UTRACKS advises travellers planning to walk the Camino de Santiago in 2027 to lock in current pricing which has been held at 2026 levels across more than 40 itineraries in Spain and Portugal. More details, https://www.utracks.com/themes/camino/camino-price-lock
ACCOR invites you to stay longer and earn more reward points. For instance, earn 3x ALL Accor Rewards points on 3+ night stays. Book from now to 3 May 2026 and stay by 31 August 2026.
JUST YOU - the specialist solo tour operator - has introduced a range of new tours for 2027 including a southern Spanish sojourn, a Sicilian immersion, a seven-day visit to Scandinavia, and a coastal Canadian adventure. https://www.justyou.com/au/
ATURA HOTELS says if you book by May 3 you could enjoy up to 25% off rates and a $25 food and drink credit for stays up to October 18.
NRMA PARKS is on sale until May 11 for stays until August 31, 2026. There are savings available on powered and unpowered sites as well as cabins and villas across a network of around 50 holiday destinations.
FINNAIR will operate out of Melbourne from October. The carrier invites you to experience the thrill of skiing in Kittilä or Kuusamo, admire the Northern Lights inside a glass igloo at Ivalo or enjoy the all-year Christmas spirit in Rovaniemi.
AIR MAURITIUS has confirmed the return to three weekly services between Perth and Mauritius, effective July 2026. The new service supports improved onward connections via Mauritius to destinations across Africa and Europe.
HAPAG-LLOYD CRUISES is bringing back its Classical Music meets Meditation program in response to positive feedback. The Swiss CHAARTS ensemble is once again on board – joined by the internationally acclaimed soprano Marlis Petersen. The 12-day journey from Santa Cruz to Cape Town departs on Nov 6 2027.
VIKING’s 2028‑2029 expedition voyages are now open for booking. Enjoy select savings when you book by 30 June 2026 and if you book this month your past guest discount is automatically doubled.
ELEMENTS OF BYRON has confirmed that there is a clear shift in Australia this year toward destinations that deliver that “island holiday” feeling… without long-haul flights. The beachfront resort offers cocktails by the pool, spa time, surf, great food and nature - all within easy reach.
TRADE ONLY:
Interline travel advises significant rise in retail prices for 2027 cruise prices - the price of food, fuel and commodities affects this industry greatly. "If you can commit to locking in your next one or two cruises, now is the most beneficial time to do this - bookings for Europe 2026 are moving to later options in October,
whilst there is great availability for Christmas on the Rivers in Europe. Azamara has 27 departures, where the total stateroom cost is below $5000.
Celestyal has confirmed the successful and safe transit of both its vessels, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, through the Strait of Hormuz.
Travel Massive invites you to attend Stripe Travel Week next month in Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney. Connect with enterprise leaders, operators, startups, media, and innovators from across the travel, tourism, and hospitality ecosystem in Australia at these industry events (MEL May 4, ADL 5, SYD 7.)
Priority registration is now open for Regent Seven Seas Cruises 2028-9 grand voyages of 60 nights and more across the globe.
Air New Zealand has launched a refreshed loyalty program called Koru, marking a significant shift in how the airline recognises its customers and the role travel plays in their lives. More details: www.airnewzealand.co.nz/koru
Sky Airline advises that the airline is now officially activated in BSP Australia and New Zealand. This enables IATA-accredited travel agents to issue Sky Airline tickets directly via their GDS under BSP.
BestPrice Travel has been recognised as a Top 10 Inbound Travel Company for the US & Australia markets at the Vietnam International Travel Mart — one of the largest and most significant annual tourism events in Vietnam.
Remember conditions always apply to these specials. Check airline prices from your capital city. I recommend you use a travel agent - and travel insurance is essential. Finally I make mistakes like all of us. Check websites to confirm details. Want to join our mailing list? Send a request to ianmac@travelagentupdate.com. Ian McIntosh is Australia’s senior traveller. We have no commercial relationship with any operator.
