56 | TRADE NEWS
www.nitravelnews.com
February 2026 45 YEARS OF CELEBRATIONS
NI Travel News bid happy retirement to an Industry Great...
AFTER 45 years of faithful service Nora Hanna is retiring from the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle. Her contribution to the hotel’s development over the years cannot be underestimated. She has been the point of contact and welcoming face to the many clients she has looked after over the years.
Many personalities have passed through the doors of the hotel over the years, and Nora has treated everyone with true professionalism. A famous face indeed among the travel and tourism industry, Nora has been helping guests at the Northern Ireland Travel & Tourism Awards for the past 34 years, ensuring the event runs without fault each year. Dedicated, driven and an all-round friendly
soul, Nora has become a great friend to NI Travel News across the 34 year span, and the team wish her every success and happiness in the years to come following her retirement. Speaking about his dear friend Nora, NI Travel News’ Managing Director Jonathan Adair said: “The Awards relationship with Nora goes back to 1993 and she has been our constant throughout the years. I cannot believe I will not be able to lift the phone and hear her reassuring me, don’t worry it will be done. Through the years she has built relationships with lots of the guests at the Awards, and when I meet them they always say, no problem Nora has been on already, I’m sorted.
Through our careers we meet a lot of contacts and colleagues, but Nora has become a legend in our office. Personally I will miss her very much,but she will be leaving us with the template for future success and 30 years of wonderful memories of our partnership. I wish her every happiness in the future, but I know the Slieve Donard will never be the same.”
Crystal Appoints Former Celebrity Cruise Executive Michael Edwards
partners as well as strategic growth in the UK.
Edwards holds eight years of experience in the cruise industry along with a wealthy 28 years of experience in the travel industry. He has a proven track record of driving sales growth, enhancing operational efficiency and maximising profits. In Michael’s new role he will focus trade
on driving sales performance and
expanding the market presence of Crystal. Michael Edwards said, ” I am excited to be joining the team and contributing to the ongoing growth of the business. I look forward to reconnecting with travel advisors across the UK and Ireland and working closely with them to unlock new opportunities and drive shared success.” Luke Smith, Crystal’s Vice President, Trade Sales UK & EMEA, said“Michael joins at an exciting time with Crystal Grace, our first ocean new build for the brand in 25 years going on sale soon, as well as several new agent-first initiatives on the horizon. I’m delighted to welcome him to the team and am confident that his knowledge, experience and impressive track record will prove invaluable as we continue to expand our sales presence within this important market.”
demand for holidays at sea. The conference will consist of conference sessions, a trade fair and a celebratory sail-away evening party. Andy
Harmer, managing
director CLIA UK & Ireland, said: “The theme ‘Cruise Ready’ reflects both the strength of demand we’re seeing for cruise holidays
and the wealth of
opportunities on offer for the trade. With more customers than ever actively considering a cruise, our role is to ensure agents have the insight, confidence and practical tools to convert that interest into bookings.
CLIA UK & Ireland Have Announced Theme For This Years Conference
MICHAEL Edwards will join Crystal as Key Account Manager UK & Eire bringing a wealth of expertise to the role. This new appointment will support the company’s trade
achieving
THE theme for this years conference will focus on preparing the cruise sector for continued growth.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland has announced that the theme for this year’s CLIA Conference will be ‘Cruise
Ready.’ The
conference will ensure travel agents have the knowledge, confidence and connections to benefit from the growing
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