NEWS
SHINING STARS: Aito agents and operators were recognised for their sales efforts and hard work at the Annual All Stars and Excellence Programme Awards ceremony at the Aito Agents Kickstart conference, held for the fifth year at Jurys Inn Hinckley Island Hotel in Leicestershire. Aito agents Beaver Travel, Peakes Travel Elite, Journeys à la Carte and Worldwide Escapes, and operator Safari Consultants, were among the winners. Sandra Mutter, of Andara Travel, and Gareth Hulmston, of Lusso, picked up individual “shining star” accolades. About 150 agents and operators attended
the conference. i Aito Agents report, page 8
Iran war threat could ‘wipe out’ bookings across region
Juliet Dennis and Amie Keeley
The threat of an all-out war in the Middle East could “wipe out travel bookings” to the region, according to the chairman of Aito. The Foreign Office
this week warned that the security situation across 10 nations in the Middle East could worsen “with little warning”. Travel advice has been issued
Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Aito’s Derek Moore said: “The
STORY TOP
across the region after the US killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Iraq last week. Britons have been advised against
all but essential travel to most of Iran, and urged to be vigilant in Egypt, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain,
travelweekly.co.uk
newspapers are building up the situation in the Middle East and I think if people read those reports it will slow bookings to the region. “It’s the type of thing that could wipe out bookings. Commenting on media
reports at the weekend about potential knock-on effects on popular holiday destinations such as Dubai, Moore said:
“I can’t imagine a lot of people will be saying now is the time to book a holiday to the Middle East.” Operators have cancelled
upcoming itineraries to Iran. Cox & Kings has cancelled all of
its group and private tours to Iran in the spring. Autumn departures remain unchanged but customers
10
Middle East states where security could worsen ‘with little warning’
have the option to change to another group tour. Explore has cancelled its 14-day
Treasures of Iran tour due to depart in April. Exodus Travels said it had had
a small number of enquiries from existing clients due to go to Egypt and Oman this week. Managing director Sam Seward
said: “We’re concerned demand for key Middle Eastern destinations might be impacted with further
escalation in tension.” But he added: “Our customers
are very well-travelled, adventurous in nature and generally less easily deterred by these types of situations.” Egypt specialist Red Sea Holidays
has pulled all excursions to Luxor and Cairo as a precaution. Managing director Peter Kearns
said the operator had had a “small number” of calls from customers but no requests to cancel holidays. G Adventures said its next tour to
Iran, on March 7, was scheduled to go ahead, but customers wishing to cancel would receive a full refund. Cruise lines, including Royal
Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard and MSC Cruises, are “monitoring the situation” but have not altered or cancelled any itineraries.
9 JANUARY 2020 5
PICTURE: Andy Huntley
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