Partners representing resorts and destinations from across both regions provided agents with insights on how to maximise bookings.
Agents heard updates from Adaaran Resorts, AlUla, Attitude Hotels, Cinnamon Hotels, Expedia TAAP, JA Resorts and Hotels, the Standard Maldives, Sunlife and Sun Siyam.
Here’s an overview of key points discussed in Scotland’s capital:
The Maldivian resort chain with a notable lead-in offering
Adaaran is a chain of four Maldivian island resorts, ranging from budget all-inclusive to premium all-inclusive.
The Adaaran Club Rannahli in the South Male atoll is regarded as one of the best ‘lead in’ price all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives. It offers pristine beaches, excellent scuba diving and is just 45 minutes by speedboat from Male.
The five-star Adaaran Prestige Vadoo is a 15-minute speedboat ride from Male. The adult-only boutique resort has 50 water villas and a range of food and beverage choices in its all-inclusive programme.
A destination with ancient tombs, wellness and art
AlUla is in the northwest of Saudi Arabia and offers travellers a blend of ancient history with modern luxury.
Hegra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-preserved Nabataean tombs that are approximately 2,000 years old.
Sandstone canyons, oases and the world’s largest mirrored building, Maraya, are among the attractions in this desert destination that also offers contemporary art and high-end wellness retreats.
Attitude Hotels offers half-price stays for kids
The Matemwe Attitude, a four-star superior adults-only property, was opened in Zanzibar in November 2025.
The hotel group currently has offers across its hotels, including 50% off prices for children.
The Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa is now adults-only
The Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa had become an adults-only resort. It is one of only a few adults-only resorts in the Maldives and offers relative affordability as a holiday option.
It is a five-star property and can be reached by seaplane. Transfers are offered free of charge if seven nights are booked.
Cinnamon Resorts operates four properties in the Maldives and is part of the Sri Lankan-owned Cinnamon Group, which has a total of 12 properties in Sri Lanka.
Agents empowered to grow their business
Expedia TAAP offers agents a wide range of quality travel products, competitive rates and availability. The platform is optimised for ease of use and to deliver a world-class booking experience.
Its industry-leading technology, personalised service and access to a unique inventory and planning tools empower agents to grow their business.
New sporting and recreational hub set to open this year
The JA Sports and Shooting Club is set to open in 2026 as a destination for golf, recreation and performance sports.
It will become part of the JA Resorts and Hotels portfolio, which spans nine properties across the United Arab Emirates, the Indian Ocean and Scotland. Six of those are in Dubai, along Jebel Ali Beach and beyond.
The JA Manafaru – a five-star, private island resort in the Maldives – combines Maldivian culture and barefoot luxury with the option of snorkelling and diving on the house reef.
Giving guests something to dance about in the Maldives
The Standard’s new, premium all-inclusive package covers breakfast, lunch and dinner in a choice of four venues.
The premium beverage list includes free-flowing Champagne and over 50 wines from around the world, including Prosecco and other sparkling wines. Guests’ minibars are replenished twice a day to include two bottles of wine and two spirits of their choice, as well as beer and soft drinks.
The package also includes one complimentary excursion per stay, a 45-minute massage or hammam visit per six-night stay and up to 10 pieces of washing per stay.
The lead-in room type at The Standard Maldives is an over-water villa. All rooms come with their own private pool and a disco ball in the bathroom.
Five upscale resorts in Mauritius with unlimited green fees on Ile aux Cerfs
The Bay Club at Anahita is new to Sunlife’s portfolio of luxury resorts in Mauritius. The group’s fifth property opened in December.
The five-star resort’s villas and suites are on 500 acres of lush greenery by the island’s largest lagoon. It’s ideal for families and larger groups.
All Sunlife guests can enjoy complimentary and unlimited green fees on Ile aux Cerfs, the renowned golf island with a championship course.
App-y days in the Indian Ocean’s sunshine
All Sun Siyam resorts have their own dedicated app. A fantastic selling tool, each app can be accessed without a booking, allowing guests to explore resort information, activities, spa experiences and dining options.
The apps can be used to book restaurants and experiences in advance for a seamless stay.
Sun Siyam has six properties in the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The 10 Signature WOW! Moments, many of which are free, help upsell memorable experiences.
The new resort classification system helps match a client to the most appropriate resort, with active family holidays and luxury honeymoons among the options covered.
Prize winners
Agents present took home impressive prizes, including a three-night stay in a Deluxe Room at JA Lake View Hotel for two people; a champagne afternoon tea for two at The Ivy courtesy of Sunlife and 10,000 Expedia TAAP Reward points.
Event pics
Sign up for future events online. Latin America will be the focus at the Caledonian Club in London on June 1. Kentucky events are planned in Edinburgh on June 8 and Leeds on June 9.
View the Connect Calendar to plan ahead.
