Travelmarvel has unveiled its Small Group Tour programme for 2027-2028. Each itinerary operates with no more than 24 travellers and is escorted throughout by local guides. Itineraries pair river, coastal and ocean cruising, and balance must-see highlights with lesser-known, immersive experiences. 

Growing awareness of Taiwan’s natural attractions and outdoor activities is a major driver of travel to the destination out of New Zealand, according to a delegation that visited Auckland this week.

A new business to business event focusing on premium, lifestyle and boutique travel experiences is expected to resonate with New Zealand agents when it is staged in Melbourne next year.

Globus has expanded its Asia and Africa lineup with new itineraries available to book now for 2027 and 2028 departures. 

Travel advisors need to reset and really prove their value again as clients start to regain confidence in booking for themselves. The trade should also be open to using the latest technology while still giving a service that can only be provided by a personal touch.

Back-Roads Touring has launched a new zero surcharge policy. It applies to all existing and new bookings made before 30 September 2026 for departures up to 31 December 2027. 

Travel and tourism operators are increasingly targeting a sector of the community that is looking to switch off from modern life – at least for a while – and the trend now has own term among travel writers and forecasters.

All Black fans who converge on Baltimore for the US-based test against the Springboks in September will find a city that is easy to navigate, packed with cultural and historical attractions and even has its own version of the Lochness monster, says Tracey Johnson, communications and public relations manager with Visit Baltimore. 

Independent travel agency Fortis Travel has officially joined World Travellers Group’s nationwide collective.

Subsequent to its recent Luxury Rail events, World Journeys has an exclusive special offer on journeys with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, valid on bookings made by 31 July 2026, for travel until 31 December 2027. 

Wild and upscaled are two words the New Zealand travel trade will be hearing a lot of from Club Med over the next few months and beyond.

Virtually no travellers believe international travel is safer today than it was a year ago, according to new Global Rescue survey data. The finding underscores how deeply risk has become embedded in the global travel mindset.

A quick survey of about 100 luxury agencies at the Virtuoso Australasian Forum this week shows that the vast majority expect sales to be higher than they were last year, despite many respondents also saying the key words that sum up their feelings right now are ‘nervous’  and ‘challenging’.

The cost of living is currently playing a major role in shaping New Zealanders’ travel behaviours – but it is certainly not making them abandon holiday plans, according to the latest research released by Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI).

Explore Worldwide is confident of making more in roads into the New Zealand market after three consecutive years of growth here and big support for the brand’s just completed Big Blue Sale.

Uniworld CEO Ellen Bettridge’s visit to New Zealand last week coincided with a major milestone – the brand’s celebration of 50 years – but her message to the trade at a lunch function at Mudbrick Vineyard, Waiheke also had a firm future focus.

By Faye Spooner

House of Travel brought together 130 of its key suppliers and industry partners at an exclusive thank-you event this week, set against the skyline at SO/ Hotel’s rooftop bar.

It was a night that emphasised connection, collaboration and a business moving with confidence into 2026 and beyond.

The gathering reflected House of Travel’s continued upward trajectory after another year of standout performance and record sales. With this momentum, the focus is now on sustained growth with quality revenue, according to CEO David Coombes who spokecandidly about the evolving travel landscape.

‘Leisure is absolutely holding up,’ he says, noting that while North America has presented challenges, demand is shifting strongly towards alternative destinations.

He notes that corporate travel, meanwhile, continues to rebound in line with the economy, with more intensive travel patterns emerging.

Almost one year into a three-year strategic plan, Coombes reaffirmed the company’s ongoing commitment to bricks-and-mortar retail. Quality revenue, he says, is driven by stores and relationships, with physical connections remaining central to success.

Coombes highlighted the continued strength of House of Travel’s Australian operations and its Trans-Tasman growth ambitions, as the business looks to build greater scale and capture increased market share in Australia’s larger market. He also acknowledged the success of the company’s broker model, which complements the company’s retail footprint.

Above all the message of the evening to suppliers was clear: partnership matters. ‘We are a partnership-driven business,’ Coombes concluded. ‘You plus us equals happy customers.’

• Tahlia Crocker, Allianz; Cara Botica, Allianz; Adam Ferraro, Club Med (based in MEL), Nicholas Dew, Hawaiian Airlines; Sarah Porter Niue Tourism, Lisa Linn, Visit Anaheim and Stuba
• Kim du Plessis, G-Adventures; Dave Fordyce House of Travel, Yvonne and Dennis Payne, House of Travel Orewa
• Alyssa Field, South Sea Cruises; Mel Watson, Silversea; Wayne Deed, Musket Cove
• Kirsten Lee-Burgess, House of Travel head office; Marija Tolj, The Travel Corporation
• Megan Porter, Norwegian Cruise Line; Cara Botica, Allianz Insurance; Jacqui Kennedy, House of Travel head office; Dani Ened, Oceania Cruises
• Alison Hopkirk, Delta Air Lines, Sarah Porter, Niue Tourism; Samantha Martin, Wendy Wu Tours; Lesley Perrie, Innovative Travel and Wide Eyed Tours

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), part of the $1.57 trillion global business travel and meetings industry, is urging US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to adopt a balanced and practical approach as it evaluates proposed changes to Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) requirements.

Globus has debuted a new brochure focused on the small group travel range, Small Group Discoveries, available to download now.

Most of the world’s most experienced travellers remain reluctant to let Agentic AI — autonomous digital assistants that plan, book and manage trips — take charge of their journeys, according to the latest Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

Globus family of brands (GFOB) is kicking the new year off with cruise and tour deals across its suite of brands; Avalon Waterways, Globus and Cosmos, available now until 31 March.

Insight Vacations is reporting the continued success of its women-only tours and the launch of an expanded 2026-27 Women-Only collection.

Agents are expecting the steady and positive trading environment to continue next year but are also cognisant that economic conditions are still challenging for a significant proportion of Kiwis.

Wendy Wu Tours is looking at growth on growth from the New Zealand market next year.

Issues around climate and sustainability are now having a direct influence on how a large number of high-end clients travel, says Virtuoso.