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Eight agents tell TTG about their hopes for the future and the trips they’re dreaming of taking once it’s safe to travel again.
“I can’t wait to get back to South Africa, the Rainbow Nation – quite appropriate with all the rainbow support for the NHS right now. I have spent a lot of time there over the years and it’s just a wonderful all-round destination with something for everyone: great wine, great golf courses, great people and wonderful scenery – not to mention the wildlife. Plus, it’s amazing value.
“My hopes for the future are that we all emerge unscathed and get back to the ‘new normal’ as quickly as possible. I really hope we’re waving guests off on holiday again sooner rather than later.”
“When the dust settles, I’d like to explore South America. I was lucky enough to spend three nights in Rio de Janeiro with Latin Routes two years ago and I got a taste of its lifestyle – it has made me want to see it all! I’d be happy to go as part of a large group tour or on my own.
“It’s so important to be able to see the world we live in and experience unique places, and I will be making the most of every type of trip I can in future!“
“This year’s dream trip was going to be sailing onboard Celebrity Apex in the Norwegian fjords to celebrate three years of marriage to my husband. It was not to be, but the Norwegian fjords will be there another day.
“Although these times are extremely difficult, once we are set free, our clients will want to travel again. In the meantime, my advice is to look after your clients in the best way you can. Be honest – help them understand Mother Nature is taking a breather. None of us will ever take for granted the luxury of travelling again.”
“I can’t wait to rearrange my family holiday to Antigua. Having visited in late 2018 on a Sandals fam trip, I totally fell in love with the island. The people were genuine, warm and welcoming, and I’m so excited to take my husband and daughter with me on my next visit. Being able to travel is one of the precious freedoms we have.
“The travel landscape will inevitably change, but I hope for the better. The public will remember the value of a good travel agent – someone who fought their corner, did their best for them and ultimately made sure those dream trips were still possible.”
“My wife and I are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary this year, as well as both our 40th birthdays. We’re booked to fly to Bali and Singapore in August, with four nights at the Kayon Jungle Resort in Ubud and four at the W in Seminyak. If the trip gets postponed, we’ll rebook.
“I think it’s really important at this time to think about the tour guides, taxi or transfer drivers, restaurant owners and airport staff in countries which rely heavily on tourism. These workers have no other income, and families to feed. Us deciding to travel again will benefit the whole supply chain in travel and tourism.”
“If it was a joint family decision, we’d probably end up in Orlando – a Disney princess-obsessed five-year-old and my American husband would win that vote! But if left to me, we’d enjoy Costa Rica and its wildlife. This trip was my goal when I joined Travel Counsellors earlier this year. It still is.
“Costa Rica and all the places we love will still be there for us and our clients to visit when this is over. Creating moments that matter with our loved ones will be motivation for the world to start travelling again”
“I can’t wait to visit Corfu. My first holiday here was a cheap and cheerful week with my parents in my late-teens and from then it’s always been my bolthole. I’ve made lifelong memories there with [my partner] Nick and daughter Holly.
“These past few months have made me realise that it’s so important to spend quality time with the ones I love. Looking back, our no-pressure, basic holidays were so much fun. I think going forward many of my customers will ditch the designer hotels, grab their towels and children, a cheese pie and head to the beach. I can’t wait to hear about their adventures!”
“When Covid-19 has passed I will be going on a cruise! Cruising packs a punch when it comes to getting the most from a holiday. Not having to choose between the bustling Las Ramblas and the sophisticated shopping streets of Cannes is the ultimate luxury.
“Once this is over, consumers will need travel agents more than ever to help guide and inspire them. Let your passion for travel be infectious, let your knowledge be your strength and together we will come out stronger, more resilient and invaluable for the future of the industry.”
