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Universal Orlando Resort


THERE’S always something exciting happening at Universal Orlando Resort, with seasonal events and experiences that offer even more fun throughout the destination all year long.


Guests can now start planning their 2025 vacation to enjoy all the thrills to be had – no matter the time of year, from fan- favourite seasonal events like Universal Mardi Gras, Universal Halloween Horror Nights and Holidays at Universal, to hotel happenings and all-new adventures for the whole family. THEME PARK EXPERIENCES AND SEASONAL EVENTS


Guests can top off a day of theme park thrills with some of the destination’s most popular seasonal events, including: Universal


Mardi Gras: International


Flavors of Carnaval begins February 1 through March 30, where guests can celebrate 30 years of letting the good times roll all while dining on international cuisine from across the globe, watching a spectacular parade with dazzling floats and enjoying live concerts from some of the biggest names in music – from T-Pain to Joe Jonas and more.


Halloween Horror Nights returns earlier than ever before on select nights, beginning August 29 through November 2, where guests can face terrifying haunted houses inspired by cinematic greats and eerie original stories, sinister scare zones, live entertainment, exclusive merchandise and themed food and beverage items at the world’s premier Halloween event. Holidays at Universal begins November 21 and will run daily through December 31. Here guests can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with an incredible collection of festive experiences – like the awe-inspiring Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and a chance to meet the mean, green one himself – the Grinch – during Grinchmas. Guests can also admire festive décor across the destination and dine on delicious, holiday-themed food and beverage offerings.


Announces 2025


Destination- Wide Events


February 2025


TOPFLIGHT FOR SCHOOLS TAKE TO THE SLOPES FROM CITY OF DERRY AIRPORT


STAFF and student groups from secondary schools across the Northwest set off for the Italian Alps on Saturday 18 th January 2025,


marking the


commencement of the second year of Topflight for Schools’


successful


ski programme to Verona from City of Derry Airport. Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport,


said: “We are


thrilled to welcome back our winter ski programme for 2025. Topflight for Schools are the number one school ski


specialists across Ireland and are absolute experts in what they do. We are so proud to partner with them again on this wonderful offering for our local school children the Northwest, especially from the convenience of their local Airport.”


“With reduced travel time and cost for


Increase ETA Fee THE UK Home Office has announced plans to increase the Electronic Travel Authorisation,


UK Home Office Announces Plans To


otherwise


known as ETA, for overseas visitors. Currently, the cost for the ETA is


£10, but proposed plans would result in a 60% fee increase, updating the figure to £16. Suggested benefits were discussed in Parliament, with belief that the increase in cost would result in a ‘streamlined’


Eva Air Ranks Seventh In World’s Safest


Airlines 2025 Rating EVA AIR has ranked seventh among AirlineRatings.com’s “Top 25 Safest Full-Service Airlines for 2025”. This marks the airline’s twelfth consecutive year of earning a place among the website’s global ratings for the safest airlines worldwide. The website’s comprehensive safety- rating factors include audits from aviation’s governing and industry bodies, government reviews, the airline’s crash and serious incident record, profitability, industry-leading safety initiatives, and fleet age.


Since its founding in 1989, EVA Air has maintained an impeccable safety record with no major accidents. From the beginning, the airline has consistently prioritised flight safety and exceptional service, earning awards and accolades from organisations around the globe year after year.


school representatives and parents in their journey to the Airport, and a time of less than 15 minutes from the carpark to the departure gate for school staff and children travelling, we pride ourselves on providing a fast, friendly and relaxing experience at City of Derry Airport.” Martin Turbitt, Ski Sales Specialist at


Topflight For Schools said: “Topflight For Schools is delighted to once again operate a direct flight from City of Derry Airport to Verona, Italy, offering schools in the Northwest a seamless opportunity to experience the magic of Italy’s snow- covered slopes.”


“Building on the tremendous success of the 2024 ski season, this year’s 180-seater flight will transport eager students and


immigration system,


enhancing both speed and security. However, the proposed increase as not been welcomed by the UK Tourism industry and businesses.


Joss Croft OBE and Chief Executive of UKinbound commented that, “The decision to increase Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costs by 60% is a staggering blow to the UK’s tourism industry and businesses


across the


country. This change comes at the worst time, just as ETA requirements for all non-visa national visitors are rolled out from 2 April.”


Finnair Expands Codeshare with British Airways


FINNAIR has expanded its codeshare with oneworld alliance member, British Airways, as the Finnish airline continues to expand its reach in the UK and targets new customers in the Channel Islands and Gibraltar.


The expanded agreement will see Finnair add its code to an additional seven of British Airways’ domestic routes, enabling customers to benefit from increased connectivity when travelling to Finland and beyond. With immediate effect, Finnair will add its code to British Airways flights between London Heathrow and Aberdeen, Belfast City, Gibraltar, Inverness, Jersey, Manchester and Newcastle.


The move will enable customers to book the above services directly via Finnair, allowing travellers to fly from their chosen regional airport with British Airways, before connecting onto Finnair flights at Heathrow Airport.


came for


The new scheme into


effect 48 countries


back on the 8th of January, where travellers visiting


teachers directly to the heart of Italy’s premier ski destinations. Departing from a convenient local hub, the flight has proven to be an attractive option for regular school groups and first-time trip organisers alike.” “We are thrilled to provide local schools with a convenient and hassle-free way to introduce their students to the joys of skiing.”


“City of Derry Airport offers unmatched accessibility for schools in the northwest, and we’re excited to see so many new groups join our ski tours this year.” Following the high level of interest received on the ski programme across the Northwest, seats have now been released for families and groups to avail of on the Verona service for January and February 2025. Flights are priced from £99pp one way for seat only, including taxes and 20kg hold luggage. Full details on flights are available on the Airport website, along with recommendations on resorts and transfers: www.cityofderryairport. com.


the UK for less than six months on tourism, business or study grounds are now required to apply for an ETA to gain entry to the UK. However, the scheme will be further rolled out to all non-visa national visitors on 2 April 2025. Croft continued, “There is a false assumption that international visitors will continue to choose the UK, even if we hike up prices. International tourism is a competitive industry and the two key motivators to visit a destination are value for money and the quality of welcome. This move damages our standing on both fronts.”


Spotlight on Royal Portrush in New Series of ‘Golf’s


Greatest Holes’


A new series of the popular TV show Golf’s Greatest Holes premiered on Sky Sports on 28 January and will be viewed by millions of golf fans across GB. This special six- part series, co-produced by Tourism Ireland, will be devoted entirely to the challenging 18 holes of the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush, ahead of its staging of the 153 rd Open Championship this summer.


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