Partners representing global products gathered in Manchester to connect with travel trade partners and showcase the best of what the world has to offer.
Here’s some of what they shared with agents at the networking and educational event.
Austria is also excellent in the summer
Think Austria is only about ski season? Think again. For agents looking to extend their Austria sales beyond winter, the country’s summer story is seriously compelling. When the snow melts, Austria reveals a lush landscape of dramatic peaks, emerald valleys and activity-packed lakesides perfect for hiking, cycling and wellness breaks.
Here’s a stat worth sharing with clients: Austria is home to more than 25,000 lakes, including some of Europe’s cleanest alpine waters. Even better, over 96% of official bathing lakes are rated “excellent” for water quality, making it an easy sell for summer self-drive and multi-centre itineraries.
Domes Resorts has a new adults-only resort
Domes Resorts has its own dedicated portal for travel agents, which offers webinars, training and incentives. Registering to become a Domes Resorts Expert allows travel agents to study online and become a certified expert in everything there is to know about the properties.
That means gaining knowledge to sell and upsell the luxury resorts in Greece and Portugal. Qualified experts are added to a preferred-suppliers list and are the first to receive destination news and invitations to events, competitions and fam trips.
The group is also promoting its brand new Aulus Chnaia adults-only resort and The Aulus all-inclusive brand.
El Gouna, Red Sea, Egypt regularly gives away fam trips
El Gouna is firmly on agents’ radar right now — and momentum is building fast. The stylish Red Sea resort has just announced a high-profile partnership with Aston Villa Football Club, with a major TV feature also due to air soon, which is expected to further boost awareness.
With easy direct access via Hurghada, year-round sunshine and accommodation to suit every budget, it’s a strong option for both winter sun and shoulder-season sales. Agents can sharpen their knowledge (and potentially bag a fam trip spot) by completing the five-module course at elgounaspecialist.com
Explore says cycling holidays are trending
If cycling holidays aren’t already on your radar, now’s the time to take a closer look. Explore Worldwide reports that small-group cycling tours are its fastest-growing trip style this year, reflecting strong demand for active, immersive travel.
These guided rides are an easy sell for clients who want to experience a destination at ground level. Travellers cycle through scenic landscapes and local communities alongside like-minded guests, with a dedicated cycling tour leader on hand to manage logistics and share expert local insight.
From a booking perspective, the grading system helps agents match the right client to the right trip:
- Leisurely – typically flatter, more relaxed rides
- Moderate – longer distances and some hills
- Challenging – hillier routes for keen cyclists
Most departures sit in the Leisurely to Moderate range, opening the product to a broad customer base, while stronger riders are catered for with selected Moderate and Challenging itineraries.
Explore offers full price parity, meaning all campaigns, discounts and even the loyalty scheme are fully bookable via the trade.
Address Hotels + Resorts holds a Guinness World Record
For clients seeking high-end Gulf luxury, Address Hotels + Resorts continues to stand out as Emaar Hospitality Group’s flagship five-star brand.
Known for prime city locations, polished contemporary design and strong dining credentials, the collection works well for both luxury leisure and premium business travellers.
A standout selling point for agents is that the Address Beach Resort holds two Guinness World Records, including the world’s highest outdoor infinity pool on the 77th floor of the hotel.
Expedia TAAP rewards agents with gift cards
A quick win for agents’ earning potential: with Expedia TAAP Rewards, agents earn £1 per point spent on eligible property bookings. Once you hit 2,000 points, they can be redeemed for gift cards from major retailers.
Another useful stat for reassurance: 95%+ of Expedia TAAP hotels are directly contracted, helping support rate competitiveness and availability. Agents can enrol at expediataap.co.uk
The Standard (Maldives) is promoting new Premium All-Inclusive package
Luxury all-inclusive has just levelled up. The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives has launched an exceptionally comprehensive Premium All-Inclusive package designed to drive higher-value bookings. Highlights include:
- All meals across four venues
- Free-flow Champagne and 50+ premium wines
- Daily replenished minibar (including wine and spirits)
- One free excursion per stay
- 45-minute massage or hammam with 6-night stays
- Up to 10 complimentary laundry items
Every villa comes with a private pool and signature disco ball bathroom feature, and notably, the lead-in room category is an overwater villa with pool — a strong hook for upselling.
Staff Travel Club offers special agent rates
The MC Collection, a Sales and Marketing company, promotes TreeHouse Villas in Thailand. It offers a dedicated agent zone packed with video, images, fact sheets, menus with prices and details of its sustainability programmes and charity contributions to the local area.
Nestled among ancient jungle and overlooking Phang Nga Bay, TreeHouse Villas Koh Yao blends organically with the natural landscape. The new adults-only luxury resort is set among the jungle’s canopy in a treetop location, offering an exclusive 32 villas.
It’s sister website, Staff Travel Club, offers dedicated agent rates for various properties, so that travel advisors can experience them for themselves.
Travelpack guarantees holidays three years in advance
For forward-planning clients, Travelpack offers a valuable edge: the ability to guarantee package holidays up to three years in advance.
As long as bookings are made as full packages with scheduled airlines, agents can confirm travel in Economy, Premium Economy or Business Class, ideal for long-lead weddings, milestone trips and complex itineraries.
Prize-winning agents
As always, agents had the chance to win fabulous prizes. Agents won a total of 16 hotels nights and one agent took home the top prize – a fam trip to experience El Gouna resort.
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