home the star prizes up for grabs!

We’re incredibly grateful to our suppliers partners for their continued support: Greater Miami, Grecotel, United Airlines, Visit Cyprus, Orascom, Abercrombie & Kent, Anex, Barut Hotels, Sandals, Domes Resorts, Lindos Hotels, Crystal Cruises, Expedia TAAP, Inmood Hotels, and NEMA Design Hotel & Spa.

Missing out on the #TBShowcases action? Our next Luxury Holidays Showcases will be taking place in Wokingham on May 18th, St Albans on May 19th, and Royal Leamington Spa on May 20th. To confirm your place or find out when we will be hosting our next event near you contact events@travelbulletin.co.uk

canada HAPPY BIRTHDAY OTTAWA!

Canada’s capital city is celebrating its bicentennial with a year-long programme to capture the true essence of community.

CELEBRATIONS HAVE well and truly kicked off in the Canadian capital as the once humble logging town is commemorating its bicentennial year with a year-long programme full of festivals, exhibitions and installations to reflect on Ottawa’s rich history.

Over 200 years, the city has transformed into a melting pot of culture, tradition and modern creativity, bringing together people from all walks of life into a central vibrant hub.

Under the theme ‘Celebrating Together’, highlights of the year-long programme include the annual Saunders Cider TulipFest, a three-week

festival in May celebrating the city’s longstanding relationship with the Dutch. Nearly half a million tulips, artistic photo installations, live entertainment and storytelling in both English and French are set to capture the interest of both locals and visitors.

Also beginning in May is the ‘Ottawa 200+: Portraits, Places and People’—an immersive outdoor gallery led by the Bytown Museum where large-scale archival images, animated projections and bilingual stories will transform storefronts and public spaces to celebrate Ottawa’s communities.

On August 29th, a Capital Pride drag

Explore more with WestJet

TRAVELLERS LOOKING to get the most out of their Canadian adventure can look to WestJet for easy connectivity across the Great White North. With year-round direct services to Calgary from London Heathrow and direct seasonal services to Halifax and St. Johns from Gatwick, travellers can easily connect to the big cities of Toronto and Vancouver, or the smaller regions of Nanaimo.

talent showcase will feature six of Ottawa’s queens from Canada’s Drag Race with a birthday-themed takeover of the festival’s main stage.

The capital city is more accessible than ever for UK travellers to visit as Air Transat will launch a new direct service from London Gatwick beginning from May 15th, 2026.

Easy route to Canada’s wild side

ARE YOUR clients looking for a Canadian adventure with a twist? The new Nordegg Rail Trail offers a 109km multiuse route along the old Canadian Northern Western Railway corridor in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. Once completed, the route will offer an accessible path into the wilderness on foot, by bike or on skis. The gentle gradients follow the former railway through the forests and river valleys, with highlights including the restored Taunton Trestle Bridge which presents dramatic photo opportunities and a strong link to Alberta’s pioneering past.

Saddle up for an adventure through BC’s wild side

LET YOUR clients embrace their inner cowboy/cowgirl at the Three Bars Guest Ranch this summer as Inspiring Travel is offering a 16-night ‘Ranch and Southern British Columbia’ tour.

Guests will start their country-style adventure in the heart of the Canadian Rockies for six nights where they can ride horseback through the endless vistas and hike through the wilderness before enjoying evenings in cosy log cabins.

The journey will continue with a self-drive itinerary through the southern region of British Columbia, with stays in Nelson, Osoyoos, Kelowna and Harrison Hot Springs. The itinerary offers the very best of the outdoor lifestyle, with hiking, mountain biking, lake-based watersports and white-

water rafting opportunities throughout.

After a long day in the great outdoors, guests will be able to savour gourmet cuisine and fine wines in the Okanagan Valley and soak in the hot springs in Harrison and Ainsworth.

Prices for this itinerary lead in from £6,769 per person, including car hire and international flights.

Air Canada makes airport travel easier

AIR CANADA has extended its luxury coach service to the Ontario communities of Niagara, Sarnia and Muskoka to provide a link directly to Toronto Pearson International Airport this summer.

The new services will commence from June 15th, 2026.

Artisanal

excellence

in Nova Scotia

ATLANTIC CANADA has plenty to discover along its 13,000km of coastline, ranging from unique culinary experiences and accommodations, and Nova Scotia is no exception.

The ‘Cheese Trail’ culinary experience celebrates the province’s growing artisanal cheese-making scene, and encourages visitors to explore local flavours.

