Time to shout about the positive news A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Tales of traveller woe at airports were once again in the national headlines this week, presenting another unwanted challenge for agents looking to reassure customers for summer bookings. But while delays are undoubtedly unpleasant and unacceptable for those caught up in them, it’s worth reminding ourselves that much of the evidence suggests cases of major disruption are far rarer than the headlines would suggest. Of course, we shouldn’t downplay any issues which prevent customers
from having the best possible holidays and returning to book again. However, the response I received to a tweet about a positive airport experience as I returned from Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas showcase in Barcelona (page 12) suggests many in the industry are also
keen to paint a realistic picture of the average traveller’s experience to allay clients’ potential concerns. It was always going to be nigh on impossible to significantly ramp up operations from a standing start. And with staff shortages, extra red tape and a lack of understanding of current rules all still issues, there will no doubt be more stories about delays and cancellations to come. But there are also so many amazing new products and experiences for the trade to shout about – the showcase of the world’s biggest cruise ship for 5,000 agents being just one example. As we report this week, efforts continue to amplify the industry’s lobbying voice (page 6). We also need to ensure we’re on the same hymn sheet when it comes to encouraging people to turn pent-up demand into bookings.
Lucy Huxley, editor-in-chief, Travel Weekly Group CONTENTS NEWS
Travel bucks trend for consumer spend 4 Insurers return but capacity may struggle 4 Airlines blamed for sector’s staff shortage 5 Lobbying groups; cruise commission 6 Mundy winds up GSA; SPL Villas
COVER photo
Royal Caribbean’s Ben Bouldin shows off Wonder of the Seas to Alison Earnshaw, WTH; John Sullivan, Advantage; and
Jacqueline Dobson, Barrhead Travel pages 6 & 12
Photo: Simon Brooke-Webb
Special Reports Azamara Onward christening Wonder of the Seas trade sailing
10 12
comment Miles Morgan: Not quite ready to party 16
NEWS YOU CAN USE EasyJet, Jet2, Qantas, Loganair
InsideAsia, Classic, Audley, Inntravel 20 Seabourn, Cunard, Fred Olsen
19 22
THE QUEEN’S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE:
INTERNATIONAL TRADE 2020
FRONT COVER AND THIS PAGE: Shutterstock/Kollawat Somsri; Marina Datsenko; rayints; Hamdan Yoshida
travelweekly.co.uk
FRONTLINE Your Stories Lee Ashton on setting up an agency in the pandemic 24
agent diary Sharon Thompson: Life is going forward 25
FOLLOW US: @travelweekly 8
WHAT LUCY DID THIS WEEK
OHad my mind blown watching the ‘Intense’ show in the AquaTheater on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas.
OHeld preparation calls for this week’s Future of Travel Spring Forum, discussing general trading and the outlook for travel distribution.
OBooked a treat for my son for after his GCSEs – tickets to the Test Match versus New Zealand at Headingley (I hope he doesn’t read this!)
competitions
Disney and HAL cruises, wine, vouchers 30 Get Social
Tui, Abta, Der Touristik, Holder, Howlett 31
DESTINATIONS Mature travel Jordan: From stargazing in Wadi Rum to architectural delights, there’s more to the country than Petra 32
New tours: Five of the best new trips for mature travellers turkey
37
Istanbul: Find out how the city’s traditional sights are being complemented by a host of new cultural draws38
BUSINESS NEWS
Comment: PTRs overhaul ‘falls short’ 46 Tourism Society Scotland symposium: ›New Zealand moots £52 visitor levy 47
travelweeklyuk @travelweeklyuk 12 MAY 2022 3
›Covid receding but winter ‘a concern’ 47 UK aviation ‘busiest in Europe again’ 48
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