08 Four-sight: What can event organisers do to reduce no-shows? 10 Gastronomy Travel: Food-focussed tours for gastronomes
Globe-Hopping
13 Introducing: Martin County, Florida
14 How to sell: Ajman
16 48 hours in: Istanbul 17 How to sell: Savannah/ Hilton Head Island
18 Accessibility: How infrastructure in Asia is changing to accommodate all travellers 19 Spotlight on: New England 20 Cuba: New hotels, tours and flights 22 Spotlight on: Atlantic Canada
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Steve Hartridge
EDITOR
Charlotte Flach
DIGITAL EDITOR
April Waterston
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Sheena Adesilu
WRITERS
Jessica Alexander, Julie Baxter, Jo Reeder, Jo Austin, Clare Boobbyer, Tracey Davies, Ben West, Christian Kock
PUBLISHING
PUBLISHERS
Steve Thompson
steven.thompson@sellingtravel.co.uk
Sally Parker sally.parker@sellingtravel.co.uk
CIRCULATION MANAGER
Shani Kunar
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Matt Bonner
CEO
Martin Steady
DESIGN & PRODUCTION
DESIGNERS
Caitlan Francis, Colette Denham & Emma Norton
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Clare Hunter
PRODUCTION ADMINISTRATOR
Steve Hunter
COVER IMAGE
Woman is preparing food on water in Damnoen Saduak near Bangkok, Thailand | Credit: Istockphoto.com/ Chalabala
WE ARE MEMBERS OF THE CARIBBEAN TOURISM ORGANIZATION, VISIT USA ASSOCIATION, LATA, PATA, MENATA, SATOA, THE FOREIGN AIRLINES ASSOCIATION AND THE INSTITUTE OF TRAVEL & TOURISM. WHILE EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO ENSURE ACCURACY, BMI PUBLISHING LTD CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS OR OMISSIONS.
New beginnings January/February
Charlotte Flach EDITOR
As we usher in 2025, I want to take this opportunity to say a warm hello to all of Selling Travel’s valued readers. As Jessica Alexander embarks on her exciting journey into motherhood, I’m experiencing my own new beginning as interim editor, looking after her other ‘baby’ for the next 12 months. With my background in B2B incentive travel, I’m hoping to bring some of my learnings from the luxury corporate sphere to the world of leisure travel. I can’t wait to work on our high-quality print features, our digital offering and, of course, to get out and meet many of you - especially at our popular Connect events.
We have a growing calendar of these coming up over the next few months, including a dedicated Spain event in January and Asia in February. With plenty of regions covered, agents all over the country will have the chance to get involved and we are hoping to see as many of you as possible. All we ask is that if you sign up, please do your best to show up.
Looking ahead to 2025, solo travel is on the rise and more people are opting to join a group tour. ABTA research shows that 19% of 25-34-year-olds have travelled by themselves, with the biggest year-on-year increase among 35-44-year-olds. Meanwhile, the number of solo travellers more than doubled to 13% in 2023 from 6% in 2022. Agents should read this edition’s Globe Hopping section for ideas on how to make the most of these trends, plus the newest escorted touring product to recommend.
As a die-hard sun worshipper (who will most definitely be darkening the door of a travel agent this year to book some winter sun) I have to remind myself that January doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom.
This is often a month for a renewed sense of optimism and a drive for selfimprovement - and no one understands this better than travel agents who have had to show plenty of resilience and self-reinvention over the past few years.
I look forward to learning from you all, as I immerse myself into all things Selling Travel
Happy New Year- let’s make this the best one for travel yet!
With this issue
Selling Australia
Don't miss our first-ever guide to the best products and experiences on offer across Australia.
In conversation
“Barbuda is distinguishing itself as a high-end spot for the rich and famous”
Colin James, CEO, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
Antigua and Barbuda is the only Caribbean destination with 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Only eight hours’ flying time from the UK, it’s always been a popular spot for Brits and Europeans in particular.
The country is known as the yachting capital of the Caribbean. Clients can explore Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour, the oldest operating dockyard in the world. Antigua offers a host of active experiences, from sailing and hiking to water sports. Our famous cricketers Sir Viv Richards, Sir Curtly Ambrose, Sir Andy Roberts and Sir Richie Richardson really help us to position the destination on the world stage, too.
What’s new
Barbuda International Airport (BIA) opened last October, which is a game changer and will boost international flights to the island in 2025. There have mainly been private jets coming into the island because Barbuda is distinguishing itself as a high-end spot for the rich and famous. Antigua and Barbuda is the only country in the Caribbean that has a Nobu Restaurant.
Princess Diana Beach is perfect for folks who are looking for a luxurious, quiet getaway among 17 miles of unbroken pink sand.
There is also an up-and-coming cultural scene, with a Restaurant Week and an Art Week.
These are two new events on our calendar. Held from May 4-18, Restaurant Week is a two-week event focusing on Antigua and Barbuda’s cuisine and culture. Highlights include prix fixe menus and elevated experiences from celebrity guest chefs.
Art Week, meanwhile, is held from November 26-December 2. The week-long festival features music, fashion, spoken word and dance from across the twinisland nation.
In May, the Caribbean Travel Marketplace trade show will be held in Antigua and Barbuda for the first time and we are looking forward to welcoming 1,500 travel and hospitality partners from around the globe.
We have excellent airlift out of the UK, with daily flights from British Airways and four weekly services from Virgin Atlantic. A new Condor service from Frankfurt in Germany has also been launched.
Working with the trade
We have countless opportunities for agents to be trained as Antigua and Barbuda experts.
We host the Black Pineapple Awards in Antigua. These rewards 100 top sellers with an all-expenses-paid incentive trip, including their airfare, hotel and tours. Agents are housed, wined and dined in Antigua and given a special award to show our appreciation for all the hard work that they do in selling two of the most beautiful islands in the world. •
SHIRLEY HEIGHTS, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA VIEW
HORSEBACK RIDING ON THE BEACH IN ANTIGUA
ANTIGUA SUNSET
India
ROYAL RETREAT
Scheduled to open in January 2025 is Ran Baas Patiala by Park Hotels in Punjab, India. The 18th Century fort property was once a former Maharaja’s palace and the guest house for visiting queens and female royal family. It has been converted into a 28-room luxury boutique hotel and the first palace restoration luxury hotel for the state. Rooms feature traditional archways and draping. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is a highlight attraction for visitors to the area.
parkhotelgroup.com
Belgium
A PILLAR OF SOCIETY
Reflecting the grandeur of 20th century Brussels, the Corinthia Brussels has reopened after a seven-year restoration project. Built in 1910 by royal decree of King Leopold II, the former Hotel Astoria has since been listed as a protected monument. Located in Notre Dame aux Neiges, the hotel offers 126 rooms, suites and penthouses, a fine dining restaurant, an ‘Under the Stairs’ bar concept, grand ballroom and a 1,200-square-metre wellness centre by Sisley. corinthia.com
California, USA
BEACHFRONT VIEWS
The Regent Santa Monica Beach has opened in Southern California marking the brand’s first flagship property in the Americas. Steps from the famed Santa Monica Pier, the property boasts a beachfront location with an elevated pool deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The resort has 167 guestrooms and suites, with most offering views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Beach and the pier. The family-friendly property also has CYBEX strollers to hire. santamonica.regenthotels.com
Do you attend training evenings?
Is there anything event organisers can do to reduce the number of ‘no show agents’?
We go to quite a few training events, as we have several team members we can send. For me, daytime events are better, as I’m a working mum.
I can understand why evening events are tricky sometimes, as when you’ve spent all day in the office and then have to go up to London in the evening it ends up being a very long work day.
I find that smaller events which have a speed dating format are
Charging a small penalty fee would discourage no-shows
better. Generally, it’s very worthwhile to attend training sessions as they can be very beneficial to your career development, you often learn a lot and meet interesting people.
