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Travel Daily News
6 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
CIE Tours introduces small-group Walking & Hiking Tours
CIE Tours launches new Ireland Walking & Hiking tours for 2026, offering small-group active adventures with cultural immersion and scenic rural exploration. MORRISTOWN, NJ – CIE Tours, the premier tour operator for guided vacations to Ireland and Britain, is taking the trail less traveled with the debut of its brand-new Walking & Hiking tours for 2026. The Ireland expert has designed two new tours for active travelers eager to experience the country in a new way. The small-group adventures blend the scenic beauty of Ireland's rural landscapes with immersive cultural connections, guiding guests through charming communities along the northern coast and a southern route from Cork to Kerry. Plus, travelers planning for 2026 trips now can take advantage of CIE Tours' special savings incentive on all tours and all destinations, including the new Ireland Walking & Hiking adventures. Inaugural Ireland Walking & Hiking Tour Itineraries 'These new itineraries strike a perfect balance between active exploration and sightseeing,' said Stephen Cotter, managing director of CIE Tours. 'This launch marks an exciting evolution of our brand by offering travelers a new way to experience Ireland through the active lens of walking and hiking. With more than 90 years of Irish travel expertise, we've crafted each tour to showcase not only the country's iconic landmarks, but also its hidden gems, scenic trails, and local culture. Whether it's a guest's first trip with us or their fifth, this is a fresh way to see Ireland.' The new 2026 tours will operate from May through September and are limited to 16 guests per departure. Each day features from two to six miles of walking at a comfortable pace over mostly gentle terrain and low-grade hills, offering a relaxed yet rewarding adventure for active travelers. The nine-day Ireland Walking & Hiking: The Northern Coast brings travelers across the dramatic landscapes of the Slieve League cliffs, Glenveagh National Park, and a visit to the famed Giant's Causeway. The adventure also includes stops at Devenish Island's monastic ruins, Glenveagh Castle, and offers a taste of traditional life in Glencolmcille. The nine-day Ireland Walking & Hiking: Cork to Kerry leads travelers through Ireland's southern wilds with hikes along the scenic trails of Glengarriff and the Beara Peninsula. Highlights include a visit to the Rock of Cashel, meeting locals in charming towns such as Dingle, and immersive experiences like traditional soda breadmaking and turf cutting demonstrations in rural Ireland. Plan Ahead: Big Rewards for Early Bookers From Ireland, Scotland and Britain to Italy, Iceland and Spain, the special incentive also includes all new tours debuting in 2026 plus custom private driver experiences. This promotion is valid for new bookings made between June 2 through July 31, 2025, for travel between January 1 and December 31, 2026. Three Additional European Tours New for 2026 CIE Tours is further expanding its 2026 portfolio with three additional itineraries across Europe. Travelers can discover the charm of England, Wales, and Scotland on the nine-day Scenic Britain tour, featuring stops in Devon, Cornwall, Hay-on-Wye, the Lake District and Edinburgh. Select departures include tickets to the renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August 2026. Two newly launched Italian journeys include the 10-day Classic Journey: Italian Lakes to Rome, which explores cultural treasures from the elegance of Milan to the grandeur of the Vatican, and the 13-day Grand Tour: Italian Lakes to Amalfi Coast, an extended version of the Classic Journey with added visits to sun-drenched Capri, historic Pompeii and the cliffside charms of Positano. Both tours immerse travelers in the rich history, regional cuisine, and the striking landscapes that define one of Europe's most beloved destinations. As with all CIE Tours guided vacations, guests will enjoy the value of the All-In Inclusive Advantage on these new tours. Everything on the itinerary including hotels, transportation, attractions, entertainment, and most meals, is included in one upfront price. All 2026 tours – including these five new itineraries – are now available to book.
Irish Times
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Most Irish J1 students unaffected by US move to halt interviews for visas
Most Irish students who have applied for J1 visas to work in the United States this summer will be unaffected by the US government's suspension of visa interviews for foreign students, according to travel experts. Embassies and consulates have been ordered to stop scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visitor visa applicants as the US State Department prepares to expand social media vetting of foreign students. Travel firms who help to administer J1 visas for Irish students said the vast majority of students have had their applications processed, while those with scheduled interviews at the US embassy are exempt from the pause. About 5,000 Irish students are expected to travel on J1 visas this summer, a similar number to last year. READ MORE A cable from the US State Department to embassies – reported by Reuters – states that it is 'conducting a review of existing operations and processes for screening and vetting of student and exchange visitor (F, M, J) visa applicants, and, based on that review, plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting for all such applicants'. Michael Doorley, owner of SayIt Travel, who has been organising J1 visa applications for more than 20 years, said the vast majority of summer workers can breathe a sigh of relief. 'J1 students are pretty much done and dusted by this stage,' said. 'If you're on the record as having applied – our understanding is that applicants with existing interview appointments should still be able to attend those.' Sheelagh Daly, director of sales for the Council on International Educational Exchange, agreed that only a very small number of J1 students who have not yet applied may be affected. 'It is an evolving situation. We expect to get update guidance [on student visa applications] over the coming days, so we'll be monitoring that closely, but we're confident that almost all J1 students are on track.' [ Irish students' J1 plans in the Trump era: 'We said we wouldn't go ahead. It just isn't safe' Opens in new window ] Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (AMLÉ), the national representative body for students, acknowledged 'growing concerns around political expression, social media monitoring, and student safety'. It called on both US and Irish authorities to provide 'clear, consistent information to protect students' rights and ensure their safety while abroad'. Chris Clifford, AMLÉ's president, said Irish students should not be discouraged from pursuing cultural exchange programmes. 'Those who have already applied can proceed with confidence. For those intending to apply, we recommend acting quickly and maintaining contact with your provider. AMLÉ will continue to support and advocate for all students involved in the J1 programme,' he said. Last March, consular officers were first told to scrutinise the social media content of some applicants for student and other types of visas. That directive said that officers need to refer certain student and exchange visitor visa applicants to the 'fraud prevention unit' for a 'mandatory social media check'. [ Irish J1 visa students urged to be informed of potential risks of 'activism' in US Opens in new window ] In recent months, US president Donald Trump 's administration has spoken about cancelling student visas, revoking green cards and scrutinising the social media history of foreign visitors, mainly in the context of outrage around Israel's war in Gaza. Mr Doorley of SayIt Travel said it has advised J1 students to be 'careful' about their use of social media. Despite the political atmosphere in the US, he said demand was as strong as ever for J1 visas. 'It's still a rite of passage for students,' he said. 'We filled our quota and still had a waiting list of about 150 students.'
