Hope Brotherton
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Articles by Hope Brotherton
What Makes Château Haut Bailly Special in Pessac-Léognan
Just south of Bordeaux, where the city’s stone facades give way to a patchwork of vines and gravel ridges, Château Haut Bailly sits on one of the highest points of Pessac Léognan. To many collectors, its wines are shorthand for poise and quiet power. Yet what truly makes this estate special is less about any single vintage and more about the way history, terroir, architecture and contemporary winemaking have been woven together into a remarkably coherent vision.
Heraklion Travel Guide: Top Sights, Experiences, and Essential Tips Before You Go
Heraklion, Crete’s lively capital, is the kind of place that grows on you slowly. At first glance it looks like a modern working city, but give it a day and its layers begin to unfold: Bronze Age palaces, Venetian fortifications, excellent museums, café terraces crowded late into the night, and a working harbor where ferries come and go across the Aegean.
Cruise lines see 'greatest growth among 18 to 34 year olds'
Cruise lines are continuing to see the average age of passengers coming down, with the greatest growth coming from 18 to 34-year-olds. Princess Cruises Vice President UK & Europe Eithne Williamson told the ABTA Travel Convention that the average age ‘is coming down quite a lot’. “Fifty per cent of those cruising in the UK, or UK guests, are actually under 50,” she said. “I think there’s a perception that cruisers are all older people, and it is a type of experience ‘I can do when I retire’.
Trafalgar to launch third river cruise ship in 2027
Trafalgar has revealed it will launch a third river cruise ship in 2027, just months after announcing plans to offer European river cruises from 2026 with two new ships. Kelly Jackson, EMEA Managing Director of Trafalgar parent TTC Tour Brands mentioned the addition of a third ship while attending the ABTA Travel Convention in Mallorca this week, but further details have not yet to be revealed. “We needed to introduce other ways to travel, so we’ve recently launched river cruising,” she said.
Industry bosses raise concerns about 'hobbyist agents'
Travel retailers have raised concerns about the influx of ‘hobbyist’ agents into the industry, while also highlighting the need for more training. They were speaking during a panel debate at the ABTA Travel Convention, where delegates also expressed disappointment at the lack of agents attending the three-day event in Mallorca. Lisa McAuley, the new UK Managing Director of Cruise 118 parent World Travel Holdings said she was worried about the increase in people selling holidays as a side hustle.
Here's what cruise customers need to know about EU's new Entry/Exit System
Cruise passengers need to be aware of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which is being rolled out over the next six months. Ultimately, non-EU passport holders, including Brits, will be required to complete the EES checks at the border when they enter the Schengen zone, which includes most of the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. It doesn’t include Cyprus and Iceland.
Jamaica hopes extra flights in 2026 will reverse slump in UK visitors
Jamaica tourism officials are hopeful that additional flights from British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and TUI next summer will reverse a decline in British visitors. UK visitor numbers peaked at 230,000 in 2024, making it the biggest Caribbean destination for Brits. However, arrivals dropped 6% between January and April this year after TUI slashed its flight capacity by 20% when its cruise line Marella opted to no longer homeport in Montego Bay.
ABTA warns there are more than 60 fake ETIAS sites
ABTA and the European Union are warning of dozens of fake websites selling the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa waiver, which is due to launch next year. Speaking at the Travel Convention in Calvià, Mallorca, ABTA Director of Public Affairs Luke Petherbridge said more than 60 fake websites are already circulating online claiming to sell the yet-to-be-introduced visa waiver.
2026 Travel Convention to be held in Madeira
ABTA has announced its overseas Travel Convention will be held in Madeira, Portugal next year. The event will take place from 12-14 October 2026, and delegates will stay at the Savoy Palace Hotel. Visit Portugal President Carlos Abade said: “We are delighted to welcome ABTA’s Conference to Madeira. With its breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality, Madeira embodies the very best of Portugal.
