Time for action after knock-down blow A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR


This was the week the industry had hoped to be gearing up for a positive July after an anticipated gradual easing of restrictions. Instead, it was left picking up the pieces after the latest unforeseen and, for many, unfathomable government intervention (page 7). To use a boxing analogy, the sector received not just a knock-down blow but a low one, with ministers resorting to media leaks to communicate a move which failed to follow many of the rules and criteria set out just weeks earlier. So much for collaboration with the industry. Some customers are continuing with their plans regardless and there may yet be more meaningful activity by the school holidays (page 4). But last week’s events and ministerial comments since have served only to further undermine confidence and pile more pressure on a


sector already on the canvas. It is no surprise the patience of those treading the complex and diplomatic path of liaising with


Whitehall finally wore thin, with a call issued for the outbound and inbound travel sectors to come out in force for a day of action on June 23 (page 5). The government clearly feels it is acceptable to indefinitely restrict the industry’s ability to trade and put businesses at risk to meet its goals for a domestic reopening. Now it has made that crystal clear, the case for targeted support is cast-iron. Everyone in the sector should back the day of protest to showcase the impact these decisions are having on thousands of livelihoods and the need for proper support to be forthcoming without delay.


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


dedicated web pages to support you


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Webcasts


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T ravel Weekly’s


Industry’s focus turns to the next reviews 4 Tanzer conveys support demands to MPs 4 Trade urged to unite to lobby Parliament 5 Portugal switch fallout; confidence hit 6 Reports from Algarve; destinations’ ire 7


Lines plan US restart; Critchlow support 8 Special Report Travel firms’ Pride Month initiatives


Comment Gemma Antrobus: Sell amber countries 12


NEWS YOU CAN USE If Only, AMResorts, Exodus Travels


15


Tui River, Azamara, MSC, Viva, HAL 16 EasyJet holidays, Grand UK, Club Med 18


FRONTLINE agent diary


INTERNATIONAL TRADE 2020


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Sharon Thompson: I vow to persevere 20 Your Stories


Mia Walmsley combines her travel job with marketing 21


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WHAT LUCY DID THIS WEEK


OJoined a briefing from the trade bodies behind the June 23 ‘Travel Day of Action’ and pledged T


ravel Weekly’s full support.


OCaught up with Carnival Cruise Line’s Iain Baillie and Cameron Watling about their trade plans for the rest of this year and beyond.


OBooked a pub table for my daughter’s birthday – including her granny who’s not been out for 15 months. Never been so excited about a meal out!


competitions


Bake your way to Walt Disney World 22 Get Social Green list, day of action, OTB, Shapps 25


DESTINATIONS mature travel


Ask the Experts: Selling to retirees All-inclusive holidays


Italy: A guided tour of Umbria weaves in artisans, gelato makers, Hannibal, mules’ balls and pasta 26 30


Q&A: Sandals’ Michael Clarke BUSINESS NEWS


Covid rate in destination ‘biggest fear’ 38 Refund guarantees ‘sought by half’ 38 Varadi doubts EU coordination efforts 39 ACI Europe predicts summer ‘chaos’ 39 Britons’ travel intentions ‘unchanged’ 40


travelweeklyuk @travelweeklyuk 10 JUNE 2021 3


Unusual Locations: From Marrakech to Cambodia, our guide to six properties in extraordinary places 32 36


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