“I think that [with Covid] we’ve been through the worst time the travel industry has ever been through,” Leslie told TTG on Saturday (22 April). “Whoever made it through that time and is still here with us can handle it. We can handle anything after [Covid].”

Founded in 1993 by Leslie and chief executive Peter Healey, the group has reported a 40% increase in sales year-on-year – in a sign that the industry has finally returned to normal post-pandemic. 

Nevertheless, businesses could still be impacted by the current economic conditions, as Britons’ purses tighten amid the cost of living squeeze. “I think we will just have to wait and see how the economy grows,” Leslie said. 

According to Healey, the industry will be hit by a lot of individual challenges moving forward, including tour operators selling directly to consumers. 

Agents were shocked when in January 2022 over 50s specialist Saga announced it would reduce the number of trade partners.

Even though industry giants such as Jet2 have reiterated their commitment to the trade, travel veterans such as Healey have now become wary of a potential trend.

“We will see the temptation among the tour operators to go direct and not sell through agents,” the chief executive said. “We’re going to have to be ready for it and do our best to help our people survive it.”

Healey told TTG during the travel group’s conference he has launched the new in-house tour operator, Instant4Agents, to give his members the possibility to expand their offer and not depend on a handful of companies.

Launched on Saturday, Instant4Agents will expand Instant Holidays’ current portfolio to include many more destinations, hotels and flights. 

Nevertheless, agents will not stop selling the big names, Healey added, as their products are good and easy to book. “Even though I’m saying to them ‘Think about what might happen’, they’re looking after themselves today,” he added.