Investor ‘frenzy’ is real vote of confidence A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
The clock is ticking on the government’s first Budget at the end of the month and, according to financial experts, that is sharpening the mind of potential investors in the travel sector. Speakers at both Travel Weekly’s Future of Travel Conference and
Abta’s Travel Convention in recent weeks have noted an upturn in mergers and acquisitions activity following a post-pandemic lull (page 4). And while projections are for a sustained period of activity, there is also a feeling that several deals could be sealed in the coming weeks to avoid complications arising from possible tax changes announced by the chancellor on October 30. The interest from investors is a further vote of confidence in the industry and follows a trend of activity in the years leading up to the Covid-enforced shutdown.
One industry executive who would have taken a particularly keen interest in those transactions was Michael East, whose death has prompted an outpouring from many whose careers he influenced over more than five decades in travel (page 8). Michael was a founding shareholder in Travel Weekly’s parent company Jacobs Media 15 years ago, and he created, led and invested in a host of other travel businesses in a long and distinguished career. A common theme of the tributes paid since his passing is the word “gentleman” and Michael really did live up to that title, showing care and compassion to all those around him. My thoughts and the thoughts of everyone at Travel Weekly and our sister brands are with his wife Christine and his family at this difficult time.
Lucy Huxley, editor-in-chief, Travel Weekly Group CONTENTS NEWS
COVER photo From left: InteleTravel’s
James Ferrara, Tricia Handley- Hughes, Primrose Lwanga, Donna Williams, Micaela Dagger and Holly Tweed
pages 5 and 12 Photo: Fotocenter Studio
Upcoming Budget sparks M&A ‘frenzy’ 4 Abta chair warns of ‘tax threat to jobs’ 4 InteleTravel aims for ‘full-time’ agents 5 Kuoni refresh; Hays and Tui shop pledge 6 Michael East tributes; Hurtigruten scheme 8 Special Reports
The Travel Convention, Greece Travel Weekly Business Breakfast InteleTravel Conference, Italy Vertical Travel Conference, Spain comment
10 12 14 16
Jacqueline Dobson: Let’s thrive in 2025 18
NEWS YOU CAN USE Product Tui, Gold Medal, Sandals, RateHawk 19 G Adventures, Leger, Riviera, Just Go 20 Ambassador, Variety, Regent, NCL 24
FRONTLINE agent diary Jennifer Lynch: Time for a qualification? 27
FRONT COVER AND THIS PAGE: Shutterstock/Firefighter Montreal, GTS Productions, Sichon; Steve Dunlop
travelweekly.co.uk FOLLOW US: @travelweekly
WHAT LUCY DID THIS WEEK
OCelebrated the successes of the biggest names in luxury travel at the spectacular Aspire Awards in sunny Manchester!
OMet some brilliant agents as the 2024 Atas Conference got underway, held this year for the first time in Leeds.
ORecorded webcasts with Hurtigruten and Aer Lingus and heard all about their plans to ramp up engagement with the trade over the coming months.
Your Stories Gareth Harding, Travelosophers
close-up
Fred Olsen, Premier fam, Holbeache 32 competitions
Win flights, a cruise, £4k and more 33
DESTINATIONS canada
Montreal: Old Montreal, Little Italy, Olympic District – learn about the city’s varied neighbourhoods 34
Indigenous Experiences: How to sell cultural tours that respect communities 41 Banff: Postcard from the Banff Gondola 44 Festive breaks
Road, River, Rail: Experts’ tips and nine sample breaks across the UK and Europe46
BUSINESS NEWS
Travel’s emissions ‘fall’; Hays profit up 54 Call for Atol clarity; ‘Take ESG seriously’ 55 Trade weighs impact of employment bill 56
travelweeklyuk @travelweeklyuk 17 OCTOBER 2024 3
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