Something I’d like to see done more is agents being taken on a product day, for example to see a cruise ship or join a food tour. Experiencing the product for yourself is always the best way to learn.
When it comes to penalty fees, charging a small one is best. There’s one company that charges £25 if cancelling within 24 hours of the event. It’s fair enough to do this, as companies put a lot of money behind such events, and it would hopefully discourage those no-shows.
Anneka Desrosiers Co-Director at Southern Cross Travel Wadhurst
For the self-employed agent training events are not a “jolly” as they involve travel, accommodation costs (at times) as well as time away from the desk making sales. For the employed agent, they may be a pleasant break from the office but are often during out of hours times that are not paid.
It is important to set some objectives, such as gaining knowledge of a new travel sector.
And those new contacts that are
Every effort should be made to attend a booked event
made may in the near future become a very valued supplier.
Most event organisers suffer from no-shows, which are at times inevitable but agents should at least offer an apology!
If you are a homeworker or selfemployed, as I am, you only have yourself to answer to, but agents who are employed by a company should try to find a replacement.
For repeat no show offenders, that branch and/or company should not be allowed to send employees to future events for a set time. This may seem harsh but every effort should be made for a representative to attend a booked event rather than an individual deciding “not to bother”!
James Hill Director of GoRiverCruise Worcestershire
Our office is in Cumbria so we don’t get very many office visits from representatives and there aren’t often events for us to attend in the local area. So when there is something arranged, we always try to support it.
In this industry, it’s vital that travel agents constantly update and increase their knowledge, as things change frequently. Networking events are a great way to connect with other tour operators and for catching up with
It’s vital that agents constantly update their knowledge
travel friends and acquaintances. It is so important for our careers to have personal contacts and to build on those relationships.
We find ship visits are also really beneficial and are happy to travel to Newcastle, Liverpool or up into Scotland if we get the opportunity.
Last summer I cruised from Leith to Newcastle with Ambassador overnight, which gave me plenty of time to explore the ship and experience it first hand.
It must be frustrating for organisers when events are arranged and there are no-shows.
I think if events are free to attend, enforcing some kind of a cancellation charge is fair enough.
Liz Beaty The Travel Team Brampton, Cumbria
We don’t attend as many events as before. This is mainly down to where they are staged. We are based in the East Midlands and few of the agent evenings come our way, so it usually means taking time out of the business to travel to Manchester or London.
Our business is moving more in the direction of luxury travel so we tend to prioritise those events that put a focus on this sector of the market. Those events we do attend are
Hold more regional events to reduce those no-shows
always beneficial for making points of contact with hotels and resorts.
Perhaps the problem of no-shows would be reduced if more events were held in the regions and away from the big city centres.
We signed up for one in Manchester and on top of the 140-mile-round trip we had to fork out £35 to park, and that experience has put us off attending other events there.
Also, some events we have been to were so overcrowded with agents that we had very little quality time to spend with suppliers.
We would have no problem paying a refundable fee of say £5 or £10 deposit, if organisers introduced this to reduce those no-shows.
Cath Cann My Travel Guys Mansfield
The Cruise Specialist
The Agency Owner
The High Street Agency
Eat the World
IFood-focussed travel is having a moment, with tour operators seeing a surge in gastronomy travel enquiries, says Jo Reeder
’m sitting in a farmhouse kitchen in the Tuscan countryside. There’s a dramatic electrical storm raging outside and the sky is a deep black. As we gather around the kitchen table, our host pours us a generous glass of Chianti and we set to work making pasta.
On the menu is pasta with black truffles that we foraged ourselves earlier with the help of a local truffle guide.
There’s something about cooking in this way that makes the experience so memorable. The chef’s knowledge of regional Italian cuisine and passion for her craft is infectious and I find myself thinking that all trips should be like this.
On another trip, a coolcation in the mountains of Austria and Italy, food is
a major part of the itinerary. This twin centre takes me to Interalpen, a classic Tyrolean-style hotel where we dine in the hotel’s mountain hut, eating traditional Tyrolean specialities and enjoying Austrian entertainment. At Leafy Resort Dolomiti we eat at the hotel’s Grual restaurant with its dining concept of valley floor to high mountain. Then we hike into the Dolomites for a foraging experience where we sample homemade snacks sourced from the mountains.
Cook, eat, travel, repeat
The demand for authentic travel experiences is fuelling a growth in gastronomy travel.
According to research by Accor, 32%
of Brits are keen to take a trip centred around foodie experiences, coinciding with a 250% surge in “cooking tourism” searches and a 143% increase in searches for “best cities for food in the world.”
For Intrepid Travel, Asia continues to dominate as the leading destination for culinary travel, with 70% of travellers choosing food trips in the region. January is the most popular departure month for food-focussed trips. Hazel McGuire, Director, UK & Ireland, says: “Culinary experiences leave an impression, connecting travellers to people and places through flavours. Travellers are also thinking more about sustainability and how their travel affects the environment – and this is reshaping gastronomy. Our
clients value hyper-local dining, ecoconscious culinary practices, and farm-totable experiences.”
Food tours, visits to local markets and dining with locals offer immersive experiences that go way beyond traditional sightseeing.
It’s something that travellers are increasingly prioritising when planning a trip. It’s much more than simply eating –it’s about connecting with people, culture, traditions and history through food.
For clients interested in combining food with cruising, Riviera Travel has some great options. It offers gastronomy-focussed river cruises with locally-inspired dinner options onboard, alongside tours of lesserknown farms, vineyards and restaurants with local guides. Everything is included – flights, transfers, excursions, food on the tours and drinks packages – so there are no hidden extras: .
related bookings and our Gastronomy of the Seine and Gastronomy of the Douro are selling really well. I think the combination of the beautiful vineyard slopes of the Douro valley combined with the wonderful Portuguese and Spanish cuisine is a hit.
“When selling to clients, it’s something different for people who love to try restaurants and local cuisine. The added bonus is that they get to travel to multiple places for authentic experiences, they only have to unpack once and they get to stay in luxury accommodation with five-star service. Planning your own culinary tour of Europe can be expensive, but this way it’s all packaged up for clients.”
Roxy Glendon, Riviera Travel says: “We’re seeing two big trends with our food-
Explore Worldwide offers worldwide food adventures, putting the destinations’ cuisine front and centre of its itineraries. Over the past 12 months it has seen a 52% increase in passengers booking food tours. Michael Edwards, Explore’s Managing Director explains: “Food is one of the
“Culinary experiences leave an impression, connecting travellers to people and places through flavours”
Hazel McGuire, Intrepid Travel
most important things about immersive, cultural travel, and it’s something that really roots you to the places you’re visiting, which makes it the perfect tool for agents when trying to sell a destination.”
