AAAs shortlists signpost a bright future A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
The publication of the Agent Achievement Awards shortlists is always a highpoint of the year, and in a difficult period for the travel trade, it is particularly important to recognise excellence within our sector.
I would like to thank the more than 100 suppliers, ranging from
tour operators and cruise lines to airlines, destinations and ancillary providers, who took the time to cast their votes for their agent partners. And, even more so, I would like to extend my thanks to the travel agents and agency bosses who entered this year’s awards in record numbers in order to shine a light on their teams. As always, not everyone could be successful, and our initial
shortlisting panel found it incredibly difficult to narrow the entries down
to the shortlists you can find in our five-page special starting on page 11. But even those who narrowly missed out represented what is so great about our industry. The judging panels will convene next week for four full days of interviews with finalists as they look to select the winners who will be honoured at our gala ceremony on July 9. And I am particularly looking forward to the sessions featuring our young agents, aged under
20, and the businesses in our One to Watch category, recognising the best of those in operation for less than two years. The shortlists feature some powerhouses of the industry, but hearing from these rising stars gives all of us involved in the judging a real confidence that the future of the trade is as bright as ever.
Lucy Huxley, editor-in-chief, Travel Weekly Group CONTENTS
NEWS Agents report pick-up in bookings
4
Survey shows crisis impact on Euro firms 4 Hays owner hails end of CMA process 5 Beverley Travel in Hull; Inside Travel plan 6 Good Travel Co expands; Royal winners 8 comment
COVER star
Idle Travel’s Tyler Hunter poses in Funchal town
centre during Cover Stars trip to Madeira page 28
Photo: Thomas Reader
Ted Wake: Encourage clients to spend 16 in the picture
Inspiring Women: Justine Roberts CBE 18
NEWS YOU CAN USE Product Travelpack, Tui, Newmarket, Osprey 19 Intrepid Travel, Trafalgar/Costsaver 20 Explora, Azamara, Regent, Marella 22
WHAT LUCY DID THIS WEEK
OMet up with David Sharman of Newmarket Holidays to check out the £25,000 Renault E-Tech car we’re giving away at the AAAs next month.
OSpent all weekend researching speakers and writing scripts for the 2026 Clia Conference in Southampton this week, which I will be moderating.
OSent a big parcel of treats to my son at uni to get him through his end-of-year exams.
agent diary
Clare Dudley: Expedition eye-opener 26 close-up
Agents in Greece, Alaska, Rome, Turkey 27 competitions £200 sales incentive; World Cup draw 30
DESTINATIONS latin america Patagonia: Gleaming glaciers, wild horses and mountains high are among the thrills awaiting hikers on the W Trek route 32
weddings LGBTQ+ Travel: Three experts’ top tips for same-sex weddings overseas
38
Cruise Spain & Portugal: Get a taste for fine dining at sea on Seabourn Ovation 41
BUSINESS NEWS Did your agency make the shortlist?
FRONT COVER AND THIS PAGE: Danielle Marie Lister; Steve Dunlop; Shutterstock/Elesey
travelweekly.co.uk FOLLOW US: @travelweekly 11 Q&A: Nicki Goldsmith, Virgin Atlantic 24
EasyJet takeover bid ‘opportunistic’ 46 Corporate sector slams US proposal 46 Comment: Rhys Griffiths on PTD reform 47 Analysis: Rebound in demand stalls 48
travelweeklyuk @travelweeklyuk 4 JUNE 2026 3
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