Let’s hope it’s not a winter of discontent A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR


We are forced to address two sobering issues this week despite the overwhelmingly robust good health of the sector as we enter the winter season this weekend. With Israel’s war on Hamas and the unfolding tragedy in the region continuing to dominate the news, it seems inevitable the travel industry will feel some effect. Already agents have reported seeing some holidaymakers opt to avoid parts of the eastern Mediterranean, in particular Egypt, which borders southwest Israel, but also Cyprus (page 4). The degree to which the conflict might spread remains unclear and the


duration and impacts unknown. Tour operators must simply continue to monitor the situation closely and respond to any change in Foreign Office


travel advice, without which there are unlikely to be wholesale changes to existing bookings. Most agents and operators appear sanguine: the trade has ridden out plenty of crises and


proved resilient. But there will be nagging doubts given the recent history of the Middle East and, with the problems caused by Covid still in the public’s mind, the trade should be prepared for increased wariness about travel to the region, especially if the conflict intensifies and widens. For some in the trade, problems closer to home will be pressing this winter as the cost of living continues to bear down on cash-strapped households. The Abta LifeLine announcement that it expects increased applications for aid from those in work this winter shows just how close to the edge many are currently living (page 6). It’s important that as an industry we ensure support for those who need it, backing Abta LifeLine’s appeal and efforts to extend its reach.


p Lucy Huxley, editor-in-chief, Travel Weekly Group CONTENTS NEWS Atas 2023


Six-page photo special from the Liverpool conference pages 30-35


Photos: Sarah Lucy Brown


Industry ‘must do more to woo students’ 4 Fears grow for eastern Med hotspots 4 Luxtripper failure set to cost ATT millions 5 Turkey hotels hit target; LifeLine forecast 6 Cover Stars hit headlines; Merlin growth 8 Travel Weekly People Summit photos 10 comment


Jacqueline Dobson: Targeting next level 12 Special ReportS


Switzerland Tourism hosts 48 UK agents 13


NEWS YOU CAN USE Not in the Guidebooks, Visit Malta


Marella Cruises, APT/Travelmarvel 16 Carnival, Fred Holidays, Uniworld


FRONTLINE


THE QUEEN’S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE:


INTERNATIONAL TRADE 2020


FRONT COVER AND THIS PAGE: Steve Dunlop; Sarah Lucy Brown; Shawn Talbot; Shutterstock/ERainbow; Unsplash/Czapp Botond


travelweekly.co.uk


in the picture Travel Weekly hosts third Inspiring Women Lunch 22


Agent Diary Kim Kent: You can’t beat seeing a place 24


FOLLOW US: @travelweekly BUSINESS NEWS


CAA plans ‘ATC resilience’ next summer 46 Plans for PTD reform alarm agent body 47 WTTC scheme endorsed; air traffic up 47 Nats defends ATC meltdown handling 48


travelweeklyuk @travelweeklyuk 26 OCTOBER 2023 3


15 18


Jet2, Cox & Kings, Newmarket, Classic 20


WHAT LUCY DID THIS WEEK


OCaught up with loads of luxury travel suppliers and agents at the brilliant Aspire Awards, held in Manchester for the first time.


OWas honoured to present a new set of accolades – the Silver Standout Awards, for representation, innovation, support, sustainability and marketing – at the Silver Travel Awards.


OHad a blast at my niece’s 21st birthday meal with 10 members of my family. Raucous night!


Your Stories Lindsey Waldron, ITE homeworker


close-up


PTAs, Travel House, Hendersons Travel 26 competitions Win an Alaska cruise and Tobago fam 28


DESTINATIONS all-inclusive holidays Dominican Republic: Renowned resort Casa de Campo unveils a host of new facilities as it gears up to celebrate its 50th year 36


europe


Romania: Drink in the tastes of new wineries plus sample traditional sights on a new Regent Holidays tour


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