What’s new for 2025
Italian eats With Naples voted as the number one foodie city by Time Out’s UK readers in a 2024 poll, it’s a sign to book a trip and go in search of the local specialities that make this city so famous. Start with pizza and fresh seafood straight from the Bay of Naples. Follow it with the classic sweet treat sfogliatella and of course, an espresso. visitnaples.eu/en Star cuisine The inaugural MICHELIN Guide Texas highlights the state’s gastronomic excellence across 117 restaurants, representing 26 diverse cuisine types. Houston emerged as a standout, with six restaurants awarded the prestigious one-MICHELIN-Star accolade, and a total of 30 local establishments earning a spot in the guide. traveltexas.com
Walk it off Walk Japan has introduced the Onsen Gastronomy: Noto tour, a journey through the rural landscapes of the Noto Peninsula in Japan’s northern Ishikawa Prefecture, combining light walking through rural countryside with a strong emphasis on the area’s renowned local cuisine, onsen hot springs and fine crafts epitomised by Wajima lacquerware (see Where to book it below). walkjapan.com
Top Experiences
In search of sake: Japan is a hot destination right now, so what better way to explore it than on a 12-day foodie tour from Tokyo to Osaka with Explore! Travel by bullet train and discover Tokyo’s trendiest area, the Harajuku district. Visit vibrant fish markets and local izakaya joints. In the mountains, enjoy dinner in a family-run minshuku, all washed down with sake. explore.co.uk
Udon Taxi: Discover the best Japanese food vendors with Udon Taxi. In the Takamatsu area and Kagawa Prefecture in Setouchi, travellers can go on an udon-tasting journey, a unique cab tour where local drivers take them to famous udon restaurants and places not listed in guidebooks. Drivers will also explain the history of udon, as well as the best way to order it in stores. udon-taxi.com
Dive into the Douro: For travellers wanting to combine gastronomy with a river cruise, Riviera Travel has a number of European options including Gastronomy of the Douro – from Portugal to Spain. The eight-day cruise includes a guided tour of a port producer, visit to
Castelo Rodrigo and lunch at a traditional quinta to enjoy authentic homemade Portuguese food. rivieratravel.co.uk
Balkan bound: Agents looking for a more off-the-beaten-track experience should consider Intrepid’s nine-day Balkans Real Food Adventure. Dine on homemade meals and share stories with your hosts in North Macedonia, meet the makers behind the famous Njegusi smoked hams in Montenegro and sample Croatia’s famed charcuterie. intrepidtravel.com
Farm-to-table: On Trafalgar’s 11-day Best of Croatia and Slovenia tour, the group will visit Sibar farm near Slovenia’s Lake Bled as part of an original Trafalgar Be My Guest experience which allow guests to step into the lives of local hosts who share stories about their communities.
They’ll dine with a sixth-generation farming family who will also host a guided walk around their property, teaching guests about their sustainable approach to farming and their recent venture into producing organic beer, bread and pasta. trafalgar.com
Where to book it
WALK JAPAN
The Onsen Gastronomy Noto tour is a five-day, four-night fully guided tour with a maximum group size of 12. Starting at Kanazawa Station and finishing at Wakura Onsen, the tour is accessible to moderately active participants. Prices from JPY450,000pp (approx £2,300), based on double occupancy.
walkjapan.com •
FARM TO TABLE IN JAPAN
SEAFOOD PASTA IN ITALY
MICHELIN STAR FOOD
RIVIERA CHEESE EXPERIENCE
Discover
Martin County
Sandwiched between the theme parks of Orlando and cosmopolitan Miami, Martin County has wildlife, championship golf, fine dining and much more to attract visitors
With over 100,000 acres of parks and conservation land, plus over 22 miles of peaceful beaches, the great outdoors beckons in Martin County. And with high-speed passenger train Brightline announcing that Stuart will be the next station in 2026, connecting to Miami and Orlando will be easier than ever.
Wildlife enthusiasts will have plenty of opportunities to encounter fabulous beasts while maintaining a clear conscience.
The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Centre is committed to research, monitoring and restoring habitats in South Florida, while also encouraging stewardship of marine life.
Guests are able to see and learn about its rescued sea turtles, stingrays, nurse sharks, and unique fish species on a tour.
There’s also the Explore Natural Martin programme, with year-round eco--tours and experiences. All the tours are completely free and child-friendly, so that the younger generation can learn about conservation.
Hive of activity
Holidaymakers can take their best shots on one of over 30 golf courses, including the new Sailfish Sands Golf Course, an 18hole championship course with TopTracer technology, which also houses Florida’s first “reversible” nine-hole golf course.
Meanwhile, the Elliott Museum is a great place to wile away several hours, while also expanding your mind. As well as rotating exhibits on anything from UFOs to sculpture, it permanently houses more than 100 classic cars, boats, bikes, and planes, plus the largest autographed MLB collection outside of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Kids can get in on the action at The Children’s Museum, which features a sensory room, race car simulator, and themed interactive exhibits from a newsroom to a fire station.
BEST FOR... HISTORY: House of Refuge
CAMPING:
Timberline Glamping FISHING: Stuart HORSE RIDING: Palm City
GALLERIES: Port Salerno
AGRITOURISM: Indiantown
Everyone accommodated
There are plenty of places to lay your head at the end of an action-packed day. Those who look for of trusted hotel brands can head to the luxurious Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, Golf and Marina which has recently been refurbished, with updated rooms and suites and new restaurants.
For charming inns and oceanfront resorts, try Old Colorado Inn, Jensen Beach Inn, and The Simiole Inn, which are among some of the best in the region.
Those looking for something unique will love the quirky and unusual design of Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina or hot pink buildings of the Caribbean Shores Waterfront Resort. River Palm Cottages & Fish Camp sits directly on the famous Indian River Lagoon, with roomy cottages plus a range of activities to accommodate the whole family. discovermartin.com
MILES OF BEACHES
ABUNDANT WILDLIFE
OCEAN
Escape the city in
Ajman
For an alternative to the metropolis of Dubai, Ajman showcases the best of nature, with desert, beach and wetland, says Ben West
Why sell it
Ajman is just 35 minutes down the road from Dubai International Airport but the little-known emirate is considerably more affordable to stay in and visit.
Although it has a fraction of the sights and shopping of Dubai, it can point to a more traditional Emirati vibe. However, from Ajman Dubai is easy to visit for a fix of opulence should you want to, especially as many hotels offer free transfers.
But visitors may not want to leave Ajman: it has mangroves, lagoons, wadis, kayaking, hiking, cycling, natural beaches, a focus on bio-diversity with, for example, more than 100 species of birds – and none of the crowds in Dubai.
The smallest of the seven emirates that make up the UAE, Ajman has more than 50 hotels, offering around 4,000 rooms across various categories.
“Ajman is a true hidden gem,” says Destination2’s Travel Expert Betty Bouchier-Hobin.
“It offers holidaymakers a relaxed and more intimate escape, while delivering the same luxurious amenities and exceptional service the UAE is renowned for.
“In recent years it has been steadily investing in its tourism infrastructure, with new luxury resorts, golf courses, and nature reserves enhancing its appeal. We believe Ajman is rapidly emerging as a toptier destination in the UAE.”
Who to sell to
Ajman caters to all types of holidaymakers, from families seeking fun to couples looking for a romantic retreat. Familyfriendly activities include the Funatastico Water Park and the UAE Pygmy Zoo, which are perfect for a fun day out.
“For adventure lovers, desert safaris or a great range of watersports are available on the 16 kilometres of beautiful shoreline,” says Bouchier-Hobin.
“Couples can discover an authentic Bedouin experience, camp under the stars or enjoy luxury spa treatments and
dining at the five-star resorts. And those interested in the history of the region will appreciate the fascinating Ajman Museum, located in an 18th-century fort, and the traditional village experience in Masfout.”
What to sell
“There are guided tours such as cultural excursions to the Ajman Museum and local mosques, as well as traditional dhow trips for exploring the coastline,” says Sara Park, Marketing Manager at Premier Travel Group. “There are also nature experiences such as mangrove kayaking and birdwatching tours. The luxury resorts offer wellness and spa retreats.”
Visitors can explore the historic Saleh Souq, one of the oldest markets in the city, where they’ll find gold jewellery and unique souvenirs.
“Outdoor enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Al Zorah Nature Reserve, home to numerous birds, including flamingos and herons,” says Bouchier-Hobin.
STARGAZING DESERT EXPERIENCE
DESERT ORYX
KAYAKING THROUGH THE MANGROVES
“Adventurers will enjoy guided hikes through the scenic Hajar Mountains, offering breathtaking views of valleys and rugged peaks, as well as desert safaris which provide the chance to spot local wildlife such as oryx and gazelle. Many tours include stargazing sessions - making the experience even more unforgettable.”
How to sell
With its close proximity to Dubai and the other emirates, many escorted tours visit these (or their deserts), especially Dubai, with some tours including Ajman as part of the itinerary.
Ajman is considerably quieter and smaller than Dubai, meaning many holidaymakers welcome a visit to its busier neighbour during their stay for the contrast.
