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At Exoticca, we’re already booking into 2027 and offering your clients access to some of ourmost in-demand destinations with guaranteed departure date.The world is opening wider than ever and your clients are ready to see it all. Whether it's along-awaited dream holiday, a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, or simply a reason to lookforward to something unforgettable, now is the time to plan ahead and travel far.27 and beyond7Queen VictoriaBY ISLA WILSONPartnership Development Manager,Scotland & Northern Ireland,P&O CruisesFROM SEA TO SHORE:MY JOURNEY THROUGHTHE CRUISE INDUSTRYIf you’d told me back in 2013 that a Skype interview in my pyjamas and a suit jacket would kickstart a decade-long career at sea, I’d have laughed but that’s exactly how it began. Aft er backpacking solo around Europe for six weeks, I fell head over heels for the world of travel. I knew I wanted to keep exploring, and working on cruise ships seemed like the perfect way to do it.I joined Princess Cruises as a bartender, and from the momentI stepped onboard I was hooked! Life at sea was vibrant, fastpaced and full of people from all over the world. My fi rst role was all about creati ng memorable moments for guests, whether it was craft ing the perfect cocktail or simply being a friendly face aft er a long day ashore. I was soon promoted to Captain Circle Hostess, looking aft er our Loyalty guests - a role that taught me the value of personal connecti on and the power of small gestures. From there, I moved into Guest Services and eventually joined the travelling corporate team, overseeing the groups, events and weddings programme across the fl eet. I led a team that helped guests celebrate life’s biggest milestones onboard, from surprise proposals in Santorini to naming ceremonies for new ships. Over the years, I worked three world cruises - each one a whirlwind of cultures, ports and personaliti es. There’s something magical about waking up in a new country every few days, and I’ll never forget the feeling of sailing into Sydney Harbour at sunrise or watching the Northern Lights dance above the Arcti c Circle. I’ve met some truly remarkable people at sea - guests who’ve sailed with us for decades, crew members who became lifelong friends and colleagues who inspired me every day. One guest in parti cular stands out: a woman who had lost her husband and was travelling solo for the fi rst ti me. We connected over shared stories, and by the end of the cruise she told me it had been the most healing experience of her life. Moments like that remind me why I love this industry.And then there was the couple who gave me the most memorable ti p I’ve ever received - not money, but kindness. They surprised me by arranging an evening off , paid for me to get my hair done in the onboard spa and took me out for dinner. It wasn’t about the expense; it was the thought and eff ort that made me feel so special. This year, I made the bitt ersweet decision to return home to Scotland permanently. It wasn’t easy to leave the sea behind, but I’m thrilled to have joined the P&O Cruises team as partnership development manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland. My role now focuses on building relati onships with travel agents and business managers, and growing awareness of our brand.Cruising has shaped who I am. It’s given me a career, a community and a global perspecti ve. And while I may be landbased now, the sea will always be a part of my story.I was soon promoted to Captain Circle Hostess, looking aft er And then there was the couple who gave me the most Queen Victoria52 MARCH 2026
At Exoticca, we’re already booking into 2027 and offering your clients access to some of ourmost in-demand destinations with guaranteed departure date.The world is opening wider than ever and your clients are ready to see it all. Whether it's along-awaited dream holiday, a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, or simply a reason to lookforward to something unforgettable, now is the time to plan ahead and travel far.27 and beyond7