TUI MD 'couldn't be happier' with independent agents
TUI UK Managing Director Neil Swanson was singing the praises of independent travel agents at the ABTA Travel Convention this week, saying he ‘couldn’t be happier’ with their performance. Independents now account for 10% of TUI’s bookings, while its own retail footprint is ‘steady’. It has added ‘a few shops’ of its own this year, said Neil, but sales via independents are growing faster.
ABTA reveals drop in number of people booking with a travel professional
The number of UK travellers who booked a holiday with a travel professional has dropped in the past year, according to research unveiled today at the Travel Convention in Calvià, Mallorca. ABTA’s Holiday Habits Report 2025-2026 reveals that 34% of holidaymakers booked a trip with a travel professional – defined as an agent or an operator – in the last 12 months. This was down from 38% in 2024, but in line with 2023.
Spain sees rise in UK visitors during shoulder season, but peak months are flat
Spain saw a 4.33% rise in UK visitors during the first eight months of 2025, with the biggest increases coming during the shoulder season. Describing off-peak travel as a ‘mega trend’, the Spanish Tourist Office UK Director Manuel Butler said it had been particularly strong in the Balearics and the Costa del Sol.
Jet2 drops Christmas markets route from Bristol
Jet2 has dropped plans to fly from Bristol to Gdansk this winter following a review of its flying programme. The Polish city was one of two new destinations from Bristol announced by Jet2 in March as part of an expansion of its Christmas markets programme. However, the airline confirmed this week it had withdrawn the flights for winter 2025/26 following a review of its flying programme.
Flood-damaged Ibiza hotel closed until next week
The Grand Palladium White Island Resort & Spa in Ibiza has temporarily closed because of flood damage sustained during a storm earlier this week. The island was hit by torrential rain, causing widespread flooding, on Tuesday 30 September, when the tailend of former Hurricane Gabrielle passed through. A spokesperson for the hotel chain said no guests were injured and its hotels suffered ‘limited material damage’, but the Grand Palladium White Island was the most ‘significantly affected’.
Norwegian adds new route between Edinburgh and Billund
Norwegian will launch a new route between Edinburgh and Billund on 3 April 2026. There will be three departures per week between April and October, on a Boeing 737 aircraft. Norwegian is also increasing capacity on its route between Edinburgh and Bergen, offering two flights per week between May and October. In addition, its Stockholm service will increase to four flights per week.
Jet2 issues warning to passengers travelling to France and Italy
Jet2 is warning that industrial action in Europe could disrupt travel today (2 October) and tomorrow (3 October). Air traffic controllers are supporting nationwide action throughout today against austerity measures and pension reforms, while a national public transport strike in Italy will disrupt train services from this evening. Jet2 said the industrial action in France ‘may cause delays to flights travelling through French airspace’.
BA confirms launch of new US route
British Airways will launch flights from London Heathrow to St Louis in Missouri next year, providing the only direct link between the UK and the US city. The service will start on 19 April 2026, with four flights a week throughout the summer. The launch of the route will coincide with the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the highway between Chicago and Los Angeles.
Ryanair delays restart of Tel Aviv flights
Ryanair will not be restarting flights to and from Tel Aviv for winter 2025/2026. Along with other airlines, Ryanair grounded its flights in May due to security concerns in Israel. The budget carrier says it won’t restart any of its routes into Tel Aviv, saying Ben Gurion Airport hasn’t confirmed the airline’s historic slots for summer 2026 and the availability of its low-cost terminal one.
Holiday for four to Florida up for grabs with Gold Medal
Gold Medal is giving agents the chance to win a holiday for four people to Florida. To celebrate the launch of its latest In Focus campaign, Florida Parks & Beaches, the operator is giving away return economy flights and four nights at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort with park tickets. Agents will also win Disney’s seven-day tickets for four people, a three-night beach stay and Alamo car hire for up to 14 days.
Two hotels used by UK tour operators damaged in Ibiza storms
Two properties used by UK tour operators in Ibiza have been damaged during a storm, which caused part of one hotel’s roof to collapse, while the other was damaged by rocks in a landslide. Ibiza and neighbouring Formentera were placed under a red alert by Spanish weather forecaster Aemet yesterday (Tuesday, 30 September) before they were hit by torrential rain which caused widespread flooding when the remnants of former Hurricane Gabrielle passed through.
