LUXE Serendipity magazine

By Donna Richardson

In an industry often defined by formal exhibitions and trade-only events, Authentic Travel 2026 offered something refreshingly different. Hosted at The Wellbeing Farm, this new travel showcase blended inspiration, accessibility, and community spirit to create a day that appealed not only to industry professionals, but to travellers and families alike.

From the moment guests arrived, the tone was set. The countryside setting, complete with roaming alpacas, open space, and the aroma of fresh food, created an atmosphere that felt relaxed and welcoming. Rather than the structured feel of a conventional travel event, this was immersive and informal – encouraging visitors to explore, engage, and connect at their own pace.

Travel for Everyone

A key driving force behind the event was inclusivity. Organiser Dan Hyams, a Travel Counsellor is a previous TTG award winner. He attended the B-Corp festival last year and set out to create a sustainable event in the countryside.

The result was a vibrant mix of attendees from experienced travellers to curious newcomers, all sharing the same space. Despite being its first edition, the event struck a strong balance. A carefully curated mix of exhibitors, talks, and interactive experiences ensured there was always something happening, without ever feeling overwhelming.

Experiences Beyond the Exhibition Floor

What set Authentic Travel apart was its focus on experience. Visitors could enjoy everything from ice cream stalls to toasting s’mores around open fire pits, while The day even kicked off with a meet the farm animals and friendly llamas.

Then everyone headed inside for the stands and a series of engaging talks and many milled around the event space engaging in talks directly with travel brands showcasing destinations from around the world and talk about meaningful travel. This hands-on approach helped bring travel to life, transforming it from something to simply book into something to truly understand and feel inspired by.

Travel with Purpose

Sustainability and responsibility were key themes woven throughout the day. A charity raffle in support of the Travel Foundation – which rebranded as Travel Forward this week, highlighted this commitment, raising over £400 through ticket sales and generously donated prizes from travel partners. The initiative not only added an engaging element to the event but also reinforced a wider message that travel, when approached thoughtfully, can have a positive impact.

Stories from Around the World

The speaker programme added depth to the experience, featuring a wide range of voices and perspectives. Talks covered everything from luxury escapes to cultural journeys and remote expeditions.

One of the standout sessions came from Nick Hindle of Quark Expeditions, who offered insight into the wonderful world of polar travel exploration. His discussion of Antarctica went beyond logistics, highlighting the environmental responsibility required to operate in such delicate ecosystems.

Other speakers explored topics including wildlife conservation, immersive cultural travel, and lesser-visited destinations, reflecting a growing appetite for more meaningful and mindful travel experiences.

The speakers at Authentic Travel 2026 included:

• Charlie Orr (Inside Travel)
• Emma Hinds (Explore!)
• Dan Hyams (Travel Counsellors / Zuri Adventures)
• Paul Sharp (Inntravel)
• Candice Sharp (Abercrombie & Kent)
• Sophie McCarthy (LJR Consulting)
• Plus representation from Wendy Wu Tours

A Shift in Travel Mindset

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Authentic Travel 2026 was the underlying shift in how travel is being presented. The event moved beyond selling destinations and instead encouraged deeper thinking – about where we go, how we travel, and the impact we leave behind.

This mirrors wider conversations within the industry, including initiatives like TTG’s Travel Heroes programme, which continue to champion more responsible travel practices.

“Inspiration is only part of it we wanted to make sure the event gave something back as well. Seeing people get behind the raffle and raise over £400 for the Travel Foundation -now called Travel Forward shows that small actions can add up when a community comes together.”

Looking Ahead

As a debut event, Authentic Travel 2026 set a strong foundation. It successfully combined inspiration, education, and community in a way that felt both modern and meaningful.

More than just a travel event, it was a reminder that travel is evolving and that the future of the industry lies not only in where we go, but in how and why we choose to explore. If this first edition is anything to go by, Authentic Travel is well on its way to becoming a standout event in the travel calendar.