When to sell
Ajman is a great destination year-round with its warm, desert climate. For those looking to explore attractions, as well as enjoy a laid-back beach holiday, November
to March is a great time to go, when temperatures range from 14°C to 30°C.
“June to September is made for those who love the heat, with temperatures reaching above 30°C – ideal for relaxed poolside days,” says Bouchier-Hobin.
“Another great time to visit is during Ramadan, which offers the chance to witness local celebrations.
“While most restaurants are closed during the day, the evenings come alive with vibrant Iftar feasts marking the breaking of the fast.”
What’s new
“Recent developments include an enhanced focus on eco-tourism with activities like mangrove conservation tours,” says Park.
“And the Ajman Tourism Board continues to invest in promoting the destination, ensuring fresh experiences for travellers.”
Such promotion seems to be working, as international tourist numbers increased by 29% in 2023 compared to the year
before. The trend continued during 2024, with the number of tourist arrivals rising 9% year-on-year during the first quarter of the year, leading to a 3% increase in hotel occupancy levels, according to the Ajman Department of Tourism Development. The average length of stay also increased during the first quarter of 2024, by 5%.
According to Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, proposals are currently in place to expand the offerings at hotels such as the five-star Oberoi Beach Resort in Al Zorah, and new hotels are planned by operators from Egypt and Europe. •
Book it with... Destination2
Destination2 offers a seven-night stay on a half-board basis at the five-star Fairmont Ajman from £869pp. Price includes flight and hotel, staying in a Fairmont King Room, and is based on May 2025 departures from London Heathrow, with two adults sharing. Fairmont.com/Ajman; Destination2.co.uk
AJMAN MUSEUM
BEACH AT SUNSET
/ 48 Hours
Intoxicating
Istanbul
This vibrant Turkish city bursts with a kind of energy that grabs visitors the minute they arrive – making it the perfect choice
for a memorable short break, says Jo Austin
Day 1: Discover the European side
Morning: Guaranteed to give visitors an instant flavour of Istanbul is breakfast at the family-run Café Kale overlooking the Bosphorus in the neighbourhood of Bebek. Enjoy a feast of local specialities including crumbled cheeses, olive paste, sesame breads, honey, and tahini with a pot of steaming Turkish tea. Wander along the riverbank where fishermen catch tiny silver fish and a continuous stream of ships cruise the strait from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean.
Afternoon: Those with an eye for some sparkle will be thrilled by the host of upscale designer and jewellery shops across the fashionable Nisantasi district. Turkey has become synonymous
with modernity and style and this neighbourhood is evidently meeting the demands of Istanbul’s rich and famous. Enjoy the waft of roasting chestnuts from street stalls before diving into Vakko – a huge designer store where the wealthy love to loiter.
The cosmopolitan metropolis of today, with its contemporary arts scene and gastronomic heritage, lies in contrast to the great Ottoman dome of the Blue Mosque which dominates the skyline.
Evening: Watch the city come to life with street stalls and lively cafes. Dine on the rooftop of the Novotel at the Murver Restaurant, with views over the city, and enjoy a traditional menu of mezes and fish or lamb grilled on the open woodfire.
Book it with...Turkish Airlines
A two-night stay at the Hotel Gelata MGallery, including breakfast, starts from £300. Return flights from London to Istanbul start from £150. thegalataistanbul.com; turkishairlines.com
Day 2: Across the Bosphorus
Morning: For an altogether calmer and less frenetic day, cross the suspension bridge to the Asian side of the city to Kadikoy Market, where the locals buy sweets, pickles, coffee, fish, olives and cheese. Stroll among the strings of peppers and sun-dried tomatoes; taste the local honey and sit outside the Ciya Restaurant to be served simple regional Turkish cuisine in abundance. The plates keep coming!
Afternoon: Walk down to the busy ferry terminal and return to Gelataport. It’s a fun journey across the busy water with views of the Blue Mosque. Take in some culture at the Museum of
Modern Art, which is a gentle stroll from the hotel.
Evening: The award-winning Frankie Restaurant in the Galataport serves a MediterrAsian menu in sophisticated surroundings. Enjoy a bold menu of fresh local ingredients deliciously blended with Asian spices.
Having discovered a city where history and culture meets modern flair, enjoy a restful night in Hotel Gelata MGallery in the Gelata area, with easy pedestrian access to the centre, and close to the tram and metro lines – before leaving Istanbul feeling re-fuelled and energised with a new-found taste for exotic spicy delights. •
TURKISH BREAKFAST
GELATA NEIGHBOURHOOD
MODERN ART MUSEUM
BLUE MOSQUE
Take a twinned trip in
Savannah & Hilton Head Island
This twin-centre trip offers up southern charm, coastal adventures, great dining and a host of family attractions
Why sell it
Southern hospitality and charm are found in abundance in two of the region’s most popular destinations: Savannah and Hilton Head Island. Travellers can easily experience both by flying into Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, which is the gateway to Savannah in Georgia, with its rich history, and vibrant cultural scene.
They can then drive to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, in less than an hour, to experience the outdoor life along its vast stretches of beach teeming with wildlife.
Who to sell to
Savannah’s cobblestone streets, antebellum mansions and historic landmarks have paved the way for its role as a hotspot for arts and films. The Savannah Music Festival and Savannah Film Festival are annual events, while patrons of fine dining can tuck into traditional southern cuisine and enjoy local produce at restaurants like Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room and St Bibiana.
Meanwhile, the kids will be alright in Hilton Head, with its host of child-friendly attractions like Adventure Cove, Dolphin Cruises and family-oriented festivals.
The entire family can bike over 60 miles of trails, kayak, paddleboard, or take a nature tour in the Lowcountry’s waterways and
marshes. There’s also a budding culinary scene which offers everything from fresh seafood to gourmet dining, with a host of boutique shops adding to the upscale vibe.
What to sell
New on the scene in Savannah is Wexford’s Irish Pub, which has an outstanding restaurant, while Hotel Bardo has also recently opened in a historic building on Forsyth Park. Its restaurant, St Bibiana, is the
first in Savannah to achieve a Michelin Key. Make like Justin Beiber or Jennifer Lopez by taking a private boat from Hilton Head’s iconic lighthouse to the beautiful Montage Palmetto Bluff, where both celebrities had their respective weddings. Or take a Gullah Heritage guided tour and hear from fourth generation Gullah family members, who bring the history of the traditional Gullah neighbourhoods alive.
When to sell
Although there’s plenty to do year-round, March to June is a perfect time to visit Savannah. Along with the most comfortable temperatures, it is also the high season for cultural events including St. Patrick’s Day, which is one of the largest in the U.S., behind only New York City and Chicago.
Spring is ideal for Hilton Head Island too, as the town comes alive with festivities such as the Harbour Town Spring Fest and Easter wagon rides. The temperatures are also more comfortable at this time of the year.• visitsavannah.com; hiltonheadisland.org
HILTON HEAD LIGHTHOUSE
Accessible Asia Destination in focus
Asia was once nothing but hard work for disabled travellers but slowly access is improving and tour opportunities are growing, says Julie Baxter
Only a few years back accessible travel specialists struggled to recommend much of Asia to those with additional needs, but now progress is finally gathering pace.
While challenges certainly remain, especially in older cities and more remote, rural regions where paths are often cobbled or uneven, there are now positive pockets of accessible tourism and specialist tours across the region. Where facilities are less evolved, increasingly well-informed hospitality workers will work hard to support the needs of individual travellers.
Improving access
Among destinations leading the way is Singapore, often cited as one of the most accessible cities in the world. Almost all tourist attractions are suitable for disabled visitors and public buses are increasingly wheelchair-friendly too. The Zoo and the Gardens by the Bay rank highly for ease.
