In TTG: Peaks news analysis, cruise section launch and Fosun interview

The issue opens on our new news analysis. This month we consider the trade’s outlook in what would traditionally be a busy peaks period. The spread includes an opinion piece by Travel Counsellors CEO Steve Byrne, reflecting on the lack of government support for small business owners and the self-employed.

Next we explore the year ahead in travel, analysing the themes and events that will likely shape 2021 for the industry.

An interview with Abta chief Mark Tanzer covers the need for cash flow and consumer protection reform (be sure to watch the full interview on demand), before we sit down with Fosun Tourism Group boss Jim Qian, a year on from the collapse of Thomas Cook.

For the Travel Agent Tracker page we give an overview of the past few months, and our product pages include all the latest from some of your favourite operators.

Our new opinion spread focuses on Brexit, with views from Aito’s Bharat Gadhoke and the Business Travel Association’s Clive Wratten.

We have also included an “In case you missed it” page, summarising some of the top headlines from the past month as well as comments and social media.

We’re very excited to unveil our new cruise section, kicking off with a leader from TTG senior reporter and cruise expert Tom Parry. The section also includes news and a thought-provoking interview with UK Chamber of Shipping chief Bob Sanguinetti, and we go on to take a look at why small-ship journeys are set to be big news once cruising returns.

We also speak to three travel professionals about their recent cruise bookings success and get tips from the experts about marketing cruises effectively in 2021 and beyond.

For our destination and product focus, we shine a spotlight on lesser-visited West Iceland, round up outdoor activities and private accommodation options in the US, and highlight tours and attractions that celebrate African American history.

In our Business Advice pages, we speak to two agents who have created a marketing planner for 2021 for their marketing insights, hear how Latin Routes is making changes to get through the pandemic and help agents do the same, and catch up with Holiday Extras’ Hannah Lovett, part of TTG’s 30 Under 30 scheme.

In the TTG Luxury section of the magazine, sustainable travel comes under the spotlight, with trip ideas including rhino protection in Namibia and slow rail travel in Europe, as well as updates on the growing regenerative travel movement and the Conscious Travel Foundation.

Regional boss of Four Seasons Simon Casson also features, giving this issue’s Luxury View on how the global hotel group and its people have been coping with the pandemic. And in Arrivals, there are also 18 great new luxury hotels and packages to keep clients inspired.

The Travel Trade Consultancy’s Martin Alcock rounds off the issue with One Last Thing: “Travel still has a nasty case of long Covid”.