Help ensure AAAs are pinnacle of success A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
The launch of the Agent Achievement Awards is always an exciting time at Travel Weekly, as we start the process of celebrating and honouring our frontline readers. And with many hailing a fantastic start to the year, there should
be plenty to celebrate when we return to the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel in London on July 11. Last week I wrote about the incredible investment suppliers are making in educating their trade partners, and we will be asking those suppliers to help us reward the best of the best by casting their votes for their top agencies.
In addition to the supplier-voted categories, we also have awards for individual agents and support staff, and for new and established firms
that are making great strides in areas including sustainability, staff wellbeing and mental health. Of course, a real highlight will be the presentation of the Outstanding Contribution Award – so make sure you let us know if there is someone you think has earned that accolade. We are also excited to unveil a new headline sponsor, with Celestyal further showcasing its
support for agents, and to welcome back a host of other trade-friendly sponsors and supporters who continue to place agents at the centre of their business models. You can find out more about the awards in our four-page feature this week (page 10-13). And I would encourage all suppliers and agents to get involved at
agentachievementawards.co.uk and help us ensure the AAAs remain the pinnacle of success for agents and agencies across the country.
Lucy Huxley, editor-in-chief, Travel Weekly Group CONTENTS
NEWS Tui eager to start Ryanair flights link
Hoseasons defends £20 phone fee
4 4
February sales are ‘all over the place’ 5 Hutton leaves D&S; LBA trade ties
Dnata Oz week; Mantegazza tributes 8 Agent Achievement Awards
Your Stories ArrangeMY Escape’s
Jennifer Lynch explains how her agency tackles cheaper online pricing page 25
Nominations open for 2024 accolades 10 comment
Gemma Antrobus: Partnerships pay off 14
NEWS YOU CAN USE Product JetBlue, Cunard, Pata, Canada
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DESTINATIONS short breaks Norway: Bask in saunas – and the midnight sun – in Bodø, a European Capital of Culture for 2024
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Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Star Clippers 18 Classic, Railbookers, Jet2, AAT Kings 20
FRONTLINE
THE QUEEN’S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE:
INTERNATIONAL TRADE 2020
FRONT COVER AND THIS PAGE: Steve Dunlop; Sarah Lucy Brown; Shutterstock/ Elesey,
PeopleImages.com, New Africa; AG Studios; Philippe Millereau/KMSP
travelweekly.co.uk
Ten teams will battle it out to win the MSC Cup in May in aid of Reuben’s Retreat 17
agent diary Kim Kent: The joy of booking for friends 24
FOLLOW US: @travelweekly BUSINESS NEWS
Two in five Scots plan break in Europe 46 Steve Endacott on Tui’s Ryanair deal 47 Tui hits out at German aviation policies 47 Jet2 and Tui figures show strong demand 48
travelweeklyuk @travelweeklyuk 22 FEBRUARY 2024 3
WHAT LUCY DID THIS WEEK
ORecorded a webcast with Uniworld UK chief Chris Townson and had a meeting with A-Rosa UK boss Lucia Rowe in a river cruise-filled day.
OCaught up with Eleni Skarveli of the Greek National Tourism Organisation over a traditional Greek breakfast – a bit of a tradition for all our meetings!
OHad two days with my kids over half-term as a break from mock A-level revision and GCSE coursework!
Your Stories
Jennifer Lynch, ArrangeMY Escape 25 close-up
Pancakes, a dog and a ‘35th’ party 28 competitions Asia flights, Taylor Swift tickets, spa stay 30
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Paris: Discover what’s new in the city ahead of summer’s Olympic Games 37 Asia
South Korea: A hike high above Seoul reveals the country’s spiritual side 40
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