Staying on top of digital security is vital A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR


There has been a lot of discussion around the role artificial intelligence will play in the travel trade and the opportunities and threats it presents. That was certainly the case at our recent Future of Travel Conference,


where speakers debated what impact it will have on operations and frontline staff in particular. While AI is certainly a topic that will continue to spark debate and its


fair share of concern, it is certainly not the only technological challenge facing the sector. Last weekend’s cyberattack, which affected operations at Heathrow and other European airports, was the latest example of how a relatively small number of ‘bad actors’ can seriously impact businesses (page 4).


And with the travel industry reliant on seamless interactions across a global supply chain, even fairly isolated incidents can have severe effects on often stretched infrastructure. The headlines in the national media understandably focus on attacks on businesses of scale, with Marks & Spencer and Jaguar Land Rover among those recently in the headlines. But there is no room for complacency among smaller firms, which can be equally tempting targets and whose systems may not be ready to cope with ever-more sophisticated attempts to disrupt. Implementing effective digital security may seem daunting, but taking steps to educate staff


and train them to avoid falling victim to scams and attempts to breach systems can help protect businesses. Very few companies have the ability to ride out periods of inaction, and with tougher trading conditions on the horizon, the need for constant digital vigilance is more important than ever.


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


NEWS Recruitment slows amid uncertainty


Airports disruption shows cyber threat 4 Tui hails 10% sales via indie agents


4 5


Agents ‘outperforming’ direct channels 6 Sandy Murray tributes; insurance probe 8 conference Reports


COVER photo Pictured at the Atas


Conference fancy dress gala dinner are, from left: (back) Aerryn Linden, Barrhead Travel; Claire Brighton,


Atas; Gillian Polyhos, Olive Lounge Travel; (front)


Sonia Murray-Smith, Travel Counsellors; Matt Nixon, 52 Degrees North; and


Zohaib Ali, Travelosophers pages 6 & 10


Photo: Steve Dunlop


FRONTLINE agent diary Jennifer Lynch: Atas event was inspiring 26


FRONT COVER AND THIS PAGE: Alex Maguire Photography; Rami Dibo; Adrian Chambre; Shutterstock/shisu_ka, EQRoy


travelweekly.co.uk FOLLOW US: @travelweekly


Atas hosts a record 400 delegates at forum held this year at ICC Wales 10


Future of Travel Conference, London 12 comment


Gemma Antrobus: Pay model outdated 16


NEWS YOU CAN USE Product Adventures By Train, Riviera Travel, Tipto 21 First Class Holidays,Travelsphere HAL, Silversea, Explora Journeys


22 24


WHAT LUCY DID THIS WEEK


OHeaded to one of my favourite cities, Manchester, to host our first Travel Weekly Industry Leaders’ Dinner outside London.


OMade final plans for this week’s Inspiring Women Rising Stars Lunch, which will feature the amazing Clare Balding CBE.


OWas a very proud aunt as my niece Eve told 400 delegates at the Atas Conference in Wales about her experiences of youth touring!


Your Stories


Shanai McIntosh: From dance to travel 27 competitions Win a cruise, cash, rewards, hampers 28


DESTINATIONS


Solo traveL Festive Breaks: We round up the best tours and trips for solo travellers over Christmas time at home, Europe and beyond


30


France: Postcard from the Côte d’Azur 37 Five of the best: Beach resorts for solos 38 Middle East & north africa Dubai: Agents on a fam


trip find the emirate of extremes has plenty to attract visitors of any age 41


BUSINESS NEWS


US body warns of lithium battery risks 46 Netherlands’ air tax hike condemned 47 EC short-term rental rules; PTD revision 47 Analysis: Experienced ministers let go 48


travelweeklyuk @travelweeklyuk 25 SEPTEMBER 2025 3


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