The trail features seven cheesemakers and 14 stops across the province.

Windstar takes to North America

WINDSTAR CRUISES is offering up late-season voyages to North America with updated itineraries to reflect a fresh perspective on the Continent.

‘Southeast Canada Exploration’ features an overnight stay in Halifax, and a brand-new ‘Celtic Colours Festival’ sailing will be up for grabs to explore the coast and culture of Canada and it’s surrounding shores.

Canadian safari: Arctic wildlife up close

WINDOWS ON the Wild is offering the ‘Birds, Bears & Belugas’ Safari experience at the Seal River Heritage Lodge in July and August 2026.

The eight-day itinerary allows guests to experience wildlife without barriers by being on the ground with polar bears, on the shores with belugas, and in the forests with birds. The itinerary focuses heavily on the aspect of experiencing nature in action, and how it provides once-in-a-lifetime photographic opportunities for wildlifeenthusiasts. All meals are included, and meals are able to be amended to accommodate excursion timings due to the unpredictability of nature.

The tours offered throughout the itinerary are either marine-based or escorted hikes throughout the day. At night, while staying at the Seal River Heritage Lodge, the polar bears may make a striking appearance close-by, and guests can experience the

dazzling display of the Northern Lights at their peak.

The price of this eight-day itinerary starts from £10,915 per person, with arrivals at Winnipeg. Winter gear and fittings are included, alongside all meals, accommodations and guide services.

A tour of a lifetime from Niagara to the Rockies

NEWMARKET HOLIDAYS is offering a 14-day itinerary exploring Canada’s legendary Niagara Falls, eastern cities, the famed Rockies, and the vibrant hub of Vancouver.

The Canadian extravaganza will begin with a leisure day spent in the dazzling metropolis of Toronto, with visits to the culture pockets of Greektown and Little Italy.

The Niagara Falls visit will be unforgettable, with the option to take a 10minute helicopter ride above the renowned waters, and enjoy lunch with the view of a lifetime.

Coach along Lake Ontario’s northern shoreline, and follow the iconic Maple Leaf Trail littered with Victorian houses and famous Rideau. An optional guided city tour will take you through cobbled alleyways and hilltop Haute Ville in Quebec. The city overlooks the mighty St Lawrence River, with a skyline dominated by the Citadelle. Calgary is the cowboy town that offers Banff tours to capture the beauty of the Rockies up close. Take cable car rides directly to the top of the summit of Sulphur Mountain. The historic town of Jasper awaits with visits to the beautiful Lake Louise, and an excursion to Jasper National Park to embrace the beauty of Canada’s nature with Elk, moose and bear sightings.

Priced at £3,511 per person, between May 2026 and November 2027, fly from London Heathrow to visit Canada’s gems.

Curated Canada: Kuoni style

KUONI’S ‘CAPITALS of Canada by Rail’ itinerary is a nine-night extravaganza that takes guests through Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City using VIA Rail. Prices for the itinerary lead in from £1,795 per person, including international return flights to London Heathrow.

Scenic’s majestic mountain magic

VENTURE INTO the Canadian West with Scenic on a land tour to explore the country in luxury with exclusive experiences.

Explore alpine lakes and glacier-fed rivers by luxury rail travel and experience the Rockies in world-class comfort aboard the Rocky Mountaineer.

Guests will visit the picturesque region of Banff and indulge in the beauty of Lake Louise and Jasper before boarding the luxury locomotive on the way to Kamloops.

Towards the end of the journey, guests will view the confluence of the Fraser and Thompson Rivers from the glass-dome carriages of the train before ending the adventure in Vancouver. While in the city, guests can visit Stanley Park and the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

WELCOME TO BARBADOS

Expanded airlift from London is coming to the island this winter season, bringing along more people to celebrate Barbados’ milestone year.

THIS WINTER, Brits can explore the paradise island of Barbados easier than ever before as British Airways is set to increase its services from October 25th, 2026.

A new daily service will commence from London Gatwick to Bridgetown, complimenting the existing double daily services from London Heathrow to the

More capacity to Saint Lucia

MORE SEAT capacity is being added to British Airways’ roster for winter 2026/2027 services to Saint Lucia.

From October 25th, 2026, the direct daily service from London Gatwick will fly to Saint Lucia only, adding 51,000 seats in both directions for the winter season.

