October’s opening news analysis examines how the trade is readying itself to take advantage of a newfound wave of consumer confidence following last month’s scrapping of some testing requirements for fully vaccinated Brits.
We hear market assessments from The Advantage Travel Partnership, Not Just Travel, Polka Dot Travel’s Mark Johnson and a number of US specialists, while TTG Travel Agent Tracker statistics reveal almost 90% of respondents feel restriction changes will allow the industry to “start trading its way out of the Covid crisis in a meaningful way”.
In an exclusive column, Deben Travel’s Lee Hunt shares his hopes for how things are changing in the industry’s favourite and how he can now see “a small light” at the end of the tunnel.
Readers can catch up on all the winners from the first Travel Industry Awards by TTG – held in London on 30 September – and find out more about TTG’s latest #GetTravelTalking mental health initiative launched on the night.
Working alongside Abta LifeLine, we are looking to train a group of independent travel agents to become industry mental health champions and undertake fully funded mental health first aid training.
Also in the issue is a look at the different support and joining offers many homeworking agencies are offering following the ending of the government’s furlough scheme.
Further news analyses from TTG’s senior contributors Rob Gill and Gary Noakes assess the potential for a bumper winter sun season and the significant environmental – and economical – impact of increasing rail travel.
TTG’s digital reporter Will Payne reports from the recent ITT Conference onboard MSC Virtuosa – with coverage of sessions involving Dame Irene Hays, Wendy Wu and Antonio Paradiso.
Ahead of the return of WTM London as a physical event in 2021, TTG also hears from show chief Simon Press on what to look out for when the industry event takes place next month.
CRUISE
TTG’s dedicated cruise sector kicks off with a report from Ponant’s new hybrid-electric polar ship, Le Commandant Charcot, as the line’s sales and marketing chief reveals aims to engage the UK trade.
Focus then shifts to Royal Caribbean International and sales boss Stuart Byron as he talks about the brand’s new fly-cruise sales campaign – Royal Flush - and big plans for wave.
Meanwhile, after a unique summer of domestic cruising, TTG talks to ports around the UK on how they are looking to make the most of new ship calls and push ahead to the future with new investments.
We also hear from agents who have sailed onboard different lines this summer to get their top pieces of sales advice and new shore excursion options are analysed.
FEATURES
TTG’s cover feature this month takes readers to the Piton peaks of Saint Lucia and a trip to find unique excursions and accommodation on the Caribbean island. From a Segway tour of US army bunkers to an indulgent chocolate heaven at the eco lodges of the Rabot Hotel by Hotel Chocolat.
Hot List takes a look at new openings and product for the impending winter sun season and as WTM returns next month, we hear key updates from some of the show’s main exhibitors.
Meanwhile, the virtues of social media discussion app Clubhouse are assessed and we hear from those whose businesses have benefitted from joining the club and we check in with our TTG Travel Heroes.