Earn vouchers with Do Something Different
Agents can earn a £10 Virgin Leisure Choice voucher on bookings made for select Dubai attractions with DoSomethingDifferent.com. Attractions covered in the incentive include a tour of the Burj al Arab, Real Madrid World, Legoland Dubai (pictured above), the View at the Palm, Wild Wadi Waterpark and the Green Planet Dubai. The £10 voucher can be redeemed at over 140 brands, including Marks & Spencer, Caffè Nero, Boots and Cineworld.
Head of ATOL Michael Budge moves to ABTA as Director of Finance
ABTA has named Michael Budge as its new Director of Finance, from 1 December 2025. He replaces Flic Jefferis-Boyd, and will report directly to ABTA Chief Executive Mark Tanzer. Currently, Michael is Head of ATOL at the Civil Aviation Authority, where he has worked since 2012.
Ski France unveils its newest property
Ski France has unveiled its newest luxury property, Chalet Genepy in Val d’Isère. Chalet Genepy will open on 30 November. It is a 10-minute walk from the resort centre in Petit Alaska, Val d’Isère and a six-minute drive from the Solaise Express lifts and nearby pistes. The chalet is spread across three floors and can accommodate up to 10 adults in five double bedrooms. There is also a separate bunk bed room, which can sleep an additional four guests.
Carnival reports ‘record’ third quarter results
Carnival Corporation & plc has reported an all-time high net income and its 10th consecutive quarter of record revenues in its third-quarter results. For the three months ending 31 August, net income was $1.9 billion, an improvement of $116 million on 2024, surpassing its previous record set in 2019. Adjusted net income was $2 billion, with strong late demand and onboard spending highlighted as reasons behind the record performance.
G Adventures announces location of its 2026 GX Summit
G Adventures has confirmed its tourism summit GX will return next year, taking place in Morocco. The tour operator announced the location of its summit at the closing ceremony of its 2025 GX Summit in Amman, Jordan. The 2026 summit is expected to attract around 1,000 delegates and will combine keynote sessions, local impact visits and industry workshops.
InsideJapan says 2026 small group tours programme is biggest yet
Inside Travel Group is launching its largest-ever programme of small group tours to Japan for 2026 under its InsideJapan brand. The expanded schedule includes more departures, including additional shoulder season and off-peak options. Group Tour Programme Operations Manager Richard Farmer said the brand decided to grow its small group tours in Japan following ‘exceptional’ sales in 2025.
Okinawa to host agent webinars
The Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau will host a three-part webinar series for travel agents. Sessions will start on 10 October and will be led by Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau UK Trade Sales and Marketing Manager Sandra Kwan. The first session will run for 45 minutes and will give agents an overview ofOkinawa, covering key facts, the latest updates and practical tips for building itineraries.
Scandinavian Airlines extends Edinburgh-Copenhagen route
Scandinavian Airlines has expanded its peak summer route between Edinburgh and Copenhagen into a full summer service for 2026. Flights will operate between late March and late October 2026, compared to between June and mid-August in 2025. The expansion is a 330% year-on-year increase, rising from 58 round-trips in 2025 to 189 in 2026. A Scandinavian Airlines spokesperson told Travel Gossip the route could be expanded past October and the airline will make a decision ‘at a later stage’.
MSC expands fly-cruise packages for 2026
MSC Cruises has increased its allocation of seats on Jet2 flights by 42% for 2026, enabling it to expand its fly-cruise programme. The flights will operate from Edinburgh, Manchester and Belfast International to a range of Mediterranean destinations, including Naples, Palma, Barcelona and Rome, for sailings on several ships including MSC World Europa, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Seaview, MSC Divina and MSC Splendida.
Jet2holidays raises £5,600 for Reuben’s Retreat in impromptu auction
Jet2holidays has raised £5,600 for Reuben’s Retreat in a spontaneous charity auction at its first Non-Retail Travel Agent Summit in Leeds. Three holiday packages were auctioned after Iberostar Business Development Director UK and Ireland Aishling McLoughin offered a hotel stay to be auctioned live on stage. Jet2holidays Director of Travel Agent Relationships Alan Cross then added Jet2.com flights to create a package.