The Rise of the VillacationAs families conti nue to prioriti se space, fl exibility and meaningful ti me together, the Villacati on is establishing itself as a leadingchoice in the leisure market. For travel advisers, aligning with a trusted villa specialist is essenti al to converti ng this demand into profi table, repeat business. With their handpicked villa selecti on and dedicated trade support, SPL Villas off ers an ideal partner for selling family focused villa holidayswith confi dence.Villacations:Your Space to Be Family travel is increasingly multi -generati onal, oft en bringing together toddlers, teenagers and grandparents in one booking. SPL Villas recognises that no two families are alike, which is why its portf olio is designed to cater for a wide range of group sizes and dynamics.Villas sleep from two to 32 guests, making them suitable for small family escapes, milestone birthdays and large reunions. Spacious interiors, private pools and gardens give children room to play safely while adults relax in comfort.For larger groups, neighbouring villas off er proximity alongside privacy, an att racti ve soluti on for extended families travelling together.Agents can off er a strong selecti on of family friendly desti nati ons including Croati a, Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Florida. Many properti es are located close to established resorts, allowing families to explore local culture and att racti ons while enjoying the privacy of their own space.Why Villacationswork for familiesVilla holidays give families the freedom to travel on their own terms. There are no set meal ti mes, no queues for sunbeds and no need to book multi ple hotel rooms. Kitchens allow meals to fi t around nap schedules, teenagers can enjoy their own bedrooms, and grandparents benefi t from quieter surroundings and communal living areas.Added extras such as grocery packs, private chefs and childcare opti ons further enhance convenience. This blend of independence and support makes villas parti cularly appealing to busy families seeking both relaxati on and qualityti me together.From a selling perspecti ve, the emoti onal appeal is strong. Villas create a natural setti ng for shared breakfasts, poolside aft ernoons and evening barbecues, moments that hotel stays do not always facilitate in the same way.Advantages for travel agents SPL Villas supports agents with the opti on of booking through a fully bookable, user friendly website that enables quick searches and seamless reservati ons, as well as access to a knowledgeable Reservati ons Team who can provide expert guidance and personalised support. Flexible travel dates and durati ons help agents accommodate school holidaysand varied family schedules.The ability to sell one property instead of several hotel rooms simplifi es the booking process while increasing overall value. Villas also provide opportuniti es to upsell added services and experiences, boosti ng revenue per booking.With a dedicated Trade Team available to assist with account set up, training and reservati ons support, agents can confi dently positi on Villacati ons as a fl exible, high value alternati ve to traditi onal family holidays, driving both customer sati sfacti on and longterm growth.Anne Clays, Trade & BusinessPartnership Manager07392 041971, [email protected] Gill, BusinessDevelopment Manager(North of England & Scotland)07799 064287, [email protected] make a booking, visitwww.splvillas.com or contactour Reservati ons Team on0204 580 1178.54 MARCH 2026
SECONDSIf you could have dinner with three famous people – who would you choose?Elvis Presley - I would just love to fi nd out stories from back in the 60’s, the lifestyle, the parti es, the fame - it would be so interesti ng to hear how he felt about it all. Richard Branson - I’m so fascinated by the story of him setti ng up Virgin because of bad aircraft services in the Caribbean, and the fi rst London-Newark fl ight was in my year of birth 1984! And fi nally, Hugh Grant - I’ve enjoyed his movies for years, but now he seems such a grumpy old man that I’d love to sit down with him and put the world to rights!Do you have a favourite desti nati on?I have to say Dublin, as there is just nowhere like it. The people and the atmosphere are second to none. Live music is everywhere! I’m lucky enough to have travelled extensively butI sti ll love Dublin the most.Is there anything that people would be surprised to know about you?I have a huge phobia of balloons. Not such an issue these days, but when I was a branch manager, I wouldn’t go near them if we had an in-store day. I made the staff assemble and dissemble them and if a child sat at my desk with a balloon, I used to feel ill!The most unusual request you everhad from a client?If I could