A-Rosa boss set to take on gruelling Sahara race
Samantha Mayling
A-Rosa River Cruises’ Lucia Rowe is training for a gruelling 250km race across the Sahara in Morocco to raise money for Reuben’s Retreat. The cruise line’s UK and Ireland
managing director said the seven-day Marathon des Sables in April would be her “toughest” challenge so far. It comes as she approaches
her 50th birthday and has another six-month bill of remission from leukaemia – having been diagnosed five years ago. Runners in the event – dubbed
the “toughest foot race in the world” – have to carry their equipment for the entire seven-day race. Only water and a tent are transported for the participants, who camp every night. Rowe has completed more than
20 marathons in the past four years to raise funds for travel-related charities. She put together a travel team to run the 2023 London Marathon, then a group of industry professionals for a 100km ultra-marathon last year for Reuben’s Retreat. “Five years ago, I had no idea what
the future held for me and if I’d see my next birthday, but here I am about to turn 50 and taking on my most challenging race,” she said.
“I was lucky enough to recover
and very soon after my treatment, I took up running again. “Since then, I’ve done all sorts of
races for charity, but the Marathon des Sables is like nothing I’ve ever done before.” She added: “When things get
tough, I know that focusing on the fact that I am doing this to raise the crucial funding needed to complete the build of the final part of Reuben’s Retreat will drive me forward. “I’m currently well and the love
and support of my friends and family have got me here today.” Rowe described Reuben’s
UK market to Turkey grows
16% to 4.4 million in 2024 Turkish tourism authorities have hailed a 16.6% increase in UK visitor numbers in 2024. A total of 4.4 million UK travellers visited the country last year, including 1.8 million arrivals between January and June. In addition, Turkey recorded 196,000 visitors from Ireland. Overall, Turkey reported a 9.8% year-on-year increase in visitor numbers to 62.3 million in 2024.
8 6 FEBRUARY 2025
Marathon des Sables
Retreat’s team as “incredible” and said she “knows they will be with me every step of the way”. Nicola Graham, founder of
Reuben’s Retreat, said: “It was no surprise to me that when I looked up what the Marathon des Sables race was, it was originally founded by 23 pioneers – Reuben’s angel number. “I took it as a sign that the stars
were aligned, and that Lucia would be blessed on this inspiring and equally brutal challenge. “Every vital penny raised will
support families in their darkest days.” i To support Rowe’s fundraising, visit:
justgiving.com/page/lucia-rowe-1975
Balkan Holidays makes TV debut with first ad campaign
Balkan Holidays has started its first TV advertising campaign to raise awareness of Bulgaria among UK holidaymakers. The ski-focused advert is airing on Sky TV in targeted regions, with a summer version set to follow in the coming weeks. Both adverts prominently feature a call to action to book with a local travel agent.
Lucia Rowe
Tui’s product head echoes praise for indie agent sales
The new head of product at Tui Group has praised independent agents’ ability to help promote the brand’s differentiated properties and holidays. Phill Iveson echoed the
sentiments of Bart Quinton Smith, UK and Ireland marketing and sales director, who recently sent letters to independent agents thanking them for the rise in third-party sales. “I have been blown away
with how much we have been welcomed with open arms by independent agents,” said Iveson, who was recently promoted to director of accommodation product and sourcing for Tui’s Markets + Airline division. “We’ve done a lot to build
that confidence with agents, but they’ve responded to that as well.” Commenting on the strategic
shift in 2023 to woo independent retailers, he said: “Trust does not happen overnight; we have really made an effort with independent agents throughout our business. It is a critical part of our growth strategy. “We want them to have access
to some of that exclusive product that they did not have before. Iveson highlighted how Tui’s
trade sales team has grown from five to 17, enabling them to visit more than 3,000 agents and help retailers understand Tui’s concept brands.
Air travel hit record heights in 2024, according to Iata figures
Demand for air travel reached record levels in 2024 and airlines achieved their best-ever load factors, according to the International Air Transport Association. Revenue passenger kilometres rose by 10.4% compared with 2023 and by 3.8% compared with 2019. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres, was up 8.7% and the overall load factor hit 83.5%.
travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURES: Shutterstock/Heitor Pergher; Steve Dunlop
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