26 TRAVEL TRADE NEWS


Nexus Global Reveals Current Business Confidence in Travel Sector


THE current pandemic has thrown drastic obstacles in the way for UK businesses. With the travel sector being one of the hardest hit, having a total business confidence score of 69.77 out of a total of 190, these figures show just how uncertain businesses feel at present – according to a new, Business Confidence Report by Nexus Global. Nexus Global surveyed senior managers in businesses


across the UK to determine how confident they feel at present regarding the current economic climate. According to the findings, travel businesses are most assured about not having to make redundancies yet least assured about hiring new employees. To determine the figures, senior managers in the travel


sector were asked (on a scale of 1-10) how confident they feel at present regarding the following aspects: The travel sector is among the least confident sectors in the UK The UK travel sector scored 69.77 overall on the


business confidence report. The sector is most confident about not having to make redundancies, the happiness of employees, and the level of business competition However, the travel sector is least confident about the increase in sales, the expansion of new products and services, business growth, and the overall health of the country’s economy.


With 48% of the population saying they wouldn’t book a holiday during the outbreak, it’s predicted that over a third of SME’s in the UK travel sector will need two years to recover from the pandemic. There is no doubt that this sector has been the hardest hit, but there is hope that demand will increase once restrictions have further eased.


Please see the table below to see where the travel sector ranked compared to other sectors: Commenting on the report findings, John Westwood, Managing Director, says: “It is by no surprise to see business confidence at a low during such an unsettling and turbulent period, during which the UK economy has suffered its worst-ever decline. Looking forward, business confidence levels will be


a key factor to influence the pace of consumer spending once lock-down measures continue to ease. This change in behaviour will need to see businesses adapt if they stand a chance of seeing growth.”


Satisfy Your Appetite in Dubai


with New Agent Competition LUXURY tour operator If Only have teamed up with Jumeriah Hotels & Resorts to offer one lucky travel agent the chance to win a £250 voucher for stylish restaurant chain, The Ivy. Launching in August, their joint campaign, ‘Satisfy


Your Appetite In Dubai’, will encourage agents to learn more about the hotelier’s dine around programme, Jumeirah Flavours, featuring the following properties within the Dubai portfolio: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Jumeirah Al Naseem, Jumeirah Al Qasr, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, and Jumeirah Emirates Towers.


To be in with a chance of scooping this fantastic prize, agents simply have to make as many bookings as possible with If Only for the featured properties from 1 to 31 August 2020. At the end of the month, the agent who has booked the highest total number of room nights will receive the voucher, to treat themselves to a mouth-watering meal. Find out more at ifonly.co/agent- incentive, and check out a selection of incredible offers for the resorts at ifonly.co/offers. Meanwhile, If Only will also be running an online training quiz for agents, encouraging them to test their trivia around the Jumeirah Flavours offering. Agents who share their results on the If Only Partners Facebook Page will be entered into a prize draw to win a sensational Fortnum & Mason Marylebone Hamper, bursting with gourmet goodies. Visit ifonly.co/Jumeirah-flavours to take part.


Emirates Launches Bespoke


Portal for Travel Trade Partners EMIRATES has rolled out a brand new, state-of-the-art online gateway to serve its travel trade partners in Ireland and around the world. Tailored for each market, and personalised for each partner to cater to their unique business environment and needs, the Emirates Partners Portal is a one-stop shop for travel industry partners to quickly and securely access the full range of information on Emirates’ latest products, services and policies, and obtain technical support. This dynamic platform reshapes the way Emirates delivers information to their trade partner community. The portal also offers a range of functions including self-service tools and support, and in-built automation of business processes, all aimed at delivering efficiency for travel partners, as well as providing transparency and clarity on the status of transactions.


The portal has been built on the latest technology,


on NDC/IATA standards, that will provide access to Emirates’ rich content, in addition to critical operational updates 24 hours a day 7 days a week, and other core Emirates platforms such as Dubai Experience.


HE Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) has announced the formation of a supplier’s council which will act as a representative body for the Association’s affiliate members. The new council is made up of five members; Mary


August 2020 Travel News


ITAA FORM NEW ‘SUPPLIER COUNCIL’ T


Denton of Sunway Holidays, Niall McDonnell of Classic Collection Holidays, Jennifer Callister of Royal Caribbean, Bev Hart of Bookabed and Alan Sparling of ASM Ireland.


