Headwater Active Holidays has announced a strengthened commitment to the trade, unveiling enhanced support and bespoke training for agent partners as demand for self-guided walking, cycling and active tours continues to rise.
While agents have long been able to book with the operator, this marks the first time Headwater has formally set out its trade strategy as it expands its global product portfolio and activity offering.
Central to the renewed focus is a comprehensive training programme designed to help agents better understand the niche self-guided sector, equip them with detailed product knowledge, and support them in creating personalised itineraries for clients. Resources include in-depth destination insight, marketing materials and specialist sales tools.
“The training and support we offer is key to ensuring our agent partners have the right knowledge and tools available,” said Michelle Ventre, General Manager at Headwater Active Holidays.
“Our customers expect a tailored solution, and it is only right that we apply that same ethos to the bespoke training we offer agents.”
Ventre added that investment in the trade will be crucial as the operator looks to capitalise on rising demand.
Headwater has reported year-on-year growth, particularly across the Balkans, with increased walking and cycling bookings in Albania, Bosnia, Romania and Slovenia. Cycling holidays are up more than 10% year-on-year, with Austria, France, Slovenia and Mallorca among the strongest performers.
The announcement comes as Headwater launches 10 new European walking trips for 2026, with additional cycling itineraries set to follow.
The new tours include:
Walking in the Prosecco Hills, Italy: A five-night hotel-to-hotel walking break through the UNESCO-listed Prosecco Hills, starting and ending in Conegliano. Guests explore rolling vineyards, medieval villages and landmarks such as San Salvatore castle, with opportunities for wine tasting and regional cuisine. The trip is priced from £819pp with departures March–November.
The French Riviera Golden Islands, France: A seven-night twin-centre itinerary combining coastal trails, historic harbour towns and dramatic cliffs across Europe’s first national marine park and the Golden Islands. Walkers explore the Massif des Maures foothills and Le Lavandou’s beaches. Priced from £1,239pp with departures March–December.
Walking the Tatra Mountains, Slovakia: A seven-night hiking holiday in the High Tatras, the highest range in the Carpathians and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Highlights include mountain trails, waterfalls, glacier lakes and a stay at the lakeside Štrbské Pleso resort. The holiday costs from £959pp with departures May–October.
