Samantha Mayling

Norwich

Freelance Writer at Travel Weekly (UK)

Travel industry journalist, writing for Travel Weekly among others.

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Articles

Vertical Travel Group reports strong sales year but softer peaks

1 week ago | travelweekly.co.uk | Samantha Mayling

The Vertical Travel Group has reported “a lot of unsold capacity in the market” among tour operators and cruise lines. Peter Healey, group chief executive, said: “We are seeing a lot of capacity across all tour operators, and I thought cruise lines would be better sold. There is still quite a lot to sell.
HX joins Clia to ‘further strengthen’ trade relationships

1 week ago | travelweekly.co.uk | Samantha Mayling

Expedition cruise line HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) has joined Cruise Lines International Association (Clia) in the UK, “reinforcing its ongoing commitment to the trade”. The announcement comes as HX builds towards its 130th anniversary in 2026 and continues to invest in its relationships across the cruise industry.
Inside Travel launches ‘selling Asia with confidence’ webinars

1 week ago | travelweekly.co.uk | Samantha Mayling

Cultural adventure specialist Inside Travel has launched its first series of webinars designed to help agents selling tours to Asia. Billed as ‘not another boring webinar’, the seminars promise to boost destination knowledge and highlight the unique qualities and stories of small group tours. The webinar series sits together with the ‘Agent Insider Programme’ which was launched earlier this year.
Travelsphere expands Royal Geographical Society Collection

2 weeks ago | travelweekly.co.uk | Samantha Mayling

Travelsphere has expanded its Royal Geographical Society Collection (RGS) tours with two new itineraries for 2026. The escorted tour operator has also introduced an Albania Discovered - Tirana & Beyond itinerary for 2026. The new RGS tours are Incredible India & Nepal: Culture, Wildlife & Ancient Wonders and Silk Road Adventure: The Five Stans.
Advantage unveils Travel as a Force for Good conference activities

2 weeks ago | travelweekly.co.uk | Samantha Mayling

Delegates at the Advantage Travel Partnership conference in Malta (May 13-16) can choose one of three Travel as a Force for Good activities. The consortium has partnered with three non-governmental organisations to give agents and operators an opportunity to support the local Maltese community on May 15.
French Alps specialist Ski Olympic closes business

3 weeks ago | travelweekly.co.uk | Samantha Mayling

Doncaster-based chalet operator Ski Olympic has closed its business after trading since 1986. The French Alps specialist has posted a ‘goodbye’ message on its website and Facebook page about the closure. “After 38 years of taking you lovely guests out to the French Alps, we have finally decided to hang up our skis,” said the message on Facebook. “The good news is that this was not a forced decision and simply made by us for all the right reasons.
Planet sees Santorini sales surge as island tops wedding league

3 weeks ago | travelweekly.co.uk | Samantha Mayling

Planet Holidays and Planet Weddings have reported a “significant rise” in enquiries and bookings for 2025 and 2026, with the Greek island of Santorini emerging as its top destination for weddings and honeymoons. The Greece specialist brands said Santorini bookings were 17% up year on year for weddings and honeymoons, while ordinary holiday sales were up 19%. The sister brands attribute Santorini’s appeal to its “breathtaking sunsets, iconic whitewashed architecture and dramatic views”.
Seabourn reveals 2026-27 itineraries for Caribbean and Asia

3 weeks ago | travelweekly.co.uk | Samantha Mayling

Luxury cruise line Seabourn has unveiled 2026-2027 itineraries for three vessels, exploring Japan, the Caribbean and southeast Asia. Between November 2026 and April 2027, Seabourn Ovation, Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Quest will offer 31 departures to 73 destinations in 30 countries. Seabourn will offer two new Japan voyages in early spring, giving guests the opportunity to experience the country’s plum blossoms in full bloom for the first time.
Exodus adds walks for Inca Trail, Corsica and Nepal

3 weeks ago | travelweekly.co.uk | Samantha Mayling

Small-group tour operator Exodus Adventure Travels has added new walking holidays in Peru, Corsica and Nepal. The announcement comes ahead of National Walking Month in May, an initiative that promotes the benefits of walking. The new Glamping on the Inca Trail holiday in Peru (pictured) has been designed to spend more time on the route ahead of arriving at Machu Picchu.
Antigua and Barbuda launches arrival and departure system

3 weeks ago | travelweekly.co.uk | Samantha Mayling

The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda has launched a digital arrival and departure system for travellers at VC Bird International Airport in Antigua. The new portal at arriveantigua.com enables travellers to pre-submit their details and spend less time queuing at the airport, said the Antigua and Barbuba Tourism Authority. Passengers can use the website on their phone or tablet to take a photograph of their passport, which lets the form pre-fill essential details.