Louis Lewis, CEO of Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, said, “We know our British visitors love coming to Saint Lucia for some winter warmth so the increase in seats for our peak season is very welcome [...] We look forward to welcoming more passengers from the UK.”

island. The expanded offering reflects the continued demand for Barbados as a key winter sun destination for UK travellers eager to escape the dreary weather at home, as well as strengthening the island’s position as a key gateway to the wider Caribbean.

Chief executive officer at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Andrea Franklin, said, “The UK remains one of our most important markets, and this expansion by British Airways is a clear reflection of the sustained robust demand for Barbados as a premier winter sun destination [...] We are delighted to see this momentum for the winter season

Romance is in the air

and extend our sincere thanks to British Airways for its continued partnership and long-standing commitment to the destination.”

2026 is a landmark year for Barbados as the island is celebrating 60 years of independence. To honour the occasion, the island has seen a wave of new hotel openings, luxury re-launches, culturallyimmersive experiences, and a full calendar of world-class festivals and sporting events, offering visitors more reasons than ever to take advantage of the expanded flight schedule and head over to the island during the milestone year.

HELP YOUR clients spend their special day in the paradise island of Jamaica. Whether it is a once-in-a-lifetime proposal, a barefoot beach wedding or a vow renewal years in the making, every setting will make each moment feel effortless and authentic. The Jamaica Tourist Board is offering a lucky agent the chance to win a romantic stay: read the full details here: https://travelbulletin.co.uk/jamaica-competition-2026

Onboard credit for P&O fly-cruises

P&O CRUISES is offering up to £850 onboard spending money for guests on select fly-cruise holidays to the Canary Islands, Mediterranean and Caribbean. This offer is only available for cruise-fly holidays departing between April 2nd 2026 and March 18th 2028.

The bonus onboard credit is available for select fly-cruises booked by April 13th 2026. Britannia, Arvia, and Iona all offer 14-night fly-cruises departing Barbados and Antigua towards the Caribbean.

Nobu Hospitality unveils new hotel

ROBERT DE Niro’s co-founded brand has announced details for the upcoming Nobu Beach Inn on the Caribbean Island of Barbuda. The hotel will be a part of The Beach Club, Barbuda.

Nobu Beach Inn will feature 36 bedrooms across 17 individual villas, a beach club, a pool, a fully integrated spa, and an outdoor cinema. The lowdensity resort aims to keep guests relaxed.

Cole Palmer strikes in St. Kitts marketing campaign

ST. KITTS Tourism Authority has drafted Chelsea's super-striker, Cole Palmer, to highlight the beauty and culture of St Kitts. The partnership resulted in a visit by Cole and his family to St. Kitts in July last year where Palmer’s grandfather, Sterry Palmer, was born. The trip provided an opportunity for the family to connect with their Kittitian roots.

The partnership will reward the travel trade with exclusive signed Chelsea FC shirts available through prize draws and sales-driven incentives. Throughout 2026, SKTA’s UK trade team will also be gifting the signed shirts to agents during events.

Palmer proudly wears the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis on his football boots to honour his Kittitian heritage. The gesture has created a wide fanbase in St. Kitts for both Chelsea FC and Palmer, with the footballer’s signature "cold" goal celebration copied by schoolchildren across the island.

“St. Kitts means a lot to me and my family,” Said Palmer, “and I’m really happy to be partnering with the Tourism Authority to help promote the island as a holiday destination. I loved spending time there and I know others will fall in love with it too.”

Blue Lagoon Island: Adults-only

BLUE LAGOON Island will be opening a newly renovated and expanded adults-only beach, with it’s design focussed on sustainability and the environment. The exclusive retreat was redeveloped to preserve and enhance the island’s natural landscape, while providing a serene, ecoconscious space that would blend seemlessly with the Bahamas.

The area was thoughtfully revitalised to be perfectly aligned and integrated with the

existing ecosystem to create a tranquil experience for guests while emphasising Blue Lagoon’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

The adults-only beach offers experiences for guests to become immersed in the island’s beauty; animal encounters with unforgettable dolphin swims and sea lion feedings alongside observing native birds in their natural habitat; non-motorised water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding; the chance to explore the island’s hidden beauty and story on an eco-nature walking tour though fauna and flora; and, most of all, the opportunity to unwind and soak up the sun on shimmering white sand, or swim in the calm waters of the lagoon.

Despite the adults-only area, Blue Lagoon island still hosts a variety of fun for the whole family, such as an inflatable water park and safe play areas.

