Sophie Griffiths: Why there are many reasons to be positive as we enter a new decade

Despite him then acknowledging several potential obstacles (you can probably guess at least one of them), in the interests of embracing Alcock’s optimism, it’s worth highlighting the many reasons to be positive as we enter a new decade.

Firstly, there’s the fact that despite the high-profile collapse of Thomas Cook, apparently holidaymakers remain confident in package holidays.

Out of 1,000 people surveyed for BBC Radio 4’s consumer affairs programme You & Yours, nearly two-thirds said they were still happy to book an Atol-protected package trip (p7).

Then there’s the environmental question. Yes, it will undoubtedly bring challenges. But as Alcock points out, it’s a chance for smaller businesses to push their green credentials and differentiate themselves from larger rivals.

“Solutions and opportunities abound” for the sector, insists Responsible Travel’s Justin Francis (p26).