Neighbouring Kuala Lumpur has also been working on its accessibility infrastructure and developing accessibility guides to aid planning. Attractions such as the PETRONAS Twin Towers, KL City Center Park, Aquaria, Merdeka Square, and the City Gallery all have smooth paths, lifts, and accessible
toilets, and around 80% of pavements now have drop kerbs. The city’s Light Rail System and buses are also wheelchair accessible. In Korea, where technology and innovation are key drivers, accessibility is evident early. The Airport Express and Metro infrastructure are fully wheelchair accessible and most stations have lifts. Welcoming hotspots include the main tourist and shopping district, Myeong-dong, the Seoul Tower, Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum and the War Memorial of Korea.
A helping hand
For Japan, accessible-japan.com provides a wealth of information on accessible hotels, tours and attractions, as well as help in renting hoists or wheelchairs if needed. Dropped kerbs and new wheelchair accessible taxis aid acccessibility in key cities. While larger resorts and top attractions provide useful and user-friendly facilities, travellers to Thailand are best supported by local specialists as accessiblity is not always certain without pre-planning. Tripseed, which has been leading the way in Thailand for accessible tours and experiences, has recently become a member of the Social Enterprise Thailand Association which is driving social change in the country. •
Ewan Cluckie Director of Growth at Tripseed
We need to make the industry much more equitable, diverse and inclusive and we’re doing that in Thailand by developing products specifically for elderly and disabled travellers, which will help those with disabilities overcome the barriers to travel.
What change is needed?
We have to go far beyond the basics of just labelling what accommodation is wheelchair friendly, so we do extensive accessibility audits on properties, tour locations and transport – to evaluate everything from ramp inclinations, availability of grab bars, manoeuvrability clearance and many other aspects. With this information we can advise agents and partners on the most suitable options depending on client needs.
What products are popular?
Our thrilling tours of Bangkok in a fully electric Tuk-Tuk adapted for wheelchairs is one example and we also have snorkelling and diving experiences and tours through 200 acres of botanical gardens.
Is independent travel possible? Touring with a guide will always make life easier, and we look beyond physical disabilities to offer specialised guides trained in sign languages and able to assist those with audio-visual impairments.
Watery wonders in
New England
With welcoming lakefront
towns and thriving
beach resorts, New England offers visitors countless water-based experiences, says Jo Reeder
Home to a network of waterways and a vast coastline, New England is the perfect place to relax by the water and go with the flow.
New Hampshire
Just a two-hour drive from Boston, south of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the Lakes Region boasts 273 bodies of water.
Popular lakes include Squam Lake, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake and the largest lake in the state, Lake Winnipesaukee, all of which are perfect for fishing, paddleboard or boating – why not discover the history of the region on a sunset boat cruise?
Stay a while and bed down in charming waterside lodges or iconic boutique hotels, from which visitors can visit waterfalls at Castle in the Clouds, and then ride the trolley up the Estate for a stunning viewpoint. Overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee, visitors shouldn’t miss the opportunity to delight in the old-time traditions on Winnipesaukee Pier at Weirs Beach or take a scenic train ride onboard the Winnipesaukee Railroad. Expect spectacular scenery and unrivalled recreational opportunities in the state parks that surround the region.
Maine
Join the slow travel trend and watch the world go by on the Downeaster by Amtrak. This intercity train travels 146 miles along the coast stopping at 12 stations, with five daily round-trips from Brunswick, Maine, to Boston, Massachusetts.
Hop on and off to explore the rugged coastline of Maine, eating lobster rolls and clam chowder as you go. At beaches like Old Orchard Beach visitors can take a dip in the Atlantic and enjoy a day of classic American fun on the pier.
Foodies will love the farmers’ markets and bakeries of Brunswick. Grab a picnic and head to the towering pine forests and trails that hug the shores of the Androscoggin River. In Portland, save time
for the Portland Observatory or visit the Portland Museum of Art. Alternatively, catch a ferry to the Casco Bay Islands to pedal, paddle and savour the salty sea air.
Connecticut
Discover secret beaches and charming coastal towns in Connecticut. Named one of the best beaches in the U.S., Ocean Beach in New London is a beach and boardwalk where visitors can enjoy a waterpark, fairground rides, arcade, food vendors and picnic areas. Those wanting to learn more about marine ecology, should head to New Haven’s Lighthouse Point Park on Long Island Sound. For visitors who prefer to explore the quaint towns of Connecticut, Simsbury is a historic town located in Farmington Valley with miles of cycle paths and walking trails. Peddle to Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge, a beautiful 19th-century bridge with views of the river. And don’t miss the quaint seaside village of Rowayton or South Norwalk, a foodie-haven packed with restaurants and breweries – be sure to sample the Connecticut-style lobster roll while there. •
MAINE
NEW HAMPSHIRE
CONNECTICUT
IHola Cuba!
With new flights, visas, hotels and tours planned for 2025, there is a raft of new selling points for agents to recommend Cuba, say Claire Boobbyer
am strolling along a cinnamonbrown trail on the floor of the valley of Viñales in western Cuba soaking up the panoramic views: a knobbly ridge of limestone mountains draped in green bush and the glossy fronds of towering royal palms lilting in the breeze.
It is March, deliciously warm, and modern life seems firmly out of sight; in fact it feels like I have walked back through time. As I wander, enjoying the quiet with my guide Sergio, he recounts stories of farming
life, tobacco growing, and the UNESCO protection of the valley. The path leads to the Casa del Rey, a traditional, whitepainted wooden home in a clearing.
A whiff of cigar smoke and a strong morning cocktail the colour of amber, greets us. I stay long enough for the hospitality, the laughter, and the Cuban knack for expert story telling.
The lush Viñales Valley is three hours southwest of Havana and on the road to nowhere else, but is being slowly discovered, says Alan Meadows, Trade Sales Manager, at Simply Cuba.
“Visitors are starting to see a lot more of the island and are using our sightseeing transfers. Instead of a twin centre, they’re going to the Viñales Valley and Trinidad,” Meadows says.
“Then, on the way to Trinidad, they’ll stop at the Bay of Pigs and Cienfuegos,” a reference to the site of the failed 1961 CIAbacked invasion now known for its birdlife, snorkelling and the French-founded city of columns on the south coast.
“It allows them to see a bit more of the island without unpacking their suitcase.”
Spending longer on the island is another trend – particularly for retired couples.
“Instead of 10-night trips we’re seeing a lot of 21 nights. Using transfers we add Santa Clara (city of Che Guevara) or as far as Camagüey (city of churches and culture in Cuba’s centre) and then they’ll come back for the northern shore beaches.”
Extended touring allows for nights at some of the new north coast beach resorts on Cayo Paredón and Cayo Cruz, both east of established resort Cayo Coco, in addition to Ramón de Antilla peninsula, two hours from the international airport at Holguín in eastern Cuba.
An emerging private sector across the island, particularly in Havana, has revved up and visitors will find creatives and entrepreneurs running new fashion stores in re-imagined Spanish colonial buildings, cool bars and music venues.
There are new art spaces and inventive chefs and café owners pulling out all the stops for fresh and tasty dishes.
With its history, music, culture, classic cars and beaches, Cuba remains an electric, enigmatic and exhilarating island to visit.
What’s New
e-visas: New e-visas for 2025 are available for a stay of up to 90 days. Purchase the £20 e-visa online allowing for up to 72 hours to process. evisacuba.cu/en/inicio.
Flights: Iron Travel and Triplatam plan new weekly direct flights from Gatwick to Havana from April 11 and to Holguín on April 13 using Romanian charter carrier, Legends. Fares from £549.99 return plus taxes.
AeroGaviota now flies four times a week from Playa Baracoa (Havana) to Cayo Largo del Sur, an island resort off the mainland with outrageously beautiful beaches.
Hotels: Iberostar Selection La Habana, the tallest building in Cuba with 594 rooms and two pools, will open in Havana’s cultural quarter, el Vedado, in January 2025.
Meliá rebrands Be Live Turquesa at the top end of the 13 miles of premier resort Varadero where the beaches are more beautiful.
It reopens as Sol Hicacos Varadero in the first quarter of 2025.
Meliá opens INNSiDE Jagua in coastal Cienfuegos at the end of 2025.
