Cruise line P&O Cruises is aiming to get as ‘many agents as possible’ onboard its ships next year. Speaking to Travel Gossip during one of this year’s Shine at Sea educational agent sailings on Azura this week, Training and Engagement Manager Stephanie Adams said the line is currently planning its 2026 ship visits and fam trips. She said: “This year we had 19 ship visits, two Shine at Sea sailings and our family day. It’s hard to put a number on how many spaces we will have at this point, but we want to get as many agents onboard as possible in 2026. “We will announce our planned programme in February, as our ship visits tend to happen between April and October.” This year P&O Cruises hosted around 1,000 agents on its ships. Stephanie said that, as well as hosting Shine at Sea programmes in 2026, she would also like to add another family day. In September, agents and their families were invited on Iona to experience family-focused activities. “Our family day in September was such a great success. I would love to do more next year. Getting agents and their families onboard is such a good opportunity for them and for us,” she said. Stephanie said this year’s two Shine at Sea cruises have hosted 80 UK agents, sailing on Azura from both Malta and Tenerife for interactive training and to see the benefits of fly-cruising, particularly for the family market. She explained: “We see fewer families on the fly-cruises, so we want agents to see there is a real opportunity to market this. We know that Southampton cruises will always be popular with families, but if you have customers thinking about these destinations already, why not suggest a fly-cruise from the Canaries or the Mediterranean with us?”

Nearly 500 members of the US travel industry have urged Congress to immediately reopen the federal government ahead of the Thanksgiving travel rush, as a senior figure warned of growing flight delays and cancellations. The letter has been signed by the US Travel Association and other organisations and companies representing the industry. It said thousands of federal employees, including air traffic controllers and TSA officers, are working without pay, while travellers continue to face delays and cancellations. In an ABC TV interview on Sunday, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that airport delays will get worse the longer the Government shutdown continues. “We will delay, we will cancel, any kind of flight across the national airspace to make sure people are safe,” he said. “There is a level of risk that gets injected into the system when we have a controller that’s doing two jobs instead of one.” The shutdown began on 1 October after the Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on Government funding of public services beyond this month. US Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman said: “Air travel’s number one priority is safety and while safety will be maintained, travellers will pay a heavy and completely unnecessary price in terms of delays, cancelations and lost confidence in the air travel experience. “Thanksgiving should be about spending time with family, not worrying about flight disruptions or cancelled plans. “The damage from this shutdown is growing by the hour with 60% of Americans reconsidering their travel plans. Congress needs to do its job. The fastest way to restore confidence and restart travel is to reopen the government by passing a clean continuing resolution.” The UK Foreign Office warned last month that the shutdown could affect travel.

Three Sandals properties in Jamaica will not reopen for guests until the end of May next year, following damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. Sandals Resorts International has said five resorts: Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Ocho Rios, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril will reopen on 6 December 2025, but Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals South Coast won’t reopen for guests until 30 May 2026 – wiping out the hotels' peak season. In a message to guests, Sandals said: “Just one week ago, the world watched as Hurricane Melissa grew into one of the most significant storms on record before making landfall in Jamaica. “Incredibly, we also witnessed something even greater: the unbreakable spirit of Jamaica, along with the incredible support from across the wider Caribbean and around the world. “Millions sent messages of hope and reached out to express just how beloved Jamaica is as a destination. We are so grateful to everyone who held the Sandals and Beaches Resorts team members, guests, and the local Jamaican communities in their thoughts. “The support and care we’ve felt has been profoundly moving, and it is already making a difference.” It said some of the five resorts reopening next month could be available to open sooner, but added: "However, we have made the important decision to set one reopening date for all, to offer a period of rest and recovery for our local team members in Jamaica. “They have faced numerous challenges due to Hurricane Melissa, and this will enable our team to focus on themselves and their families before returning to work.” Yesterday, Travel Gossip reported Hyatt Inclusive Collection has suspended operations at eight properties in Montego Bay for three months, after Jamaica was devastated by Hurricane Melissa last week. The country’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness described the island as a ‘disaster area’ after it was struck by Melissa. On Friday, Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett announced a task force had been set up to get Jamaica’s tourism fully operational by mid-December.  

