February 2026


All-inclusive holidays have taken the largest share of bookings so far this January, accounting for over 40 percent, reinforcing a trend that gathered pace throughout last year. This shift directly supports the rise in average booking values and highlights a clear change in mindset: consumers are choosing value for money over the cheapest headline price. With food, drinks and often added extras included,


all-inclusive gives


travellers certainty and control over their holiday spend, something that remains highly attractive in today’s economic climate. For families and couples alike, it’s about peace of mind and enjoying the holiday without constant budgeting once they arrive. 3. Cruise is on the rise with more choice than ever:


Cruise continues to be one of the fastest-growing sectors, with cruise sales revenue up 23 percent year-on-year over the latest weekend. Demand is being driven by increased availability, more varied itineraries from summer sunshine to arctic exploration and ships that cater to every type of traveller whether its families to luxury seekers.Western and Eastern Mediterranean cruises are selling in equal measure, with particularly strong demand for Q2 sailings. For customers, this means more flexibility, more departure options and the ability to find a cruise that genuinely fits their travel style, whether that’s short escapes or longer, experience-led itineraries. 4. Booking earlier for the seasons that matter most: Summer 2026 is already the biggest-selling season, accounting for nearly 50 percent of all bookings, with May emerging as the bestselling month. Winter


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2025/26 follows as the next strongest period, with February of this year the most popular month for those in search of last-minute winter sun and escapes. This early commitment reflects growing confidence and a desire to secure the best choice of accommodation, flights and pricing. It also underlines why January remains such a critical month for travel sales and why enquiries made over busy weekends so often convert on Mondays, which continue to be key trading days. 5. Customers are prioritising trusted advice and tailored experiences: The final trend underpinning all of the above is the increasing value customers place on expert advice and personalisation. With so much choice, from destinations to board types, cabin categories and fare structures, alongside wider considerations such as increased geopolitics and changes to entry visas, travellers are leaning on their travel agents more than ever to help them navigate options and maximise value, which is resulting in more of our members attracting not just existing, but new customers. This is evident in destination demand too. Short-haul favourites such as the Canaries, mainland Spain, the Balearics, Greece and Turkey remain hugely popular,


long-haul demand spans


the


while USA,


Caribbean, Far East and UAE. Customers want reassurance, insight and tailored recommendations, particularly when making higher-value bookings, looking advice.


and are for expert


UPDATES | 5 Heathrow Completes £1bn Tech Upgrade


PASSENGERS travelling through all terminals at Heathrow no longer need to remove liquids or electronics from their hand luggage, or juggle plastic bags at security. The UK's hub has become the largest airport in the world to fully roll out next-generation CT security scanners – a move that promises faster queues, less stress and a smoother start to journeys for millions of travellers.


The £1bn upgrade has seen passenger security lanes across all four of Heathrow's terminals replaced with state-of-the-art CT scanners, capable of servicing thousands of passengers an hour with significantly greater efficiency, while maintaining high safety and security standards.


The new technology allows passengers to move through checkpoints more quickly by providing even better images of cabin baggage,


cutting preparation time and easing pressure during peak travel periods. It is estimated to save almost 16 million plastic bags per year which will no longer need to be used.


The transformation marks a major milestone in Heathrow’s long-term investment programme, designed to deliver a world-class passenger experience and prepare the airport for future growth and increased capacity. Last year, Heathrow was crowned Europe’s most punctual hub airport, with over 97% of passengers waiting less than five minutes for security, in addition to maintaining its position as the world’s most connected hub airport. Baggage performance improved to over 98% load rate in 2025, putting an extra quarter of a million bags on their intended flights compared to 2024, meaning smoother, more reliable journeys across the year for passengers and airlines. Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said: “Every Heathrow passenger can now leave their liquids and laptops in their bags at security as we become the largest airport in the world to roll out the latest security scanning technology. That means less time preparing for security and more time enjoying their journey – and millions fewer single-use plastic bags. This billion pound investment means our customers can be confident they will continue to have a great experience at Heathrow." The move will help customers flying from City of Derry Airport via its Loganair connectivty route.


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