JLT Group Sets the Tone for 2026 with Trend-Led Destination Roadshow in Bristol
Trending destinations for 2026 took centre stage as the Janine Loves Travel Group (JLT) officially launched its first Roadshow of the year at the Bristol Harbour Hotel on Wednesday, 25th February.
Designed to equip agents with fresh ideas, emerging and trending hotspots, deeper product knowledge, business development inspiration and networking, the event brought together more than 40 JLT homeworkers and eight expert presenters for a full day dedicated to the destinations clients will be asking about next.
The Bristol event marks the beginning of a nationwide Roadshow series that will also visit Newcastle, Windsor and Northern Ireland in 2026, ensuring all 450 JLT homeworkers across the UK have the opportunity to attend in person.
Founder and Managing Director, Janine Marshall, said, “This year’s Roadshow is all about staying ahead of the curve. Our focus on trending destinations for 2026 means our agents leave feeling confident, informed and ready to have inspiring conversations with their clients. All our agents are deeply committed to delivering exceptional travel experiences, and events like this strengthen those relationships with our trusted partners. The atmosphere in Bristol was electric; there is nothing quite like getting everyone together in person. The energy, the passion and the knowledge-sharing in the room was incredible. Huge thanks to our event sponsor, RateHawk for sponsoring the event and offering further discount rates on hotels that were showcased at the Roadshow.”
Spotlight on Trending Destinations for 2026
A strong supplier line-up included:
• Beachcomber Resorts & Tours (Mauritius & Oman)
• Red Sea Holidays (Egypt)
• Inside Travel Group (Japan & Asia)
• Wide Eyed Tours (Morocco DMC)
• Tourism That Cares, African Adventures
• Specialist Holidays Group (represented by Kim Sellman)
• RateHawk, online booking tool offering exclusive hotel discounts
• Elephant Hills & Bush Camp Chiang Mai
Kim Sellman from Specialist Holidays Group added, “We came with genuine data-led insights on what’s converting and selling well, with a particular highlight on multi-centre holidays and story-led travel. It’s been a real pleasure to attend today.”
A New Way of Working with DMCs
Kay Williams from Kite Travel Representation presented eleven Destination Management Companies (DMCs), with particular focus on Morocco, Cambodia and Vietnam, destinations seeing significant growth.
Kay said, “Today I was lucky enough to present the eleven Destination Management Consultants that Kite Travel Representation works with, focusing on trending destinations including Morocco, Cambodia and Vietnam. The reaction was incredibly positive. This represents a new and emerging way for the JLT team to work. Historically, agents have predominantly worked with tour operators, but direct access to DMCs gives them greater flexibility, stronger local connections and the ability to create truly bespoke experiences for their clients.”
Selling the “Real” Japan
Charlie Orr, Business Development Manager at Inside Travel Group, explored Japan’s unique dualities, modernity versus tradition, collectivism versus individuality, and introduced agents to the concepts of tatemae (public persona) and honne (true inner character).
He explained how their specialist brands, InsideJapan and InsideAsia, go beyond surface-level travel to reveal Japan’s authentic “honne” through meaningful local experiences, countryside stays and community festivals.
Japanese Rituals of Longevity
Adding a unique wellbeing dimension to the day, special guest speaker Barbara Cox-Lovsey, Vice President of Health & Nutrition at Partner Co., delivered a captivating 30-minute talk inspired by her recently launched book, Land of the Rising Lifespan: Japanese Rituals of Longevity.
Her presentation complemented JLT supplier Inside Japan, offering agents valuable cultural insights to enhance client conversations.
Barbara shared many key longevity principles, including:
• Eating until 80% full (Hara HachiBbu)
• Continuous Improvement (Kaizen)
• Living with purpose (Ikigai)
• Mindful tea ceremony rituals (Chado)
• Acceptance of Imperfection (Wabi-Sabi)
• Purpose (Ikigai)
Following her talk, Barbara hosted a book signing session for attendees.
Specialist Niches and Experiential Travel
Marguerite Mornay of Tourism That Cares introduced her neurodiverse luxury African safari collection across Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana, highlighting inclusive, highly personalised travel.
She said, “We specialise in neurodiverse luxury African safaris that are thoughtfully designed around individual needs. It’s about creating life-changing experiences where every traveller feels completely supported while exploring some of the most extraordinary landscapes on earth.”
Marguerite later hosted a chocolate and wine pairing experience to showcase South Africa’s wine region, demonstrating how experiential storytelling can enhance destination sales.
Agent Success Stories
JLT agent Rachel Earl shared her journey since joining in 2024, specialising in luxury, multi-stop adventures.
Rachel said, “My experience with JLT has been amazing and genuinely refreshing. The support is incredible and the suppliers are brilliant to work with. Today delivered so many golden nuggets you simply don’t get from websites or webinars. Being able to ask questions in person and network with colleagues makes such a difference. I was especially excited to meet the Inside Japan team.”
Laura Ralphie, who joined JLT in August 2024 after five years with another consortium, added, “JLT offers so much more support and is purely focused on travel. My biggest takeaway today was the value of DMCs, they give us access to authentic local cultural experiences that clients can’t book themselves, which makes us stronger and more competitive as agents.”
Prospective agent Jay Northcott, attending to explore a secondary career opportunity, alongside her part-time hairdressing business, confirmed her decision to join JLT following the event.
Jay commented, “What really attracted me to JLT is how personal it feels. It’s not a huge, impersonal conglomerate where you’re just a number. There’s a real opportunity to build your own business without rigid targets, and after today, I’m excited to be joining.”
The JLT Roadshow ran from 9 am–5 pm, with lunch and refreshments included, and continues its nationwide tour throughout 2026.
For more information about the JLT Group, visit: https://janinelovestravel.co.uk/