This initiative is being led by newly elected ITAA


Board Member, Alan Lynch, Managing Director of Cruisescapes and Travel Escapes, who acts as the Association’s Tour Operator representative. Speaking on the formation of the council, Mr Lynch commented: “Part of my responsibility is to review the level of engagement between the Association and the various affiliate suppliers who provide product for our members. I feel it is vital that, as an industry, we work together to overcome the huge challenges we currently face.


“We are all trying to achieve the same result and


AS THE world starts to reopen following the COVID-19 pandemic, Arabia has become a hot spot for customers looking to book a luxury getaway for some much-needed winter sun.


I strongly believe that by working as a team, we can achieve this. The level of experience, ability and passion is in abundance amongst the affiliate suppliers that I have asked to join the council.” He continued: “As a first step, we will be gathering information from the affiliate members to ascertain the number of people that are currently employed by the affiliates so that we can include these in our submissions to the government. As an industry, we have been very successful to date in bringing our plight to the attention of the relevant departments within the government and we would hope to see the affiliates benefit from the hard work that has already taken place.” In addition to representing the ITAA’s affiliate members, the council will also take on board discussions regarding Awards Ceremonies, ITAA Events and The Annual ITAA Conference. To find out more about the ITAA suppliers council, email Alan Lynch at alan@travelescapes.ie To become an affiliate member of the ITAA and have your voice heard, visit itaa.ie/become-an-affiliate/


entertainment and world-class dining on offer.


There’s never been a better time


The Irish Travel Agents Association has announced that it is forming a new suppliers council


Caesars for All Seasons: Travel Agents Can Win a Home Entertainment Bundle Winners will be selected at the end of


or Xbox 1), £100 NowTV voucher and gourmet popcorn to enjoy.


Caesars Bluewaters Dubai offers a fantastic option, with three iconic properties to choose from, awe-inspiring


to book with If Only, since the luxury operator have teamed up with the resort to offer three lucky agents the chance to win a dazzling entertainment bundle. These spectacular giveaway packs will include a 50 inch HDTV, console (PS4


WTM organisers have confirmed that this year’s WTM London will go ahead. The annual event will take place between November 2-4, 2020 in ExCeL London. This year’s event is centred on the concept of recovery, rebuilding and innovation as the global travel and tourism industry emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic. In a statement, WTM said: “The show will reflect the diverse needs of the travel and tourism industry by incorporating both a live event, at ExCeL London, as well as a virtual event taking place online the week after. “Furthermore, the leading travel technology exhibition, Travel Forward, which is co-located with WTM London at


Blue Insurance Adds Covid-19 Cancellation Insurance


BLUE Insurance, which is part of the Cover- More Group, have announced that they will now cover Cancellation as a result of a positive Covid-19 diagnosis on their policies).


As Northern Ireland’s favourite travel insurance provider, Blue Insurance continues to lead the way with innovation and will be one of the first to add this new cover for cancellation to all new and existing policies for trips which will take place after the 21st July 2020. This new enhanced cover includes cancellation


for: The policy will cover cancellation or curtailment


of the trip because You, Your Close Relative or Your Travelling companion has been Medically diagnosed


with Coronavirus or is personally


instructed to quarantine by the NHS or a healthcare professional. Medical expenses abroad if you or your travelling companion contracts Covid-19. The policy will exclude cancellation claims


where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office or government administration advise against travel. Ciaran Mulligan Managing Director of Blue Insurance says: “We are delighted to announce this new enhanced cancellation cover protecting holidaymakers against Covid-19 in addition to our medical expenses benefit which now also covers Covid-19 while abroad. Blue Insurance continues to support the Travel Trade with new product features that protect consumers and gives them the confidence to travel. Our new Agency Sales & Service Manager, Jeanette Taylor will be sharing more details with our agents over the coming week.”


To be entered into the prize draw, agents must simply make a booking lasting three nights or more for Caesars Resort Bluewaters Dubai, Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai or The Residences at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, including return


This Year’s WTM London Set To Go Ahead with Health & Safety Updates


the ExCeL Centre, will also be taking place this year inspiring visitors to embrace the latest technology that will help rebuild the industry. “The highest standards of health and safety will be followed


across all elements of the shows this year with WTM London, Travel Forward and London Travel Week adhering to UK Government guidelines on social distancing and all other aspects of Covid-19 prevention. “Visitors can be safe in the knowledge that not only will they


have the chance to meet other travel and tourism professionals in person for the first time since the outbreak of COVID-19, but they will be able to do this in a safe environment too.”