The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has updated its advice for British travellers in Tanzania, warning against all but essential travel to the destination. It follows three days of protests last week in which hundreds of people are believed to have been killed, following last Wednesday’s (29 October) general election. The death toll is estimated at between 500 and 700. The FCDO changed its travel advice yesterday. Later it added another update, warning Brits in the country of protests and disruption to services and supplies. It explained its decision to warn against travel to Tanzania by saying: “This is due to disruption and unrest following the national election on 29 October. This has led to shortages of food, fuel and cash which have been compounded by a lack of internet services.” A curfew between 6pm and 6am local time is in place and there are ‘widespread road blockades and closures nationwide’, the FCDO said. It added: “Some international and domestic flights have been cancelled. There are no ferries running from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar. The SGR rail service is also not running. Check with your airline or travel provider for the latest information before travelling to airports or other transport hubs. “There are fuel, cash and water access challenges across the country. Some supermarkets are running low on food supplies due to the closure of Dar es Salaam port. Public hospitals are reporting shortage of medical supplies.” The FCDO has told British travellers to limit movements, adhere to curfews, monitor local media, follow the advice of local authorities and stay away from demonstrations, rallies and large crowds.

Kuoni parent DERTOUR Group has confirmed it will no longer take clients to attractions involving whales, dolphins and other marine mammals from this month. The company said its decision followed ‘a comprehensive review’ of its animal-related products. Director of Corporate Responsibility Laura Steden said: ”From there, internal discussions evolved into broader conversations with tourism partners and animal welfare experts. “These exchanges revealed a growing consensus: experiences that involve direct contact with marine mammals or encourage unnatural behaviours no longer align with the values we want to uphold.” As a result, DERTOUR will no longer offer activities that involve direct contact between humans and marine mammals, such as swimming with dolphins, shows involving trained performances, or any experience that requires marine mammals to leave the water or encourage ‘unnatural behaviours’. “This decision builds on our commitment to animal welfare, which is secured in our binding animal welfare policy,” added Laura. “We want to ensure that all our offerings meet the highest standards of animal welfare. This also means we do not support attractions that contradict the natural needs and behaviours of marine mammals. “Instead, we’ll focus on respectful wildlife observation and support conservation efforts through the DERTOUR Foundation.” In the UK, DERTOUR brands include Carrier, Kuoni, CV Villas, Journey Latin America and Jules Verne, Kirker, Solmar Villas, and the recently-acquired Inghams, Explore Worldwide, Inntravel and Santa's Lapland. Its decision to stop selling excursions to marine mammal attractions leaves TUI as one of the only major UK travel companies to continue featuring them. The operator has been frequently targeted by animal rights campaigners, who recently disrupted the ABTA Travel Convention by invading the stage during a panel discussion involving TUI UK Managing Director Neil Swanson.

Domes Resorts Director of Sales and Marketing for the UK and Ireland Penny Naoum has left the company. Penny had been with Domes for nearly six years and was promoted from Senior Sales, Marketing and Development Manager to her Director role in March this year. She has launched her own business, Penny's Serendipity House, which includes a consultancy arm offering strategic business, sales, marketing, PR, HR, and accountancy consultancy for brands in the tourism industry. Penny said: “Although my departure from Domes was very unexpected, I’m a strong believer that everything happens for a reason.” She said her new consultancy is ‘about empowering brands and people to grow with authenticity, purpose, and innovation’. In addition to the Penny's Serendipity Consulting division, Penny's Serendipity House will include a tourism and hospitality training platform and a publishing arm.  

