Travel PR works with some of the best specialist tour operators and tourist boards in the world. Here’s what to expect from them at their Destinations stands this year.

29 January 2019

AITO (The Specialist Travel Association) – Stand E73

AITO represents 120-plus specialist travel companies, passionate about their unrivalled collection of holiday ideas covering every corner of the world. All AITO members are fully bonded, comply with AITO’s Quality Charter and aim to offer the best possible choice combined with great customer service. AITO members believe in the power of sustainable tourism to deliver benefits to host countries and their people. Call at stand E73 to pick up the AITO Directory of Members, full of holiday ideas and inspiration for 2019, and to find out more about AITO’s diverse holiday specialists. For more information visit www.aito.com.

Alentejo Tourist Board - represented on the Sunvil Stand E50  

A little-known and very rural part of Portugal, sitting north of the Algarve, and stretching from the Atlantic coast to the border with Spain, the Alentejo boasts 30% of Portugal’s land mass, just 6% of its population and 48% of its wine production. Enjoy cork forests, countryside and coastal walks, kayak or try a live-aboard motorboat on the largest man-made lake in Europe, savour countless historic sites including the UNESCO-registered walled city of Évora, the Roman city of Beja and the pretty mediaeval village of Monsaraz. Neolithic remains and Dark Skies will fascinate (there’s no light pollution), and the food and wine are a revelation (3-course meals with wine for just €15 for two). Welcoming rural properties will delight and waymarked walking and cycling routes are easy to explore. Try cheese-making, taste cured speciality meats, discover rice paddy fields, see swathes of bright spring flowers and snack heartily on petiscos (Portugal’s answer to tapas). Speak to Russell Wheldon or Sue Ockwell on stand E50 to discuss commissioned press visits. See www.visitalentejo.pt/en/ for more information.

InsideAsia Tours – Stand AP111

Sister brand of InsideJapan Tours, Southeast Asia travel specialist, InsideAsia Tours boasts unbeatable regional knowledge and a passion for small group tours and tailormade trips to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. New for 2019, building on the 35% growth in bookings to Cambodia in 2018, is Cambodia Under Canvas: A Luxury Adventure, an ultra-glamping trip that combines exploration of the country’s wild jungles and staying at the new Shinta Mani Wild in the Southern Cardamom National Park, with indulgent luxury at the newly-opened Six Senses Private Resort on Koh Krabey. Laos is also becoming an increasing focus as more people are intrigued by this relatively unknown country. New Flavours of Laos reveals the many faces of Laotian cuisine, from street food barbeques to Michelin Star experiences, whilst the new Trekking Northern Vietnam & Laos features Vietnam’s Pu Luong for breathtaking scenery without the crowds, before heading to Laos’ largest national park, Nam Et Phou Louey National Protected Area, for a night safari and the karst mountain scenery of Nong Khiaw. Call InsideAsia Tours on 0117 244 3380 (www.insideasiatours.com).

Jules Verne – Stand E132

Specialist operator Jules Verne offers inspiring itineraries to all seven continents, ranging from relaxing river and coastal cruises, spectacular rail journeys and unforgettable grand tours to trips created with a particular focus on history, art and culture, or wildlife. Travelling in small escorted groups led by expert guides who showcase the true character of a destination, Jules Verne clients are assured of authentic travel experiences with a twist. New tours for 2019 include Aegean Shores, exploring the jewels of Greece’s Aegean waters by motor yacht, Gems of Moravia, discovering the treasures of this little-known corner of the Czech Republic, and Grand Tour of Tunisia, a comprehensive journey around the scenic North, Sahara and coast. At the Jules Verne stand, pick up a copy of the latest Singular brochure (just out), featuring Solo Groups (exclusively for single travellers - Venice & the Po Delta is new for 2019) and classic tours with No Single Supplement, plus enter a Prize Draw to win a seven-night, full-board cruise on the Douro River through northern Portugal to Spain. Call Jules Verne on 020 3553 3722 (www.vjv.com).

Kirker Holidays – AITO Stand E73

Offering short breaks, tailor-made holidays and escorted cultural tours for discerning travellers across Europe and beyond, Kirker Holidays has been providing expert advice since 1986. For 2019, Kirker has fine-tuned its recommended hotels in Italy, France, Spain and Portugal, adding new properties in key cities such as Paris, including the five-star Grand Powers (reopened December 2018) and the landmark Hotel Lutetia (reopened summer 2018). Kirker has also added Wengen and St. Moritz in Switzerland and several countryside retreats in south west Ireland, as well as reintroducing Egypt and incorporating new itineraries in Morocco, Oman and Turkey. The 2019 Short Breaks brochure, a copy of which can be collected at their stand, includes more special offers (such as complimentary extras nights) than ever. Kirker’s separate programme of escorted Cultural Tours includes music, art, history and gardens: 2019 highlights range from an exclusive music cruise to the West Coast of France, a tour of Leonardo’s Italy (marking 500 years since Da Vinci’s death) and Normandy’s D-Day Landing Grounds to the Gardens of Marrakech and Oman - the Pearl of Arabia. Call Kirker Holidays on 020 7593 2283 (www.kirkerholidays.com)

McKinlay Kidd – AITO Stand E73

McKinlay Kidd are award-winning curators of special-experience and tailor-made holidays in Scotland, Ireland, England & Wales. New for 2019, McKinlay Kidd have launched five guided small group rail tours to discover the real Scotland, with the expertise of a knowledgeable local tour leader for the duration of the trip. Take the famous Jacobite Express steam train for a journey where history meets magic, whet your whisky appetite in Speyside, explore the Scottish Highlands, stay in a castle after having dinner with a Laird and a Lady or head to the most northerly point of mainland Britain, Dunnet Head, before hopping over to discover ancient civilisations in Orkney. Each trip is unique, offering hand-picked accommodation and excursions plus picturesque rail journeys with a maximum of 15 people per trip to share the experience with. Call AITO* Member McKinlay Kidd on 0141 260 9260 (www.mckinlaykidd.com).

