Optimism and caution in equal measure A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR


Colleagues who attended The Advantage Travel Partnership’s conference in Benidorm reported a feeling of optimism among members, driven by the continuing strength of the market and the increasing number of consumers wanting to book with an agent. The consortium’s chief operating officer, Kelly Cookes, declared demand was “absolutely back” – not only for the closer-to-home destinations that sold so well last year, but also those farther afield – adding “the world is our oyster again”. There were also plenty of delegates talking about their hopes to expand, with Advantage itself on an “ambitious growth plan” having boosted membership by 25% between 2021-22, in addition to adding five more business development managers and creating new steering groups to


support members. But while the mood was overwhelmingly upbeat, there were notes of caution too. Delegates heard how the industry must step up its lobbying efforts to ensure that when the next crisis hits, the sector is listened to and supported by government and not “forgotten” (page 5). They also heard how there is a need for a greater focus on sustainability at every level of the consortium. Away from the stage, agents spoke of their continuing concerns over resourcing, with many


now recruiting from outside travel to overcome the shortage of experienced staff. Many admitted that the threat of higher costs further down the line was playing on their minds. But


after hearing the rags-to-riches tale of guest speaker Dave Fishwick, who inspired Netflix hit Bank of Dave, delegates were left inspired by his mantra that “everyone can succeed, so don’t give up”.


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


NEWS Ryanair targets 300m pax by 2034


front COVER


From left: Annelene Hutton, Dawson & Sanderson; Kelly Cookes, Advantage; Tony Mann, Idle Travel; Julia Lo Bue-Said, Advantage; Joanne Dooey, Love To Travel; and Sandra Corkin, Oasis Travel page 5


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Advantage to install high-tech screens 4 ‘Maintain government lobbying efforts’ 5 Horizon sets strategy; Celebrity vision 6 Holiday Fixer plans; Abta hikes subs 8 Special Reports


Seabourn ‘already expedition experts’ 10 Oceania plans new pricing structure 12 Avalon Waterways hosts trade partners 14 comment


Steve Dunne: Bots lack emotional touch 16


NEWS YOU CAN USE Product


Classic Collection, Jetset, Cook’s Club 17 JG Travel Group, Jules Verne


18 Princess, MSC, AmaWaterways, A&K 20 BUSINESS NEWS


THE QUEEN’S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE:


INTERNATIONAL TRADE 2020


FRONT COVER AND THIS PAGE: Nick Robb Photography; Shutterstock/ Reshetnikov_art, Alexandros Michailidis; Steve Dunlop; Windjammer Landing


travelweekly.co.uk


FRONTLINE agent diary Clare Dudley: Value of fam trips is amplified by social media 24


FOLLOW US: @travelweekly


Ryanair posts profit and returns to GDS 46 Mintel ‘Sustainability in Travel’ report:


travelweeklyuk @travelweeklyuk 25 MAY 2023 3


›Most Brits say travel firms ‘greenwash’ 47 O’Leary tips Ryanair market share rise 48


WHAT LUCY DID THIS WEEK


OChaired the shortlisting stage for the 2023 Agent Achievement Awards – no mean feat with record numbers of entries received.


OHosted a webinar with Clia’s Andy Harmer and Ben Bouldin for agents who couldn’t make last week’s cruise conference.


OTook a day off work to attend a speed awareness course and also to find a dress for the Agent Achievement Awards!


Your Stories


Policeman-turned-agent Geoff Wessell 25 competitions Win cruises, vouchers and a stage slot 29


DESTINATIONS caribbean


Saint Lucia: Adopting the lotus position underwater is just one of the wellness novelties at the revamped Windjammer Landing


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Jamaica: Experts’ recommendations for second-time visitors to the island 36 family holidays


Diverse Groups: Tips for selling travel to modern households, from same-sex units to blended families 38


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