Crisis is latest showcase of trade’s value A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
The weekend strikes on Iran by the US and Israel were not unexpected, but the speed with which the wider region was engaged in the conflict took many by surprise. The impact on airspace and transport infrastructure was immediate and caused disruption on a scale not seen since the pandemic. And there were also echoes of the 2010 ash cloud, with the Gulf’s
importance as a transit hub, as well as a growing destination in itself, having global implications and resulting in massive displacement of aircraft. As Travel Weekly went to press there was no clear indication of when flight restrictions might be fully lifted, but limited air services were beginning to resume. As is so often the case, the weekend demonstrated the worth of the
travel trade, as agents and operators worked round the clock to support customers and keep them informed. For many, that included liaison with clients who remain in the region pending the easing of restrictions, and for some, those conversations were with friends and colleagues who either live in the Gulf or were visiting on personal holidays, business or fam trips. The word resilient almost became overused during the pandemic, but time and again it is the most appropriate adjective to describe the travel trade in moments of crisis. The impact of this conflict is certain to be significant for months to come and will have a major impact on many companies’ trading. But for now, the trade can be proud of another exemplary showcase of the benefits of booking with a trusted travel professional.
Lucy Huxley, editor-in-chief, Travel Weekly Group CONTENTS NEWS SPAA dinner
‘Nobody in government seems interested in our industry’s problems,’ SPAA president Alan Glen tells 350 guests at association’s annual dinner in Glasgow last week page 10
Photo: Paul Chappells
Conflict in Middle East: ›War brings flight and travel turmoil 4 ›Trade springs into action to aid clients 5
›Force majeure ‘levy’; agents fly home 6 CMA Hays probe; NCLH ’missteps’
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Special Report SPAA annual dinner, Glasgow
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comment Amanda Matthews: Top tips for lates 12
NEWS YOU CAN USE Product Tui Airways, Kuoni, Pata, Just Go, Atas 15 Audley Travel, Sunvil Holidays
16 Windstar, Ambassador, Star Clippers 18
FRONTLINE agent diary
Sharon Thompson: Learn to delegate 22 Your Stories Travel Counsellors’ Dean Wilson on cancer recovery 24
FRONT COVER AND THIS PAGE: Steve Dunlop; Phil Sproson Photography; Shutterstock/Captured Blinks, Naeblys
travelweekly.co.uk FOLLOW US: @travelweekly
WHAT LUCY DID THIS WEEK
OHad a wonderful afternoon catching up with Silversea Advocates – agents recognised for their sales and engagement.
OHad a great evening at the Carnival UK Cruise Awards, watching agents honoured for their partnership and sales achievements.
OHosted a Travel Weekly Inspiring Women lunch, with guest speaker Nishma Patel Robb, chief sparkle officer at Glittersphere.
close-up Bay Travel, ITE, Travel Counsellors
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competitions Win Cadiz stay, river cruise and more 28
DESTINATIONS Africa
Morocco: Agents venture beyond the gateways to find silent beauty amid Saharan sands, Berber villages and real Moroccan hospitality 30
UK & Ireland Myths & Legends: Dive into folklore with trips exploring the Loch Ness Monster, Robin Hood and more 36
St Patrick’s Day: Five great ways to enjoy Ireland’s annual March 17 festivities 42
BUSINESS NEWS
IAG pre-tax profits up 26% to €4.5bn 46 Results: Heathrow, Amadeus, Norse 47
Jet2.com summer capacity up 8%
47 travelweeklyuk
CMA enlists TV presenter for campaign 48 @travelweeklyuk
5 MARCH 2026 3
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