High-net-worth travellers from New Zealand and Australia are booking international hotels and resorts further ahead than before, according to figures from Virtuoso.

This year’s bookings are averaging 11 months in advance – up 25% from nine months in 2022. The desire to book in advance is driven by increasing rates, the scarcity of inventory and the ongoing demand for travel to make up for lost trips and experiences.

Europe’s travel and tourism sector is expected to create up to eight million new jobs within the next decade, says the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) latest Economic Impact Report (EIR).

The forecast from WTTC, which represents the global travel and tourism private sector, also shows the sector will be a driving force behind Europe’s economic recovery, following more than two years of suffering.

The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA’s) new estimates for the impacts of Covid-19 on air transport and economies in Europe in 2020 indicate a further deterioration in revenues, job prospects and economic activity across the entire continent.

IATA’s latest economic forecast reveals that in 2021 Europe is expected to be the worst hit global region in terms of airline losses (-$11.9 billion). Passenger traffic (measured in revenue passenger km, RPK) is estimated to have

Cruising onboard a traditional sailing vessel and discovering by bike unknown byways and villages, are two of the best ways to explore the Croatian coast and islands of Dalmatia according to A Walker’s World.
The most popular section is between Dubrovnik and Split, two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Ships take around 30 passengers and are 25 to 30 metres, small enough to negotiate the narrow channels and tiny coves.  
Cycling is on little used roads through olive groves, vineyards, and orchards past castle ruins, churches and small hamlets tucked in coves.

• Canaan Karaarslan, Fez Travel; Tina... Canaan Karaarslan, Fez Travel; Tina...
• Sunita Narula (centre), Exotic Holidays... Sunita Narula (centre), Exotic Holidays...
• Rahul Sharma, Exotic Holidays; Canaan... Rahul Sharma, Exotic Holidays; Canaan...
• Sonja Dalley, The Terrace Travel;... Sonja Dalley, The Terrace Travel;...
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The Fez road show travelled around New Zealand mid November.

South Caucasus, encompassing the destinations of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, is among the new frontiers for New Zealand travellers, agents heard at roadshows around the country last week.
Fez Travel and GSA Exotic Holidays visited a number of centres, culminating in an Auckland presentation at dinner at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron on Friday night.
Fez managing director Ekrem Usta says the company is seeing renewed interest in Egypt and Turkey, as well as having continued success in areas such as The Balkans. However, it is also seeing interest in Caucasus – a region that has an increased profile in the company’s 2019 brochure.

Insight Vacations has released its 2019 Europe Preview collection which offers clients a glimpse into Insight Experiences across the continent.