Irish Travel Trade Network

ITTN’s Katie joined key travel trade on Friday for a wonderful cruise ship visit on Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady as she docked in Dun Laoghaire Harbour for the first time ever! In June this year, Valiant Lady got a refresh and returned this summer with “even more glam, more vibes and a glow up that has made her ready for a Euro summer”. The second Lady Ship – originally launched in 2021 – now has new dining, redesigned spaces and a wave of 20+ new Happenings.

Royalton Hotels & Resorts continues to demonstrate its commitment to the travel trade across the UK and Ireland with the launch of another strong double rewards booking incentive. With a focus on its property in Grenada – the Royalton Grenada, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – this new incentive offers double cash rewards of up to £40 on every single room booked and logged before 31 August 2026.

Celebrity Cruises has unveiled its 2028 and 2029 deployment, featuring an expansive Europe season and extraordinary journeys across all seven continents. The lineup brings new ports of call, extended seasons in sought-after destinations, and more opportunities to discover every corner of the world. For the first time, four Edge Series ships — including a renewed Celebrity Beyond — will sail Europe, while immersive itineraries span Alaska, Asia, Australia, New England, and South America.

Shangri-La Group has expanded its JEN by Shangri-La portfolio with the soft opening of JEN Hangzhou by Shangri-La, marking the brand’s debut in the Chinese city. The new property is the 10th JEN hotel globally and brings the brand’s ‘Live New Asia’ concept to Hangzhou, combining contemporary hospitality with elements inspired by the city’s culture and heritage. Located in Gongshu District within Hangzhou Kerry Plaza, JEN Hangzhou occupies the former site of the historic Hangzhou Oxygen Plant.

Pharmacy, health and beauty retailer Boots has unveiled a new store at Belfast City Airport. The store, which has created 13 permanent jobs, alongside additional seasonal opportunities, officially opened its doors on 5th August 2026, allowing customers to pick up all their summer travel essentials before they fly. Boots now brings its trusted range of health, beauty and wellness products to Belfast City Airport, offering passengers convenient access to everyday essentials.

Emirates Skywards, the loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, is once again partnering with Moët Hennessy to offer members an extraordinary money-can’t-buy experience through Skywards Exclusives. The exclusive four-night journey through France’s celebrated Champagne region and Paris, will showcase the pinnacle of French hospitality, exceptional gastronomy and the heritage behind some of the world’s most prestigious champagne maisons.

Marella Cruises is expanding its drinks offering with 18 new alcohol free cocktails, six 0% ABV spirits, four 0% wines, plus non-alcoholic beer and cider alternatives. From August 2026, all guests sailing on Marella Cruises will be able to enjoy an expanded range of non-alcoholic drinks as part of the line’s All Inclusive offering, while guests upgrading to Premium All Inclusive will also have access to a selection of 0% ABV spirits and alcohol free cocktails.

Many travellers have long overlooked Asia’s low season, yet for those prepared to travel outside the traditional holiday peaks, it reveals a completely different side of the region. Lush green landscapes, quieter attractions, seasonal festivals, exceptional value and a slower pace create experiences that aren’t available at other times of the year.

From stargazing and sensory adventures to after-dark historical tours, Lithuania reveals a different side of the Baltics after sunset. When darkness falls across Lithuania, the country transforms into one of Europe’s most intriguing destinations for night tourism. Lithuania is inviting visitors to experience the Baltics after dark through immersive experiences that combine astronomy, history, nature and sensory exploration.

Radisson Blu Athlone has announced a new partnership with Athlone Town AFC, as the riverfront hotel becomes the club’s official hotel partner. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to supporting local sport, strengthening community ties and championing the continued growth of women’s football in the region.