Category: Stories

2026 is here, and Apollo’s latest trend outlook shows a clear shift in how people want to experience the world. Travel is becoming more personal, more playful, and far more meaningful. Holidays are no longer just about getting away—they’re about creating experiences that reflect who we are and what we value. “The trends for 2026 confirm what we at Apollo have sensed for a long time: people want to travel with more freedom, more curiosity, and a desire for genuine experiences,” explains Beatriz Rivera, Nordic Head of Communications at Apollo. “This is at the very core of what we work for every single day. That’s why this year’s trend outlook gives us such a boost – it shows that we’re on the right track.

When DERTOUR Group acquired ANIXE in September 2024, the goal was clear: unite technological innovation with destination management expertise to create exceptional value for clients. Just over a year later, that vision is already delivering results. In late 2025, DERTOUR Destination Management Companies (DMC) successfully went live with a first pilot client, marking a major milestone for both organizations. The activation launched with four destinations: Tunisia, Egypt, Dubai and Greece, with additional ones to follow soon. Thanks to ANIXE’s robust integration capabilities and DERTOUR DMC’s market expertise, the go-live was not just fast—it was seamless. From a strategic perspective, ANIXE gives further connectivity options to DERTOUR DMC’s third-party clients and suppliers.

Capital magazine has published its 10th edition of the “Best Brands 2026” ranking – a benchmark for consumer trust and brand excellence in France. This year, more than 15,000 consumers were surveyed by research institute Statista, and 507 brands across 140 sectors were evaluated. We are proud to announce that Kuoni France has once again earned a place among the best, securing the bronze medal in the Tour Operator category. Kuoni France achieved an impressive score of 8.13 out of 10, confirming its position as one of the most trusted and respected brands in the French travel market. This recognition marks a significant milestone in their journey. After a brief absence in 2023 and 2024, Kuoni France is back on the podium in 2025 with a bronze medal!

Travel trends are shifting—and one of the most exciting changes is the rise of women choosing to explore the world on their own terms. Instead of waiting for friends or family to align schedules or share the same travel dreams, more women are booking solo adventures. It’s about freedom, discovery, and experiences that feel truly personal. Specialist operator Jules Verne, part of DERTOUR UK, reports that solo travellers now make up 46% of its bookings for next year—up from 40% in 2023. Nearly 70% of those solo travellers are women. As Jules Verne’s managing director Debbie O’Neill explains, “Many of our guests have busy lives filled with family and friends, but they also value the freedom to explore in their own way.

Apollo has been named the “Best Brand in the Travel Industry” at the 2025 Evimetrix Swedish Brand Award. This award is based on one of Sweden’s largest independent brand surveys, and it confirms Apollo’s strong position in the Swedish travel market. Every year, the Evimetrix Swedish Brand Award is given based on the opinions of over 6,000 Swedish consumers who review more than 500 brands. The award recognizes brands that excel in both awareness and customer satisfaction – this recognition highlights Apollo’s commitment to providing excellent travel experiences, and the trust and loyalty it has earned from its travelers.

Tourism is often seen as a way to explore new destinations, but its potential goes much further. When developed responsibly, tourism can strengthen communities, create education and employment opportunities, and support the protection of nature. In line with the theme of this year’s World Tourism Day, Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, which took place between September 27th-29th, the DERTOUR Foundation is proud to share how partners around the world are turning tourism into a tool for long-term progress.

When the DERTOUR Foundation began supporting mangrove conservation in Sri Lanka (read about it here), our vision went beyond protecting coastal ecosystems. We knew that true change comes when communities are given the tools to care for their environment.

That’s why awareness and education programs became just as central as conservation work. And this year, we witnessed the extraordinary impact of that approach.
Across Sri Lanka, thousands of students take part in the Environmental Pioneer Programme, an initiative of the Central Environmental Authority launched in 1984.

No posts. No stories. No explanation. This is exactly what led to one of DERTOUR’s most native social media campaigns – a clear statement in favour of digital time-outs, real relaxation and a message that captures the spirit of the times.

What caused a stir in the community in May 2024 is a multi-award-winning beacon of the industry in summer 2025. #MachtOffline was honoured with four of the most important communication awards in the German-speaking world – the 916 Award, the DPOK and the German Brand Award (double honour) – for creative excellence, strategic impact and emotional brand management.

Today, we shine a spotlight on the DERTOUR Foundation’s 10-year anniversary, focusing on the partnership with the Reiner Meutsch Foundation FLY & HELP. Together, we are dedicated to improving education through the renovation project of the “Juan Manuel Viamonte” elementary school in Cuba. In the vibrant city of Camagüey, nestled in the heart of Cuba, lies the “Juan Manuel Viamonte” elementary school, a cornerstone of the community since the 1970s. Over the years, this institution has seen generations of children pass through its doors.

As the DER Touristik Foundation reaches the remarkable milestone of a decade of impactful collaborations, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our valued partners. Today, we would like to introduce you to Maldives Coral Institute (MCI), a science-led organisation that aims to help coral reefs to survive and adapt to the changing climate.
Their mission is to research, develop and implement the means to build coral resilience, mitigate adverse human impact and save our corals and reefs from irreversible loss and degradation.