Let’s hope for another extended peaks A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
It scarcely seems believable that the first month of 2024 is already behind us – it feels like only yesterday we took the tinsel down. The opening weeks of the year have been typically jam-packed, with an epic Globe Travel Awards and the launch of the world’s largest cruise ship just two of this year’s high points (pages 8 and 10-11). Among these celebrations, there have been a string of encouraging
trading updates from travel agencies and suppliers alike, with many reporting beating previous sales records (page 4). This coming weekend is set to offer another indicator of the ongoing
strength of demand, particularly in the all-important family sector, as more people receive their January pay cheques and assess whether to commit to a school holiday break.
If that hoped-for boost materialises, the trade will then be eyeing a repeat of last year’s trends, when peaks maintained momentum well into the year. The Bank of England will this week give a steer on its outlook for the year ahead and, while a cut in interest rates isn’t expected yet, the tone of the update will also be important for the industry’s prospects. If the Bank is relatively upbeat and offers increased hope of a turning point in the current cost-of-living crisis, that could help give customers the confidence to turn interest into confirmed sales in the coming months. There’s no doubt demand is there, but with plenty of added capacity to fill, those currently feeling the greatest squeeze will be key to ensuring this strong start is maintained across all demographics.
Lucy Huxley, editor-in-chief, Travel Weekly Group CONTENTS NEWS
Abta legal chief urges rewrite of PTRs 4 Trade reports strong payday sales
Caribbean; Sandra Corkin and Alison Hamilton, both Oasis Travel; (front) Caroline Donaldson, Barrhead; Alison Earnshaw, Cruise118
pages 8 & 10 Photo: sbw-photo
Dobson, Barrhead Travel; Anthony Blackmore, Cruise365; Paul Hunter, Cruise1st; Ben Bouldin, Royal
COVER photo From left: (standing) Jacqueline
8 4
Ryanair deals ‘show supply constraints’ 5 Apprenticeships training; Sun Princess 6 Royal’s Icon pledge; Carlo Broccoli Special Report
Messi names Icon of the Seas in Miami 10 comment Gordon McCreadie: Partnerships key 14
NEWS YOU CAN USE Product Jet2, Riviera, Wizz Air, Eurowings Albatross Group, Inghams
FRONTLINE agent diary
THE QUEEN’S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE:
INTERNATIONAL TRADE 2020
FRONT COVER AND THIS PAGE: Steve Dunlop; Shutterstock/Santorines, Sven Hansche
travelweekly.co.uk
Clare Dudley: Safari cruise wowed me 24 Your Stories Hays franchisee Rebecca Holt on being own boss 25
FOLLOW US: @travelweekly
DESTINATIONS THE US
New England Cruise: Take in historic sites and lobster bakes on an American Cruise Lines itinerary
28
Boston: Top tips for a two-day stay 33 Eclipse Trips: April 8 ‘totality’ locations 38 weddings & honeymoons
15 16
Regent, HAL, Amadeus, A&K, Mundy 18 Adult-only Resorts: Six of the best
BUSINESS NEWS Travlaw Big Tent Event 2024:
On a Budget: Recommend Rhodes, Cyprus and Aruba as keenly priced alternatives to dearer destinations 44 48
close-up
Hays, Miles Morgan, Jamaica, Aito 26 competitions
Win cruises, fam trips, flights and more 27
WHAT LUCY DID THIS WEEK
OJoined leading UK cruise agents to witness Lionel Messi christen Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas in Miami.
OHad great meetings with a luxury cruise line, a big operator and a small premium adventure operator about their trade plans for 2024.
OCried when my son got offered a place to read natural sciences at Cambridge University. He still has to get the right grades, but I’m already so proud!
›’Operators’ liability should be eased’ 54 ›’Array of refund options too confusing’ 55 Ryanair surprises with two OTA deals 56
travelweeklyuk @travelweeklyuk 1 FEBRUARY 2024 3
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