Hyatt Inclusive Collection has suspended operations at eight properties in Montego Bay for three months, after Jamaica was struck by Hurricane Melissa last week. The country’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness described the island as a ‘disaster area’ after it was struck by Melissa. Hyatt Inclusive Collection Regional Vice President for English-Speaking Caribbean Irene Prado issued a statement saying eight hotels have suspended operations and are not accepting new reservations until next year. The hotels are: Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa, Dreams Rose Hall Resort & Spa, Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, Secrets St James Montego Bay, Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay, Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa and Zoetry Montego Bay. Irene said: “Our immediate priority has been the wellbeing and comfort of guests staying at Hyatt resorts. We are conducting a detailed assessment to determine the extent of the physical damage to all properties. At this time, the following hotels in Jamaica have temporarily suspended operations and are not accepting new reservations through January 31 2026.” “While our focus remains on supporting out colleagues and guests currently on property, we are also committed to assisting local communities and contributing to Jamaica’s broader recovery efforts following this devastating weather event. “Hyatt hotels throughout Jamaica will continue to waive cancellation fees for reservations through January 31, 2026, as well as room rates for guests currently on property awaiting departure back home.  If any reservations required pre-payment, guests will receive a full refund within the next 10 business days.” She added: “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this tropical system has caused an hope to welcome you back to the hotel once normal operations have resumed.” On Friday, Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett announced a task force had been set up to get Jamaica’s tourism fully operational by mid-December. The UK Foreign Office (FCDO)’s latest update says Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay has resumed a limited number of commercial flights. Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and Ian Fleming International Airport near Ocho Rios have already reopened.

Passengers booked on a seven-day Norwegian Star cruise from Southampton next year have been told they will get an extra three days on board at no extra cost. Norwegian Star had been due to go into dry dock at the end of the cruise, in October 2026, but a scheduling change at the shipyard means the date has been pushed back. The cruise will leave Southampton on 27 September 2026 as planned but it will now arrive at its embarkation port, Lisbon, three days after the original arrival date of 4 October. Extra ports have been added to the original itinerary, which included calls at Amsterdam, Zeebrugge, Le Havre, La Coruna, and Oporto, The cruise will no longer include Oporto but La Rochelle, Le Verdon, Bilbao and Vigo have been added and La Coruna has been moved to later on in the sailing. Cruise Hive reports NCL told guests in an email: “Following a change in Norwegian Star’s scheduled dry dock for technical enhancements, your sailing has been extended from seven days to 10 days. “As part of this change, the itinerary has been adjusted. “This new 10-day itinerary provides three extra days to enjoy these exciting destinations at no additional cost. “All existing pricing, promotions, and packages tied to your reservation will remain fully protected.” It added: “If you’ve added prepaid daily service charges, a promotional beverage package, or promotional dining package, those will be price protected based on your original sailing length. “Even better, the number of specialty dining package meals and wi-fi minutes associated with any promotional packages will be increased to match the new sailing length.”

New Entry/Exit System (EES) checks for passengers in cars have been put on hold at the Port of Dover, because the French authorities haven’t yet given the go-ahead, according to reports. The system has been in place at Dover for ferry passengers in coaches, as well as freight vehicles, since 12 October, when the EES went live. It was expected to be introduced at Dover for car passengers on Saturday (1 November) but has been paused. The Independent reports Port of Dover Chief Executive Doug Bannister said: “Following the successful go-live for coaches and freight on 12 October, we continue to work closely with our French technology provider and border authorities towards starting the EES process for car passengers. “Whilst Port of Dover’s facilities will be ready for 1st November, we are being guided by French authorities as to when we will activate. “We have asked for a minimum of two weeks’ notice to start in order to give us time to inform travellers and install the necessary signage.” The EES requires non-EU travellers to register at the border by scanning their passport and having their fingerprints and photograph taken. EES will be a requirement when entering Schengen area countries including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, as well as EU countries, but it will not be required when travelling to Ireland and Cyprus. British travellers will need to register on their first visit to a participating country after EES is introduced. This registration is valid for a rolling three-year period or until the passport expires. See the Foreign Office advice here.

