66 | TRADE NEWS
Advantage Travel Partnership Host Regional Belfast Dinner
www.nitravelnews.com
April/May 2026
Advantage Travel Partnership Unveil Full Agenda For 2026 Conference
ADVANTAGE Travel Partnership has unveiled the full agenda for its flagship annual Conference, taking place in Madrid from 11–14 May 2026. The theme for this conference
year’s is
‘Powered by People,’ a programme which
has
been designed to serve the full community — leisure
and
ADVANTAGE Travel Partnership brought together members and partners for a Regional Members Dinner in Belfast on 25th March 2026. NI Travel News’ Managing Director, Jonathan Adair was in attendance alongside members of
the Advantage
Travel Partnership team and Advantage Partners. Attendees were treated to a drinks reception, before enjoying a delectable meal in Tetto Belfast and embarking on an evening of connection, conversation, and collaboration.
business
travel alike — through a blend of high-impact keynotes,
practical
breakout sessions and a range of relationship- building experiences. Conference moderator Georgie Barrat, technology journalist, broadcaster and former co-host
of Channel
5’s The Gadget Show, will bring a distinctive perspective to the Powered by People theme, championing technology that amplifies human expertise rather than replacing it. The main stage programme will include: A powerful opening from Julia Lo Bue-Said OBE setting the direction of Advantage and the UK Travel industry
A sharp global outlook keynote from Mehreen Khan, Economics Editor, The Times, exploring the forces reshaping the world A lively senior leadership debate on geopolitics, UK politics and aviation policy, and what it really means for UK travel businesses
Future-focused travel trends and industry predictions to help delegates prepare for what is next
Advantage Business Updates with clear progress, commercial focus and what comes next for its members Practical, accessible AI insight with our conference host Georgie Barrat, focused on empowering people
A compelling session on values-based leadership and inclusive decision-making An honest and powerful
conversation
around mental health and wellbeing of the industry, reinforcing that people are people first Across the plenary sessions, delegates will hear from an exceptional line-up of industry leaders, economists and business voices.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises appoints Danny Giles as Sales Manager for UK & Ireland
HAPAG-LLOYD Cruises has appointed Danny Giles as Sales Manager for the UK & Ireland market, highlighting the brand’s strategic commitment to expand its presence across the region. Danny holds more than thirty years of travel industry expertise, including over two decades in senior sales and commercial roles. He has also held key positions with cruise and travel brands. His experience in the industry along with his strong trade relationships makes him a valued addition to the Hapag-Lloyd team. Clas Eckholt, Vice President Commercial at TUI Cruises said, “We are very pleased to welcome Danny Giles in his new role, where he will focus on strengthening our partnerships with key trade accounts, expanding brand awareness, and driving sustainable growth for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises within the UK and Irish markets. As an expert in the luxury cruise industry, he will
also help us sell our unique experiences, making him a real enrichment to Hapag- Lloyd Cruises. We are very much looking forward to working with him.” Commenting on his appointment, Danny Giles said, ‘I am delighted to join Hapag- Lloyd Cruises at such an exciting stage in the brand’s development. Starting in 2026, all cruises will sail bilingually in German and English. Beyond our already bilingual EUROPA 2 and HANSEATIC inspiration, we are opening every one of our award- winning luxury and expedition ships to discerning guests from around the world. The brand’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and delivering truly exceptional guest experiences aligns perfectly with my passion for the luxury and expedition cruise sector. I look forward to working closely with valued trade partners across the UK and Ireland to further strengthen our presence and achieve sustainable growth.’
Day two will feature a range of practical breakout sessions, giving delegates and their teams the opportunity to deep dive into the topics most relevant to their businesses, with all content designed to be immediately applicable upon their return. Advantage’s Travel as a Force for Good session
will offer a meaningful way to
experience Madrid beyond the conference walls. This year, for the first time, the experiences will be delivered in partnership with Intrepid Travel, inviting delegates to step out into the city and discover it in a way that gives back.
Delegates can choose from two immersive,
impact-led experiences. The first takes them through the vibrant, multicultural streets of Lavapiés on a street art tour, before rolling up their sleeves with NGO Culturas Unidas to help prepare snacks and food bags for local children. The second heads to San Cristóbal Market to explore CESAL’s hospitality training programme for young people at risk of social exclusion, rounding off with an Iberian ham and wine tasting workshop led by the students themselves.
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