Canada’s Blue Diamond launches some of its all-inclusive hotels under a rebrand: Resonance. Two types of experience and ambience co-exist amid two hotels in one complex: the adults-only Resonance Blu Varadero offers yoga, dietary counselling and outdoor adventures, whereas adultsonly Resonance Musique Varadero is centred on nightly live music, DJ parties, themed beach and pool parties.
Meliá Trinidad Península opened in early 2024 and has since added the adult-only The Level and Spa, and Watersports centre.
Top Experiences
City Tour in Havana: Classic
American convertible cars- including a bubble gum pink Chevvy 54 Belair and a gold and cream 1956 Buick special – are highlights on a tour of Cuba’s capital.
Jíbaro street food tour: An excellent front-row seat on where Cubans buy food, what they eat, and how they find it by the team behind this great Havana hole-in-the-wall diner.
Street Art Tour: Bike the streets of Havana on an insightful guided street art and street mural tour taking in three districts of the city.
The Viñales Experience: Ride a horse out into the valley from the town of Viñales surrounded by limestone mountain scenery and the tobacco fields. Meet farmers to learn about tobacco growing and cigar-making.
A Farmer’s Life Tour: In the Sierra Mountains, taste the local coffee, honey and sugarcane juice and tuck into a lunch of roast pork or freshly caught lake fish.
Where to book it
SIMPLY CUBA
Travel from Havana to Viñales Valley and on to Trinidad with its live music and culture scene before spending five nights on Varadero beach. Prices start from £1,799pp for 14 nights, including B&B in Hotel Mystique Regis Habana, two B&Bs and an all-inclusive stay at Blau Varadero, luggage, tourist card, private transfers and rep service. Simplycuba.co.uk •
Cubanía
VARADERO BEACH
CAYO GUILLERMO
CLASSIC CAR IN HAVANA
HORSE RIDING IN VINALES
A VIEW THROUGH PALM TREES AND ACROSS THE OCEAN AT “EL YUNQUE”
Atlantic Canada's
Festivals
Atlantic Canada’s quaint towns come alive throughout the year with a host of lively festivals that celebrate the unique cultures and traditions of the region, says Jessica Alexander
From renowned musical acts to world-class seafood, Atlantic Canada knows how to showcase its local talent. Visitors that time a stay around a festival will experience its unique culture, welcoming locals and breathtaking scenery.
New Brunswick
Foodies will be in their element at the nineday Shediac Lobster Festival, scheduled from July 5-13. Where better to enjoy some of the freshest seafood than the Lobster Capital of the World? New Brunswick’s longest running festival features music concerts, dance parties, a 600-guest outdoor lobster dinner, lobster eating contests and more. Visitors can pose with a larger-than-life lobster sculpture, learn all about the crustaceans at Homarus Centre and jump on a lobster-themed boat excursion with Shediac Bay Cruises. shediaclobsterfestival.ca
Newfoundland and Labrador
The wholesome Trails, Tales, and Tunes festival is a coming together of the culture and traditions that set Newfoundland and Labrador apart. Set in the picturesque town of Norris Point, Gros Morne National Park, festival-goers will be treated to musical jigs, storytelling, culinary events and daily walks – an all-round sensory experience. This year the festival will span May 16-25, timed to celebrate the first signs of spring and encourage visitors to embrace the wonderfully wild surroundings. trailstalestunes.ca
Nova Scotia
The sounds of Nova Scotia ring loud and proud for nine days at the Celtic Colours International Music Festival, with up to eight concerts a day. A celebration of Cape Breton Island’s living traditional culture, the festival features Gaelic singing, Cape Breton fiddling, local dance traditions and world-class bagpiping. This year’s festival will be held from October 10-18, with visitors able to pair performances with viewing the spectacular fall colours across the Cabot Trail. celtic-colours.com
Prince Edward Island
The two-day Sommo Festival attracts worldclass acts and a lively crowd looking to enjoy great music, fresh food and the charming beachside town of Cavendish. Previous headline acts include Mumford & Sons and Vance Joy. This year’s festival, taking place from September 13-14, will again feature a fantastic line-up of music, celebrity chefs putting on live demonstrations, and pop-up cocktail masterclasses. sommofest.com •
TRAILS, TALES AND TUNES FESTIVAL
SHEDIAC LOBSTER FESTIVAL
CELTIC COLOURS FESTIVAL
SOMMO FESTIVAL
Luxury travel suppliers take it up a notch
Suppliers at Selling Travel Connect: Luxury Events were keen to update agents in London and Manchester on recommendations for their discerning clients.
Suppliers included: Bahamas, Expedia TAAP, Sunlife, Emirates, Tourism Australia, Great Journeys,Catalan Tourist Board, Abercrombie & Kent, Barut Hotels, Van Isacker, rotana, and SUN SIYAM.
The events attracted 81 agents, keen to learn what’s new in the luxury sphere. Here are the latest updates from the best luxury products: Bahamas: Sandals Emerald Bay will reopen as the family-friendly Beaches Exuma resort. Travel agents can also earn up to £100 by logging all their bookings at Bahamas Travel Agents Rewards.
Expedia TAAP: Connects agents to Expedia Group’s global network of hotels and flights. Sunlife: Complimentary green fees on the golf course at Ile aux Cerfs are available for all guests at its Mauritius hotels.
Emirates: A second daily Emirates flight from Dubai to Perth has resumed.
Tourism Australia: New hotel openings include The Sundays, The Hannah St Hotel and 1 Hotel in 2025, plus The Calile Noosa, Waldorf Astoria Sydney and Oscar Seppeltsfield in 2026.
Great Journeys: Fully-guided rail tours of New Zealand’s picturesque landscapes visit world-famous destinations and local gems. Catalan Tourist Board: In 2025, flights to Reus Airport will start from Liverpool (Jet2), London Luton (Jet2) and London Southend (easyJet). Plus Bournemouth (Jet2) in 2026.
Abercrombie & Kent: The operator’s first riverboat in Peru, Pure Amazon, will debut in 2025.
Barut Hotels: Anda Barut Collection opened in May 2023.
Van Isacker: Blue Monkey Hotel and Beach Club will open spring 2025.
Rotana: Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas allows children under the age of 12 to receive a complimentary upgrade to a full board meal plan.
SUN SIYAM: From November 1, Sun Siyam Resorts introduced a 24-hour all-inclusive concept across all five Maldives properties. •
ORPHEUS ISLAND, GREAT BARRIER REEF BAHAMAS
SUN SIAM
ALTITUDE
ROTANA
Agents enjoy an out of Africa evening
New flights, accommodation, packages and tours were revealed to agents who attended Selling Travel Connect: Africa in London
Suppliers included: Zimbabwe, Travel Promotors, RwandAir, Malawi Tourism, Explore, Ethos Marketing, Ethiopian Airlines, El Gouna in Egypt, and Abercrombie & Kent.
Held at Hyatt Regency London Stratford hotel on December 9, 49 enthusiastic travel agents came to hear from suppliers.
Zimbabwe: The dates of Zimbabwe’s tourism-focused Sanganai/Hlanganai Expo 2025 will be announced in January. To register contact aaron@ztazim.co.zw Travel Promoters: Kopano and Dithaba lodges now have main pools, the Children’s Eco House at Lelapa has been rebuilt, and Villa Elela has been added.
RwandAir: Since the summer of 2024, RwandAir operates daily direct flights to
Kigali from London Heathrow’s Terminal 4. Malawi Tourism: Developments for 2025 include new facilities at Mvuu Lodge and the introduction of horseback adventures at Kuti Wildlife Reserve.
Explore: The new 15-day Best of Ghana tour is priced from £3,495pp. Departures are timed to coincide with the Akwasidae Festival, a traditional celebration held every six weeks.
Ethos Marketing: Machaba Safaris will open its 11th camp, Monachira, and The Wilderness retreat will also open Warangi Ridge, both in June 2025.
