November/December 2025
www.nitravelnews.com Continued from Pg. 1... provoking
Page 20: Robin Nowacki revisits the Polish Capital...
Page 22: Brian McCalden takes to the sky in Spain...
to secure memorable, and thought experiences
when embarking
on that much-desired getaway. There is a prevalent desire amongst the population to head ‘off the beaten track,’ when considering their 2026 holiday destination, with many desiring an enriching destination without breaking the bank.
Page 18-19: Tom Adair continued his Australian adventure on the Illiwarra Way...
Page 13: Nigel Heath is off and out with his wife Jenny on the Isle of Scily...
It is notable that despite the introduction of the EU’s New EES Border System in October 2025, the desire for European Travel has not faltered. In fact, Spain remains popular as a sought-after destination for UK and Irish holidaymakers in 2026, followed closely by France, Italy, and Greece. Lisa Hamill, Regional Sales Manager for Northern Ireland at Barrhead Travel explained, “In terms of destinations, Mediterranean favourites are still selling well but there’s a noticeable rise in demand for North African resorts like Tunisia and Egypt.”
Growing interest in Africa and the Middle- East is notable, with increased connectivity between Northern Ireland and Africa, such as direct services to Tunisia and Egypt available from Belfast.
Alongside, the increased
commitment of major Middle-Eastern carriers to the Irish Market, increased frequency on routes between Dublin and multiple destinations within the Middle-East has grown.
this,
In addition to long-haul
adventures to China, Japan and the United States are quickly rising up the ranks for keen jet-setters. I n c r e a s e d demand for the Asian market is forecasted for 2026, with local travel agents seeing strong interest amongst Northern Ireland’s travelling public for China, Japan,
and
Thailand. Damian Murphy, Managing Director of Terra Travel Portadown highlighted, “Certain sectors look like staying strong
with
CONTENTS | 3
the
popularity of the cruise market continuing. Long haul - in particular the Far East, notably Thailand and Japan, should remain strong.” Far East destinations such as China,
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STENA Line has confirmed a new four- year sponsorship agreement with Special Olympics Ireland (SOI), running from 2025 through 2028. Through Stena Line’s support, almost 7,000 Special Olympics athletes from communities across the island of Ireland will gain greater access to training, competition, and personal development opportunities — from grassroots club sessions to representing Ireland on the world stage.
This multi-annual partnership will help SOI expand programmes that build confidence, resilience, and connection among athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Speaking at the launch of this partnership, Special Olympics Athlete Ashwen Maliyakal (Basketball,
Killester Basketball Club)
said: “As an athlete, Special Olympics has helped me to develop my sporting talents, make friendships, and grow in confidence and leadership skills – it’s about helping everyone to be included and supported to find their full potential and be part of their community. It’s great to see that Stena Line are coming with us on the journey to make that a reality for everyone.”
Stena Line launches new 4-year partnership with Special Olympics Ireland
Japan, and Thailand are ideal for travellers seeking to embark on an experience-focused getaway, with the continent’s extensive offering of escorted tours, guided itineraries, and elevated culture. Not to mention, Asia’s cross-border connectivity benefits travellers seeking to embark on a multi-city adventure through the continent. “We’re continuing to see strong demand for multi-destination and experience- focused travel, as customers look to make the most of their time away by combining cultural
exploration with relaxation and
adventure,” said Claire Mulligan, General Manager of Clubworld Travel Portadown. “Destinations such as China, Japan, and the USA are seeing a notable rise in interest,
particularly for tailor-made itineraries that cover several cities or regions.” According to local travel agents, transatlantic travel is proving to be increasingly popular amongst the Northern Irish market.
Damian Murphy further
highlighted, “I think the steady growth we are seeing in travel to the USA will continue. I think we all have cause to be optimistic for 2026” In 2026, The United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary with many US destinations gearing up for a busy year of festivities, events, and celebrations. The United States is also gearing up to welcome the FIFA World Cup 2026, with sporting events taking place across multiple states.
As travel agents prep for January peaks, there is an optimistic outlook throughout the industry for what 2026 has in store. One thing is for certain, travel remains a top pick for 2026.
Croatia Signs Deal with Jet2 Amid Strong Tourism Figures
THE Croatian National Tourist Board made a flying start to the World Travel Market (WTM), which took place from 4-6 November, the largest in event’s 45- year history. Promotional efforts at the checkered
and visually impactful Croatian stand were spearheaded by the Minister of Tourism and Sport, Tonči Glavina, the Croatian National Tourist Board’s Director, Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board’s office in London, Bisera Fabrio, alongside 27 co-exhibitors. In an official announcement, the Jet2 Group, and Jet2Holidays, confirmed a major Cooperation Agreement with the Croatian National Tourist Board, solidified by the 825,000 arrivals and 4.1 million overnight stays to Croatia from the UK market, up 1% and 2% year-on- year in the first 10 months.
“We have generated an increase in arrivals and overnight stays from the British market, confirming that Croatia is bolstering its position among the most desirable Mediterranean destinations for British travellers”, said Staničić. Staničić continued, “On the occasion
of our participation at WTM, we took an opportunity to sign a valuable Cooperation Agreement with the Jet2 Group, which makes an outstanding contribution to the accessibility and promotion of Croatian destinations. In this year’s summer flight schedule, eight British cities were connected to Croatia via Jet2 flights, with a total of 16 routes. Such partnerships, along with ongoing marketing activities and a focus on high-quality offerings, further reinforce Croatia’s position as an attractive and well-connected destination.”
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