TRIO OF LADIES HIT THE WINTER WARMERS

Virgin Voyages has released details for its Winter 2027/2028 season which will see three ships operate around the Caribbean.

THE CHILD-free cruise line has released details for its Winter 2027/2028 season which will see Brilliant Lady, Resilient Lady and Valiant Lady set sail to a host of winter sun hotspots between Autumn 2027 and Spring 2028.

Brilliant Lady will operate from Los Angeles on a series of sailings with

Royal

majesty comes to South America

PRINCESS CRUISES has unveiled its 20272028 South America season aboard Majestic Princess

The programme includes overnight experiences in the Antarctic Peninsula, latenight port calls, and access to 15 UNESCO Heritage Sites across the region.

The season is on sale now and includes six departures across four itineraries ranging from 15 to 37 nights, featuring a 15-night ‘Cape Horn & Glaciers of Patagonia Voyage’ and a 17-night ‘Antarctica & South America Voyage’.

The sailings will take place between October 2027 and January 2028.

port calls in the Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coast and Panama Canal. The schedule includes a 17-night Panama Canal sailing to Miami, with visits to Cabo, Puntarenas, Cartagena and Puerto Quetzal. Afterwards, the ship will head to the Caribbean for a series of three- to 10-night sailings from Miami.

Resilient Lady is opening her season with a 14-night transatlantic crossing from Barcelona, followed by a series of six-, seven- and eight-night Caribbean cruises. Eastern Caribbean routes will include port stops in Grand Turk, Nassau, and Samana and Puerto Plata,

while Western itineraries will include Ocho Rios, Georgetown and Key West. Meanwhile, Valiant Lady will also set sail from Miami with a full programme of short Caribbean sailings, including a five-night ‘Grand Turk & Bimini Beach Club’ voyage and a four-night ‘Key West & Bimini New Year’ cruise.

UK director of sales SJ Walker said the cruise line is “giving Sailors more choice than ever before. With three ships operating across these soughtafter destinations, our upcoming season offers an incredibly diverse mix of short getaways, longer explorations and iconic sailings.”

Lose

yourself in the beauty of the Pacific

EMBARK ON an adventure through the hidden gems of the Pacific with Paul Gauguin Cruises. The line has released details for its 2028 season, offering 39 one-of-a-kind sailings to destinations including the Society Islands, the Tuamotus Archipelago, the Marquesas Islands, and the Cook Islands aboard the 330-passenger MS Paul Gauguin. Itineraries range from 10- to 14-nights.

Ambassador unveils 2028/2029 season

AMBASSADOR CRUISE Line’s new season for 2028 and 2029 will continue to offer guests the ‘warmest welcome at sea’ with a collection of no-fly cruises sailing from April 23rd, 2028 to March 29th, 2029.

All itineraries will be adult-only, as decided by the extensive positive guest feedback on recent seasons.

The Ambassador fleet will call at 108 ports across 30 countries and three continents, with itineraries ranging from one to 42 nights. The 2028 and 2029 programme will see Ambience embark on her sixth season accompanied by her sister ship Ambition, who is on her fifth year of itineraries.

To mark the season’s launch, guests who book by June 30th, 2026 can indulge in a

range of early booking incentives. With the ‘Buy One, Get One Half Price’ incentive, only one guest will pay the full price. Other offers available include 15% off premium drinks on select sailings, 25% off single fares for solo travellers, and groups of 15 guests or more can enjoy additional benefits, such as a 5% discount on select sailings.

Silver Spirit: elevating experiences

SILVERSEA WILL be enhancing guest experience through major renovations onboard Silver Spirit

The cruise line’s S.A.L.T culinary programme will be introduced, which will allow guests to delve deep into each destination through culinary experiences.

Limited-time Riviera sailings discount

UNTIL MAY 27th, customers are encouraged to book their holidays early and receive benefits such as 10% off all Riviera Travel holidays departing in 2027 and 2028, and 20% off selected 2027 departures as part of the operator’s ‘Open for Discovery’ campaign.

These offers can be combined with Riviera Travel’s agent rates, which can bring the total up to 40% off river and ocean cruises and 20% off tours. The sale also covers Riviera’s new itineraries aboard MS Riviera Reflection

Amadeus to make Douro debut

SCHEDULED TO set sail between March and November 2028, Amadeus Douro has been purpose-built to navigate the meandering passages of the famous river, while offering guests an intimate and refined experience they have come to associate with the brand.

The ship will also house innovative hybrid propulsion technology to help limit its environmental footprint.

