US dip buoys UK late cruise sales Ella Sagar


Cruise agents say an unusual volume of late deals and availability have boosted last-minute summer sales, with one UK chief saying predictions of extra opportunities due to a drop in US travellers had “certainly played out”. Fred Olsen Travel head of


commercial Tracy Clenshaw said “multiple lines” had increased late availability, with unprecedented offers including discounts of up to 55% on some bookings. She added: “There are now more


last-minute deals for sailings within the next 90 days than ever before, and a significant portion of our current bookings are for these late offers.” Not Just Travel agent Gemma Outram said future cruise sales


remained strong but noted “unheard of” late availability for ex- Southampton cruises and fly-cruises in the summer holiday. She said the overall strength of


the UK market suggested the late availability “could indicate a lack of overseas bookers coming this way, leaving more openings”. Earlier this year, Jason Kimmel,


vice-president and international sales and marketing officer at Norwegian Cruise Line, predicted a dip in airlift and demand from the US would open up European capacity for UK agents to fill, a prediction the line’s UK head Gary Anslow said had “certainly played out”. Anslow added: “Agents across


the UK have had the opportunity to capitalise on increased availability for Europe summer 2025 sailings. We


Lewis and Mann pick up outstanding contribution honours


Juliet Dennis


Idle Travel owner Tony Mann and The Travel Network Group chief executive Gary Lewis were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the industry at the 2025 Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards. In a tearful tribute, Mann


dedicated his award to his late wife Andrea, who died in February 2024. “This means so much. I might be


the face of Idle Travel, but my wife supported me all the way. This is for her,” he said, while also


4 17 JULY 2025


praising his family and staff. One of his daughters and his grandson also work at the agency. Mann, who started his career


as a mobile DJ, said: “We are a small family agency in Bradford. This award goes to show what can happen – you can dream high. We’re blessed in this industry; we don’t sell socks, we sell dream holidays.” On plans for another shop, he


added: “We’re looking for a second shop – and maybe a third. It’s time to venture out a little.” Referring to his late wife’s mental health problems, Mann made a


Agents across the UK have had the opportunity to capitalise on increased availability for summer


have seen a very decent uplift in sales as a result.” Southampton Cruise Concierge


managing director Joanne Pearson said some clients were opting to postpone bookings to future seasons as a result of financial pressures, which could also have contributed to late availability. She also noted promotions


coming online close to departure dates to stimulate late sales, which she described as “unusual”.


Iglu chief commercial officer


Dave Mills reported “an excellent June” for new ocean cruise bookings for “imminent departure across all destinations”, which he put down to competitive pricing and offers. But he said late business was not


denting sales for future seasons and noted “an interesting mix of demand”. Advantage Travel Partnership


senior commercial manager Jonny Peat praised lines for “holding strong on pricing for longer”, with promotions being introduced closer to departure dates. Phil Nuttall, chief executive at


The Travel Village Group, noted “sporadic” late availability and said river cruise volumes “may be impacted more” due to their perceived proximity to eastern Europe and the Ukraine-Russia conflict.


From left: Lucy Huxley, Travel Weekly; Gary


Lewis, TTNG; Suzanne Korff, Princess Cruises; Tony Mann, Idle Travel; and Stu Parish, Jacobs Media


special plea to industry colleagues. “If you’re struggling with your mental health, speak to someone. You need the support of all around you.” TTNG boss Lewis received his


award after almost three decades at the organisation, where he began as operations assistant at the Travel Trust Association. “When I joined, we had 20


members probably doing £200,000 worth of revenue. We’ve now got 1,150 members doing £3 billion in outbound revenue, so in terms of the size and scale of the business, it’s beyond recognition,” he said.


Lewis, who started his career


in politics, has overseen TTNG’s significant organic growth and expansion through acquisition to lead a group with multiple brands, including TTA, Worldchoice and Independent Travel Experts. He said: “The proudest thing is


being part of a team that connects in emotional ways and has absolute clarity on how they support our customers and members. “It is very inspiring to be


recognised at any stage in your career because you don’t think about it – you just do everything day in, day out.”


travelweekly.co.uk


PICTURE: Steve Dunlop


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