guarantee she’d see the Northern Lights on a trip to Iceland - otherwise she would book with an agent who could! I gently explained that they were a natural phenomenon and whilst it’s likely she would see them, it would never be guaranteed. Needless to say - she didn’t book with me! What was the best piece of businessadvice youwere given?Always go with your gut feeling, if something doesn’t feel right, it normally isn’t. Quite basic advice but I’ve followed it all throughmy career.The most memorable hotel you haveever stayed at?Shangri La at The Shard in London. I saved up for almost a year to pay for it and it did not disappoint - apart from the fact when we got there it was so foggy you could not see outside the windows! Once that cleared though - WOW. It was like sleeping in the clouds - you even got a bath butler! And FYI - they do travel agent rates!What was the last TV series thatyou binge watched?Breaking Bad - very late to the table but absolutely loved it.I enjoy any gritt y dramas. I’m currently watching Ozarkwhich is similar too. Any bucket list desti nati ons sti ll to visit?New Zealand! I have always wanted to go, as it looks like the lakes (albeit a much bett er version). I just love the lush greenery and relaxed lifestyle. It’s also the perfect mix of city and country.What advice would you give to anyone joining the travel industry?Travel as much as you can and experience as many desti nati ons as you can aff ord. The best way to learn our job is to live it!I wish I’d travelled more when I was younger. I have certainly made up for it since but those life experiences give you knowledge that you simply can’t learn from a system!If cost, ti me and distance were no object – what would be your perfect day?It would start with a morning massage at a luxury Thai spa, followed by a Michelin-starred lunch in Paris, before fi nishing off with a shopping spree and cocktails in New York. AMANDA ALLENRegional Manager,Dawson and SandersonThe most memorable hotel you havewithguaranteed. Needless to say - she didn’t book with me! feeling, if something doesn’t 56 MARCH 2026
START YOUR VIKING JOURNEY TODAY.CONTACT [email protected] CALL US ON 020 8780 7985VIKINGINCLUSIVE VALUE3 Return economy scheduled fl ights from 11 UK airports including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Newcastle3 One shore excursion in almost every port of call3 All onboard meals featuring regional specialities and always available classics3 Beer, wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner3 24-hour speciality coff ees and teas3 Free Wi-Fi on board*3 Onboard gratuities3 Enrichment lectures and destination performances3 Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites*Connection speed may varyOne VikingTwenty-one rivers. Endless discoveries.3124TRAVEL ADVISER ONLINE BOOKING IS NOW AVAILABLE. SCAN QR CODE TO REGISTER.Travel Matters Trade Advert March.indd 1 ravel Matters Trade Advert March.indd 1 27/02/2026 13:06 7/02/2026 13:06
Freedom Starts theMoment You SailWhy start your holiday with airport queues, baggage restricti ons, and the stress of ti ming everything to the minute? With Stena Line’s ever-popular Cairnryan–Belfast route - the number one link between Scotland and Ireland - your Irish adventure begins the second you roll up at the port.Bring it all: the car, the bikes, the hiking boots, the surfb oards… even the items you thought you might need. With no luggage limits and the freedom of travelling in your own vehicle, exploring Ireland becomes as easy as point-and-go. From Belfast’s buzzing streets to Ireland’s dramati c coastline and charming countryside, the island is yours to discover, your way.Step Onboard & Settle In: Comfort Comes as StandardThe journey is part of the experience on Stena Line’s newly refurbished Superfast ships. Spacious lounges, stylish interiors and panoramic sea views set the tone for a relaxed and refreshing crossing.Hungry? Head to Taste restaurant for delicious meals and snacks. Want a touch of indulgence? Upgrade to the Stena Plus Lounge and enjoy complimentary treats, newspapers, magazines and at-seat dining service - all in a calm, premium setti ng. Guests aged eight and aboveare welcome in both Stena Plus and Hygge lounges.In just 2 hours 15 minutes, you’ll glide into Belfast feeling refreshed and ready for adventure.Ports That PutConvenience FirstGetti ng to the ferry couldn’t be easier. Cairnryan Port sits just two hours from Glasgow