Support for pipeline of talent is crucial A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR


This week I enjoyed a catch-up with Dawson & Sanderson managing director Annelene Hutton, speaking in her first interview since taking the reins last autumn. Annelene offered a great insight into the northeast-based agency’s


growth plans following a challenging period last year. And it was fascinating to hear how a company that has always been


well regarded, but has had a tendency to fly somewhat under the radar, is adapting and evolving its business for the years ahead (page 6). Alongside new business divisions and a possible brand refresh next


year, one of the key focuses for Annelene is stronger engagement with the staff who drive her agency’s 20 branches. This has included regular surveys to find out their views and needs, plans to reinvest more money in


the business and proposals to update and improve salary and bonus packages. Like travel companies throughout the UK and Ireland, Dawson & Sanderson understands the


importance of supporting and rejuvenating its workforce to ensure it is fit for the future. And against a challenging recruitment backdrop for all sectors, this requirement makes it all the


more important for young people to be able to identify a career path in our industry. Following on from our recent coverage of government plans to scrap funding for travel and tourism courses for 16-19-year-olds, trade bodies and education specialists have continued their efforts to encourage the Department for Education to reconsider (page 5). At Travel Weekly we will continue to support and amplify those efforts, and I would encourage all readers to do the same.


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


Firms use Atol logo without renewals 4 Iata opposes CAA’s segregation plans 4 Travel lecturers step up fight against cuts 5 Dawson & Sanderson; Kenwood cruise 6 Ukrainian agent; disabled passengers 8 Special Report


Mel robson


‘I’d always wanted my own agency,’ says founder of


Mel’s Travel in Co Durham page 25


Virgin Reward agents join cruise fam 10 comment


Simon Bunce: 25 years of law seminar 12


NEWS YOU CAN USE Product Jet2, Utah, Walt Disney World Resort 15 Classic Collection, Great Rail Journeys 16 Ramblers Walking, Sunvil, Railbookers 18 Tauck, AmaWaterways, Princess, Clia 20 P&O Cruises, Avalon, Swan, Scenic 23


THE QUEEN’S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE:


INTERNATIONAL TRADE 2020


FRONT COVER AND THIS PAGE: Steve Dunlop; Shutterstock/michaeljung, Roman Samborskyi; Unsplash/Tony Reid


travelweekly.co.uk


FRONTLINE agent diary Helen Parry: Asking for feedback is scary but very worthwhile 24


FOLLOW US: @travelweekly


WHAT LUCY DID THIS WEEK


OAttended Celebrity Cruises boss Jo Rzymowska’s first leaving event – a lunch she described as the start of her Elton John-style ‘farewell tour’!


OCaught up with Elle editor-in-chief Kenya Hunt ahead of her appearance at this week’s Travel Weekly Inspiring Women lunch.


OMet easyJet holidays’ Chris Brown and Kelly Walker to chat about trade engagement plans.


Your Stories


Mel Robson on setting up her own store 25 competitions Win an adventure holiday and more 26


DESTINATIONS The US


Houston: Beyond its rodeos and barbecue, this Texan city boasts a thriving arts scene and more besides 28


Florida: New Walt Disney ride TRON 33 Washington DC: Snapshot of capital 35 New York: Review of Virgin’s new hotel 36 villa holidays


Stag & Hen Trips: Your guide to some of the best villas for groups seeking different types of breaks 38


BUSINESS NEWS


›’Use your influence to decarbonise’ 47 Demand defies economic uncertainties 48


Play chief says carrier will avoid pitfalls 46 Leaders in Travel Summit, London:


travelweeklyuk @travelweeklyuk 27 APRIL 2023 3


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