p2 July3 1/7/09 21:47 Page 2
Industry has two
chances to make the
news
government listen
I WAS interested to receive an email from our friends
across the pond this week touting the release of a
new PhoCusWright report on the state of packaged
travel in the US.
It was full of acronyms such as FIT (flexible
independent travel) and TVP (traditional vacation
packager), but despite the unfamiliar language the
key message was very familiar indeed.
this week
It seems that nobody’s got a clue when a package
is a package over there either.
Some might take solace in the fact that it seems
to be a question taxing minds the world over.
But it also serves to highlight that there is no
easy answer, and while everyone scratches
their heads the facade of financial protection for
consumers and travel companies alike continues
Let’s do lunch
to crumble. Enjoying the sun at a lunch for top-performing agents hosted by Youtravel.com
The CAA’s David Moesli had some relatively are Sunshine.co.uk’s Simon White (left), Liz Garfield of Youtravel and Preston
positive news this week when he insisted the Travel Group’s Neil Bowen. Youtravel this week announced that Niels Andersen
Department for Transport was serious about would replace former chairman Nigel Jenkins, who stepped down last year
sorting out some definitions once and for all (p10), due to family commitments. Andersen said he hoped to contribute to further
though we have to wait until October for the DfT’s expansion at the accommodation specialist. Youtravel rejects rumours p16
consultation to start.
Those hoping the CAA’s case against Travel Consumer protection. Cimtig debate.
Republic would produce some answers before then Abta drives industry plan p4 Protection issue rages on p10
will also be disappointed – that’s been put off until Abta co-ordinates industry to agree Sluggish and unclear: the industry
October too (p4). on a single solution on protection is rebuked at a Cimtig event for its
Abta chairman John McEwan has revealed plans to put to government in autumn handling of the protection crisis
to convene a meeting of some occasionally uneasy
bedfellows in an attempt to come up with a Legal. In-depth.
concerted response to the consultation (p4), and Lastminute sues Virgin p5 All-inclusive holding up p14
historical differences have to be put aside. Lastminute.com is taking legal All-inclusive holidays are more
If the industry can’t speak with a single voice action against Virgin Holidays to recession-proof than other holidays
in the autumn, we shouldn’t be surprised if the ‘protect’ its trademark and offer agents better commission
government fails to listen once again.
Swine flu. City & finance.
Mobilise MPs’ muscle on APD FCO defends Mexico advice p6 Youtravel slams rumours p16
On the subject of government, the 6,500 people The FCO has defended itself Youtravel.com has hit out at
who signed our Fair Fares petition against against accusations by Tui and whispers about the commitment
the hefty increases in Air Passenger Duty other firms that it should have of its investors, and insisted it is
received an email this week from No 10 eased its Mexico advice earlier on track to post a “healthy” profit
saying the unfair hikes were still likely to
go ahead (p4). Cruise. Air.
But MPs have another chance to Azura prices ‘to hold firm’ p7 Turkey capacity concerns p22
block the changes on Tuesday next Prices for P&O Cruises’ latest ship, Turkey’s success has put it at risk of
week. Azura, will be maintained at a becoming “awash with capacity” in
If those 6,500 people all heed the call high level, the line has pledged 2010, the boss of Avro has warned
of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation
and write to their MP, perhaps we can 2010 brochures. SECTORS.
still make a difference. Still too early for 2010? p9 City & finance p16
Many delayed 2010 brochures have Cruise p20
Robin Searle Features Editor
now been issued, but is it still too Air p22
early given the late-booking trend? Letters p24
02 03.07.2009
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