Positivity tempered by images from LA A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
The images emerging from Los Angeles over the past week have been shocking and have served as a reminder of how susceptible many popular destinations are to the power of nature (page 4). As I write, the city is bracing itself for more challenges with high
winds forecast, so it is to be hoped that further damage can be kept to a minimum. Once the fires are eventually contained, travel professionals offering inspiration and clear information will have a key role to play in the city’s recovery. On a more positive note, there were further upbeat trading reports this week, though with the spectre of discounts and a lack of marketing support causing concern for some (pages 5 and 24). We also spoke to agency owners who are expanding their businesses
heading into 2025 to cater for demand and fulfil their growth plans (pages 5 and 6). On the subject of positivity, the Travel Weekly office was also abuzz as we gear up for this
week’s Globe Travel Awards in London. As always, we have a very special night in store for the sell-out audience, and the evening will once again be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the partnerships that are the bedrock of the industry. If you aren’t fortunate enough to have secured a ticket, you can find out the winners and catch up with all the reaction on the night on
travelweekly.co.uk and across our social media channels, plus we’ll have full coverage in the next two editions of Travel Weekly.
WHAT LUCY DID THIS WEEK
ORecorded webcasts with Gold Medal Travel Group managing director Simon Applebaum and Nicola Graham of Reuben’s Retreat.
OHad a great meeting with Virgin Atlantic’s Nicki Goldsmith, planning for a fab new agent campaign launching soon in T Weekly.
ravel Lucy Huxley, editor-in-chief, Travel Weekly Group CONTENTS NEWS
TTNG plans shop network expansion 4 US operators react to Los Angeles fires 4 ‘Aggressive pricing’ hits long-haul sales 5 JLT conference; Fred Olsen backs trade 6 Admiral Travel plans; Involved Holidays 8 Special Report
agent diary
Jennifer Lynch believes suppliers’ peaks campaigns have been ‘disappointing’ – and she has a suggestion page 24
Reuben’s Retreat starts £1m campaign 12 comment
Ted Wake: So, what’s in it for me? 14
NEWS YOU CAN USE Product Azamara, Riviera, Just Go, Ambassador 17 Jules Verne, Pure Luxury
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Caribtours, Newmarket, Fred Holidays 20 AmaWaterways, Cunard, Royal, Virgin 22
FRONTLINE agent diary
Jennifer Lynch: Peaks offers lacklustre 24 Your Stories NJT’s Gail Glanville is Sandals expert 28
FRONT COVER AND THIS PAGE: Steve Dunlop; Richard Waite; Shutterstock/Charles Ellinwood, Icemanphotos
travelweekly.co.uk FOLLOW US: @travelweekly
ODid a big food shop for my son, who is heading back to uni on Saturday. The Christmas break has gone too fast!
close-up Hays, Cunard, BA, Althams Travel
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competitions Win Royal cruise to Universal Orlando 30
DESTINATIONS Caribbean
Necker Island: Virgin Atlantic agent incentive winners discover an island that pairs luxury with sustainability 32
Jamaica: Your guide to accommodation options, from cottages to lavish suites 39 europe
Italy: The Amalfi Coast is the perfect place for a wellness break for clients with a ‘new year, new you’ outlook 44
Skiing: Tips for eco-friendly ski holidays 49
BUSINESS NEWS Westminster Forum on decarbonisation: ›’Consumers must be told of fare hikes’ 54 ›UK to trial ‘no-contrails airspace’
travelweeklyuk
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Flight and CO2 goals ‘irreconcilable’ 56 @travelweeklyuk
16 JANUARY 2025 3
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