April/May 2026 ... continued from pg 1


Page 26: Erin English tells a tale of two sides in Budapest...


Page 39: Brian Mcalden goes dancing in Salou...


Page 24: Cara Thompson showcases why Japan is built for solo...


Page 57: Sarah Pickering visits tthe brand new Bedford Hotel...


Emirates and Qantas.” The best advice I can give is to stay in close contact with your travel provider who can help you re-organise dates/destinations or obtain refunds if required. Once again the value of booking an ATOL protected holiday with a travel agent has come to the fore – with most agents facing a mountain of work but putting their expertise to use and taking the stress away from the traveller.” explains Damian. Lisa Hamill of Barrhead Travel too highlighted the importance of your agency during this time, but was keen to highlight how it’s still ‘business as usual’ for agents. “While there has been some short-term disruption to certain flight routes, the vast majority of holidays for customers here in Northern Ireland are continuing as planned. Airlines are simply adjusting routes where needed, and for most people, it really is business as usual.


With disruption brings a want to explore and this broadens the ability of new destinations to showcase itself to new visitors - travel agents in NI are seeing this trend. “Since the beginning of the conflict, we have seen a noticeable shift in booking patterns.” Says Savannah. “Destinations such as Spain and Portugal have seen increased demand, as clients look for safe, short haul options with reliable flight schedules. Long-haul


Lisa Hamill shared how


Barrhead Travel are also experiencing similar trends in bookings, with sunny Europe hot on the list for visitors. “Northern Ireland customers are showing strong demand for a mix of holidays. European destinations remain popular, Greece,


Portugal and the


Canaries performing particularly well.


Cruising is also growing,


favourites like the Caribbean, particularly Barbados and the Dominican Republic continue to perform strongly, as they offer a sense of escapism and stability.” With TUI offering direct flights from Belfast for its Marella cruise within the Caribbean in 2027, and Aer Lingus services direct flights from Dublin to Barbados through May, it’s no surprise to see a surge in these sunny destinations. Damian agrees, saying “Initial reluctance of people to book is now easing and destinations such as Spain/ Canaries,Portugal, France and even Croatia are attracting a lot of interest. The cruise market has also held up well and should continue to do so”


travellers.


with both flights from the UK and sailings departing directly from UK ports providing choice and convenience for our local Long-haul travel continues to


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CONGRATULATIONS to our latest competiton winner, Phyllis Gilliland, who has won an overnight stay for two (with breakfast) at The Marcus Hotel, Portrush.


Set in a beautifully restored listed Victorian building in the heart of Portrush, The.Marcus Portrush, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, blends contemporary comfort with the rich heritage and coastal spirit that have drawn visitors to the North Coast of Ireland for over a century. Boutique in scale yet confident in style, the hotel offers thoughtfully designed rooms that blend modern comfort with playful storytelling touches drawn from The Adventures of Marcus across the Atlantic, the hotel’s fictional explorer. Each space feels connected to the sea and the stories that have passed through these walls for generations.


COMPETITION WINNER


attract interest too, with destinations such as the Caribbean, Canada, Florida seeing lots of bookings.” Holidaymakers flying from the Island of Ireland have never had more choice, with top airlines and operators such as Jet2holidays, Easyjet holidays, Aer Lingus and Travel Solutions amping up destinations in both long haul and short haul capacities. So much so, Dublin Airport witnessed a 14% increase in passenger numbers in January 2026, with over 2 million passengers passing through its terminals in February. With this pace set to continue with the hopeful removal of the controversial passenger cap, Dublin Airport could be looking towards another record year for passenger numbers. “Despite global uncertainty, demand for travel remains incredibly strong people are prioritising their holidays more than ever, and with the right guidance and help of a local travel specialist, like Travelmax, they can still travel with confidence.” says Savannah. Those still thinking of booking their summer holidays are encouraged to look towards their local travel agent and invest in their experience to ensure your next holiday is as stress-free as possible. ““We encourage everyone to trust your travel agent. Our expertise ensures you are fully supported, and we are committed to keeping you fully informed with accurate, up-to-date and factual advice at all times. Staying in touch with your agent and remaining flexible are key to enjoying your holiday stress-free. Only rely on official and verified sources for guidance.” Says Lisa Hamill.


“Ultimately, the travel industry is very strong and resilient. Time and again, we’ve seen destinations bounce back quickly after periods of uncertainty. The message for Northern Ireland is positive - people are still booking, travelling and prioritising their holidays, and we are here to ensure every customer feels confident, informed and fully


www.nitravelnews.com


CONTENTS | 3


with Spain,


supported every step of the way.” Despite uncertainties and challenges, travel remains at the forefront of many minds, as we await the summer sun and the busy holiday season ahead.


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