and around three from Edinburgh - ideal for customers across Scotland and the north of England.Once in Belfast, you’re only 10 minutes from the vibrant city centre and moments from the motorway network. Dublin is a simple two-hour drive away, making the crossing perfect for both city breaks and touring holidays.Four-LeggedFriends WelcomeFor travellers who simply won’t holiday without their furry companion, Stena Lineoff ers a dedicated, pre-bookable Pet Lounge on Superfast vessels between Cairnryan and Belfast.Located on Deck 7, the Pet Lounge is just £20 per pet (up to two pets per booking) and includes:• Comfortable seati ng for up to 30 passengers• Space for 10 pets in carrier cases• Complimentary tea and coff ee• Fresh drinking water for petsWith a cosy, calm onboard environment - and savings on kennel fees - it’s a win-win.For full details, seewww.stenaline.co.uk/pets.Note: Pets must remain in their carrier cases during the crossing for everyone’s safety and comfort.Easy Agent Booking & Attractive CommissionOn the Stena Line agent portal, bookings take just minutes - giving you more ti me to focus on your customers and your business. Your clients can sail to Ireland on four routes, or head straight to the Netherlands on the direct Harwich–Hook of Holland service.Fast, fl exible, and great for repeat business - Stena Line makes it simple for travel trade partners to deliver seamless customer journeys.Book your ferry to Ireland todayon the Stena Line agent’s portal:www.stenaline.co.uk/agentSail Stena Line: Your gateway to anunforgettable Irish escape58 MARCH 2026
BOOK YOUR AWARD WINNING FERRY COMPANY TO IRELAND & HOLLANDBook Early to Save!Cairnryan - Belfast | Liverpool - BelfastHolyhead - Dublin | Fishguard - Rosslare Harwich – Hook of Hollandstenaline.co.uk/agentBook today on our agents’ portal:
There’s a spring in my step as the days get longer, brighter, and hopefully, warmer and its ti me toget back out and about, catching up with the great and the good of the travel industry.Talking of which, none come ‘greater’ or ‘gooder’ than the lovely Raymond McErlaine – Mr Loganair. It was coff ee and cakes for us as we caught up about all things airline. Their big news is expansion at Southampton – becoming their tenth UK base with direct routes to EDI, NCL, MAN and JER. Loganair has noti ced a defi nite trend of cruise ship passengers choosing to fl y with them to their port of embarkati on so are looking to expand to off er more choice and an alternati ve to lanbased travel. On a side note, this bear parti cularly enjoyed hearing their CEO Luke Farajallah speak at the recent SPAA dinner. Colorado and its iconic mile high cityof Denver came to town and lots of agents turned up to hear more aboutthis fantasti c state.Colorado off ers a blend of year-round outdoor adventure, majesti c Rocky Mountain scenery, and vibrant city culture. Visitors come to enjoy worldclass skiing in Vail and Aspen, hiking 14,000-foot peaks, exploring four unique nati onal parks, experiencing over 300 days of sunshine, and enjoying the craft brewery scene in Denver. If you have clients interested in any of the aforementi oned, this just might be the state for them and would make a great additi on to any Californian- West Coast USA trip. Delighted to welcome the land of Fire and Ice – AKA Iceland, who hosted a morning training event for the trade – capitalising on the 11 non-stop servicesa week from Edinburgh and Glasgowto Kefl avik. Naturally, Icelandair’s greatest asset, Graham Jowers was there talking about their quality infl ight service and onward connecti ons to the USA and Canada. Tourism to Iceland is booming and its no wonder why, as there is such a fantasti c choice of world class att racti ons and great things to see and do – and onlytwo hours fl ying ti me away! Lights, Camera, Acti on – it was the grand opening of Love to Travel’s brand-new retail shop in Lanark, located in a prime spot on the High Street. There was a strong supplier turn out to celebrate this event. What a great dayit was – and we want to wish Joanne Marti n, Jacqui the new Manager, and all her staff every success!One of the great sporti ng occasions isthe 6 Nati ons Calcutt a Cup clash between Scotland and England. Never one to miss a sporti ng event, Anthony Daniels and Andrew Bolton from Ponant hosted a table at the presti gious Auld Enemy Dinner and gave away the star prize of the evening – an amazing luxury Ponant cruise! Sadly, I didn’t win it – however, the next day’s performance and result more than made up for this disappointment - with apologies to my English friends!The social diary of the bear (7¼ inches tall)Gregorz:diarylove to travelluxury Ponant cruise! PonantThat’s all folks.Gregorz#gregorzbearNaturally, Icelandair’s greatest asset, Icelandairall things airline. coloradoRaymond - Loganair60 MARCH 2026