Not Just Travel has appointed Hayley Edwards to the newly created position of Channel Partnership Manager. She will lead NJT’s Partners in Travel initiative, which helps consultants to build partnerships with local businesses, charities, and community groups, generating new revenue streams. The programme has so far brought in bookings worth £53,000, and more support is planned through new marketing tools, training, and events to help consultants scale their success. In addition, it has raised £12,000 for charity. Hayley’s travel career includes 20 years with Virgin Atlantic in various positions, including corporate sales, partnership marketing and supply relations. Most recently, she worked as a Property Consultant for Host & Stay and Sykes Cottages. She will be responsible for developing marketing collateral to help agents maintain visibility with their partners. She will also deliver training webinars and presentations at events, offering consultants strategic guidance on building and growing their partner portfolios. NJT co-founder Steve Witt said: "The creation of this role and Hayley's appointment demonstrate our commitment to supporting our travel consultants as we continue to expand rapidly. We're investing heavily in our team and the tools they need to succeed.”

Jamaica has set up a taskforce to ensure tourism is fully back in operation by 15 December following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett announced a Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force and a companion Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee will work to reassure markets, communicate updates and fast-track assessments and repairs for beaches, attractions and infrastructure.. The Minister said: “Recovery cannot be left to chance. We are aligning marketing, communications, infrastructure repairs, aid, logistics, and every enabling support behind a single objective: full industry operation by 15 December. “Progress will be tracked through the Ministry of Tourism with regular public updates, so workers, visitors, and partners can plan with confidence.” The Recovery Task Force is chaired by John Byles, Executive Deputy Chairman of experience company Chukka Caribbean Adventures. Minister Bartlett will be Chairman Emeritus. The task force will also include Sandals Resorts International Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, Director of Tourism Donovan White, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association President Christopher Jarrett as well as politicians, and other travel representatives and politicians. The Recovery Task Force will be supported by the Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee, known as Tourism Cares. Minister Bartlett said the task force and Tourism Cares will work closely with the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) to integrate lessons from previous recovery efforts.

InteleTravel will hold its second river cruise conference next year. The River Cruise Experience will again be an exclusive charter in association with Riviera Travel. It will be on board Riviera Rose, departing Porto on 29 March 2026. During the two-night sailing, there will be presentations, educational content, a treasure hunt and partner networking. InteleTravel UK and Ireland Managing Director Tricia Handley-Hughes said: “The growth in the river cruise sector and the addition of new ships for 2026/27 requires focus and education to maintain our momentum. “This is timely for us as we review our cruise training for launch on 1 January 2026."

TUI Group’s charity the TUI Care Foundation has launched an emergency fundraising appeal to support people in Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa. The foundation said it will match every donation made by the public, meaning total funds donated will be doubled. It said 100% of donations will go directly to recovery efforts. Launching the appeal, TUI Care Foundation said: “The hurricane has caused widespread devastation, destroying homes, schools and infrastructure, and leaving thousands without access to essential services. “Entire coastal areas and rural communities have been cut off by flooding and landslides, and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. The situation continues to evolve by the hour, and urgent support is needed. “In response, the TUI Care Foundation is mobilising its Emergency Relief Fund to provide both immediate and long-term recovery aid.” For more information and to donate, click here.

American Airlines is adding a summer service between New York and Edinburgh next year. Flights between JFK and the Scottish capital will operate from 8 March until 24 October on a new Airbus A321XLR. Tickets go on sale on 3 November. The new route compliments American’s seasonal Edinburgh-Philadelphia service, which started in summer 2025, and which will continue next summer, from 28 March 2026. Philadelphia flights will operate until 24 October 2026, using a Boeing 787-8 aircraft.

