Agents ‘cross fingers’ for peaks as general election looms

Lee Hunt, owner of Woodbridge’s Deben Travel, was less optimistic. “It’s been tougher than last year,” said Hunt.

“Not only are we contending with Brexit, we’re contending with a general election and the aftermath of Thomas Cook – it feels like so much has happened at the same time.”

Hunt added that although Deben Travel has performed well throughout 2019 as a whole, he is hoping peaks will make up for a drop in trade during November.

“One of the issues is our older customer demographic,” said Hunt. “They’re typically into politics, they’re readers of The Guardian and The Telegraph and take these things seriously.”

As of Monday morning (9 December), a TTG poll on whether the uncertainty generated by the forthcoming election was narrowly split 52% in favour of there having been effect with 48% less concerned.

Abta, meanwhile, is aiming to support its members and the wider travel sector in the run-up to peaks with the launch of its annual Travel with Confidence campaign.

Starting 16 December, the adverts will urge consumers to look out for the Abta logo and reassure them ahead of the Tories’ 31 January Brexit deadline.