Analysis

Suppliers urged to do more to help agents tell them apart

TTG’s first Agenda event of the year ’unpacked peaks’ and explored some key market trends, including demand for ’differentiated product’ and more long-haul options, as well as the impact of a second Donald Trump presidency

Hays Travel branch the latest to leave the high street – why are agencies moving shops?

By relocating its Bishop Auckland store, Hays Travel has followed in the footsteps of rivals such as Tui and Barrhead Travel

Syria: Could this war-torn nation return to the tourist map?

On the 14th anniversary of the Arab Spring, TTG’s Ilaria Grasso Macola asks whether Syria will ever come back as a mainstream tourist destination

Five ways to sell responsible travel (without mentioning the S word...)

Taking small but tangible steps, holding suppliers to account and navigating the implications of selling animal attractions were among the main discussion points at TTG’s Sustainability Festival 2025

Abta launches free AI helpline to help members use technology correctly

The helpline will provide 30-minute sessions on a wide range of topics such as AI risk, ethical guidelines and fairness

NCLH boss 'very pro' Donald Trump-led efforts to bring peace to Ukraine and Middle East

Harry Sommer, the company’s president and chief executive, said efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine would allow the line’s ships to return to Russia

Three trends agents can – and should – look out for heading into spring

As another frenetic peaks draws to a close, TTG’s Ilaria Grasso Macola explores some of the trends that have shaped the trade’s busiest sales period of the year – and could shape their fortunes for the rest of the year

Air travellers warned they will have to foot the cost of decarbonisation

The Climate Change Committee has said air passengers must pay for the cost of decarbonising the aviation industry in its latest recommendations to government

Norse Atlantic to offer fewer destinations after another year of losses

The low-cost long-haul outfit, formed out of the ashes of Norwegian Air’s long-haul operation, plans to lease out four aircraft to an Indian carrier resulting in it being able to serve fewer destinations from the UK

What is a carbon budget? And what will the UK's latest – its seventh – mean for travel?

With aviation and cruise set for the first time to be included in the UK’s next carbon budget, which is due this month, how can travel continue to grow while reducing its environmental impact?

APT, Oceania, Jules Verne: all the latest travel trade people moves

Recent moves include a new, permanent role for a TTG 30 Under 30 alumnus, and a return for an experienced travel trade pro. Elsewhere, a river line and touring firm is looking for a new BDM

Jet2 predicts 10% profit lift, but warns of pressure on margins in coming year

Jet2 says it is on course for an 8-10% increase in profits this year, but has also warned its next financial year – beginning as the summer season commences – could see a squeeze on margins

Increase in January customers offset by fall in spend with agents – Barclays

Barclays Consumer Spend report finds transactions through agents in January grew but at reduced value, with airlines not faring so well

Tui heaps praise on independent agents, but focus on app sales bears fruit

Tui has said independent agents are ’very important’ to its business in the UK, but has also highlighted the success of its app during peaks

Tui bullish about growth prospects despite tough winter for UK and Ireland

Group reveals significant uptick in early winter revenue and earnings, although seasonal losses in its northern Europe region – which comprises the UK, Ireland and Nordic countries – have deepened by more than 75% to €88.5 million

Tui chief pins slow start to peaks on change in UK strategy

Tui’s boss has said a change in direction towards more dynamic packaging meant its January sales were slower than normal, with fixed capacity remaining tight and sold at higher margins

Why agents should embrace sports tourism this year

Sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors within the travel and tourism industry and it is expected to reach $1.33 trillion by 2032. So why UK agents aren’t embracing it? Ilaria Grasso Macola investigates

Shrinking the world: is mid-haul about to have its moment?

A combination of new aircraft economics and strain on Mediterranean hotspots could drive rapid evolution of the mid-haul market, and potentially bring destinations like Cape Verde, Senegal and Ghana into the mainstream

How did peaks 2025 compare with last year?

TTG’s survey of more than 130 travel agents reveals concerns for suppliers undercutting on price, a peaks that is on par with the previous year and tips for new destinations to tempt clients

Riviera, Hurtigruten, G Adventures: all the latest travel trade people moves

Recent moves include promotions for two TTG 30 Under 30 alumni and a change at the top at a river cruise line, while an operator group has created its first agent engagement panel

How Celebrity Cruises plans to drive sustainability firsts with its Edge series

Just days after its latest ship, Celebrity Xcel, was floated out from the French shipyard where it is being built, Celebrity Cruises announced a new Edge-class ship will join the fleet in 2028. Sara Macefield reports from Saint Nazaire in France

Spend with Aito members still rising with long lead-in times, survey reveals

A survey of 14,000 Aito members found average spend is still increasing, with long lead-in times for bookings

How inquisitive agents can tap into the £200bn halal travel market – and why they should

Agents prepared to discover more about Muslim clients’ travel preferences can tap into a potentially huge market, reports Ilaria Grasso Macola

From 'feast or famine' to £75,000 sales in one day – an honest take on peaks so far

Agents are heading into final big weekend of January in broadly positive spirits, with the peaks momentum expected to continue well into February – here’s what the trade had to say