BREXIT: New Brexit Fact Sheet Released for Members


THE Travel Network Group (TTNG) has released a two-page Brexit fact sheet to help members understand the implications of Brexit – these will apply from January 1, 2021. The document explains the changes that will happen to travel and


the EU, as well as to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein and includes key information travel businesses and professionals should provide clarity for clients planning travel after 1 January 2021. The fact sheet outlines the new rules on passport validity, border control protocols, visas, driving licences and other regulations, as well as travel and health insurance.


NEW FOR 2020 – The BIG Travel Trade Event Industry Forum


THERE will be various Topics covered in the brand new BIG Travel Trade Event Industry Forum 2020, with key note speakers and a panel of industry experts giving advice and answering your questions over the two days. (Speakers will be announced soon)


Travel Industry topics to be


covered will reflect the current situation and the recovery measures needed for the industry in Northern Ireland.


Financial topics including agent and consumer protection in the future, Travel Insurance and supplier relationships. The main focus will be the main areas of help needed for agents on the reset road


Nova Scotia Underlines Committment to Travel Trade with New Online Training


TOURISM Nova Scotia has announced the launch of its brand new online training which underlines its commitment to the UK travel industry.


To celebrate this launch, successful graduates will have the opportunity to enter a photo competition to win one of three fantastic prizes.


The training programme features the seven touring regions


of Nova Scotia; signature places to explore and top activities that visitors can experience within the region. By completing the training, agents and travel industry professionals will discover the stunning vistas, cultural heritage and local flavours of Nova Scotia from the comfort of their chair. Once they’ve become a certified expert on Nova Scotia they can enter the


competition by submitting their favourite, personally snapped, ‘outdoor travel vista or road trip’ image for the chance to win a compact Canon PowerShot camera worth £300! Nova Scotia, the gateway to Atlantic Canada and only 6 hours away from the UK, is home to stunning natural beauty, diverse cultures, rich heritage, and warm, friendly people. Unique features from the Cabot Trail, one of the world’s top scenic drives, to the Bay of Fundy, recorded to have the highest tides in the world. About the size of Scotland, and home to just under a million people, Nova Scotia is very much a road trip destination. With spectacular coastal and inland driving routes, it’s easy to get around and the journey is very much part of the holiday experience.


to recovery, and confidence building measures for the future. Please note… In line with social distancing guidelines there will be limited space in these forums,


please email


paula@nitravelnews.com to register your interest in attending & to be kept updated on all details and times.


flights, from 1 August through to 20 December 2020.


August, October and December 2020 and announced on the If Only Partners Facebook Page.


Travel Suppliers Presentations on Day 1 of The BIG Travel Trade Event


INTRODUCING the Travel Suppliers Presentations on Day 1 of The BIG Travel Trade Event 2020 – 1st September 2020.


A change from our very popular Speed Networking sessions and to adhere to Government guidelines with social distancing… Day 1 will see various Travel suppliers take to the stage to update, train and re educate travel agents. There is limited space at these sessions and they will begin from 9am on Tuesday 1st September… all agents attending will be invited to the Visit USA Lunch for an update from their members and a tasty themed lunch.


Times, companies involved and more details coming very soon! All Government guidelines at the time of the event will be adhered to.


Declan Kelly to Chair Aircraft Leasing Ireland


DECLAN Kelly, GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) executive, is taking over as chairman of lobby group, Aircraft Leasing Ireland.


Aircraft Leasing Ireland represents 32 lessors, which provide craft to airlines around the world, supporting 5,000 job and generating around €575 million for Ireland’s economy.


Titan Confirms Staff Redundancies


TITAN Travel has confirmed that it has been forced to make a number of staff redundancies due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Managing Director Andy Squirrell said: “The way that the Titan team has pulled together, adapted to new circumstances, shown patience and understanding, and continued to give their all during the pandemic has made me immensely proud to lead this business and the incredible people that underpin it.


“We are a close knit team and will all miss our colleagues who are leaving the business. I would like to thank them for their valuable contribution and wish them all the best for the future.”


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