NEWS delegates attending group’s annual conference. Samantha Mayling reports from Dubrovnik


‘Some consumers cut back on basics to afford holidays’


C


Delegates at an evening reception


for Barrhead


was developed with Microsoft and is expected to reclaim more than 1.5 million hours across Global Travel Collection’s network of 1,500 travel advisors. “We are reviewing options for the


Jacqueline Dobson


onsumers are cutting back on some essential spending to ensure they can afford to book a holiday, delegates heard. Alistair Pritchard, Deloitte’s lead partner


for travel and aviation, said: “We live in a hugely uncertain and volatile world but every bit of consumer research that we do says people want to continue to travel. “It’s by far the number-one way in which people spend.


And it’s not only discretionary spend – in some cases, it’s way above some areas of essential spend.” This presents a “huge opportunity” for Barrhead and


the travel sector, he said, commenting: “You can help your customers navigate that uncertainty.” Pritchard said 2025 has been “a pretty strong year”


across the industry, adding: “The sector is in great shape, but we live in a very fast-changing world.” He discussed key demographic trends, including


an ageing population; the “huge spending power” of Generation Alpha [those born since 2010]; and more people holidaying in multigenerational groups. “If we do get changes to inheritance tax, might


grandparents be even more willing to pass on wealth to their children and grandchildren through paying for multigenerational holidays?” he asked. Accessible travel is already a $60 billion global market


and wellness tourism is expected to hit $1.3 trillion this year, he added.


Pritchard noted that in 1997, fewer than one in 10


people aged 35-44 rented their home – now nearly one in four in that age group are renting. This, he said, meant “people want experiences, they want service”, adding: “They’re investing less in buying assets.” Noting AI as a fast-moving technology, he said: “It’s there


to enhance productivity, to help people in their businesses. I don’t see it replacing people across this sector.” With 2023 and 2024 being the hottest years on record,


he said people who experience a climate event – such as wildfires or extreme temperatures in southern Europe – may alter their holiday choice, such as by booking cooler destinations or by travelling in the shoulder seasons.


‘Thriving’ Brilliant Travel division welcomes new members


Almost three-quarters of Brilliant Travel members are on track for their best year, said director Linda Pyle. “Our division is already trading


technology to be adapted and utilised across The Vacation Group’s network, including Barrhead. AI will never replace the travel advisor – rather, it will work as their support system and elevate the tools our agents have at their disposal.”


10% up for the year to date, with plenty of lates business still going through,” she said, adding that cruise was up a “phenomenal” 20%. The touring and adventure sector


is also “thriving”, with sales up 34% year on year following investment in products and training. “I don’t believe we’ve scraped the


surface yet when it comes to this type of travel,” Pyle said.


travelweekly.co.uk Linda Pyle Furthermore, dynamic packaging


has seen 10% growth this year. The division has 88 members, and


has welcomed 12 new home-based agents and three managed services travel partners (MSTPs) this year. Pyle noted she seeks quality over


quantity: “We’ve never lost a member. We always work closely with them.” Upcoming recognition trips will see


eight MSTP business owners head to South Africa in partnership with Titan Travel, while top-selling homeworkers will join a Rhine Christmas shopping river cruise hosted by Riviera Travel.


9 OCTOBER 2025 11


Alistair Pritchard


PICTURES: Gerardo Jaconelli


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