PICTURE: Shutterstock/cowardlion, FramedBySachin
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Long-Haul
It’s been a strong year for many long-haul destinations, with expanded operator programmes and growth in trade enquiries
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Increased demand for long-haul holidays fuelled an outstanding start to the year. Kuoni enjoyed one of its best peak selling seasons since 2019 for long-haul, with bookings 14% up year on year. Top sellers were the Maldives, Thailand, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bali, Antigua, the US, Vietnam, Malaysia and South Africa. Popular destinations included India, Tanzania, Australia and the Seychelles. Titan Travel attributed a 35% year-on-year rise in sales in early January to growing long-haul demand, while sales of Newmarket Holidays’ long-haul escorted tours also rose 30% in the same month.
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Buddhist monastery, Nepal
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Bangkok, Thailand
Gold Medal began allowing agents to book some packages up to 2027, longer than its usual 11-month lead time. The out-of-date-range flights initially covered Florida and New York packages, with guaranteed pricing. Managing director Simon Applebaum said there was demand, but admitted the move was a “risk game”. Kuoni, meanwhile, extended its guaranteed out-of-date-range flights with selected airlines up to October 2027 for more destinations including the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Asia, Africa and the US.
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globetravelawards.co.uk 10
The fifth series of the BBC’s Race Across The World yet again proved a trade hit, boosting bookings to China, India and Nepal, where the series took place. Wendy Wu Tours reported a 300% increase in trade enquiries for China, its joint top seller for 2025 with Japan. More than 500 agents entered its China mega-fam competition for a chance to see the country. Wendy Wu also announced a Race Across Asia Virtual Travel Show, headlined by series four winner Alfie Watts and series one champions Tony and Elaine Teasdale. Great Rail Journeys said the show helped spark a rise of almost 600% in searches for China on its website in April.
During the peak sales period in January, dnata reported that the Caribbean saw “significant” sales growth, with package holidays to the region up 60% year on year. Tourist boards in the region also upped the ante this year, with the Barbados and Dominica tourism authorities agreeing a partnership to create new twin-centre itineraries.
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