Riviera Travel recently appointed Gemma Ashworth as Key Account Manager for home-based agents. Here's what we found out about Gemma in our quick Q&A... I never travel without… my phone so I can capture all the memories in pictures. The famous person (dead or alive) I’d most like to sit next to on a plane is… Sir Alex Ferguson to hear all of his stories of his time at Man Utd. My weakness is… chocolate. The next place I’ll visit is… New York with my Mum to celebrate her birthday. The worst thing I've ever eaten or drunk abroad was… chilli Tequilla. My bucket-list destination is… Alaska.  Born and brought up in… Manchester. Live in… Manchester. If I could eat one meal for the rest of my life, it would be… a Thai green curry. It's always on the menu in my house. The emoji I use most often is… the love heart. The thing I miss most while travelling is… my three beautiful nieces, aged 16, 10 and five. When I left school, I wanted to be… a holiday rep. I got a job as a travel agent instead. The thing I’m most proud of is… being the fun auntie. I make up silly dances in the kitchen, go head down the giant slides in soft play, and the eldest considers me fun when I'm taking her on a shopping trip. In my new role, I’ll be… working alongside our fantastic homeworkers to grow business. I am looking forward to building new relationships and shouting about how fantastic the Riviera brand is. What attracted me to the job was… firstly, it was the team and the fantastic culture there is at Riviera, but then when I delved in deeper, the array of product that we offer really excited me. See also: Riviera appoints Gemma Ashworth

Advantage Travel Partnership will hold its 2026 conference in Madrid. The event will take place over three night from 11 May, bringing together travel professionals from across the partnership and wider travel industry for business sessions, networking and cultural experiences. CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said said: "Madrid will be the perfect host destination for our 2026 event.  A city where business dynamism meets cultural richness, creating the ideal environment for collaboration and growth. "Following the tremendous success of our Malta conference, which attendees rated as our finest yet, we're committed to raising the bar even higher and creating an unforgettable experience in one of Europe's most exciting cities." Registration details and additional programme information will be announced soon.

Panache Cruises has promoted Senior Partnerships and Marketing Director Anna Perrott to Chief Commercial Officer. Anna has been with Panache for nearly three years. She joined in February 2023 as Head of Supplier Relations and became Partnerships Director a year later. Before joining Panache she was Business Development Manager at Windstar.

The UK Government is to charter flights to Jamaica to help bring British nationals home following Hurricane Melissa. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it is chartering the flights to help bolster commercial capacity, Sky News reports. The FCDO said the flights are for those ‘who are unable to fly home commercially’, but said it is also working with travel companies to restore flights. Kingston Norman Manley airport was due to reopen at 7am local time today, but Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport has extended its closure due to 'substantial' damage. A British Airways flight from Gatwick is scheduled to arrive at Kingston tomorrow evening. It told travellers to contact their airline or travel provider first to see if commercial options are available, and if they have already booked a flight back to the UK, to confirm if it is still operating. It said it would contact those who are allocated a seat on the flights directly, and urged British nationals not to make their way to the airport unless they are contacted. An FCDO spokesperson said: "All British nationals who have already registered via the Register Your Presence portal will automatically be contacted and provided with a link to the booking portal once airports are open. "If you are a British national in Jamaica wanting to leave on a flight and have not already registered your presence, you should do so immediately." "We will prioritise those who are most vulnerable, for example, those with medical needs and children, in allocating seats on the flight. The cost of a seat will be based on standard commercial rates.” The FCDO said it would contact those who are allocated a seat on the flights directly, and urged British nationals not to make their way to the airport unless they are contacted. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "The UK Government is chartering flights to bolster commercial capacity and ensure people who wish to return to the UK can do so as soon as possible." Meanwhile, TUI has extended its package holiday cancellations up to and including 9 November. It said: "At this time we can't guarantee the holiday experience you deserve or expect under the conditions in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa." For those in Jamaica it said: "We understand this is an unsettling time and ask that customers currently in Jamaica continue to follow the advice of local authorities and their resort teams. Our teams are working hard to support those on the ground and ensure you have access to food, water and essential items. "We know that returning home is on your mind, and we want to reassure you that TUI is working hard to organise flights. Currently, Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay is closed, and we are awaiting confirmation from the local authorities on when it will reopen. We also have teams assessing the roads and local infrastructure to ensure it is safe to transport customers once the airport reopens. "Our teams will continue to monitor the evolving situation and work to confirm the next available flight schedule as soon as possible. We’ll be in touch as soon as we have more details, including your revised departure and coach pick-up times. "In the meantime, our local teams have already extended your hotel accommodation and are on hand to support you. If you need any additional help, please contact us via the TUI app, call our TUI Guest Experience Centre on +44 203 830 3111, or speak with your local TUI Representative." TUI flight-only customers will also have their flights cancelled, up to and including 9 November.   