Ethiopian Airlines: In November, Ethiopian introduced a new Airbus A3501000 on the Heathrow-Addis Ababa route and three additional new aircraft are due over the coming months.
El Gouna in Egypt: Seven-night easyJet Holidays packages start from £363pp for three-star, £438pp for four-star and £585pp for five-star B&B including flights and transfers.
Abercrombie & Kent: Gorilla Forest Lodge in Uganda, A&K’s flagship safari sanctuary in Kenya’s Amboseli National Park, and Baines’ Lodge all set to open in 2025.
TSAVO WEST, KILIMANJARO, KENYASAFARI
VISIT MALAWI TOURISM
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
COX & KINGS
Better together
Younger travellers are finding strength in numbers and choosing an escorted tour or ‘organised adventure’ for their solo ventures. Tracey Davies delves deeper
One of the fastest growing sectors of travel, “solo travel” has seen searches on Google quadruple over the past five years, while the hashtag #solotravel is commonly seen on TikTok and Instagram.
Interestingly, it’s the younger market that is driving the trend. ABTA research revealed that 19% of 25-34-year-olds said they had travelled by themselves, the
highest of any age group. However, the biggest year-on-year increase was among those aged 35-44, where solo travellers more than doubled to 13% in 2023 from 6% in 2022, many of whom have chosen to join an organised tour as part of the trip, where they can travel safely with like-minded folk. Unlike regular package holidays, escorted tours are curated and led by expert guides so clients can fully immerse themselves into local culture.
“We’ve just taken our solo offering to the next level with the launch of Solo-ish Adventures,” says Brian Young, Managing Director EMEA at G Adventures. “The team has drilled down into the mindset of solo travellers to create itineraries unlike anything else currently on offer.
“Fun-filled dinner parties and surprise experiences help bring the group closer together in the first few days of the tour, while respecting solo travellers’ desire for free time and space. With safety front of mind for many solo travellers, especially our solo female travellers, solo-ish trips
go above and beyond to ensure people feel safe and supported so they can focus on exploring and making local connections to a country and its people.”
Safety in numbers
Escorted tours are an easy way to combine adventure, companionship and convenience, all of which increases the appeal for the younger market.
A recent survey by the Berlin-based GetYourGuide found that 70% of those asked, plan to book a guided tour in the next year, with millennials and Gen Z leading the way.
“Travelling solo doesn’t need to be a daunting prospect and by joining a group, it can be an exciting and liberating experience,” says George Colvin-Slee, Product Manager Europe & Central Asia at Cox & Kings. “Solo travellers now make up more than a quarter of Cox & Kings’ group tour clients. We see this increase is driven by a desire for personal growth and self-discovery
HORSE RIDING IN THE AMERICAS
LOCAL CRAFTS, VIETNAM
SEALS IN THE GALAPAGOS
TAKING THE PLUNGE, MOROCCO
JOE HANCOCK
with more and more people of all ages and backgrounds experiencing the rewards of a solo adventure.”
Solo travel has also been the strongest sector for TourRadar, the sustainable travel and adventure booking platform, who coined the term “organised adventures”.
According to founder Travis Pittman, TourRadar clients look for experiences
that bring them closer to a destination. It’s not about ticking off 15 attractions in two or three days, they want a deep dive into the history and the culture, they want to eat where the locals eat, shop where they shop.
An escorted tour can also provide lone travellers with an additional level of security, particularly when you’re venturing further afield. “Joining a small
group tour is the perfect solution for solo travellers who want peace of mind, knowing every detail is looked after, that safety is a priority,” says Young. “Travel agents have a huge opportunity to recognise these customers and help pave the way to a trip of a lifetime.”
A changing market
The escorted tour sector has transformed over the years. Not just reserved for silver travellers, operators now focus on smaller groups to create more intimate, relaxed experiences.
“Our new Small Group Discovery Tours are perfect for agents to sell to customers looking for the stress-free travel of touring but with a more intimate feel,” says Lesley Taylor, UK MD of the Globus family of brands. All itineraries have been designed for small groups, allowing for more freedom and more flexibility, plus each tour also includes Small Group Exclusives – special inclusions that are
AN INTREPID TOUR GROUP IN MOROCCO
EXPERIENCING FOOD MARKETS
HOT AIR BALLOON, CAPPADOCIA TURKEY
not accessible with full-sized groups.
Personalisation has also become more prevalent and clients can tailor itineraries to their own interests, choose optional excursions and factor in free time to explore independently.
“As guests are increasingly looking for immersive and transformative travel, escorted tours now include more than the usual well-trodden sites,” says Colvin-Slee at Cox & Kings. “For 2025, we’ve launched two new specialist led group-tours: Piedmont with Valentina Harris, which offers a culinary adventure, and Sicily: Normans in the South, which explores Sicily as a melting pot of cultures.”
Cutting the cost
For younger travellers, one of the main draws of an escorted tour is the cost. The rapid growth of the sector has made it competitive and you can find tours which cater for every budget. Many tours offer inclusive pricing by bundling activities, accommodation and meals into one package for better value for money. Clients can also avoid single supplements by choosing to buddy up with a same-sex traveller on the tour rather than book a single room.
Intrepid Travel have a Basix range designed for travellers of any age, but it largely appeals to the under 35s. Their trips include clean, centrally located accommodation, local transport and plenty of free time. At the other end of the scale, operators like Cox & Kings and Abercrombie & Kent offer luxury escorted tours with itineraries including South Africa and Australia.
“Group tours can be more costeffective and often include unique and sharable moments, perfect for social media, making them more appealing to a younger audience,” says Colvin-Slee. Whether you pitch them as escorted tours or organised adventures, group travel is going from strength to strength.
Where to book it EXPLORE!
The Turkey in Depth with Explore! escorted tour from Cappadocia to Istanbul can be booked with up to 20% off in January’s Big Blue Sale. Departs June 7 2025, priced from £1,779pp - trip only. explore.com •
“Travelling solo doesn’t need to be a daunting prospect and by joining a group, it can be an exciting and liberating experience”
George Colvin-Slee, Cox & Kings
CAMEL RIDING WITH A&K
THE RUINS OF TAORMINA THEATER AT SUNSET, SICILY
Jordan - The potential of the
Promised Land
Tourism has slumped in Jordan, despite it being a largely safe and famously hospitable destination. Christian Kock explains why an escorted tour could pave the way for forward bookings
Whether travellers are sipping tea in a Bedouin camp, browsing rugs in an Amman souk, or walking past Petra’s many souvenir-sellers, there’s one greeting they’re guaranteed to continually hear in Jordan: “Ahlan wa sahlan!”
Roughly translated from Arabic, it means “you are among family and at your ease”. Words which any tourists currently contemplating a trip to the desert kingdom will probably need to hear now more than ever.
Until late 2023, tourism in Jordan was peaking: 6.3m people visited in 2023, up 18.5% from prior to the pandemic.
Jordan’s trendiness is easy to explain: the small country is tailor-made for social media bragging, thanks to Insta-friendly experiences such as harnessing your inner Indiana Jones at Petra, camping under the stars at Wadi Rum or snorkelling in the Red Sea, all of which feature on most group tours across the destination.
The war in Gaza changed all that. Although Jordan isn’t directly involved, tourism has dwindled: hotel occupancy in Petra has slumped to 10%, according to one Petra Hotels Association representative recently quoted by Reuters.
Both easyJet and Ryanair have suspended UK-Jordan flights, while cruise operators are no longer stopping at Aqaba (Jordan’s only seaport) due to attacks by Houthi militants in the Red Sea.
Most overseas tour companies have continued to operate as usual (Intrepid Travel recently opened an Amman office), but many have noted a drop in demand.
The Jordan Tourist Board says visitors from the UK dropped by 23.7% by the end of September 2024. The Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire has offered some hope, but Iranian strikes on Israel have done little to ease British tourists’ nervousness. Despite regional upheaval, Jordan is a safe country. At the time of writing, the Foreign, Commonwealth
and Development Office (FCDO) only advises against travelling to within three kilometres of the Syrian border (an area which isn’t involved with the conflict) with no warnings about its Israeli border.
