Economy

Huge swing towards package bookings in wake of pandemic

41% growth in package holiday transactions since 2020 according to UK bank account spend data analysis

Rebound in travel spend vastly outstripping other sectors

Spending on travel increased by nearly a quarter year-on-year in March and with agents by nearly a third as consumers continue to prioritise travel over other areas of non-essential spend

The race to the top? Why margins are really set to matter this summer

Travel experts assess whether summer 2023’s momentum can continue in the face of rising prices and cost of living worries

Saga Group's river and ocean brands poised to return to profit

The Group reported an underlying profit before tax of £21.5m, within the guided range of £20m to £30m

Caribbean tourism ‘not out of the woods yet’, says industry leader

CHTA president Nicola Madden-Greig said on Wednesday (29 March) the industry faced significant challenges, including rising operating costs and labour shortages

UK students to spend same or more on holidays despite surging costs

Figures published on Monday (27 March) show that 84% of British students expect to spend the same or more on travel this year despite the cost of living crisis

Carnival president: 'Agents critical to record first quarter of 2023'

Speaking during a business update on Monday (27 March) following the company’s Q1 financial results covering the three months to 28 February, Josh Weinstein said the organisation has capitalised on pent-up demand for cruise through enhanced advertising efforts in North America, Europe and the UK.

"This has been helped by our agent partners, who remain a critical part of our new-to-cruise business," he added.

'Phenomenal' wave period drives Carnival Corp to 'record-breaking' quarter

The company’s booked position for the remainder of 2023 is at higher ticket prices in constant currency compared with 2019

Industry warned proposed Atol reforms will up costs 'for every holder'

The Association of Atol Companies (AAC) said proposed changes to the Atol scheme will ’fundamentally alter’ the ability of some holders to continue trading

Holiday and air travel spend leaving other sectors behind

Spend on holidays and air travel continued to outpace other sectors in February, although spending slowed compared with January

Tui seeks extra €1.8 billion to finish paying off Covid state aid

European travel giant’s supervisory board approves near-€2 billion new capital increase

Price pressures on travel and tourism ease as UK economy grows

More UK sectors reported an increase in output than at any time in the past 10 months in February, according to the Lloyds Bank UK Sector Tracker

Seabourn confirms sale of Seabourn Odyssey

The line will operate all published voyages until 22 August 2024

Gatwick brings forward net-zero target by 10 years with £250m investment

The airport will also continue to reduce overall energy use, invest in on-site renewable energy and source renewable electricity through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

Travel delivers lukewarm verdict on chancellor Jeremy Hunt's Budget

Specific measures to help the travel industry largely absent from Jeremy Hunt’s Budget

Seven key talking points for travel from Jeremy Hunt's spring Budget

Hunt admits growth-focused Budget won’t be enough to stop the economy contracting further – here are the key headlines for travel

Three things travel should look out for in today’s Budget

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will unveil his Spring Budget on Wednesday – but how will the measures affect those working in the travel sector?

Holidaymakers to up holiday spend this year despite cost of living squeeze

New data reveals 85% of 2,700 consumers intend to spend the same or more on their travel in 2023 compared with 2022

Growth in travel spend outstrips all other sectors in February

Barclays finds travel spending holding up despite cost of living pressures

French general strike set to hit air, rail and ferry links on Tuesday

Several airlines, ferry firms and Eurostar have warned of the potential impact of a fresh general strike over pension reform on Tuesday (7 March)

Irene Hays: Huge opportunities ahead for agents as Brits keep spending on holidays

Hays Travel owner and chair Dame Irene Hays told Hays IG members to focus on profitable markets as wealthier Britons continue to splash money on holidays

NCLH reports 'record-breaking' wave period and booked position

The Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruise Line and Regent parent entered the year with a ’record booked position and at higher pricing’

Sharm el Sheikh named 'the budget choice for Brits in 2023'

In its Holiday Money Index covering the 12 months to January 2023, Post Office Travel Money reported its top two currencies – the Euro and US dollar – made year-on-year sales gains of 66% and 38% respectively last month

Boost in leisure travel demand drives BA parent back to profit

International Airline Group (IAG) described 2022 as a year of ’strong recovery’