Holiday & Travel

Rail passengers are being warned to prepare for disruption across the Wales and Borders network during December and January.  

The National Union of Rail, Maritime, and Transport Workers (RMT) have announced strike action will take place on 13-14, 16-17 and 24-27 December and 3-4 and 6-7 January.

Despite the island’s growing popularity, leaders in Curaçao are not resting on the laurels of the Dutch Antillean nation’s post-pandemic success.

Ruisandro Cijntje, Curaçao’s Minister of Economic Development, said that even as the tourism recovery is going well and investment interest in hotels and attractions is strong, the future success of the destination resides with delivering experiences that are wide and varied.

Newmarket Holidays is predicting a surge in India tour bookings following the return of the country's e-Tourist Visas for British citizens this week and has launched a 10% discount on all India tours booked before 24 December 2022.

Prior to the pandemic India was a top-selling destination for the escorted tour specialist, but the application process for e-Tourist Visas for British citizens was paused in March 2020, and then replaced by in-person appointments that led to long delays in processing applications.

The Cayman Islands Ministry of Tourism & Transport (MoTT) has welcomed two new team members, reflecting the rapidly expanding variety of career tracks in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Eldon Chisholm and Watoya Stewart joined the ministry in November, bringing diverse skills and talents to support MoTT’s mission to provide strategic guidance and direction to the transport, tourism and hospitality sector.

Morecambe's iconic Midland Hotel is the latest acquisition for pub with rooms company The Inn Collection Group, (ICG) as the Newcastle-based operator continues expansion on the Lancastrian coast. An internationally renowned art-deco building in the Streamline Moderne style, The Midland has been purchased by the group for an undisclosed sum from its previous owners, the Clitheroe-based charity, Lancaster Foundation. 

easyJet has announced a new route from Birmingham to Milan in Italy, with seats on sale at easyJet.com and via the mobile app. The new route will take off from 26 June 2023 with departures up to three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays.  

Boasting a rich history, Milan attracts historians and culture enthusiasts worldwide with sights including the city’s famous gothic cathedral and La Scala opera house.

A total of 26 bus services that had been threatened with the axe are to be saved following a six-week review.

They were among 39 services which were placed at risk due to unprecedented rising costs following increases in fuel prices, driver shortages and reduced passenger numbers since the Covid 19 pandemic.

As days get shorter across the UK signalling the beginning of the cooler months, summer is here to stay at Cullinan Belek, the recently opened luxury property on the Turkish Riviera. Named after the largest rough diamond ever found, the hotel first opened its doors earlier this summer in June, welcoming guests to enjoy the turquoise coast, five-star service and lavish facilities.  

The global hostels market reached a value of nearly $5,741.3 million in 2021, having grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.5% since 2016. The market is expected to grow from $5,741.3 million in 2021 to $7,278.7 million in 2026 at a rate of 4.9%. The market is then expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2026 and reach $9,502.8 million in 2031.

Veteran Caribbean hotelier Jeremy Jones has been named Sandals Resorts International’s Corporate Director, Resort Operations – Jamaica.

Previously Director, Government Affairs and Corporate Services, Jones, who has more than 35 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, will assume responsibility for working with all resorts in Jamaica to maximize performance and profitability as well as team member satisfaction, in addition to some of his existing responsibilities.

This Christmas, IHG Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to relax and indulge at one of its many luxurious suites across the UK and Ireland. With plenty of space to unwind, enjoy a stay with extended family and friends in a selection of properties across the UK. The holiday season is a special time to reunite for a festive celebration and to create treasured memories with loved ones.

One of England's best-loved coastal castle's is also home to north east England's largest festive experiences, The Christmas Kingdom.

Perhaps better known for its dramatic coastal location towering 150 feet above the Northumberland coastline, Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland has been transformed into a whimsical Christmas wonderland by award-winning theatrical designer Charlotte Lloyd Webber.

Sail Croatia has launched its inaugural ‘Yacht Charter Report’, revealing the call of the sea is as strong as ever with a huge rise in demand for Sailing Charter Holidays in 2022, and a clear preference for Croatia as the ideal destination for one.

The report confirms Croatia as the most popular sailing destination in 2022 – with over 38% of yacht charter bookings worldwide taking place in the country and Google search interest increasing by 124% compared to ‘sailing in Croatia’ searches in 2021.

Nottingham's premier Christmas entertainment attraction is back with a bang as The Mellors Group, working with Nottingham City Council, bring the Sky Skate ice path to Nottingham's Winter Wonderland in Old Market Square for the first time.

Available all November until New Year's Eve festive fun seekers will be able to skate for 400m around the Old Market Square, metres above the crowds exploring the sixty stall Christmas market offering everything from hand-made gifts to delicious food and mulled wine from local and international traders.

The ultra-luxury Raffles Doha and luxury Fairmont Doha – which herald the entry of the aspirational Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts brands to Qatar – are now open exclusively to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 guests and the VIP delegation. The dual-branded five-star properties, housed within Katara Towers, have welcomed their first guests while supporting the nation's historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 by delivering exemplary service and truly exceptional experiences in both hotels.

International tourism is on track to reach 65% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2022 as the sector continues to bounce back from the pandemic.

An estimated 700 million tourists travelled internationally between January and September, more than double (+133%) the number recorded for the same period in 2021.