Great Rail Journeys ‘on track for 2023 recovery’


Samantha Mayling


Great Rail Journeys is on track for a “strong presence” in the peaks despite a “volatile” UK market. The York-based escorted tour


specialist is also planning more agent fam trips in 2023 as it aims to build trade partnerships in regions where sales are strong, according to its new chief executive. Dave Riley stepped up from group


chief finance officer in September to take over from Peter Liney. Riley said: “We will have a presence


on TV over the peaks, but we are still finalising that. We expect lots of activity in January and February.” Great Rail Journeys has sponsored


ITV travel documentaries but that partnership has ended,” said Riley. “We will have a strong presence


in the peaks and we’re doing some regional testing,” he added. He said the UK market was


“volatile” because it followed “media sentiment”, so consumers were “sometimes positive and sometimes negative”. “The Great Rail Journeys brand


is trading well at the moment, especially for 2023; we feel very positive,” he said. “It will be over pre-pandemic levels in 2023.” Commenting on sister brand


Rail Discoveries, which caters for the “value end of the market”, Riley said: “Some customers are cautious because of the cost of living so we have to be more agile about what we are selling. The uncertainty drives customer caution.” The company reported


“significant supplier pressures” across Europe, but said it was not passing on the full impact of cost rises, although its prices for 2023 will be about 10% up on 2022. The firm has also faced


“significant” challenges with rail


The Travel Network Group gives Gillespie more responsibilities


The Travel Network Group has restructured its senior team, giving Independent Travel Experts managing director Gary Gillespie a broader remit. He takes on the extra role of group product and distribution director, managing the Cruise Club and dynamic packaging platform Dynamic, formerly under Julie Pinkney. Pinkney continues as retail director, overseeing the group’s owned stores.


8 10 NOVEMBER 2022 Rocky Mountaineer. Inset: Dave Riley


strikes in the UK, which have affected customers travelling to St Pancras by train for their holidays. However, staff have been buoyed


by working in a new head office in York, and by a brand refresh, Riley added. A team is dedicated to working with the travel trade, which accounts for about 10%-15% of sales – a similar proportion to pre-pandemic levels. Great Rail Journeys recently held


a fam trip for agents in Switzerland and plans more in 2023, its 50th anniversary year.


Transatlantic flights recover to 92% of pre-pandemic levels


Transatlantic flights from the UK to the US have recovered to 92% of 2019 levels, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. Flight numbers to the US have risen 79% in the past 12 months, with 3,298 departures due this November


compared with 1,842 in November 2021. i Transatlantic aircraft: Destinations, page 46


Atas Conference reveals £5,444 tour sales average


Clients booking touring and adventure holidays spend more with agents than they do through direct channels, research shows. Claire Brighton, account


director of the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers, revealed the research at the Atas annual conference, held at the British Motor Museum near Warwick on November 1-2. She told delegates: “The average


tour revenue booked via an agent is substantially higher [than direct]. “This could be because


customers are using you for the more complex itineraries, longer durations or because you are upselling.” The study, carried out with


Marketing Radar, asked Atas members about 2022 sales up to September. It showed the average revenue per tour booking in 2022 was £2,679 direct and £4,052 via agents. The gap for 2023 was even bigger, with direct sales averaging £3,117 compared with £5,444 for agency bookings. A “conservative” commission rate of 13% on the latter


would earn agents more than £700. i Atas Conference report, page 10


Claire Brighton


Hays North West staff to receive Christmas bonus of up to £1,000


Hays Travel North West staff will receive Christmas bonuses of up to £1,000. Employees who worked through the pandemic will receive £1,000. Staff who joined from the start of 2021 will each get £500, while those who were in their post on January 1 this year will be given £250. The bonuses will be paid in December and January. Part-time staff will receive bonuses on a pro rata basis.


travelweekly.co.uk


PICTURE: Scott Rowed


PICTURE: Steve Dunlop


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