Hello agents! Here’s your travel trade roundup — the headlines and updates you need to know this week to stay ahead and make the most of every booking. It’s been a week of practical prep and positive momentum. With the EU’s new Entry/Exit System bedding in, client comms are front and centre, while airline and cruise developments are opening up fresh selling angles for winter and early 2026. Demand remains resilient for long-haul discovery and curated touring, and short-haul value is getting a lift from capacity gains in North Africa. Keep leaning into reassurance, clarity on border processes, and timely product switches — it’s what’s converting right now.
Industry snapshot (past 7 days)
- The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) went live on 12 Oct with a phased rollout, prompting FCDO advisory updates and warnings of longer border waits. Set expectations early and build extra connection time into itineraries.
- ABTA/industry surveys show awareness of EES is improving but still mixed; many clients will rely on you for what to expect at the gate. Share a short pre-departure checklist covering biometrics, passports and arrivals flow.
- easyJet confirmed a new base at Marrakech for spring, with three aircraft and expanded seats via a long-term deal with Morocco’s tourist board. Use it to pitch short-haul sun, winter warmth and twin-centre Atlas Mountains + coast.
- Air Transat unveiled new UK-Canada routes for summer 2026, widening family and VFR options. Get ahead with price-watch lists and deposit messaging for peak dates.
- P&O Cruises released its winter 2027/spring 2028 programme; VIVA Cruises also rolled out 2027 river sailings. Lock in future cruise credits and secure best cabins for loyalists now.
- Intrepid Travel is rapidly scaling tailor-made alongside its small-group core. Position this to adventurous couples and families wanting private departures with sustainability credentials.
- Gold Medal launched a Florida Parks & Beaches push with trade incentives. Cross-sell Gulf Coast downtime after Orlando theme-park days to lift average booking value.
- UK arrivals into Brazil are up ~20% year-to-date. Spotlight Rio + Iguazú or Amazon soft-adventure, and address safety confidently with guided touring and private transfers.
- Market watch: easyJet’s share price spiked amid takeover chatter (later denied). Use fare-lock tools and alternative carriers if clients get spooked by headlines.
- Airports introducing EES at different speeds mean variable queues this month. Proactively add “what happens on arrival” notes to vouchers to reduce on-trip anxiety and after-sales calls.
Destination of the Week: Marrakech, Morocco
Fresh capacity and a new airline base make Marrakech a prime near-term win. It blends year-round sun with riads, souks and insta-worthy stays, plus easy add-ons to Agafay desert or Essaouira. Market it as “three holidays in one”: culture (Medina & gardens), desert sunsets, and coastal chill — all within a 4-hour flight.
Hotel Chain of the Week: Ikos Resorts
Ultra-all-inclusive done luxuriously: Michelin-inspired dining, premium drinks, Local Drive Adventure, and family-first facilities that convert. We encourage you to complete the Ikos Expert Training for sharper selling and perks: https://www.saniandikosgroup-travelexpert.com
Consultant opportunity
Leverage EES uncertainty as a service differentiator: create a branded pre-departure micro-guide (PDF or WhatsApp note) with step-by-step arrival tips for Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy. Pair it with a “We’ve got you at the border” reassurance line in ads and social.
Second, ride the Marrakech capacity bounce: build 3-night riad breaks with a private foodie tour on night one and a desert dinner experience on night two. Lead with value vs Canaries and a <4-hour flight hook.
Skill of the Week: Framing to reduce friction
When rules change, clients want certainty. Try:
“At your first EU arrival you’ll do a quick biometric scan — we’ve padded your connection and added fast-track where available. I’ll send a 60-second arrival guide so you’re through and off to brunch.”
For upselling experiences:
“Marrakech works beautifully as a three-chapter break — city, desert, coast. For £38pp we’ll add a guided Medina tasting tour that guests rate ‘trip-defining’.”
Motivation boost
“Clarity beats complexity — make it easy, and bookings follow.” — Jamie Wake
This week, win the brief by being the calmest voice in your client’s inbox. Small touches — a pre-flight checklist, a restaurant tip, a smarter transfer — turn one booking into three referrals.
This week on the ITC Blog
Closing
Staying sharp on the weekly shifts — and translating them into clear client actions — is your edge. Here’s to confident selling and happier travellers.
With you, every step of the journey – Ava Wake