Jet2 issues warning over 24-hour strike in Greece
Jet2 is warning customers that a nationwide strike in Greece could disrupt flights on Wednesday 1 October. The 24-hour strike has been organised by the country’s two largest unions, GSEE and ADEDY, in protest against the government’s new labour law, and it could impact trains, ferries, intercity transport and air travel, including air traffic controllers and ground handling staff.
Bournemouth Airport plans to operate ‘full schedule’ during strike action
Bournemouth Airport has put contingency plans in place to minimise any impact from planned strike action by Unite members on 30 September and 1 October. Around 80 Unite members had been due to walk out in a dispute over pay earlier this month, but action was suspended to allow workers to be balloted on whether to accept a new deal, which has since been rejected.
Princess Cruises refunds passengers following air con and toilet issues
Princess Cruises is refunding some passengers onboard Grand Princess after they experienced air conditioning and plumbing issues. The ship, which left Los Angeles on 15 September, is on a 16-night repositioning cruise to Fort Lauderdale, having finished its season in Alaska. Guests in some cabins have reported issues with air conditioning units, while others have experienced problems with the toilets.
Copenhagen Airport reopens with delays following drone sightings
Copenhagen Airport is continuing to experience delays and cancellations after closing yesterday evening following reports of drone sightings. The airport closed at 8.26pm local time after two or three large drones were seen flying in its airspace. According to FlightRadar, 50 flights were diverted to other airports during the closure. Flights resumed at 12.30am local time.
Suzanne Warren joins ITC as Trade Partnership Executive
ITC has appointed Suzanne Warren as its new Trade Partnership Executive. She has taken over from Cheryl Elliott-Edwards, who left ITC to join Riviera Travel in July. Suzanne will report to National Trade Partnership Manager Gary Bates. In her role, she will build the southern region’s trade relations for the ITC brands, Inspiring Travel, Regent Holidays, Rainbow Tours and Spectate. She joins from Mundy Cruising, where she spent seven months as a Sales Consultant.
Agents invited to join St Kitts inaugural Travel Advisor Board
St. Kitts is looking for UK agents to join its first-ever Travel Advisor Board, on which they can share feedback and contribute to the island’s tourism strategy. In return, they will receive financial rewards, incentives, networking opportunities and an annual in-destination meeting. The board will consist of eight members from the UK, the US, Canada and the Caribbean.
‘Vast majority’ of Heathrow flights operating normally following cyber attack
Heathrow said the ‘vast majority’ of its flights are operating normally today following a cyber attack over the weekend, but it warned that check-in and boarding ‘might take longer than usual’. Several airports were affected by the attack, which knocked out check-in systems at Brussels, Dublin, Berlin Brandenburg, Frankfurt, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Munich airports as well as Heathrow.
Who is the next client going to book a luxury cruise with you?
Upmarket cruise line Crystal has profiled five different types of client likely to book a luxury cruise. Three of the five are ‘core’ clients, while the other two have been identified as ‘growth’ clients, which Vice President of Sales for the UK and EMEA Luke Smith said ‘is where we see future Crystal customers coming from’.
Which? reveals UK holidaymakers' favourite European city break
British travellers have named Krakow in Poland as their favourite European city break, according to a new Which? study. The consumer watchdog surveyed more than 1,600 of its members and asked them to rate their experiences of cities across Europe. Cities were ranked based on seven criteria: food and drink, accommodation, cultural sights and attractions, shopping, ease of getting around, lack of crowds and value for money.
Solos adds new light festivals for 2025
Solos Holidays has added two new light festivals for 2025. The first is a 12-night ‘Thailand & the Yi Peng Lantern Festival’ (pictured) in Chiang Mai. The trip departs on 1 November and cost £4,399 per person, including international and internal flights, private transfers, a double room for solo use, a welcome drink, daily breakfast, five lunches, five dinners, a sightseeing programme with an English-speaking tour guide and a ticket to the Yi Peng Festival.
