NEWS


SUMMER SCHOOL: Abta has extended the scope of its internship scheme, taking on two students for this summer for the first time, with placements lasting two months instead of one. Joining the communications team is Holly Roser (second right), who is currently in her final year studying tourism management at Bournemouth University. The legal team intern is Laura Fraile (fourth right), a final year international tourism management student at Cardiff Metropolitan University. They were chosen after a selection day at the association’s head office in March. All eight shortlisted candidates have been offered a free place at an Abta event of their choice in the coming months. Pictured with Holly and Laura are fellow applicants (from left) Paul Singh, Kareema Animashaun, Jaishika Vinodchandra Rana, Michelle Baldry, Amy Dixon and Emma Harris.


Trade monitors consumer confidence as global US tariffs spark uncertainty


Juliet Dennis


The trade is “closely monitoring” world events and the impact of US trade tariffs on the global economy and holiday sales. Travel agents and tour operators


reported early signs of a general sales slowdown as the tariffs imposed by President Trump came into force this week. Some agents also


reported drops in US sales despite robust overall bookings. Premier Travel managing director Paul Waters said: “We’ve seen US bookings slow slightly compared to previous years. We’re expecting [US sales] to drop with the new tariffs.” But he stressed: “While we’re


bookings with prices “largely” holding up, strong summer demand and volumes ahead of last year. But he cited a “noticeable


STORY TOP


slowdown” in March, reflecting a “momentary pause in consumer confidence”, and highlighted caution among families. He said: “There is a definite shift in customer sentiment when it comes to travel to the US. While the US remains in third place overall in terms of sales volume, behind Spain and cruise, it’s clear


families are thinking twice. “Our members are reporting


always mindful of the broader economic climate, we haven’t seen a significant dip in demand. It might be too early to see an impact.” Independent Travel Experts


managing director Gary Gillespie noted a “healthy pace” of late


travelweekly.co.uk


feedback from clients around the high cost of living in places such as Orlando, service charges of up to 20%, and concerns about political instability. These factors are creating a layer of hesitation for some travellers.” High street agents also described


the high cost of food, drinks and trips in the US as a potential sales barrier. “It’s not putting people off


but it’s making them think,” said


Deben Travel director Lee Hunt. Tivoli Travel director Jo Richards


agreed: “We don’t pull any punches; we tell them it’s $25 for breakfast.” The Travel Village Group chief


executive Phil Nuttall said there was little doubt the cost-of-living crisis and higher US tariffs could cause headaches for the industry. He reported strong late sales but


a “softening of the market”, adding: “The financial uncertainty will certainly be influencing people’s choices when booking a holiday. It could be painful for a period of time.” Despite some raising concerns,


USAirtours chief executive Guy Novik said the tariffs could have a positive effect if the US dollar weakened, adding: “In the short term, the introduction of tariffs will have little effect on the majority of UK customers and if the dollar continues to weaken, the price of US holidays will look more attractive.” Jackie Ennis, Brand USA


vice-president for global trade development, agreed exchange rates


were key. “There is a possibility the rate will work in favour of sterling and we know that even small fluctuations can have a positive impact,” she said, while noting flight prices to the East Coast were better than “for some time”. Agents expressed the importance


of keeping a watching brief on world events. Jacqueline Dobson, president of Barrhead Travel Group, said: “The current economic situation hasn’t impacted leisure travel from what we’re seeing but it is something the industry needs to be closely monitoring over the next few months.” There was already evidence


of customers being “slightly more cautious and taking a little longer on decision-making”, she admitted. The Advantage Travel Partnership


said some members had shifted marketing spend away from the US to destinations such as Canada. “We are monitoring the situation closely but, in terms of current performance, we have no concerns as yet,” said chief


commercial officer Kelly Cookes. i Tariff impact analysis, back pages


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