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Milestone Collections Takes Flight to Raise Funds for Life-Changing Education Programmes


EASYJET and UNICEF have launched their winter onboard collection as part of their ‘Every Child Can Fly’ campaign, to support UNICEF’s work to tackle the global learning crisis. From Saturday 7 December nearly nine million customers set to fly with easyJet this winter will have the opportunity to donate through Cabin Crew collections, onboard more than 72,000 flights across 32 countries. This latest six-week onboard collection


marks the 50th in support of UNICEF since the partnership began in 2012. Since then, easyJet customers and crew have raised over £17 million towards UNICEF’s life-changing work, which has helped to protect millions of children around the world from disease, kept them safe during emergencies and supported access to quality education. Launched earlier this year, easyJet and UNICEF’s ‘Every Child Can Fly’ campaign aims to support children and adolescents to shape their future, by contributing to UNICEF’s target of providing access to learning opportunities for 114 million children and digital education for 148.6 million children around the world by the end of 2025. Globally, seven out of ten 10-year-olds around the world cannot read simple text or do basic mathematics. While significant progress was made in increasing access to inclusive and quality education, there is still a need for 1.4 million children to be enrolled in early childhood education every year and 44 million teachers to achieve SDG4* for education. This includes children like Khadija in Afghanistan who attends school thanks to the community-based classroom established by UNICEF in her village in Daikundi. She said, “If my classmates don’t understand the lesson, I will help them”, and added “And I will read the lessons to them again.”


Barrhead Travel’s New Store Opens in NI


BARRHEAD Travel welcomed guests down to the Barrhead Travel Newtownabbey store on Tuesday 3rd December to celebrate the new store’s opening day! Lisa Hamill of Barrhead


Travel said: “We’re delighted to announce that your NEW Barrhead Travel Store in Abbeycentre is now OFFICIALLY OPEN! We enjoyed a fantastic day celebrating with our team, operator partners, local businesses and of course our lovely customers. We look forward to welcoming you all in store soon.”


Travel Solutions Celebrate 10 Years


Flying To Bulgaria TRAVEL Solutions celebrated their 10th Anniversary operating ski charter flights to Bulgaria. Highlighting the anniversary,


the companies Managing Director, Peter McMinn said: “10 years ago, Travel Solutions re-introduced direct ski charters from Belfast to Plovdiv after a previous tour operator decided to cease trading. The team at Travel Solutions decided that we didn’t want to lose the direct flight from Befast as it was Belfast International Airports longest established ski destination from the city, and we arranged a weekly charter flight to the Bulgarian ski resorts”. Peter continued ”Over the past


ten years we have doubled the number of flights, used larger aircrafts with more seats and supplemented high demand


www.nitravelnews.com


January 2025


dates with additional departures. This season, we plan to carry close to 5000 skiers to the resorts of Pamporovo, Borovets and Bankso. Not only do we have more local schools travelling, but we now have regular adults and families travelling year after year who appreaciate the great value Bulgaina resorts offer the Northern Ireland skier.” Travel Solutions operate


weekly flights from Belfast International to Plovdiv and Sofia from Christmas to the end of March.


Travel Insiders Share 2025’s Must-Visit Destinations country’s


Tenerife Tops


Temperature Charts Again! IN a striking contrast to the chilly (and rainy) conditions which gripped the UK over the end of 2024, the popular holiday holiday destination of Tenerife has set a new record for December temperatures. Santa Cruz, the bustling capital of


Tenerife and the second-largest city in the Canary Islands, has made headlines with a remarkable weather milestone. A recent report from the local observatory, which has meticulously tracked weather patterns since 1920, indicates that temperatures soared to a record-breaking 28.6°C this December. This new high surpasses the previous record of 28.2°C, set on Christmas Day in 2009, by 0.4°C. The


groundbreaking temperature


was first highlighted by Ansgar Seyfferth, a statistics professor at the University of Alcalá de Henares, and has been reported by Canarian Weekly. With a population exceeding 200,000 residents, Santa Cruz continues to draw attention not only for its vibrant culture and scenic beauty but also for its increasingly noteworthy weather phenomena. As the region experiences these record temperatures, residents and officials alike are urged to remain vigilant


about climate change. the implications of


INDIA, Qatar, and the UAE have been revealed amongst the top trending travel destinations for 2025. According to new insights, the five destinations that have seen a significant spike in interest include India, Qatar, UAE, Thailand, and Morocco. India enquires are up by over 100%, Qatar enquiries are up by over 90% and UAE enquiries are up by over 50%. Meanwhile enquires for Thailand are up by over 20% and Morocco enquiries up by over 80%.


INDIA With


a notable surge in recent


months and around a 100% increase in enquiries year-on-year, India is a destination attracting increasing amounts of attention. Known for its vibrant mix of ancient history and modern allure, India offers an unparalleled cultural experience. Visitors can explore the iconic Taj Mahal, the bustling markets of Delhi, the serene backwaters of Kerala, and the royal heritage of Rajasthan. The country’s festivals,


food, and


hospitality are drawing a new wave of travellers keen on exploring India’s authentic


experiences. The interest


also reflects a growing trend towards destinations that offer rich, immersive cultural engagements.


QATAR Qatar is capturing the interest of


luxury and culture-focused travellers. Known for its blend of cutting-edge architecture and cultural treasures, Qatar’s appeal lies in its ability to balance tradition with modernity. Top attractions include the National Museum of Qatar, showcasing the


Qatar, a glamorous man-made island offering world-class


shopping. Additionally, the country’s rolling deserts,


UNITED ARAB EMIRATES


The United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains a favoured destination, showing an increase in enquiries year- on-year by over 50%. The UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has become synonymous with luxury, leisure, and modern marvels. Tourists are drawn to attractions like the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building; the Louvre Abu Dhabi; and luxury desert resorts that offer a unique glimpse into Emirati culture. The UAE’s theme parks, beach resorts, and luxury shopping further bolster its reputation as a premier holiday spot for families, couples, and solo travellers.


THAILAND


Thailand’s reputation as a tropical paradise endures, with its mix of scenic islands, cultural landmarks, and


heritage, and The Pearl- dining and


luxury hotels, and


activities like dune bashing make Qatar a favourite among those looking for a blend of luxury, and adventure.


busy cities. From Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife, Chiang Mai’s serene temples, and the white sandy beaches of Phuket and Krabi – Thailand draws a variety of travellers. The friendly locals, famous street food, and affordable luxury appeal to backpackers and high- end holidaymakers alike making it a versatile choice for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.


MOROCCO


Morocco is growing in popularity as a destination that promises a captivating mix of African, Arab, and European influences. Visitors are enchanted by the vibrant medinas of Marrakech, the blue streets of Chefchaouen, and the historic kasbahs that tell tales of ancient civilizations.


Morocco’s


diverse landscapes—from the golden dunes of the Sahara to the coastal cities of Casablanca and Essaouira— make it ideal for travellers seeking cultural experiences and adventure. Its traditional riads, aromatic spices, and lively souks create a sensory experience that stays with travellers long after their visit.


Data courtesy of Away Holidays


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