62 | TRADE NEWS If Only
Announce Appointment of New Business
Development Executive
www.nitravelnews.com
IF ONLY has announced the appointment of Scott Sangster as Business Development Executive for Scotland and Ireland. Scott’s appointment as Business Development Executive marks the introduction of a dedicated new role specifically designed to bolster support across Scotland and Ireland. This strategic expansion allows If Only to provide more personalised,
localised service to agents in these key regions as the luxury market continues to see significant growth. Reporting to Head of Sales (North) Gemma Pinder-Davidson, Scott’s primary focus will be working closely with Gemma in expanding the operator’s footprint and strengthening relationships with regional agent partners and homeworkers.
The Road to 30: NI Tour Operator
Celebrates Major Milestone NI Tour Operator Travel Solutions is celebrating it’s 30th anniversary within the industry…
Advantage Travel Partnership Announce Partnership with eSim Brand
ADVANTAGE Travel Partnership has announced a strategic partnership with Hubby eSIM that will give Advantage members the ability to offer fully branded, affordable and instant mobile internet to customers around the world. Under the agreement, Hubby’s branded eSIM platform will be made available as a value add across Advantage’s network, providing
travel agents and travel
management companies with a ready- made way to keep travellers connected and to keep partner brands front of mind while customers are in destination.
Sad Passing of Well- Known Travel Industry Figure
February 2026
AmaWaterways Unveils Details of Refreshed Brand Identity
AMAWATERWAYS have announced a refreshed brand identity that reflects both its heritage and its vision for the future. Debuting publicly this month, the rebrand is designed to deepen AmaWaterways’ connection with guests and elevate the river cruising experience across its growing fleet and destinations. “Our rebrand reflects who we are today and where we are going”, said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. Powell continued, elegance
and to
“There is a warmth the new colours, and
a more authentic way in which we are expressing ourselves that feels true to the AmaWaterways spirit. We are bringing our personality, passion and sense of discovery to life more clearly than ever before. There is such an exciting momentum in river cruising right now and we want a brand that truly cuts through, that people feel connected to and
THE Northern Ireland Travel News
STARTING back on 6th January 1996, Travel Solutions’
Managing Director
Peter McMinn could only imagine what this local tour operator of two staff could grow to.
Who knew a weekend break booking to London would kickstart what has now become Northern Ireland’s leading tour operator.
From humble beginnings, Travel Solutions
began as a direct tour operator, forming trips to English football matches, escorted coach tours and family holidays to Blackpool. It wasn’t until 2009 the company began selling through travel agents; now boasting 80% of all business.
The tour operator has rapidly grown through the years with a now 75+ strong team, with over 40 of those based in Belfast. This
has helped not only allow Travel
Solutions to open a mainland UK office, selling through agents in England, Scotland
and Wales, but has seen the local company pick up a multitude of awards mainly voted by the travel trade. Travel Solutions has long developed beyond its football trips to aiding the revival for ski in the Balkans, The local tour operator now sees over 5000 skiers travel to the region every year. Of course, humble beginnings still remain and Travel Solutions initial product is still available to its local customers. Despite the astounding success, it wasn’t always easy. An Icelandic ash cloud, foot and mouth disease and COVID 19 led to battles for the company, much like the rest of the travel industry, but this now seems but a distant memory as it continues to grow from strength to strength year on year financially. A massive congratulations goes to Peter, Julie and the entire team at Travel Solutions who have built a legacy to be proud of in this Northern Irish company.
Team was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ken Smyth, a renowned figure within the travel industry across Ireland.
With a vast- spanning career, many would recognise Ken Smyth through his position managing the Sunbound Belfast Office
located
on Castle Street, alongside his roles in Chieftain Tours,
Aer Lingus Holidays, John Hill Travel, Budget Car Rental, and Classic Sports Travel. An avid fan of rugby and golf, Smyth was well-known amongst golf societies throughout the travel industry. Working closely with Aiken Promotions throughout his career, many will fondly remember Smyth rubbing shoulders with the stars, including Dolly Parton. Our thoughts are with Ken’s family, friends, and wider circle at this sad time.
know immediately what it stands for.”
A modernised visual identity anchors the rebrand, including a refined logo inspired by AmaWaterways’ musical heritage, a vibrant colour palette with destination-specific accents, and authentic imagery featuring real guests and crew. Travellers
and travel
advisors can now explore AmaWaterways through a redesigned website, offering a more engaging, and visually immersive way to explore AmaWaterways.
The new site blends inspiring
storytelling with
streamlined functionality, helping users discover destinations, learn about on- board experiences, and plan their journeys with ease. From richer imagery and curated itinerary highlights to enhanced booking tools, the platform is designed to empower users to explore, dream, and connect with the world of AmaWaterways in a more meaningful way.
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