Keep fighting to get ear of government A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR


Few in travel will have shed tears over Boris Johnson’s departure as an MP last week, with many still bitter about his government’s regular disregard for the industry during the pandemic. Yet the political departure of the man leading the country as recently as last year, and the revolving doors in Westminster since, are a reminder of the challenge facing those attempting to gain meaningful traction with decision-makers. As we report this week, those tasked with the job are continuing to keep up the momentum while working on strategies to engage with future governments – whatever their political persuasion (page 5). But with crisis also engulfing the SNP north of the border, there remains understandable concern that party politics could push our


industry’s efforts to the sidelines in the run-up to the next general election. As insiders have made clear in recent years, our sector needs to engage not only with politicians but also with the civil servants whose tenures tend to be significantly longer than those in the hot seats. If those officials can understand and appreciate the nuances, requirements and value of the industry, then it should be more straightforward to engage with the next government. The topic of political engagement was due to be at the fore at Abta’s Travel Matters conference this week, alongside the UK’s engagement with the EU after Brexit. It will be fascinating to hear the industry’s outlook for the coming years, while getting political stakeholders’ views on whether existing efforts are bearing fruit.


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


Poll shows shift in spending intentions 4 Canada wildfires fail to affect demand 4 Tories ‘lack focus’ amid infighting


Cosmos chiefs to leave; Heathrow ballot 6 Purr-fect service; Jet2 adds capacity 8 Special Reports


Your stories Blue Bay Travel’s Vivien


Pearson explains why she


was named Hero of the Year page 27


MSC Euribia ceremony, Copenhagen 10 Carnival hosts 64 agents in Ibiza


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AAAs preview: Gary Anslow, NCL 14 comment


Jacqueline Dobson: Give back more 16


NEWS YOU CAN USE Product Virgin Atlantic, Jet2, Classic Collection 19 JG Travel Group, Riviera Travel


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HAL launches 2024-25 Asia sailings 22 Scenic, Regent, Viking, AmaWaterways 24


THE QUEEN’S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE:


INTERNATIONAL TRADE 2020


FRONT COVER AND THIS PAGE: Shutterstock/vichie81, yuriyt, wolffpower; Jeffrikhotso; Steve Dunlop


travelweekly.co.uk


FRONTLINE agent diary Colin Burns: Fam trips deserve respect 26


FOLLOW US: @travelweekly 5


WHAT LUCY DID THIS WEEK


ORecorded a webcast with MSC’s Gianni Onorato, Antonio Paradiso and Steve Williams at the naming ceremony of MSC Euribia in Copenhagen.


OChannelled my inner Alesha Dixon as one of the judges for Virgin Atlantic’s ‘It’s Your Time to Fly’ talent competition ahead of the AAAs.


OTook my daughter and her friends paddleboarding – on the hottest day of the year so far – for her 14th birthday.


Your Stories Vivien Pearson, Blue Bay Travel


close-up


Cunard, Sandals, Tui, AE Expeditions 28 competitions


Win cruises, Barbados fam, vouchers 30


DESTINATIONS africa


Cape Town: Your guide to the vibrant South African city ahead of Virgin Atlantic’s revival of direct flights from London in November 33


Wellness holidays California: Discover wall yoga and more in Greater Palm Springs and beyond 36 Yoga: Three experts’ recommendations for solo travellers, couples and groups 41


BUSINESS NEWS


Iata doubles airlines’ profits forecast 46 Tribunal stays ‘card fees’ application 47 Passenger traffic up; Wizz takes steps 47 Airfares tipped to continue to increase 48


travelweeklyuk @travelweeklyuk 15 JUNE 2023 3


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