Agents urged to ‘sell way out of the crisis’


Ben Ireland T


ravel agents have been told the only way they will emerge from the coronavirus crisis is to “sell their way out” by tapping into pent-up demand


for future holidays. Firms have been offering low and flexible deposits


to stimulate bookings as customers have been left unsure when travel will be safe, with the government still placing an indefinite timescale on its advice. Titan’s new flexi-deposits, from £49, allow


customers to amend new bookings up to 75 days prior to departure; Wendy Wu Tours is offering £99 deposits; and JTA is offering £25 deposits with free cancellations and amendments under its new Flexi Charter, as well as 2% bonus commission for agents. Charles Duncombe, director of homeworking


company Holidaysplease, said cutting costs and being “defensive” could only go so far. The company made a £109,000 booking for


Barbados on Friday, which Duncombe described as “not so much a green shoot as a great big tree trunk”. “I believe travel companies need to stay on the


offensive,” he said. “You can be very defensive, and that will of course save costs and eke out your survival. However, the only way to escape it completely is to sell your way out of it. You need to be able to punch back, no matter how many times you are getting hit.” Designer Travel launched a ‘Lock In Your Prices’ campaign, which managing director Amanda


ALSO IN THE PAST WEEK...


Matthews said was reducing cancellations and encouraging rebookings and new bookings. “It makes so much sense for clients to be


booking for 2021 now,” she said. “This will help suppliers plan for future capacity and lock in their prices, often with low deposits.” C The World director Carolyn Park said clients


were starting to realise the value of booking now, with the prospect of less capacity forcing up holiday prices for bookings made after the crisis is over. Miles Morgan Travel has begun posting


examples of bookings on social media, with cruise the biggest element. Chairman Miles Morgan said: “It shows, despite the situation, there is confidence out there.” But he warned agencies to take a


balanced approach to sales and marketing. i News You Can Use, page 13


Shops plan pos Juliet Dennis H


Campaigns by Designer Travel (right) and JTA Holidays


Wednesday, April 22 O


Air Mauritius placed in voluntary administration


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Fred Olsen Cruise Lines cancels cruises beyond May 23


FCO completes repatriation of 19,000 UK cruise customers


Kuoni reports ‘steady stream’ of new enquiries


Thursday, April 23 O


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G Adventures extends suspension of tours to June 30


P&O Cruises and Cunard extend cruise suspensions to July 31


Shearings owner Specialist Leisure Group confirms it is in talks with stakeholders, advisors and the government following


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igh street agents are considering barrier screens, closed-door policies and virtual appointments but say government guidance is crucial to bringing shops out of lockdown.


Travel retailers have started to plan for when they


can reopen, with fewer staff in stores, appointment-only systems and masks thought likely to become the norm. The government is understood to be considering rules


to allow more non-essential retailers to open including face masks, socially-distanced queues and one-in-one-out. Midcounties Co-operative Travel is considering


temporary Perspex screens in its agencies. Chief retail officer Alistair Rowland said: “We are working on a plan now to come out of lockdown. We have Perspex screens in our food stores, pharmacies and funeral outlets. They are not that pretty, but it may be what we need to do.” He expected any return to the high street to be


phased and to include giving out hand sanitiser to clients and limiting customer numbers. Video appointments and face masks are among


reports it is seeking a buyer


Iata says 661,000 UK aviation jobs at risk


Las Vegas confirmed as IPW 2021 host city


Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary slams inflight social distancing as ‘idiotic’ and warns airline will not fly if restrictions imposed


Friday, April 24 O


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WTTC warns 100 million travel and tourism jobs at risk globally


Jet2holidays parent explores state aid options


NCLH brands extend suspension of sailings to June 30


Portugal launches Covid-19 hygiene certification stamp


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30 APRIL 2020


travelweekly.co.uk


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