Everything from a festive itinerary that visits Europe’s best Christmas markets, to the world’s oldest travel company expanding into new continents, were featured at Selling Travel‘s Showcase event in Edinburgh.
In case you missed it, here are the key messages partners shared on the night.
Exploration-focused expedition cruises in Patagonia
Australis’s small expedition ships navigate narrow fjords and channels that larger vessels cannot, bringing guests to some of the planet’s most isolated landscapes on Earth, such as Patagonia (pictured).
Carefully guided landings with expert interpretation are deeply enriching. Australis prioritises authenticity, knowledge and discovery in one of Earth’s last untouched regions.
Three-day rail route to Salt Lake City
The Canyon Spirit’s expanded Rockies to the Red Rocks route includes Salt Lake City, Utah, connecting with Denver, Colorado. Over three days of scenic travel, the journey includes overnight stops in Glenwood Springs, Colorado and Moab, Utah.
The three-day Salt Lake City route is available in addition to a two-day route between Denver and Moab. More information is available via Canyon Spirit’s Agent Portal.
Pura vida in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s slogan is “pura vida” which translates as “pure life” and is a multifaceted phrase that can be used as a greeting, a farewell or even to express satisfaction at pleasurable things. The country is a year-round destination near the equator: that means around 12 hours of daylight each day and a tropical climate supporting rich biodiversity.
Arenal Volcano National Park is home to 75% of the country’s birdlife while Lake Arenal is an ideal destination for fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Surfing and whale watching are among the other activities that attract travellers to Costa Rica.
Cox & Kings shows off new branding
Established in 1758 and known as the world’s oldest travel company, Cox & Kings will be a global company by the end of 2026. It is adding experiences in Australia, New Zealand and North America.
Agents can discover the latest offerings by following the company’s trade-focused Facebook page.
Two new Mexico trips available
Committed to responsible travel and transparent pricing, Explore Worldwide operates small group tours with an average of 11 participants. The newest tour additions are both to Mexico. Its 12-day Upgraded – Highlights of Mexico tour ends on Cozumel Island.
Meanwhile, the Best of the Yucatan Peninsula eight-day tour starts and ends in Playa del Carmen, an hour’s drive south of Cancun.
Guatemala Insider provides selling tips
The Guatemala Tourism Institute this year introduced Guatemala Insider, an online training platform created to help travel professionals confidently sell one of Central America’s most diverse and rewarding destinations.
Across 10 interactive modules, users can discover Guatemala’s culture, Maya heritage, cities and landscapes and unique experiences. Along the way, you can test your knowledge, build your expertise, and gain practical sales tips to help match your clients with an ideal itinerary.
New Heathrow flights to Tampa Bay
British Airways is set to change London departures to Tampa Bay from Gatwick to Heathrow on October 25. Five flights a week will take off. ZooTampa’s newly redesigned Florida Waters exhibit tells the story of the state’s marine ecosystems and emphasises the institution’s manatee rescue and rehabilitation work.
Pendry and Moxy/AC hotels are opening in Tampa Bay, whose 140-year heritage of cigar-making in the Ybor City neighbourhood will also see the Inn at El Reloj boutique property open.
Christmas markets in four European capital cities
Looking ahead to the festive period, Travelpack’s eight-night Grand European Multi-City Christmas Markets Break offers travellers the opportunity to visit Christmas markets in Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest.
Priced from £939pp, the trip includes return international flights, two nights’ accommodation in each of the cities and rail travel between the four capital cities.
Prize-winning agents
Agents had the opportunity to win some great prizes by attending the event.
Snaps from the night
Sign up for future Connect events
Selling Travel will be hitting the road this autumn with a number of Connect events across the UK.
Join us for North America focussed evenings in Newcastle (September 21) and Chester (September 22), and Tenerife-themed Connect events in Edinburgh (September 28), Belfast (September 29) and Bristol (September 30).
Register your interest in attending these or other upcoming events.
See you in a city near you soon!
