Brexit: Agents told ‘hope for the best, but plan for worst’


Agents were urged to “keep their fingers crossed” that the UK pens a Brexit withdrawal agreement with the EU, but “plan for the worst” regardless. In a breakout seminar on


Premier Travel team at the Vigado Concert Hall for the conference gala dinner


Alan Armstrong


shows off his lifetime achievement award


Consortium lauds ‘national treasure’ Alan Armstrong


Alan Armstrong, partner at the Brunlea Travel Group in Lancashire, was given a standing ovation as he received a lifetime achievement award at The Travel Network Group’s conference in Budapest.


Receiving his award, an emotional Armstrong watched the screen to hear tributes paid by fellow members of his local Rotary club, and colleagues from the agency, which has two branches, in Burnley and Carnforth. “I was stunned – it was lovely to


see them all on screen,” he said. “I’ve had lots of great staff over


the years, and was joined on stage by [area manager] Scott Harrison, who’s been with me for 32 years – he’s my right-hand man.” Armstrong began his career in


1980 working for Pendle Travel – owned by travel entrepreneur and Airtours founder David Crossland. In 1982, he set up Brunlea


Travel with Bryan Fergus, who has now stepped back from the day- to-day running of the business. Brunlea is the Roman name for


Peaks bookings revenue rises by 4.8%


The Travel Network Group’s members’ revenue during the peak selling season this year was up by 4.8% year on year. Chief commercial officer Vim Vithaldas (pictured) told delegates


that long-haul revenue was up 16% and cruise revenue rose 47%. Ancillaries revenue rose 8.6%, bed bank revenue increased by


almost 16%; and touring revenue was up by 29%. However, Europe and short-haul sales were down by 13.6% in


revenue and 11% in passenger numbers. UK breaks were also down by 12.5% in terms of revenue, with almost 9% fewer passengers. Top-selling mainstream destinations were Spain and Turkey.


28 March 2019travelweekly.co.uk13


Burnley, and the agency in 1996 joined Worldchoice, which became a part of The Travel Network Group 10 years ago. Announcing the honour, the consortium’s chief executive, Gary Lewis, described him as “a national treasure”, adding: “He has so many friends within our group and everyone who comes into contact with him feels inspired by his passion for life and all things travel. “His work ethic is impressive


and infectious to those around him. is are for others has florished


with his relentless work for charity over many, many years.” Armstrong joined the Rotary


Club of Burnley Pendleside about 18 years ago and has spent a year as president. He has helped organise


fundraising events such as the annual Pendle pub walk, which raises about £100,000 each year for a local hospice. “It’s a lot of work but I do like to


give something back,” said Alan. “And I don’t want to stop working completely – I would be bored.”


Brexit, travel lawyer Rhys Griffiths of Fox Williams said that although flights will run in any scenario, consumers will continue to seek reassurance. The EU and prime minister


Theresa May last week agreed to postpone the UK’s exit from the EU from the scheduled date of March 29. The UK and EU have agreed


an extension until April 12 or May 22. But it is looking increasingly likely that this will be pushed back to June, which will coincide with the lates booking period.


Griffiths said: “If I was a travel agent operating, I would hope for the best, but plan for the worst, so that whatever happens you are ready to deal with it. “We can be confident flights


will continue in a no-deal Brexit situation. But we should keep our fingers crossed for a deal. “[Customers] are going


to want information and reassurance, so a huge part of getting ready for Brexit is understanding the issues properly so you can explain those to your customers.”


PICTURES: STEVE DUNLOP


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84