CLIA hosts successful RiverView conference

WITH 600 agents present, and a recordbreaking number of attending cruise partners, CLIA’s 2026 RiverView conference is one to be remembered.

The event returned to Amsterdam, which previously hosted in 2024, and was joined by celebrity cruiser Susan Calman as part of the conference business sessions.

Delegates attended a networking trade fair with training workshops. In addition, eight operators had ships moored for agents to visit and stay on. Such ships included Emerald Cruises’ Emerald Luna, Riviera Travel’s Geoffrey Chaucer, and Amadeus River Cruises’ AMADEUS Riva

CLIA also announced a new initiative, ‘Opportunity Docks’, which launched last month for all agent members. The new online platform will make videos available on topics such as cruise brands and ships, destinations and itineraries, and key people from the industry.

CLIA stated that a limited number of tickets are available for its annual conference, which this year takes place from June 4th to June 6th, 2026, and will include business sessions, ship visits, a networking trade fair, and the ever-popular ‘Sailaway’ party.

Destination-led discovery on the water

THE NEW destination discovery programme by Celebrity River Cruises is set to transform the way guests experience Europe’s most iconic cities. The programme details four distinct experience categories, which will launch across all 2027 and 2028 itineraries.

The ‘Storyteller Series’ includes tours led by local residents and cultural insiders, to expand on a city in a way a guidebook could never. Guests can hear from a canal captain in Amsterdam and a local brewer in Prague.

The ‘Skillmaster Series’ is a hands-on experience where guests will cook, craft, and create alongside local makers. The ‘Celebrity Takeover Series’ is an exclusive, bespoke experience that transforms iconic European landmarks into private events for guests.

If guests prefer a more independent way to explore a city, the ‘Keys to the City Series’ offers a tech-driven exploration tool with curated digital routes, audio guides, and stationed local hosts.

Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, said, “With our groundbreaking destination discovery options, paired with thoughtfully crafted spaces onboard that inspire relaxation and connection, Celebrity River Cruises guests will return home with stories no one else can tell.”

From the big screens to winding waterways

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE River Cruises has released the first renderings of its latest Super Ships debuting in 2027: S.S Audrey and S.S Marlene

The two ships, inspired by screen icons Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich, will bring the aesthetic of the actresses to waterways across Europe.

S.S Audrey will draw on the timeless elegance of the mid-20th century, with a palette of greens, golds and blues throughout along with geometric patterns and vibrant accents. The ship will make her debut on April 16th, 2027, with the 11-day ‘Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland’ itinerary from £3,104 per person.

S.S Marlene will reflect the bold aesthetic of the German actress and

singer with a blend of warm tones mixed with dramatic accents of pink, red and blue. S.S Marlene will begin sailing from March 27th, 2027, with her inaugural departure on the 10-day ‘Tulips & Windmills’ itinerary from £3,419 per person.

Uniworld will also introduce the S.S Sao Rafael in 2027 which will serve the Douro River.

Bringing history to the present

TRAVELMARVEL’S PS Emmylou paddle steamer will be heading to the Murray River Down Under in 2027, transporting guests on a trip down memory lane. The vessel can accomodate up to 16 guests, with eight exclusive deluxe cabins on offer. The 11-day ‘Murray River Explorer’ itinerary comprises a four-night river cruise with a six-day group tour. Highlights include a riverside barbeque under the stars, a Mungo Lodge Sunset Tour, and wine tasting in the Barossa Valley. Prices lead in from £4,545 per person.

What is the best Easter egg?

Jeanette Ratcliffe Publisher jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk

A Cadbury’s Twirl.

Simon Eddolls

Sales Director simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk

The giant Cocoba 4kg one.

Sarah Terry Account Manager sarah.terry@travelbulletin.co.uk

Gotta be Terry’s chocolate orange!

Tim Podger Account Manager - Far East tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk

Choccie orange!

Leah Kelly Acting Editor leah.kelly@travelbulletin.co.uk

Any of the ones that came with novelty mugs.

Melissa Paddock Events Coordinator melissa.paddock@travelbulletin.co.uk

The pistachio filled one in M&S.

Holly Brown Events Coordinator holly.brown@travelbulletin.co.uk

The 7,200kg one made in Italy.

Angel Gallagher-Dasso

Digital Editor angel.gd@travelbulletin.co.uk

The Lindt chocolate bunnies (the biggest one)

events@travelbulletin.co.uk

circulation@travelbulletin.co.uk