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.