What a difference a month makes A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR


For an industry driven to distraction by the implementation of government policy over the past two years, it was an alien feeling to be awaiting ‘Shapps O’Clock’ on Monday with a sense of hope rather than dread. The main headline of the transport secretary’s statement to Parliament


was already common knowledge, but the industry was still anxious to hear what would be said in addition to the confirmation that day-two tests would be ditched for the fully vaccinated (page 5). Those hoping the troublesome Passenger Locator Form would also be shelved were always likely to be disappointed, but most were pleased to hear an acknowledgement of the need for it to be simplified as soon as possible.


There was also welcome news on progress for Covid passes for teenagers, while reference to a


further review of travel policy next month suggests there will be momentum to the reopening. Shapps’ responses to subsequent questions often fell short – not least his dismissal of the need for support and a regular conflation of the aviation sector with the far larger travel industry. Yet it was positive to hear him urging consumers to book with confidence and voice his belief that the days of crippling border lockdowns had now passed. Many challenges remain for the trade, with the focus now firmly on destinations’ restrictions


and approaches to the validity of documentation. Yet given the bleak situation at the end of 2021, the picture as we head into February is brighter than even the most optimistic might have hoped.


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


Sales rise but PLF a ‘barrier’ to bookings 4 Crystal GSA: ‘Patience is watchword’ 4 Trade hails ‘landmark day’ as tests axed 5 Baldwins strategy; Atas board; Movers 6 Trade slams Saga plan to cut partners 8 the Interview


The interview


“The testing news isn’t the absolute holy grail


to bookings flooding in” page 12


APT’s Paul Melinis is ‘positive’ for 2022 12 CommenT


Gemma Antrobus: The merits of video 14 NEWS YOU CAN USE


Newmarket, Contiki, Virgin, Inghams 19 Premier Holidays, Riviera, Costsaver 20 Wendy Wu Tours, Leger Holidays, Jet2 22 Cunard, Emerald, Scenic, Fred Olsen 24


FRONTLINE Your Stories


THE QUEEN’S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE:


INTERNATIONAL TRADE 2020


FRONT COVER AND THIS PAGE: Shutterstock/Ink Drop, Andrey Armyagov; Andreas von Einsiedel


travelweekly.co.uk


Marion Owen: Our domestic tours saved the company 26


agent diary FOLLOW US:


Carla Hutchings: Peaks have been busy 28 @travelweekly


WHAT LUCY DID THIS WEEK


OHad insightful meetings with a digital marketing agency, a payments card provider, a tech solutions company and a TV station – all looking to engage with the sector.


OHad great catch-ups with Tom from Mercury Holidays and Iain from Carnival about their 2022 plans for agents.


OSpent the week juggling diaries as both kids came down with Covid – my son right in the middle of his mock GCSEs.


competitions


Spain trip, Globus £1k prizes, hamper 32 Get Social


Booking change T&Cs, Saga, Hays 35


DESTINATIONS winter sun


Saint Lucia: Clients will find everything they need for a rejuvenating wellness break at BodyHoliday 36


How to Sell: Short-haul warm breaks 42 Wellness: Five top tropical sanctuaries 45 Europe


Summer: Wild swimming, Alpine air or culture on tap? Our guide to lakes, mountains and city breaks 46


BUSINESS NEWS


Tui backs ‘100% green’ Rhodes project 54 Operator eyes 3m carryings to Greece 54 Airport slot waiver rules tightened


travelweeklyuk @travelweeklyuk 27 JANUARY 2022 3 55


Qatar Airways/Airbus; US delays 5G 55 Industry helped shape easing of rules 56


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