The industry’s voice still isn’t heard A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
One of the most common refrains from the travel industry during the dark days of the pandemic was the lack of government understanding of, and support for, the sector. Whether it was a lack of nuance in business support or poor communication – who can forget the ego-driven ‘Shapps O’Clock’ traffic light announcements on Twitter – dismay and frustration was palpable throughout. There were some exceptions, of course, with the cruise sector managing to get cut-through and engagement to enable its return to service. But otherwise, there was a perennial feeling that outbound travel in particular just wasn’t on Whitehall or Westminster’s radar. Last week, we reported that those frustrations continue, with the aviation
sector given no warning of changes to APD announced in the Budget. And in this week’s edition, we write about the progress of the cross-government meetings set up in the period by former tourism minister Nigel Huddleston to coordinate policy. Spoiler alert: there wasn’t any (page 4). Airlines UK chief executive Tim Alderslade last week repeated the common criticism that the industry “has too many voices and too many asks”, but travel isn’t the only sector with multiple facets or needs. Ultimately, the issue lies with the assumption that travel is a drain on the economy rather than a contributor, and sadly it doesn’t look like those perceptions are going to change any time soon. There have been many positives since the world reopened and it seems travel remains a high priority for many consumers. It’s a shame the same can’t be said for those in the corridors of power.
ri Lucy Huxley, editor-in-chief, Travel Weekly Group CONTENTS NEWS
Clia riverview conference
Clia’s Andy Harmer addresses more than 500 delegates who had the chance to visit 11 ships at Amsterdam event page 10
Photo: Steve Dunlop
Agents slam ultra-low cruise deposits 4 Government meetings fail to happen 4 Research suggests heat bookings impact 5 OHG payouts; Travel Counsellors’ vow 6 Holiday Best portal; InteleTravel deal 8 Special Report
Clia RiverView Conference 10
Travel Weekly Inspiring Women Lunch 12 comment
Steve Dunne: Comms challenge is real 14
NEWS YOU CAN USE Tui, Jet2CityBreaks, Jules Verne
G Adventures, Insight Vacations
FRONTLINE agent diary
THE QUEEN’S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE:
INTERNATIONAL TRADE 2020
FRONT COVER AND THIS PAGE: Steve Dunlop; Shutterstock/Bill Perry, Eldar Nurkovic, djgis; Sarah Lucy Brown
travelweekly.co.uk
Colin Burns: Preparing for lates is vital 24 Your Stories Sian Partridge on fulfilling her childhood dream
FOLLOW US: @travelweekly 28
19 21
APT, Travelmarvel, Riviera, Star Clippers 22
WHAT LUCY DID THIS WEEK
OAttended a reception hosted by InteleTravel president James Ferrara and UK managing director Tricia Handley- Hughes to thank supplier partners.
ORecorded an interview with HX chief commercial officer Alex Delamere-White about the line’s move to all-inclusive pricing.
OPacked for the Hotelplan/Travel Weekly ski trip to Saalbach in Austria, where we’ll host agent and supplier partners.
competitions Amazon and Ivy vouchers, trip to India 29
DESTINATIONS Caribbean
Jamaica: A One Love Tour at the Bob Marley Museum is complemented by new hotels, flights and more 30
Repeat Visitors: Your guide to new flights, hotels and rum tours across the region 35 Barbados: Q&A Wyndham Grand 43 theme parks & attractions
Water Park Holidays: Make your recommendations a splash hit with our guide to options for all budgets 44
Disneyland Paris: Review of revamped property Disneyland Hotel
50
BUSINESS NEWS Business Travel Association Conference: › AI risks and GDPR compliance
› BA route to NDC different to AA Nats slammed in interim report
travelweeklyuk @travelweeklyuk 21 MARCH 2024 3
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