NEWS ROUND-UP


More than 250 agents to attend Atas Conference


Samantha Mayling


More than 250 travel agents will attend the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers (Atas) Conference in Birmingham next month. The event will welcome about


400 delegates on November 1-2 as the sector plots continuing growth. Atas chair Brian Young said: “This


is our fifth in-person conference and we will have our biggest attendance so far. There will be representatives from more than 190 travel agencies, tour operators, tourist boards and other organisations. “The conference has the theme


of ‘Journey’ as we are moving forward, not looking back.” Young, G Adventures managing


director for the EMEA region, said most members were reporting trading back to at least 80% of pre-pandemic levels, with some topping 2019 business. “Our sector has recovered


quickly from the pandemic – and will continue to grow as there is still more pent-up demand,” he said. “We will see growth despite


cost-of-living concerns as people want more out of their holidays – they want experiential tours and to see more of the destinations. “Most elements are included in


Stansted strike threat averted as workers accept revised offer


Workers at Stansted have accepted a revised pay offer from owner Manchester Airports Group, averting the threat of strike action. Firefighters, security officers, cleaners and passenger ambassadors had been balloted on potential walkouts before the improved offer was negotiated with the Unite union.


8 20 OCTOBER 2022


the price – once you are on the tour, most of it is included. You get a lot of value for your money. Our sector is growing and agents need to be a bigger part of that growth.” Conference sessions will feature


agents and operators sharing their expertise about inspiring customers, converting sales and understanding how “there’s a touring or adventure holiday for everyone”, he added. “There will be some outstanding agents at the conference, including


[The touring sector]


will see growth despite cost-of-living concerns as people want more out of their holidays


past winners of our Atas awards and the winners of our 2022 awards,” he added. “They have gone above and beyond in embracing our sector and making determined efforts to increase their sales and marketing, with social media, advertising and ads in their shops – they are really moving the dial in their businesses. “We’re done with Covid, so we


will be focused instead on how agents can help their businesses to grow.” Claire Brighton, Atas account


director, added: “There will be fun and games, interactive learning, practical tips and advice from successful agents. “Agents will learn from the


experiences of other agents who are doing well in this sector. Our members are passionate about supporting agents and taking them with us on our journey of growth.” atas-conference.com


Jet2 places $4bn order for 35 new-generation Airbus A320s


Jet2.com plans to further refresh its fleet with an order for 35 aircraft worth almost $4 billion. The agreement with Airbus for new-generation A320neos gives the UK’s second-largest tour operating group the option to double the deal to 71 aircraft at a value of $8 billion.


CAA sets up panel of 10 independent consumer experts


An independent consumer panel set up by the Civil Aviation Authority plans to help drive better outcomes for airline passengers over the next 18 months. The panel of 10 consumer


experts aims to work with the aviation regulator as a ‘critical friend’ to provide advice to make sure the consumer interest is at the heart of policy development. The programme includes


learning lessons from the pandemic and recent disruption; helping rebuild consumer confidence; and focusing on the needs of vulnerable consumers who are more at risk. Other priorities for the panel


include understanding the potential longer-term impact of the pandemic, the rising cost of living, the environmental impact of aviation and the impact of new technology on consumer behaviour. CAA consumer director Paul


Smith said: “Over the next 18 months, it will be important the aviation sector provides a good experience to all consumers.”


CAA:


consumer focus


Travel businesses urged to take survey on energy bills support


Abta has urged members and the wider industry to complete a survey being carried out by the government as part of its review of energy bill support. The review is designed to establish which businesses may be eligible for help beyond March 2023. The survey can be found at bit.ly/EnergyBillsReliefScheme


travelweekly.co.uk


CONFERENCE 2022 NOVEMBER 1-2


PICTURE: Shutterstock/Thanakorn P


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