Hays Travel has acquired 15-branch agency Polka Dot Travel. The agency was set up by Helen Johnson and Philippa Wilcox in 2013. Director Mark Johnson joined two years later. The group's branches, in the North West, Midlands and North Wales, will continue to trade as Polka Dot Travel and all employees will remain with the company. Hays Retail Director Jane Schumm said: “We are delighted to welcome Polka Dot Travel’s people to our Hays Travel group – their expertise, experience, and enthusiasm for travel are a significant factor in our decision to acquire the business from Helen, Philippa and Mark. “We look forward to learning from the team in Polka Dot Travel’s 15 branches. We know the Polka Dot team will benefit from the huge choice of suppliers we represent across long-haul, short-haul, and cruise, and the opportunity to introduce our award-winning foreign exchange offer to their customers. “Congratulations Helen, Philippa and Mark on building an excellent business with an enviable reputation for customer care. Rest assured that we will take great care of your people, and we wish you every happiness and success with your future plans.” Helen said: “The time is right for us to sell the business that Philippa and I established in 2013. Mark joined us in 2015 and was integral to our growth from that point. Together we have worked so hard to build our business and it’s reassuring to know that our brilliant people are now part of the Hays Travel family and that their jobs are safe.” In a message to staff, she said: “Thank you for being incredible, we know how much your customers love you and that you will fully embrace every opportunity that comes from being part of the UK’s largest independent travel agent.” The deal means Polka Dot Travel will leave the Advantage Travel Partnership. Advantage Chief Operating Officer Paul Nunn said: “It’s been a pleasure to support Polka Dot Travel since they opened their first branch door 12 years ago, and incredibly rewarding to be a part of their continued growth. “Although we’re obviously sad to see Polka Dot Travel leave Advantage, we’re absolutely delighted for Philippa, Helen and Mark on the sale of a wonderful business. We thank them for the partnership we’ve shared and wish the remaining team at Polka Dot continued success.” Pictured, from left: Hays Travel Head of Brand Graeme Tolchard, Jane Schumm, Philippa Wilcox, Mark Johnson and Helen Johnson

The pound hit its lowest level against the euro in nearly two and half years yesterday (Wednesday 29 October), as concerns grow over the UK economy and next month's Budget. Sterling slumped 0.4% to almost €1.13, the lowest level since April 2023. In the afternoon, sterling fluctuated between €1.13 and €1.14. The previous day (Tuesday 28 October), the euro gained 0.5% on the pound. A weaker pound buys fewer euros, meaning Britons travelling to countries using the currency will not get as much for their money. The pound also weakened against the US dollar, down 0.5% at $1.32, its lowest since 1 August. It is also at its lowest against the Swiss franc and Swedish crown since the aftermath of Britain's mini-budget crisis in 2022, Reuters reports. Analysts said factors affecting the pound’s poor performance include the threat of higher taxes in Rachel Reeves' Budget on 26 November and concerns about slowing economic growth. This morning the pound/euro rate is €1.135, according to Eurochange. Advantage Travel Partnership CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said said it is important that British holidaymakers are confident they are getting value for money in resorts. "With the drop in the pound, I would say it's unlikely we will see an immediate impact on holiday sales. Brits tend not to base their travel decisions on the pound's value and package holidays, for example, offer consumers great value for money. However, the broader macro-economic pressures looming with the impending Budget could be more of a concern," she said. “It remains key, however, for travel destinations to demonstrate their value to British holidaymakers, given the current situation with the pound."

