High agent demand for access to advance bookings for escorted tours in the UK, Ireland and Europe has prompted Newmarket Holidays to issue its 2026 short-haul programme early.
The operator has put 40% of next year’s short-haul offering on sale now, with additional tours being added daily to expand availability.
The full season will be available several weeks earlier than previous years, according to the operator.
Interest in early booking for short-haul tours marks a departure from booking patterns last year, when the company reported an increase in late bookings for holidays in the UK and Europe.
Departures for 2026 now available to agents include scenic tours through the Scottish Highlands and Ireland, train-based sightseeing across the Alps and Pyrenees, food and culture breaks in Italy and Malta, plus off-the-beaten track group getaways to Albania, Northern Cyprus and the Baltic capitals.
Head of trade sales and partnerships Hayley Morris said: “Feedback from agents is that their customers want to book as far ahead as possible, even for short-haul breaks, so we’re delighted to make many of our best-selling itineraries available earlier than ever before.
“With new 2026 tours added daily, agents will have a steady stream of exciting announcements they can keep sharing, giving them a fantastic opportunity to lock in their customers’ next wish-list holiday.”