Time for trade to target next government A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR


Airlines UK boss Tim Alderslade told a recent conference that messages about travel’s worth to the economy were falling on deaf ears in Westminster and Whitehall. Yet the numbers outlined in the manifesto launched this week by Abta


are still worth reminding ourselves of: £150 billion generated each year across domestic, outbound and inbound travel, with more than three million jobs supported (page 5).


As Tim noted, the sticking point when speaking to those in, or aspiring to be in, power is the contribution of the outbound sector, which is still often seen to be taking money out of the country, rather than bringing it in. But now is the time to be driving those messages home and tackling misconceptions, as prospective parliamentary candidates angle for the


support not just of voters, but the major employers in their constituencies. Abta has taken some criticism over its representation of the industry in recent years, but its brand


recognition remains high and it is clearly putting in a lot of groundwork to provide a platform for travel to state its case. I wrote recently in this column about the frustration felt at Westminster’s ongoing lack of


appreciation for the industry, but that shouldn’t mean we should simply shrug and throw in the towel. Nobody is labouring under any misapprehension that our sector will be a priority for the next


administration. However, with plenty of fresh faces looking to make their mark when a general election date is announced, this is as good a time as any to use the resources created by Abta and make our case.


d Lucy Huxley, editor-in-chief, Travel Weekly Group CONTENTS COVER


Abta draws up manifesto to highlight value of the trade ahead of general election page 5


NEWS Industry welcomes U-turn on abuse law 4 Trade keeps watchful eye on Middle East 4 Abta manifesto sets out industry priorities 5 Intrepid seeks inspiring females for fam 6 Jetz Travel is five; coach firm woos agents 8 comment Ted Wake: Cherish your older clients 10


NEWS YOU CAN USE Product Titan Travel, Newmarket Holidays First Class Holidays, Intrepid Travel


WHAT LUCY DID THIS WEEK


OHad a great call with the keynote speaker for our third annual People Summit, taking place at Deloitte’s London offices on June 10.


OHeaded to the Swan London in the shadow of Shakespeare’s Globe to hear the latest from the touring and adventure sector at the Atas Leaders’ Dinner.


OHad an amazing day out in Cambridge with my son at Sidney Sussex College offer holders’ open day.


close-up Clia RiverView, South Africa, Tipto


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competitions A Gold Medal/Emirates trip and more 26


DESTINATIONS hotels, resorts & spas Las Vegas: From families to food lovers, choosing the right base for a stay in this 24-hour city is essential 28 Six of the best: Stylish new


13 14


MSC Cruises, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines 16 P&O Cruises, APT, Travelmarvel, HAL 18


FRONTLINE agent diary Clare Dudley: Welcoming supplier reps in store is mutually beneficial


resorts welcoming guests this summer 34 canada


Rocky Mountaineer: The iconic train’s revamped menu keeps things local 38 Newfoundland: Explore the


natural treasures of this wild province 42 20


Your Stories Homeworker Andrea Smith of The Holiday Village


FRONT COVER AND THIS PAGE: Steve Dunlop; Sarah Lucy Brown; Shutterstock/Patryk Kosmider, Kobby Dagan, M21Perfect


travelweekly.co.uk FOLLOW US: @travelweekly 21


BUSINESS NEWS FTI Group secures €125m investment 46 EasyJet and Bristol airport’s fuel trial 47 ‘Crunch time’ for regional airports


47 travelweeklyuk


Government to publish SAF mandate 48 @travelweeklyuk


18 APRIL 2024 3


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