High street

Why is Amsterdam banning cruise ships, and what does it mean for agents?

Amsterdam’s ban on cruise vessels is the latest step by city authorities to control tourist numbers and respond to climate concerns – but what does this latest restriction mean for tourism to the city, and agents selling it?

Five key takeaways from TTG's new Travel Agent Tracker report

Agents were growing in confidence ahead of the busy summer season, despite an increasingly late market, according to TTG’s second Travel Agent Tracker report of the year.

Agency boss treats team to London getaway after record quarter

Staff from Yorkshire’s Travel Experience enjoyed a weekend in the capital after the agency recorded its best quarterly result in its 35-year history

Royal Caribbean launches 'make your own brochure' tool to agents

Dubbed My Royal Genie, the system enables trade partners to create custom digital brochures for their customers with videos and tailored content

Hays Travel's apprenticeship scheme scoops diversity and inclusion award

The agency’s onboarding strategy has been named Diversity and Inclusion Programme of the Year at the North East Apprenticeship Awards

Advantage to offer members free access to new anti-fraud platform

The new initiative follows the consortium’s partnership with Profit (Prevention Of Fraud in Trade), which was announced at its conference hosted in Spain in May

Princess Cruises unveils 'biggest-ever' trade engagement programme

The line will host more than 2,000 agents across a range ship visits in 2023

Azamara to host 300 agents onboard UK and Ireland ship visits this summer

The line will welcome trade partners onboard Azamara Pursuit and Journey for a series of ship visits

Hays Travel names Lisa McAuley director of strategy

Dame Irene Hays said McAuley had been working in a non-exec role for the past 19 months

National Travel Agent Day reverts back to traditional July date

Celebration to be held on the first day of the school summer holidays (Saturday 22 July) after late proposal to move the event to September

National Travel Agent Day to return in September

The now annual celebration, spearheaded by Intrepid Travel, will celebrate, support and recognise the work of travel agents in the UK and Ireland

Riviera Travel sets up first-ever dedicated trade contact centre team

The brand previously dealt with calls from agents and customers on the same telephone line

Fred Olsen Travel opens first concept store with 'specialist' focus

In addition to selling holidays and cruises, the store will focus specifically on selling product from several key partners – including selected Riviera Travel, Cunard, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines

'We were forced to hire inexperienced staff – and it's paid dividends'

While looking to boost its ranks earlier this year, Oasis Travel managing director Sandra Corkin opted to take on six staff members with no previous travel experience

Homeworker eyes further expansion ahead of opening first high street location

TTG 30 under 30 alumni Craig Goodridge will look to take on work experience students and apprentices later this year at his new market outlet in Sheffield

Abta LifeLine launches new summertime and back to school grant

The charity’s summertime grant will run until the end of September

Kuoni names former Body Shop executive its new retail director

Donna Hynes to take over from Helen Roberts, who is leaving Kuoni after 20 years

Tui's UK boss confirms new accommodation-only platform will launch to agents

Tui’s UK and Ireland managing director Andrew Flintham said the new proposition was the first in a series of products designed to expand Tui’s segmented portfolio

Hays Travel among the country’s top apprenticeship employers

The travel agency welcomed the news with chief operating officer Jonathon Woodall–Johnston saying the apprenticeship programme was at the company’s heart

Marella boss: 'We always see the value of getting agents onboard'

Chris Hackney tells TTG about Tui and Marella’s return to the trade and how the brand’s grand vision has been shaped by ever-changing consumer lifestyle trends

Advantage Holidays launches first villa holiday packages

Through a new partnership with SPL Villas, Advantage members will now have access to 1,500 villa rentals

Lates market strengthens further heading into summer

Bookings by Advantage Travel Partnership members for travel in the next 12 weeks have continued to rise, and last week represented 40% of sales

Lastminute.com switches bonding from Abta to Abtot

The company said it was confident the new agreement will further enhance its commitment to its customers

Murray Travel plots further expansion following launch of fourth store

Scottish agency’s fourth high street outlet in Nairn follows the launch of stores in Elgin and Forres in 2022