JET2HOLIDAYS REACHES 1,500 CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE HOTELS MILESTONE

Brian Ogle

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JET2HOLIDAYS has announced that 1,500 hotels in its collection are now classified as a ‘Certified Sustainable Hotel’, meaning that they meet an official standard for sustainable accommodation practices on ABTA’s list of hotel certification schemes.

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EMIRATES TO OPERATE REDUCED SCHEDULE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Brian Ogle

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EMIRATES has confirmed that it is currently operating a reduced flight schedule until further notice. This follows the partial re-opening of regional airspace for the safe conduct of commercial flights.

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ABTA LAUNCHES DEDICATED MEMBER ZONE HUB FOR MIDDLE EAST SUPPORT

Brian Ogle

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The Dubai skyline

ABTA has created a dedicated section within the ABTA Member Zone to help members who are dealing with the fastmoving situation in the Middle East. It acts as a portal to access up-to-date operational information, legal guidance and practical resources. 

Within the section members will be able to access:

  • General guidance on responsibilities towards customers currently in destination and those due to travel.
  • A link to sign up to receive Operational Bulletins with the latest updates.
  • A detailed FAQ on legal responsibilities and additional information.
  • Links to relevant Guidance Notes covering “all but essential travel” advice issued for countries, islands, or specific resorts/areas.
  • Links to travel alerts issued by key airlines and travel providers

ABTA’s team of experts remain on hand to support members as this situation develops.  The portal is an additional resource to provide updates, advice and resources to help members support customers, manage their enquiries and fulfil their legal responsibilities.

Angie Hills, Head of Destinations at ABTA, said:

“We’re supporting members across a number of fronts, including helping them understand what is happening in destination and their legal responsibilities to customers.

“The new section in the ABTA MemberZone is designed as a one-stop-shop to help members access the information to manage their bookings and operations, and support their customers. We will be keeping this page under review as and when the situation evolves.”

Information for customers has also been published on abta.com, signposting travellers to ABTA’s existing guidance on delays, cancellations and disruption.

ABTA LAUNCHES TOOLKIT TO HELP INSPIRE A CAREER IN TRAVEL

Brian Ogle

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MARKING National Careers Week,March 2-9, ABTA has launched a new multi-media presentation toolkit to help its members inspire people to consider careers in the travel industry.

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JET2 TOPS WHICH?’S SHORT HAUL AIRLINE SURVEY AND RECEIVES RECOMMENDED PROVIDER STATUS

Brian Ogle

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Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2 photographed at East Midlands Airport

Jet2.com has once again been named as the only UK airline to be awarded the prestigious status of Which? Recommended Provider, after being highly praised for its reliability, customer service, value for money and booking process.

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TEN EXCITING THINGS TO DO IN NI FROM MARCH 2-8

Brian Ogle
One of Europe’s most impressive cave systems, Marble Arch Caves offers guided tours through stunning underground rivers, stalactites, and limestone chambers. Visitors can explore the fascinating geological formations and also now experience yoga sessions in the system
  1. Home of St Patrick Festival 2026, Armagh, County Armagh, 8 – 18 March. The Home of St Patrick Festival celebrates St. Patrick’s life through music, art, theatre, film, and dance. This is a chance to reflect on the legacy of St Patrick and have fun celebrating his influence on history and culture.
    1. Belfast Children’s Festival, 5 – 14 March. Over 10 days, enjoy hand-picked incredible shows, performances, events, activities and creative experiences for everyone, including a range of inclusive shows specially created for those with additional needs. They have shows from across the world, as well as some of the very best of performances for young audiences being made right here in Belfast, from festival favourites to world premieres and, of course, the Festival Family Day Out.
    2. Taste Mid Ulster Restaurant Week, Mid Ulster, 7 – 13 March. Get ready to tantalise your taste buds and embark on a gastronomic journey like no other. Discover culinary delights in Mid Ulster as participating restaurants across the district roll out the red carpet to showcase their finest culinary creations. From gourmet delicacies to classic comfort foods, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Indulge in specially curated menus that offer a taste of Mid Ulster.
    3. Ranger Led Tour of Antrim Castle Gardens, Antrim, County Antrim, 7 – 28 March. The Ranger led guided tour of Antrim Castle Gardens takes approximately 1 hour and involves an easy walk over flat ground. The tour focusses on the general history of the 350-year-old gardens alongside the remnants of the Massereene family dynasty, dating back to 1573. You will hear many interesting facts, stories and tales of the colourful characters making up the family history.
    4. Carrickfergus Castle & Islandmagee Witches Walking Tour (with Haunted Tours NI), Carrickfergus, County Antrim, check website for availabilities. Perfect for history buffs, true crime fans, lovers of the supernatural, and those curious about the infamous Islandmagee witch trial – this is the only tour company that tells the real story of Ireland’s last witches, inspired by the book ‘Possessed by the Devil’ by Dr. Andrew Sneddon.
    5. Bronze Age Connections: Smoked Fired Pottery, Bushmills, County Antrim, 7 March. The incredible landscape of the Causeway Coast is made up of layers of limestone, basalt and red ochre. People have a long history of using ochre for body paint, cave paintings and decorating pots. Join this workshop to decorate two incense pots.
    6. Earth Yoga – In The Heart Of The Marble Arch Caves, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 8 March. Join in a unique experience as you get in touch with your inner yogi in a beginner-friendly 60 minutes yoga session in the depths of the Marble Arch Caves. Relax body and mind as you connect to nature inside the cave with an inviting and inspiring class suitable for all levels.
    7. Wild River Dipping at Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle County Down, 7 March. Hike to the secret spots and immerse in the rivers of the Mourne Mountains. The activity explores the trending cold water and wild swimming craze and including hiking, wild dipping, forest bathing and cold water therapy. Their trained and highly experienced mountain leaders and cold water specialists guide you into the hidden landscapes of the Mourne Mountains to the spots we love the most.
    8. The Derry Girls Experience at Tower Museum, Derry~Londonderry, visit website for open dates and times. Visit the home of Derry Girls and discover where it all began. See original memorabilia from the hit show, like Erin’s diary, Aunt Sarah’s famous pyjamas and Ma Mary’s Woolworths sweater, not to mention the infamous Spice Girls costumes. Step into the set of the Quinn’s household and feel like one of the family.
    9. Hill of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House, Dungannon, County Tyrone, visit website for open dates, times, and events. Ranfurly House is an impressive Victorian building located in Dungannon and gateway to the ancient site of Hill of The O’Neill. This location has been the site of castles, barracks, and seats of power for thousands of years. It is from this very hilltop that the O’Neill dynasty, perhaps one of the greatest of the Irish clans ruled for more than 300 years.

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit: discovernorthernireland.com.

NEW TRAVEL RULES FOR DUAL NATIONALS INTRODUCED

Brian Ogle

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THE government has stated that Dual British Nationals will be required to use a valid British passport upon entering the UK from February 2026 following the rollout of the Electronic travel Authorisation system.

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