Naturetrek – Stand AA65

Established over 30 years ago, Naturetrek operates the largest selection of escorted birdwatching, botanical and natural history holidays in the world. The wildlife holiday specialist’s small group tours, treks, cruises and photography holidays are guided by British and local expert naturalist guides. Tailor-made wildlife trips - including itineraries suitable for families - can also be arranged. New highlights for 2019 include an exclusive Naturetrek wildlife expedition cruise to Brazil’s Pantanal National Park in search of Jaguar, Giant River Otter, Capybara and more; a tour of China’s Shaanxi and Sichuan Provinces to observe the Golden Snub-nosed Monkey, the Chinese Leopard Cat and the Terracotta Warriors; a single-centre birding, botany and butterfly break to Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast; and a trip to the little-visited Central Asian country of Uzbekistan to take in fascinating architecture and varied birdlife in the mountains, rivers, woods and deserts. At the show, General Manager and Galápagos expert Andy Tucker will be giving a talk on the wildlife of this unique archipelago (1.45 pm on Friday 1 February in Theatre 1). Visit www.naturetrek.co.uk for more information.

On Foot Holidays – Stand AA61

As specialists in self-guided walking holidays across spectacular, unspoilt Europe, On Foot Holidays features walking trips in Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey and the UK. All walks have been designed by local walkers in the area, and aim to deliver an authentic experience of rural Europe through stunning landscapes, fascinating traditions and great food and wine; they’ve all been tested by Director, Simon Scutt, and at least one other member of his team. New for 2019 are improvements to the popular Dolomites walk in Northern Italy, which has been extended to include a circular walk from Cortina; evidence of battles between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies is still visible in this unforgiving terrain. A new trip, Walking in the Dordogne, promises cultural sights a-plenty, including cave art and ch'teaux plus fortified mediaeval villages. Call AITO* member On Foot Holidays on 01722 322 652 (www.onfootholidays.co.uk).

Sunvil – Stand E50

Sunvil has been at the forefront of travel for 48 years, delivering tailor-made holidays and once-in-a-lifetime adventures to Greece (mainland and islands), Cyprus, Italy, Sicily, Portugal, the Azores, Spain, Scandinavia and Latin America. For 2019 Sunvil has revisited some old favourites in Greece, including the little-known Ionian island of Kythira with its lush landscapes, pretty villages, ancient castles and over 30 beaches but very few tourists; the Athenians’ weekend hideaway Poros, offering plenty of cultural sites including an archaeological museum and the stunning Villa Galini, which has hosted various personalities from the world of art, including Henri Miller; and Aegina, just 40 minutes from Athens by ferry and boasting a colourful town with a long waterfront lined with tavernas known for their fresh fish. In Scandinavia, Sunvil has increased its accommodation offering in the region of Småland, southern Sweden, and also in Northern Norway, to include Alta and Kautokeino. Visit www.sunvil.co.uk for further information.

Sunvil Latin America – Stand E50

Sunvil Latin America has provided carefully crafted tailormade holidays to Latin America for over 20 years. Featuring eleven countries across the region – including Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador and Peru – the trips combine charming character hotels and ecolodges with private transfers and experienced guides. Exciting developments for 2019 include the introduction of a brand-new, state-of-the-art cruise vessel, MV Theory, a luxurious base for exploring the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands, which will enjoy its maiden voyage on 3 March. A new Norwegian flight from London Gatwick to Rio de Janeiro launching on 31 March will make Brazil more affordable and accessible than ever. For travellers after a truly in-depth experience, Sunvil’s recently-introduced 30-night Grand Tour of South America explores five countries with highlights including a train journey to Machu Picchu, the breathtaking Iguazu Falls, Rio’s world-famous beaches, a tango show in Buenos Aires, and wine tasting in Chile. Visit www.sunvil.co.uk for further information.

Visit Faroe Islands – Stand E88

The Faroe Islands are a group of 18 islands located in the North Atlantic, midway between Norway and Iceland. This wild and captivating nation is tipped to be one of the places to see in 2019 and is developing apace, with newly-opened boutique accommodation, Hotel Havgrím – featuring striking views of the wild landscape and décor inspired by the land and seascapes – and iconic Faroese restaurant KOKS, which retained its Michelin star in 2018 and moved its location to a grass-roofed 18th century farmhouse in the remote valley of Leynavatn. The beautiful islands are home to a burgeoning art and music scene, plus underground Supperclubs run by farmers who’ll invite you to their home for a taste of “heimablídni” (home hospitality) and you can even rent a hot tub and sauna anywhere on the islands for the ultimate private wellness experience. Stay in 2019 and discover one of the friendliest places on earth. Visit www.visitfaroeislands.com for further information.

Ends

Notes to Editor

Press Contacts: Please call Sue Ockwell, Julia Farish, Karen Carpenter, Jackie Franklin, Mischa Mack, Lizzie Cooper, Kate Chapman, Steph Punchard or George Curtis at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email initial.surname@travelpr.co.uk for further information.

About Destinations
The Holiday & Travel Show is the UK's largest and longest-running travel event and the perfect place to book your holiday of a lifetime by meeting the travel experts face to face.

DESTINATIONS LONDON

DATES: 31st Jan – 3rd Feb 2019
LOCATION: Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, London, W14 8UX
TIMES: Thursday to Sunday: 10:00am – 5:30pm