Inghams launches digital tool pack for agents
Inghams has launched a digital tool pack to help agents learn about its ski, walking and Lapland holidays. The Remote Digital Agent Pack includes sales guides, images, social media information, campaign assets and training presentations. It will be continually updated to include new campaigns, which will be accessible immediately, as well the operator’s new Inghams Insights Videos that are currently launching.
Ryanair to launch new route to Italy
Ryanair will start operating a new route between Birmingham Airport and Rome Ciampino from next month. Flights will launch on 26 October 2025 and will operate every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. It comes just weeks after Ryanair announced it was extending four summer routes from London Stansted into winter.
Win a £500 voucher with Scenic
Scenic is giving four agents the chance to win a £500 voucher of their choice when they make a booking in September. The offer is valid on new bookings made between 1-28 September. One winner will be announced each week. Winners will be selected at random within seven days of the end of each booking period and will be contacted by their local sales manager to arrange delivery. Agents will automatically be entered into the prize draw.
Holland America unveils 2027 Canada and New England programme
Holland America Line has unveiled its Canada and New England programme for 2027, featuring 20 voyages across 13 itineraries between May and October. The sailings will be spread across two ships: Volendam and Zuiderdam Voyages will range from seven to 14 days, with the majority of sailings including scenic cruising of the St. Lawrence River and calls at Montréal or Québec City.
Earn a £25 Amazon voucher with Avalon Waterways
Agents can earn a £25 Amazon voucher with Avalon Waterways by making a booking for 2025 or 2026. The incentive is running from 15-21 September to mark CLIA Cruise Week. Agents will need to email [email protected] to claim their voucher. Avalon Waterways UK Sales Director Phil Shipman said: “As we move into the autumn, we know how hard travel agents have been working and so want to treat them with an incentive from Avalon Waterways.
Your Co-op Travel team raises £2k for The Brain Charity
The Your Co-op Travel team in Beccles, Suffolk, raised £2,000 for The Brain Charity by completing a 10-mile walk in August in memory of their former colleague Samantha Harrison, who died this year. Four Your Co-op Travel colleagues and their partners walked from Suffolk Wildlife Centre at Carlton Marshes to Your Co-op Travel Beccles on Market Street to raise money for the charity.
TUI hosts independent agents on Oman fam trip
TUI Tours has hosted its first-ever fam trip for independent agents, taking a group of eight to Oman. The fam trip followed elements of the TUI Tours Classical Oman itinerary with agents visiting beaches, mountains and deserts. Agents visited luxury properties, including Kempinski Muscat, Shangri-La Al Husn, Chedi Muscat and the mountain retreat of Anantara Jabal Akhdar Resort. A cultural highlight was a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
Ryanair and Skyscanner sign distribution agreement
Ryanair has announced its latest distribution agreement, this time with travel search engine Skyscanner. The agreement will give Skyscanner direct access to Ryanair fares and Skyscanner customers will have full price transparency of the airline’s flights and ancillary products. Ryanair also previously signed distribution deals with several other online travel agents (OTAs), including with Paxport, loveholidays, Kiwi.com and On the Beach. It also has a distribution arrangement in with TUI.
Wizz Air axes UK-Vienna routes
Wizz Air is dropping flights to Vienna from London Gatwick and London Luton airports, after deciding to close its base in the Austrian capital. Flights between Gatwick and Vienna will end on 26 October 2025, and services from Luton will be discontinued on 15 March 2026, when all operations will cease from Vienna. Passengers with bookings have been told to contact Wizz Air directly and will either be offered a refund or will be rebooked onto another service.
UK flights delayed because of nationwide strike in Cyprus
A three-hour nationwide strike is taking place in Cyprus today (11 September), with several flights to and from the UK affected. The strike action is taking place between 11am and 2pm today, and has impacted more than 50 flights, with 15,000 passengers disrupted, Cyprus media reports. According to Flightradar, a TUI flight from Manchester to Larnaca has been delayed by 50 minutes, while a British Airways service from London Heathrow is facing a 70-minute delay.
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