Explore our trade training course and become a Nassau & Paradise Island expert.NASSAUPARADISEISLAND.EXPERTWith legendary Bahamian hospitality & lively rhythmic celebrations, there’s a colourful world just waiting to be explored. Clients can rejuvenate with pristine white sand beaches & clear turquoise waters. Feed their happiness at five-star resort restaurants & laid-back local cafes. With daily flights from London Heathrow, Nassau & Paradise Island is closer than you think.DISCOVER THE & MORE VACATION.INDULGE & UNWIND
The Visit Iceland Workshop recently visited Glasgow and agents got to learn all about various attractions, hotels and tours and of course - Icelandair.62 MARCH 2026
EXQUISITE CUISINEMasterfully crafted food and beverages, created with passion by master chefs and mixologists, shape every culinary encounter. Oceania Sonata will build on this epicurean excellence with exclusive, never-before-featured dining venues and experiences. Innovative new concepts unique to Oceania Sonata will delight seasoned travellers and food lovers, while beloved dining venues can still be thoroughly savoured. Among favourite signature and speciality dining venues, The Grand Dining Room is the definition of a dignified yet welcoming and lively ambience. The centrepiece of onboard dining options, it features globally inspired dishes alongside lighter options and suggested food-and-wine pairing menus.Named for Oceania Cruises’ Executive Culinary Advisor and internationally renowned Master Chef Jacques Pépin, Jacques is the line’s much-loved signature sophisticated French restaurant. Pan-Asian Red Ginger’s dark woods and splashes of vibrant colours invite guests to immerse themselves in tastes from Thailand, Japan, Malaysia and Korea. Inspired by the mothers and grandmothers of Oceania Cruises’ culinary staff, Toscana’s masterfully prepared dishes exemplify the essence of Tuscany and celebrate Italy’s culinary passion.And, Polo Grill offers all certified Black Angus USDA Prime beef, aged for a minimum of 40 days to enhance tenderness and flavour. Seafood lovers won’t be left out with lobster gratinée and succulent grilled swordfish. All Oceania Cruises culinary venues are distinguished by exceptional service from chefs, mixologists, and waitstaff whose sole goal is to please welltravelled explorers with tailored, attentive service. Oceania Sonata begins the next chapter of intimate, luxurious small-ship sailing, offering a plethora of unforgettable experiences on this latest evolution. On Oceania Sonata and all Oceania Cruises ships, you’ll experience calm, elevated comfort and charm with all modern conveniences. Always-included amenities consist of complimentary, unforgettable dining experiences at varied venues, in-room dining, unlimited Wi-Fi, laundry services, group fitness classes, and access to a state-of-theart fitness centre. An endless supply of sodas, speciality coffees and teas, Vero Water®, juices, smoothies, and ice cream is included, along with shipboard gratuities. Attentive, personalised service from the heart and The Finest Cuisine at Sea®combine with a casually elegant ambience to make your onboard experience relaxed, rewarding, and carefree.A New Era UnfoldsOC Travel Matters Cover Wrap_260226_v04.indd 3 01/03/2026 12:36:13
IMMERSIVE ITINERARIES | INTIMATE, LUXURIOUS SHIPS | GENUINE HOSPITALITY | THE FINEST CUISINE AT SEA®A SYMPHONY OF LUXURYOceania Sonata ™IMMERSIVE ITINERARIES | INTIMATE, LUXURIOUS SHIPS | GENUINE HOSPITALITY | THE FINEST CUISINE AT SEA®RESERVATIONS NOW OPENOceania Sonata invites you to discover the world in perfect cadence. A true masterpiece of design, she will deliver a symphony of unforgettable experiences that captures the essence of refined seagoing luxury. Every detail considered. Every moment uniquely yours.THE NEXT EVOLUTION ON THE OCEANIA CRUISES FLEETCALL 0345 505 1920VISIT OCEANIACRUISES.COMCONTACT YOUR REGIONAL SALES MANAGERScan the QR code to learn more about Oceania Sonata’sinaugural season.OC Travel Matters Cover Wrap_260226_v04.indd 4 01/03/2026 12:39:48