It’s a sentiment that could apply to any week in 2018. And this week was no different.
In fact, between writing this and it appearing in print and online, the Conservative party has announced a vote of no confidence in leader and prime minister Theresa May. We expect the results tonight (December 12). Watch this space.
Yet, while Brexit and the ongoing uncertainty is indisputably unhelpful for consumer confidence, it seems companies across the travel sector are continuing to rise above the political chaos. And not only are they evolving, they’re flourishing.
South Wales entrepreneur Mohammed Pasha is aiming to open the first of four high street agencies in the New Year, just two years after launching his web and call centre business, while Tailor Made Travel plans to expand to 20-plus stores over the next year and boost its staff from 80 to 100. Owner Simon Morgan is also preparing to launch his own small tour operation. “It’s been a phenomenal year” he tells TTG.
It’s not just smaller businesses embracing innovation. Celebrity Edge, which launched last week, is a game changer for cruise – not just for its focus on sustainability, but in its alternative design of staterooms (see its Infinite Verandas), animation restaurant and Magic Carpet concept.
Significantly, the line has shown its commitment to the UK (and disregard for Brexit), with plans to bring not only Edge to the UK’s shores next year, but also its sister ship, Apex, in 2020. “Brexit is one thing we think about, but Britain is not the only country with sociopolitical issues,” Royal Caribbean Cruises’ Richard Fain pointed out wryly last week.
Meanwhile, though Brexit loomed large on Monday, the topic was refreshingly absent from discussions at the inaugural TTG New to Cruise Festival. Agents were instead focused on learning new skills to help them continue evolving in the New Year.
While the political wranglings go on (and on and on), businesses in travel are quietly getting on with it. If only our MPs were capable of doing the same!