Trade Arabia
20-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
ITB China 2025 launches themed travel panels
ITB China 2025, which will take place from May 27 to 29 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, will feature six expert panels covering various segments, including Senior Tourism, Educational Travel, Cruise Travel, Customised Travel, Luxury Travel, and Adventure Tourism. Key topics will include personalisation, product innovation, demographic shifts, and industry scalability. As Chinese travellers continue to seek more meaningful, flexible, and personalised journeys, ITB China 2025 is responding to this shift by making Themed and Customised Travel one of its key themes. During the three-day trade show, the dedicated program will feature focused keynote speeches and panel discussions that bring together experts and industry leaders to explore new opportunities. Personalisation as the New Standard The rise of niche interests and segmented demand is transforming the landscape of the travel industry. Travellers are increasingly moving away from mass-market products, instead opting for tailored experiences that offer cultural depth, flexibility, and a sense of discovery. Whether it's in-depth local immersion, private transportation, or itinerary flexibility, customisation has become a key driver of traveller satisfaction and business innovation. ITB China's Themed and Customised Travel panels address these trends with practical insights and strategic foresight, aiming to help businesses evolve alongside traveller expectations. Wednesday, May 28, Presentaion Hub 13:30–14:10 – Senior Tourism With China's aging population on the rise, a generation of affluent, experience-seeking senior travellers is emerging – and the trillion-yuan senior travel market is demanding fresh attention. The panel 'Redefining the New Silver Travellers: Capturing China's Trillion-Yuan Senior Tourism Opportunity' will bring together industry leaders from senior lifestyle communities, prominent travel brands, and academic researchers to explore how the travel sector can effectively cater to the needs of senior travellers. The session will present strategies for developing tailored products, services, and inclusive messaging that resonate with this increasingly influential market segment. 14:50–15:30 – Educational Travel The surge in educational travel presents both major opportunities and challenges for travel operators. The session 'Educational Travel: Golden Opportunity or Hidden Trap for Travel Agency Evolution' will focus on strategies to ensure meaningful learning outcomes and navigate the evolution of educational tourism in China. Attendees will gain actionable insights into how to adapt business models to meet the rising expectations for high-quality educational travel products. 15:30–16:10 – Customised Travel As personalised travel expands beyond the luxury segment, the session 'The Competitive Landscape of Customised Travel: From Boutique to Scalable – Who Will Lead the Tailored Tourism Race?' will examine whether the concept of "true" customised travel needs to be redefined. Industry experts will explore how tailored travel offerings can be scaled through innovation, technology, and strategic differentiation. The session will also analyze which market players – ranging from traditional wholesalers to direct-to-consumer DMCs – are best positioned to lead this evolving segment, and how businesses can build a competitive edge in a rapidly changing landscape. Thursday, May 29, Conference Room B 10:00-11:00 – Luxury Travel Today's Chinese luxury travellers are seeking more than comfort – they are increasingly drawn to immersive, personalised, and culturally rich experiences. From 10:00 to 10:20, Jun Shen, Account Director of Greater China at Virtuoso, will deliver a keynote titled "Redefining Luxury Travel: Innovation and Transformation in China's Market." Drawing on Virtuoso's exclusive market data, this presentation will examine the evolution of luxury travel in China across three dimensions: Consumer Insights, Industry Transformation, and Tech Integration. The session will provide data-backed insights and actionable recommendations, offering a forward-looking perspective on the evolving landscape of luxury travel. From 10:20 to 11:00, the session titled "Experiential Luxury: What Are Chinese High-End Travellers Really Looking For?" will highlight case studies of successful adaptations in luxury travel design and explore potential innovations. Panelists will examine emerging trends in destination design, service models, and sustainability, offering insights into what truly resonates with China's high-end travel segment. 11:00–12:00 – Adventure Tourism Adventure travel continues to gain traction among younger travel;ers seeking immersive and tailored experiences. From 11:00 to 11:15, Hannah Pearson, Regional Director APAC at the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), will take the stage with a keynote titled 'Emerging Trends in Adventure Tourism.' Drawing on her expertise in the Asia-Pacific region, Pearson will share key insights into the evolving preferences of adventure travellers and highlight new opportunities shaping this fast-growing segment of the travel industry. Following the keynote, the session titled "Understanding the Adventure Traveller,' held in partnership with the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), will bring together representatives from tourism boards, buyers, sellers, and industry associations to explore traveller behavior, product trends, and regional differences in expectations. Panel experts will share insights on how to effectively tailor adventure travel offerings to meet the distinct needs of various source markets, providing actionable strategies for this dynamic and growing segment. -TradeArabia News Service
