Awards resonate more after headwinds A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR


I write this week’s column as we put the finishing touches to this year’s Agent Achievement Awards, the largest celebration of the UK’s very best travel agencies and agents. The event is always a wonderful showcase of the travel trade as we head into the peak summer season, but it often feels even more resonant when the industry has had to prove its worth in the face of headwinds. That has certainly been the case in 2026, with a steady but positive


start to the year partially derailed by conflict and disruption in core destinations, and a sense of caution among consumers anxious about the impact of global forces on their everyday lives. Yet despite that volatility, the trade has continued to roll with the punches and get creative to maintain momentum and secure every available sale.


While the release of pent-up demand immediately after the pandemic is now consigned to


history, survey after survey has shown that consumers continue to ring-fence their holiday budgets. And, as we report this week, exclusive research for Travel Weekly paints a positive picture not just of improving demand and intent to travel, but also of the value placed on the protected packages that are the specialism of the businesses and individuals we will showcase at the AAAs this week (page 5). The shortlists are a reminder of the wealth of fantastic travel companies operating on the high


street, from home, via call centres and online. Those who take home a coveted trophy will do so knowing they are at the pinnacle of an industry in rude health.


Lucy Huxley, editor-in-chief, Travel Weekly Group CONTENTS NEWS


Bolsover outlines new digital strategy 4 P&O Cruises defends Ukrainian policy 4 Gulf peace deal boosts holiday demand 5 Guide to Homeworking; Virgin Voyages 6 Agent turns life around; Dover warning 8 Special Report


COVER photo


Pictured on board Legend of the Seas are Jacqueline Dobson, Barrhead Travel; Lisa Henning, Inspire Group; Tricia Handley-Hughes, InteleTravel; and Gerard


Nolan and Michael Bayley, both Royal Caribbean, together with golden


retriever Skipper, the ship’s ‘chief dog officer’ page 9


Photo: sbw-photo


Legend of the Seas launch, Malaga 9 cover stars 2027


Entries open to win VIP Botswana fam 10 comment


Jacqueline Dobson: Score with sports 12 NEWS YOU CAN USE


EasyJet, G Adventures, Just Go, TTC 13 Jet2 from Luton, Steppes Holidays


FRONTLINE AAAs 2026 Preview


Michael DeCouto, Bermuda Tourism 18 agent diary Helen Parry: Expert advice is priceless 20


FRONT COVER AND THIS PAGE: Shutterstock/benchart, Stefan Balaz; Hurtigruten/Kristian Dale; Steve Dunlop


travelweekly.co.uk FOLLOW US: @travelweekly 14 Oceania, Tui River, Windstar, Scenic 16


WHAT LUCY DID THIS WEEK


OJoined 1,000 UK and Irish trade partners and media for the launch of Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas. Astounding!


OCaught up with Eleni Skarveli from the Greek National Tourism Organisation to make plans for the destination for this year and next.


OMet up with friends for a night of food, drinks and dancing ahead of my birthday, which falls the day after the AAAs!


Your Stories Grant Wills, Travel Counsellors


close-up


From Bexley to Brunei via Isle of Wight 24 competitions


Mexico fam, Viva cruise, Goodwood 26


DESTINATIONS cruise


Norway: Discover how a cruise in the fjords can be a great way to connect with the region’s local culture 28


Seine: Lap up French fancies with new river cruise brand Viva Boutique


35


Alaska: Whales welcome MSC Poesia 38 Mature Travellers: Find out how Saga’s over-50s focus is not at the expense of adventure on a Mediterranean sailing 41


BUSINESS NEWS


Special report: Travel Forward’s Jeremy Sampson on organisation’s new goals 46 Analysis: Takeover bid for easyJet raises questions for airline and trade relations 48


travelweeklyuk @travelweeklyuk 9 JULY 2026 3


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