NEWS ROUND-UP
COMMENT: “In the real world, ambitious apprentices are there to learn, not just to show off” Andy Freeth, page 32
Tunisia urges UK to scale back ‘ban’ against travel
Juliet Dennis
juliet.dennis@
travelweekly.co.uk
The Tunisia National Tourist Office has called on the UK government to give it hope that the ‘travel ban’ to the destination will be lifted in the near future.
The Foreign & Commonwealth
Office has advised against all but essential travel to Tunisia since June 26, 2015, when 38 tourists were killed, including 30 British nationals, in a terrorist attack at Port El Kantaoui near Sousse. Sami Tounsi, UK trade manager for the TNTO, said: “It is unprecedented to keep a destination out of business for such a long time. We feel we are being penalised and sending a message to the terrorists that they are winning.” Tounsi said the tourist office
did not expect the UK to lift the advice completely. “We have to find a balance,” he
said. “If the government could lift the ban partially, that would give us a light at the end of the tunnel. “We are not getting any feedback
from the British government.” He cited Tui Germany, which is to offer holidays on the Tunisian
A2B Transfers signs deals with Broadway and Holiday Extras
Transfer specialist A2B Transfers said it had plugged the gap in its business left by the collapse of Lowcost Holidays, which was its biggest client, by signing two exclusive deals. A2B has signed Broadway Travel for the next two years and penned
Tipto heads for Milton Keynes, Norwich and other major cities
The Truly Independent Professional Travel Organisation has announced the details of seven of its forthcoming Face 2 Face roadshows and training days. Agents can meet up to 13 of
the organisation’s 22 suppliers at its Face 2 Face with Tipto roadshows to get an update on products, training, incentives and competitions. These evening events run from 6pm to 10pm and are free to attend. Each features entertainment, prizes, drinks, dinner and a charity raffle. New members include Regent
Seven Seas Cruises, Great Rail Journeys and Bourne Leisure. The classroom-style training
SOUK: The FCO advises against all but essential travel to most of Tunisia
“If the government could lift the ban partially, that would give us a light at the end of the tunnel”
island of Djerba for summer 2017 using twice-weekly Tunisair flights. Tounsi added that Tunisia,
which relies on European tourism revenue to pay for 50%-60% of its imports, had taken great strides to tighten security since 2015. “Hotels have to use cameras,
metal detectors and more security checks. We are ready for the day the ban is lifted,” he said. But he conceded publicity about
the inquests into the deaths of 30 British tourists, due to take place from January, could further dent business. He added: “This will harm the industry as a whole.” Britain was Tunisia’s second-
biggest international market, with 425,000 Brits visiting in 2014. This year, up to October 20, about
18,000 Brits had visited. › UNWTO chief criticises travel advisories: ITCMS, back page
a five-year contract with Holiday Extras, the first time the latter has entered the transfer market. Lowcost had provided 10%
Renaldo Scheepers 12
travelweekly.co.uk 17 November 2016
of A2B’s business, accounting for about £4 million in turnover, before its collapse in July. A2B chief executive Renaldo Scheepers said the transfer specialist had grown by 4% if the Lowcost business was taken out, but ultimately saw turnover drop from £42 million to £38 million. He predicted turnover next
year would be in the region of £47 million, with other new contracts including Southall Travel and “significant” partners in the Middle East. A2B recently doubled its
international sales team. James Lewis, head of partnerships for Holiday Extras, added: “We have now integrated transfers into our core product portfolio, which is performing remarkably well, coupled with great support from A2B.”
days are from 9.30am to 1pm, with optional breakfast and lunch, and include sessions by Capela Training on marketing for high street agents and homeworkers, and supplier training.
NEW ROADSHOW DATES Milton Keynes, November 22 Norwich, November 23 NEW TRAINING DAY DATES Southampton, November 30 Swansea, December 1 Manchester, December 2 Birmingham, December 6 Liverpool, December 7
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