“You only have to look at the Foreign Office advice to see Jordan is safe; if there were concerns the advice would have changed,” says Dr Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board.
“On the ground here in Jordan, tours are operating like normal and everyone is going about their day-to-day life. The UK visitors who have visited recently have shared positive feedback about how smooth their experience has been.”
Abiyat’s advice for agents is “to reassure consumers by booking onto a guided tour, which is one of the best ways to explore Jordan and its iconic sites". He also suggests agents offer flexible booking and added insurance to dispel clients’ doubts.
The aviation slump hasn’t affected
DEADSEA
PETRA NORBERT
EISELE-HIEN
national carrier Royal Jordanian either, which launched new routes from Stansted and Manchester last March. Ethical travel firm G Adventures plans to host its 2025 summit in Jordan too.
Crime is also rare in Jordan and the country’s last major terrorism attack happened in 2005.
The Jordanian government has since invested heavily in security (metal detectors are a common sight at hotels and tourist attractions).
It’s yet another sign of Jordan’s enduring attempts to make visitors feel safe.
Along with the kingdom’s famous tradition of hospitality, any British tourist visiting in 2025 should feel among family and at ease, as the locals are fond of pointing out.
Top Experiences for 2025
The Jordan Trail: Sluicing the length of the country, this epic 676km trek takes in big-hitters such as Petra and Wadi
Rum, plus sublime landscapes, Crusader castles and Bedouin camps. It usually takes around 40 days but can be tackled in shorter chunks too. The Jordan Trail was also recently featured in Lonely Planet’s 2025 Best in Travel list. jordantrail.org
Umm Al Jimal: In 2024, these mesmerising ancient ruins became Jordan’s seventh Unesco World Heritage Site. The centuries-old buildings are remarkably well-preserved, offering an intriguing glimpse into life during Roman, Byzantine and early-Islamic periods. It’s possible to visit the “Black Gem of the Desert” (so-called because it was mostly built from black basalt) on a day-trip from Amman. whc.unesco.org
New archaeological finds at Petra: The antiquities of Petra and its pink sandstone cliffs make it an undeniably magical place truly deserving of its Seven Wonder billing. A recent excavation at the ancient city’s Treasury unearthed a
hidden tomb containing 12 skeletons and a trove of artefacts, giving fresh insight into the enigmatic Nabataean civilisation. visitpetra.jo
TravelJordanian: In January, the Jordan Tourist Board will launch a platform where agents and travellers can book experiences and accommodations offered by local communities. These include carpet-weaving classes, planting flowers in the desert with a women’s cooperative, plus shepherding with a local family. traveljordanian.com •
Book it with... Intrepid Travel
A Premium Jordan eight-day tour starts at £1,582pp, which takes in the ancient city of Petra, a 4WD adventure through Wadi Rum, floating in the Dead Sea and staying in a luxurious Bedouin-style camp. Price includes accommodation, ground transport, selected meals and a local guide. intrepidtravel.com
AMMAN CITADEL
PETRA
DEAD SEA FACIAL
AMMAN TURK LENS
Battlefield tours
Whether from the Napoleonic era or the twentieth century’s great wars, battlefield tours put history in perspective, says Charlotte Flach
Vive la France!
Keen republicans will delight at guide Hugh MacdonaldBuchanan’s deep dive into the story of the French Revolution. The tour explores this historical turning point for France – and also much of Europe – as it provoked a World War that lasted 23 years.
After the tale of the battlefield, travellers can rest their heads at the four-star deluxe Hotel Westminster. kirkerholidays.com
The Battle of Waterloo
Bringing to an end the Napoleonic Wars, Waterloo is one of history’s most significant battles. This tour tells the tale of the events of 1815 and how they enabled the British Empire to establish its rule across the globe for the next 100 years. There’s also the chance to see Brussels’ Grand Place, known for its decorative and aesthetic wealth. kirkerholidays.com
It’s all the Raid
History buffs can learn all about some of the daring raids and missions – some successful, others a failure –of World War II. Guided tours bring to life Operation Jubilee, Operation Chariot and the Battle for Caan, among other key events in the Allied fight. Staying in three different locations, there are departures on dates in May, June, September and October. justgoholidays.com
A Bridge too Far
Trace the footsteps of fallen soldiers and journey into the heart of the ill-fated Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands. The tour visits drop zones, plus key locations of deployment such as Arnhem ad Oosterbeek, examining the combination of factors which, ultimately, led to its failure. Tour dates are available in May, June, September and October. justgoholidays.com
All Quiet on the Western Front
Focusing on the key sites of World War I in Belgium and France, the All Quiet on the Western Front tour visits the Ypres, the Somme, Arras, the Vimy Ridge and region. There’s also a chance to visit the original World War I trenches that are preserved at Sanctuary Wood, accompanied by a specialist battlefield guide leading the way. legerbattlefields.co.uk
D-Day Landings in Normandy
This World War II introductory tour hones in on the events that took place on June 6 1944, a major milestone in the war. Walk the Normandy beaches where the battles took place and take a look at St. Mère Eglise, where the ‘Band of Brothers’ fought. There are both four- and five-day tour options available, for those wanting to delve deeper. legerbattlefields.co.uk
Activity tours in Europe
From cycling gentle coastal paths to snowshoeing across steep mountainscapes, a guided tour takes away the stress of an active adventure, says Jessica Alexander
TREKKING EASTERN ICELAND
Steer away from the well-trodden tourist areas and experience the drama of Eastern Iceland on a six-day hike with G Adventures. This demanding hike rewards travellers with fjords, thundering waterfalls, and quaint fishing villages. Live like a local in a small fishing community, hear tales of the magic village elves, witness the beauty of the Deitfoss waterfall and feast on nightly farm-to-table dinners. This demanding trek starts and finishes in Egilsstaðir and is priced from £1,699pp. Gadventures.com
CYCLE NORTHERN FRANCE
Take in northern France on two wheels on this cycling holiday with Exodus. Beginning in Rennes, cyclists will taste the region’s local shellfish in Dinan, explore the walled city of Saint-Malo, cycle the Emerald Coast, taste oysters at Cancale, and visit the Benedictine Abbey on the unique UNESCOisland of Mont St Michel. And travellers will cycle to Omaha Beach – one of the five D-Day landing beaches. The sevenday guided tour is priced from £2,199pp. exodus.co.uk
SNOWSHOE ROMANIA’S WINTER WONDERLAND
Discover a winter wonderland in Romania on this eight-day walking adventure. Highlights of the trip include snowshoeing across the silent Carpathian Mountains, visiting Dracula’s home of Bran Castle, seeking out bear and wolf tracks in the wilderness and spending time with welcoming local people, many of whom still live a traditional lifestyle. Guests will also visit enchanting ‘Kalibash’ villages and enjoy hearty local food. The tour is priced from £1,249pp. exodus.co.uk
RAMBLE ACROSS CRETE
Explore Greece’s largest island with a seven-night walking tour with small group escorted tour operator Jules Verne. The group will ramble to ancient villages, passing dramatic gorges and spending time on the island’s golden beaches. Other highlights include visiting a family-run olive oil producer, stopping for a refreshing dip in the Balos Lagoon to cool off, and a scenic boat trip to the coastal port of Skafia. A seven-night tour is priced from £2,295pp. vjv.com
EXPLORE CROATIA BY WATER
This small group trip with Responsible Travel, who support local communities and nature projects, explores Croatia’s inland idylls, including Plitvice Lakes National Park and Mreznica Canyon, with an option to extend to include kayaking around Krk Island. The group is based on the Mreznica River with the opportunity for water-based fun including rafting, swimming and jumping into waterfalls. The tour is a great budget option, with eight-days priced from £706pp. responsibletravel.com
