Tampa, US
But it wasn’t until June 12, when the US lifted pre-departure testing for vaccinated travellers, that things really began to ramp up. US specialist operators described it as a “huge boost” and reported a surge in interest for travel in the final quarter of the year, while Virgin announced it would increase its Austin service to daily next year and added a Heathrow-Tampa route. Classic Collection Holidays helped agents gear up for
the first full winter-sun season in the Caribbean, issuing a selling guide to the region, while Kuoni reintroduced holidays to Grenada for the first time in three years.
ASIAN UPTURN
Turning to the east, many Asian destinations took steps towards reopening through the first half of the year. In April, Gold Medal’s Thailand bookings spiked as
testing was dropped, and InsideAsia Tours brought out its first South Korea departures – featuring Seoul, Jeonju, Busan and Jeju island – as the country reopened to vaccinated travellers. The latter also released its first brochure since the pandemic, highlighting Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, while luxury operator Audley Travel made the move to drop its 26 destination-specific brochures in favour of one worldwide option, including a trade version with a call to action for agents. Much of the focus, however, has been on Japan, with InsideAsia, Wendy Wu Tours and G Adventures among the operators adding new product as restrictions ease. Wendy Wu reported soaring sales, and is anticipating 55% more business to Japan in 2023 than 2019.
There were moments of caution, with public unrest
in Sri Lanka prompting FCDO advice against travel, later lifted in August, and concern over the impact of a weakening pound against the dollar. Yet there were high points too, including Abercrombie & Kent marking its 60th anniversary with an epic £110,000 global itinerary. With positive signs on the horizon for 2023, the outlook for the long-haul sector is bright.
Japan
56 November 2022
globetravelawards.co.uk
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