68 | TRADE NEWS
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Expedia Group Share Latest NI Insights with Local Hoteliers
NI Travel News’ Senior Editor Sarah attended
a recent Expedia Group
breakfast. Over breakfast, the Expedia Group team shared the latest NI market insights with onlookers in the Malone Hotel, Belfast.
During a sun-soaked breakfast, the team shared trends, demand patterns, and upcoming opportunities across the region with local hoteliers. The team also showcased to its audience how they can maximise its corporate rate strategy and unlock new revenue streams through Expedia. Thank you to the Expedia Group team for its important insights and hospitality.
April/May 2026
Hurtigruten Appoints Matthew Stuart as Sales Director for UK & Emerging Markets
HURTIGRUTEN has appointed Matthew Stuart as Sales Director for UK and Emerging Markets.
Matthew will bring over 15 years of experience in the travel industry ranging from touring, resort holidays and cruise across expedition to river and ocean sectors. He joins Hurtigruten from Celebrity Cruises, part of Royal Caribbean Group, where he spent the past four years, most recently as Strategic A ccount Manager responsible for several of the brand’s largest trade partnerships across the UK and Ireland. Matthew will lead Hurtigruten’s trade sales strategy
across the UK and selected emerging markets. He will
NI Travel News Attend Bajan Safari Roadshow Hosted by Barbados Tourism
NI Travel News’ Nadine Lawrence and Danielle Anderson were in attendance of the Bajan Safari Roadshow in Dublin on the 10th of March, enjoying a fantastic evening hosted by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, (BTMI) and partners. The evening commenced with a welcome
rum cocktail and networking, followed by a sit-down Bajan dining experience prepared by visiting Bajan chef Ms Rhea Cox, with cocktails crafted by expert mixologist Ms Shanese Phoenix, showcasing premium Barbadian rum. Attendees were treated to a delicious
meal, before learning more about Barbados and the significant updates for the island. 2026 is set to be a significant year for Barbados, which is celebrating 60 years of independence, and 5 years as a republic. This year will bring a range of celebrations, investment and innovations as well as latest offerings – new developments, upcoming festivals and a taster of all things to see and do in Barbados.
In addition to this, Aer Lingus have also introduced a direct route from Dublin to Barbados, which is set to commence on the 31st March 2026. For agents to elevate their knowledge on the island, Barbados Tourism
EasyJet Holidays Welcomes New NI and Scotland Trade Distribution Manager
EASYJET Holidays has announced its latest member to join the travel trade team. Nicola McCreadie has joined the team as its newest Trade Distribution Manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland. Joining from Bedsonline, Nicole replaces John Docherty who recently joined Wendy Wu Tours in 2025. Head of Trade Distribution Natasha Marson said: “We’re thrilled to have Nicola join
highlighted their Barbados Elite Club platform, a dedicated space for training and rewards. To round-off the evening, attendees were treated to a live performance, bringing the Island vibes to Ireland.
Team Orange. She brings a wealth of experience that will support our big ambitions and benefit our brilliant travel agent partners in Scotland and Northern Ireland.” easyJet Holidays’ TOOT roadshow returns at the end of March in Southampton, with planned events taking place across the rest of the UK throughout the year.
work closely with key travel partners to drive further growth,
strengthen the travel
relationships and focus on deepening engagement with
trade while
supporting Hurtigruten’s broader commercial ambitions. Matthew Stuart said, “I’ve admired Hurtigruten for a long time. It’s a brand with a remarkable heritage and a very clear sense of purpose and identity in the travel industry, What excites me most is the opportunity to work closely with
such a
talented team and travel trade partners across the UK and emerging markets,
with
the aim of introducing an even wider audience to the unique
experiences Hurtigruten offers in the Nordics.”
NI Travel News’
Editorial Team Attend IMM 2026
NI Travel News’ Editorial team (Sarah, Erin and Cara) flew to London to attend TravMedia’s International Media Marketplace 2026. Attending for the first time, the team enjoyed networking with new and existing contacts, as well as expanding knowledge on the latest travel trends in terms of media thanks to the fantastic line-up of speakers during the TravMedia Summit. If anyone would
like to contact any member of the team,
so via editorial@
nitravelnews.com.
please do strategic
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