FRONTLINE
CLARE DUDLEY managing director, Ponders Travel, Cambridge
After all the build-up, Christmas seemed
to whizz by in the blink of an eye and all of a sudden we’re launching headfirst into peaks. As always, we spent the days leading up to Christmas ensuring we were ready for the busy period ahead upon our return, including giving the shop and back office a good spruce and declutter to leave them looking spick and span. But the more important task was
ensuring we were all familiar with key partners’ peaks campaigns so that we can capitalise on them as much as possible. We drew up a spreadsheet to give us easy access to all the main offers, messages and details. Of course, training plays a key
role in furthering our knowledge and understanding and we always try to take as much on board as possible in quiet periods. December was very busy for us, which meant there weren’t many quiet periods to swot up, but I’m certainly not complaining about that. We also prepared plenty of social media posts and decided what our windows will look like this month – key to grabbing the attention of passers-by. Getting our ducks in a row early meant we could ensure all staff were able to have a proper rest over Christmas.
FESTIVE FUN While it may now be firmly in our rear-view mirrors, I hope you all had a good festive period.
24 8 JANUARY 2026 AGENT
We hope our peaks preparations will continue to pay
off and kick-start a prosperous new year
At Ponders, Christmas always arrives with a mix of excitement and gentle teasing. Most of the girls would happily have the decorations up and the Christmas playlist on repeat from early November. I, however, cling proudly to my ‘first of December’ rule, which has become an annual source of playful mocking. This year brought an unexpected
twist: I managed to lose all our decorations. Every last one. The silver lining? It provided a perfect excuse for the girls to go on a festive shopping spree. They returned with the most brilliant travel-themed treasures – think
sculptures of Father Christmas in flip-flops and taking a hot-air balloon ride – as well as all sorts of classy touches which made this year’s window our best yet. Who knew The Range was a goldmine for travel-inspired Christmas decor? December also gave us the
perfect backdrop to promote Lapland adventures, northern lights escapes and winter-sun getaways for those who prefer palm to pine trees.
TOUCHING MOMENT But the moment that truly touched me was when the girls secretly got hold of a photo of a robin I’d snapped on a Hebridean cruise and turned it into our official Ponders Christmas card. Their thoughtfulness genuinely brought a tear to my eye. They wanted to make me feel
proud of some of the photos I take, rather than critique myself all the time, and their kindness certainly helped! And with 2026 likely to be a year of highs and lows – nothing new for the travel industry – kindness will be key if the sector is to navigate the predicted challenges ahead. I’m sure that will not be a problem for an industry which time and time again displays its collaborative spirit. Here’s to a happy and
prosperous year ahead for us all. Holiday inspiration
travelweekly.co.uk
GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY
We were overwhelmed, as always, by the number of gifts and cards we received from our wonderful clients. It’s so lovely for the team to read all the kind comments that clients write as they thank them for all they do to help them have wonderful holidays throughout the year. In return, we always send out a special team newsletter each Christmas. It’s a chance for us to share a little more of ourselves – where the team has travelled, the memorable moments we’ve experienced, and any special milestones in the girls’ lives. Of course, we include plenty of holiday inspiration and a selection of seasonal offers too. It’s always our most-read newsletter of the year, and it’s clear that our clients genuinely enjoy taking the time to read it from start to finish.
Sharon
SharonAndreaJenniJenniferfer ColinHelen
diary Andrea
diary Colin Helen
Clare
Clare
PICTURE: Shutterstock/icemanphotos
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