Travellers to Cuba are being warned to expect significant damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in the eastern part of the island yesterday. The Category 3 storm passed through the eastern province and has now left Cuba. In an update to its travel advice, the Foreign Office said: “The full impact of the hurricane is not yet clear, but damage is expected to be significant. “The storm brought exceptional levels of wind and rainfall, resulting in flash floods, landslides and storm surges. “Infrastructure and services are likely to be severely impacted for some time. The national power grid in Cuba is already under severe pressure and the impact of Hurricane Melissa could lead to further significant power outages.” It urged visitors to stay informed by monitoring local and international weather updates, including from the Cuban Civil Defence Authorities, the INSMET weather forecast centre, and the US National Hurricane Centre.

Virgin is a step closer to launching a rival international train service through the Channel Tunnel, after getting the go-ahead to use a rail depot in East London. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) said today that Virgin can use the Temple Mills International rail depot, while Virgin has also confirmed its investment partners in the new cross-Channel venture. Virgin plans to run services from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels-Midi and Amsterdam Centraal from 2030. It also wants to expand further across France, and into Germany and Switzerland. If either Ebbsfleet International or Ashford International station are reopened in Kent, Virgin will also stop there, and it is working with Kent County Council and other local stakeholders to explore how to make this happen. Earlier this year, Virgin confirmed an exclusive agreement with global train manufacturer Alstom to purchase 12 Avelia Stream trains. Alstorm built the Class 390 Pendolino trains that were operated by Virgin Trains on the UK’s West Coast Main Line. Infrastructure investor Equitix will fund the trains. Virgin Group will lead the funding of the operating company alongside Equitix and private equity firm Azzurra Capital. Virgin Group CEO Josh Bayliss said: “The cross-Channel market is underserved and represents a fantastic opportunity for Virgin to bring greater value and service to customers, not just in the UK and France, but across the wider European network too. “We are pleased to be working with two exceptional and experienced investment partners in Equitix and Azzurra Capital. Together, this consortium will build a new business that does what Virgin does best – disrupt and challenge the status quo.” Leading the project for Virgin Group is Phil Whittingham, former Managing Director at Virgin Trains. Phil said: “Temple Mills has been a critical bottle neck in the process to launching a new cross-Channel service, so today’s news is a significant milestone for Virgin and a pivotal turning point for international rail. “Building on the great success of Virgin Trains, Virgin will deliver a first-class cross-Channel service that will create hundreds of jobs and support the modal shift of short-haul journeys from air to rail.”

Newmarket Holidays has launched its 2028 long-haul programme in response to a growing demand for ultra-early bookings via travel agents. Nineteen of the operator’s most popular tours are available to book for 2028, offering a collection of escorted tours across North America, Asia, India and Africa.  The operator has revamped several of its tours, and the programme includes a new version of its 14-day ‘America’s Golden West and Las Vegas and its 21-day ‘Classic Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos’ itineraries. Head of Trade Sales and Partnerships Hayley Morris said: "We know agents do such a great job of securing early availability for their customers, and we’re seeing increased demand from travellers planning their holidays further in advance. “Launching our 2028 programme early gives agents a valuable head start in helping their customers plan unforgettable long-haul holidays with confidence."

ABTA is inviting members to take part in a new survey so it can understand the travel industry’s current and future workforce needs. The Skills Survey, which will run annually, aims to gather insights from ABTA members on recruitment challenges as well as current and emerging skills gaps. It also looks at how businesses are using apprenticeships, graduate programmes and partnerships with education providers to attract and develop future talent. The survey findings will be used to inform ABTA’s work with industry partners to address skills and recruitment challenges, ensuring that members receive the support they need to attract, retain and develop talent. The survey takes less than 30 minutes to complete and responses are confidential. Take part in the Skills Survey here.

Virgin Atlantic is launching a new service between London Heathrow and Phuket, Thailand for winter 2026. Flights will operate three times a week from 18 October 2026, and the service will be the only direct route from Heathrow to the island. Virgin said that, by launching the route, it is ‘capturing the growing demand for luxury winter escapes’. Flights go on sale on 26 November, although Virgin Atlantic Holidays has launched packages with the new flights today (30 October). Chief Commercial Officer Juha Jarvinen said: “We’re thrilled to introduce our new direct service to Phuket, giving our customers a flavour of one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations.”