The Old Library in Birmingham and Crowne Plaza Leeds by IHG were the venues for the last two Selling Travel Connect events of 2025.
The theme was Africa and the partners present conveyed the key points below to travel agents:
Asilia Edit and a luxury lodge will debut in Uganda
Asilia Africa is a B Corp-certified member of the Nawiri Group and takes its name from the Swahili words for ‘authentic’ and ‘genuine’ – values which define what the company does.
2026 will be Asilia’s biggest year yet, with the introduction of the Erebero Hills luxury lodge in Uganda in August and the takeover of the management of another popular camp in the Mara.
Additionally, the Asilia Edit debuts with four curated small-group tours, offering fixed departures, dedicated hosts, and cost-efficient options for clients seeking hassle-free, experience-rich safaris.
Trade-friendly brochures and new adventures in Algeria
Explore offers authentic, small-group adventures with an average group size of 11. Explore’s trade-friendly, sustainable brochures for 2026-27 are now available and feature ‘Six reasons to book through a Travel Agent’ and travel agent calls to action.
Explore has nine different trip styles to choose from across Africa, including challenging treks, wildlife encounters, festival departures, cultural tours, cycling, family adventures and an upgraded collection.
The brochure Don’t Just Travel, Explore! includes new adventures in Algeria, additions to the Upgraded collection, plus inspiring food and drink-themed trips, walking, cycling and wildlife holidays.
Safaris for all travellers and budgets
Major Safari was introduced in 2022, specialising in creating unforgettable safari experiences, primarily across Africa but also in other destinations around the world. With dedicated Africa reservations teams based in London and Cape Town, Major Safari designs tailor-made itineraries to destinations including Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Safaris to suit every traveller and budget are available, from scheduled seat-in-vehicle tours to private journeys, mid-range adventures to ultra-luxury lodge stays and even scenic rail expeditions.
Flat-bed Business seating from Heathrow to Kigali
Rwanda’s national carrier currently flies to more than 20 destinations across Africa, including Kigali, Nairobi, Mombasa, Zanzibar, Johannesburg, Harare, Lagos, Entebbe, Lusaka, Accra, Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Douala. Four flights a week from Kigali to Zanzibar and Mombasa were recently introduced.
Daily non-stop flights from London Heathrow’s Terminal 4 have a journey time of 8.5 hours in Airbus A330 aircraft with Business and Economy cabins. All flights offer seamless connections within three hours of arriving at Rwandair’s Kigali hub.
Guaranteed holidays up to three years in advance with Travelpack
Travelpack is one of the UK’s leading independent tour operators, offering tailor-made holidays, flights, tours and packages to destinations around the globe. With over 44 years of experience, Travelpack takes pride in providing exceptional service and unbeatable value to travel agent partners.
Holidays can be guaranteed for up to three years in advance as long as it’s a full package using a scheduled airline, Travelpack can confirm bookings with Economy, Premium Economy or Business Class flights.
Connections to African destinations and beyond through South African Airways
South Africa’s national carrier is one of Africa’s oldest airlines and plays a vital role in connecting the country domestically, regionally and internationally. It is a Star Alliance member.
South African Airways serves as a hub-and-spoke carrier, connecting South Africa with destinations including Gaborone, Lusaka, Windhoek, Harare, Dar Es Salaam, Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Lagos, Accra, Mauritius, Victoria Falls, Abidjan and intercontinental routes to Perth and São Paulo.
Travel Promoters has a portfolio of luxury properties in Africa
Agents seeking inspiration and training in selling Africa and the Indian Ocean will find Travel Promoters an invaluable partner. Travel Promoters represents a diverse portfolio of carefully selected luxury properties.
Passionate about Africa, the team is there to support travel agents with catch‑ups, training sessions and product updates. Its members look forward to introducing the collection across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa and the Maldives.
Four flights a week to ‘the pearl of Africa’ with Uganda Airlines
Uganda’s national carrier’s main international hub is at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), serving 17 destinations in 13 countries. Uganda Airlines offers competitive fares, seamless connections and an exceptional onboard experience embodying the warmth and spirit of Africa. The modern fleet includes Airbus A330-800neo and Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft.
Uganda Airlines operates four weekly flights from London Gatwick to Entebbe on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The Airbus A330-800neo has Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
Prize draws during Selling Travel Connect: Africa
The evening concluded with prize draws. As at all Selling Travel Connect events, travel agents had opportunities to drop their business cards and enter prize draws while meeting with suppliers. Prizes on offer ranged from goody bags to bottles of wine and experience vouchers.
Prize winners in Birmingham
Prize winners in Leeds
Selling Travel Connect in 2026
We look forward to hosting further Selling Travel Connect events in 2026.
Please check the Connect Calendar for details about their focus, dates and venues.
