March 2026


ABTA Launch New Guidance For Accessible and Assisted Travel Needs


ABTA has launched new guidance to help travellers consider accessibility and assisted travel needs when planning a holiday,


travelling on


business or visiting family and friends. The guidance encourages travellers to consider accessibility and assisted travel needs across the whole travel experience, from the planning and booking process, through to travelling and experiencing their destination. It aims to help people consider whether they, or someone they are


with, have specific needs due to reduced mobility,


access requirements,


travelling non-


visible disabilities or neurodiversity. The purpose of the new information is to help customers think about their needs right at the beginning of the planning process, so that travel agents and operators can help find the holiday that best suits them, request any support that may be required and provide advice to support them with their travels. The guidance also includes a checklist that customers can complete and use as a prompt for discussions with their travel company, to make sure all areas are considered. ABTA is encouraging members to direct their customers to the new guidance and use it as a practical tool when speaking to their customers about their holiday plans and making the travel arrangements. Susan Deer,


Relations at ABTA


Director of Industry – The Travel


Association said, “We want everyone to be able to travel with confidence, and recognise that if you have a disability, planning


and organising travel can


be more complicated. However, as an industry we have an opportunity to support travellers and improve access to travel, by helping them plan a trip that suits their needs.” Deer continued, “At ABTA, we’re looking at this across a number of fronts. Our new consumer guidance was developed with the help of members, customers and assisted travel experts to ensure it covers the whole customer journey and addresses


all travellers’ needs. We’re


also updating our guidance for members, providing practical advice to give them confidence to deliver a great customer experience.”


Hays Travel Celebrate Apprenticeship Success for 2026 Opening Quarter


ALMOST 2,000 people have applied for a place on Hays Travel’s apprenticeship


www.nitravelnews.com programme this year.


The application process for this year’s intake, which offers places in Hays Travel’s retail branches around the UK, and Sunderland head office, opened back in January. Dame Irene Hays, owner and chair of Hays Travel, said: “Throughout


our 46-year


history we have always been committed to supporting young people and helping them to reach their potential.


It’s amazing


that 91% of our latest Level 2 apprentices graduated with a distinction,


including those


with barriers to learning. Their success is thanks to our brilliant Apprenticeship team and all our people involved in their development. “I am immensely proud that we have been able to support 60,000 youngsters through our apprenticeships, our graduate scheme, Community


Partnerships


our Local and


the


Hays Travel Charitable Foundation.” Training for the apprenticeship programme is provided in-house by Hays Travel’s team, with head office colleagues working towards a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner Qualification and retail obtaining a Level 3 Travel Consultant apprenticeship.


TRADE NEWS | 57


Tour Operator Sees 35% Increase in Demand For China


FOLLOWING the recent agreement between the UK and Chinese government that will see UK passport holders benefit from visa-free travel to China for up to 30 days,


a tour operator has recorded


significant increase in demand for travel to China.


Since the announcement, Wendy Wu


Tours has seen a 35% year-on-year increase in enquiries for China, highlighting the immediate impact of this new visa ruling.


Aer Lingus’ Taste of America Roadshow Success in Belfast


NI Travel News’ Nadine and Danielle were delighted to be in attendance at the Aer Lingus – Taste of America Roadshow at The Merchant Hotel on Monday (24th February 2026). A brilliant attendance by the Northern Ireland travel trade, with over 25 US Tourist Board representatives, showcasing destinations, experiences and attractions, bringing to life the diversity of the USA and Aer Lingus transatlantic network. Tastebuds


were tantalised with


classic American food – corn dogs, mac & cheese and more. Some fantastic prizes were up for


grabs including Aer Lingus flights to the USA – well done to the lucky winners.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64