Opinion

'These package travel reforms are a welcome starting point – but there is much more to do'

Alan Bowen, legal advisor to the Association of Atol Companies, runs the rule of the government's proposed changes to the Package Travel Regulations

'We've got to hope this Budget is enough to ensure bookings return next year'

However, with businesses looking at costs going up by £1,000 per employee, some will be weighing up if they can afford the resource needed to convert this business, writes Alan Bowen

'AI has raised the bar for inspiration, but interpretation is where agents still excel – they make the holiday'

'Customers can now explore possibilities instantly and visually, without leaving the sofa – but people don't want more holiday options, they want the right one,' writes Derek Jones for TTG

'We all have a vested interest to ensure travel is truly accessible for all'

Catering properly for people's assisted travel a duty incumbent on everyone in travel, and makes sound business sense too, writes Abta's director of industry affairs Susan Deer for TTG

Too much of a good thing? Is 'luxury' starting to lose its lustre?

Our industry is awash in “luxury". The word, once the exclusive domain of the few, is now being enthusiastically claimed by brands with whom, just a few years ago, you'd never make the association.

When the likes of easyJet holidays launches a "Luxury Collection", or Jet2holidays pushes its "Indulgent Escapes" line, it begs the question – is this democratising the concept for the masses, or simply diluting a once-meaningful term?

Agent: 'What happened to suppliers' duty of care to their Jamaica-bound passengers?'

Travel agency boss Lee Hunt asks why suppliers don't issue customers credit notes when a hurricane is heading towards destination where thousands of Brits enjoy holidaying

3 travel marketing tips agents from Abta's latest Holiday Habits report agents can apply ahead of peaks

The 2025 edition is loaded with actionable insights travel agents can use to inform their marketing strategies for the year ahead, writes We Are Llama's Andrew Shelton for TTG

'Eurostar's new trains herald a new era for clean, connected European travel'

'People aren’t just booking more flight-free travel, they’re sharing the impact and inspiring friends to travel in ways that feel better for both themselves and the planet,' says Byway head of partnerships Paul Conroy

'Princess is one of my best-selling cruise brands – but I was nervous about sailing on its new Sphere class ship'

What did Ely-based Travel Counsellor Martin Kindred-Langdon, who ranks Princess Cruises among his best selling lines, make of Star Princess?

'In a world full of uncertainty and online scams, customers increasingly value the human touch'

Oasis Travel's Sandra Corkin reflects on what it is that makes travel agencies such an enduring feature of the UK's high streets, and why they can – and will – thrive anew

'Travel's just had its annual health check – and the vital signs are good'

The Travel Trade Consultancy's Martin Alcock runs the rule over travel's vitals, finding strength in package demand but worries around consolidation and the increasing dominance of the industry's major players

‘After losing our baby at 25 weeks, a family holiday helped us start to heal'

A week in Greece may not seem that life-changing but, as TTG’s Tom Parry explains, even a short break can begin to ease wounds of loss – and demonstrate the magic of the travel industry

'Now is a time of immense challenge – and opportunity – for our industry'

Writing for TTG ahead of World Tourism Day, Responsible Travel's Justin Francis OBE highlights four challenges the industry must face up to now – and four causes for optimism

How the climate is impacting travel marketing

The Met Office has confirmed that summer 2025 was officially the hottest on record for the UK. But what do changing weather patterns mean for the travel sector?

Is there a case for reopening Doncaster Sheffield airport? And should agents get their hopes up?

If all goes to plan, passenger flights could be taking off from Doncaster Sheffield airport (DSA) again as early as 2027.

Proposals to reopen the airport, which closed in late 2022, mean an awful lot at stake - £160 million of public money, in fact, not including the £16 million already spent on the campaign.

The decision to commit £160 million rested with the leaders of local authorities in South Yorkshire, Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

'One misleading statement risks setting us back years': why green claims need regulating to keep travel marketing honest

Another week, another ruling on greenwashing. This time it’s cruise that's in the firing line, and specifically, some of the travel agencies who make a living from selling it.

‘Hearing a familiar voice say, “don’t worry, I’ll take care of this”, is where the value of agents truly shines’

Advantage chief Julia Lo Bue-Said explores the intersection between AI and travel agents on National Travel Agent Day

Clia UK chief Andy Harmer: Nearly a third of passengers are new to cruise – here's how agents can capitalise on this

In our diverse market, customers require clear insight and need agents to offer genuine expertise. They want to feel reassured their holiday is being planned by someone who understands the ships, the destinations and the differences between the lines. In short, knowledge has become a crucial currency.

'Star of the Seas offers better value than a luxury land holiday – if agents pounce at the right moment'

Travelmax’s Savannah Bracewell urges agents to be bold and move quickly when booking ’once-in-a-lifetime’ trips on Star of the Seas

'As easyJet holidays turns five, I believe it has Jet2 and Tui firmly in its sights'

Five years on from easyJet holidays launching to the trade, is the future orange? Industry insider Steve Endacott gives his take as the operator marks the milestone

Should travel agents sell zoos?

TTG is a firm advocate for animal welfare in tourism, and you won’t find us writing about zoos very often. So what is different about Chester Zoo that made Pippa Jacks entertain the idea of visiting?

‘This is what changed my mind about using a travel agent’

Stories of things going wrong are our bread and butter in the travel trade media. Agent saves clients’ wedding from disaster! Agents work through the night repatriating clients! Agent rescues client’s teddy from sinking sightseeing boat!

Trump's White House has dragged Jet2 into a political firestorm – so should it respond?

After the White House put its own dark spin on the viral "Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday" meme, should the airline and operator respond? And if so, how? Social media strategist Marta Safin, part of the Llama collective of marketing experts, shares her take with TTG

'As AI search becomes the norm, agents must use it to strengthen their claim to being the experts'

As Google doubles down on AI-first search, agents must endure short-term disruption for longer-term gain writes Propellic’s Brennen Bliss for TTG, in the knowledge those who embrace AI as a research assistant rather than resist it altogether stand to strengthen their value and relevance to their clients