Opinion

'Receiving my MBE made for a day I'll never forget (bar my attempt at a proper curtsy!)'

Jo Rzymowska candidly recalls receiving her MBE from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle, and what the honour means to her after her many decades of tireless advocacy for, and leadership on, travel's DEI mission

'All agencies should have appointment systems – this peaks has proven it'

'Gone are the days when the shop would be full and you wouldn't have a wee all day!' Deben Travel chief Lee Hunt tells TTG

'The rise of solo travel isn't just a trend, it's a wake-up call for our industry'

Solo travel was resurgent in 2025, so what does the industry need to do to adapt and serve this burgeoning market heading into 2026? And what opportunities are there for travel agents?

Five challenges travel must meet head-on in 2026, according to Abta

Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer on supporting members with the EU's new border rules, buying the sector time to adapt to new government pricing guidance and helping travel 'ride the AI wave'

'The message for travel businesses is clear – unavoidable charges must be part of headline pricing'

Themis Advisory director Jo Kolatsis warns travel agents and tour operators that the sector is firmly in the government's crosshairs when it comes to price transparency

'Some cruise lines are too reliant on promotions at this time of year'

Azamara's former UK and Ireland managing director Richard Twynam shares his views on cruise's 'promo dependency' problem ahead of wave season officially kicking off

'Quotes aren't just a quick price check': Why I posted about being ghosted on my business social media

Travel agent Annika Nickson poured herself into a tailor-made itinerary. However, when the client went quiet, she called it out on social media. She tells TTG why

'We're on the cusp of a new dynamic packaging boom – agents should take note'

'After the closures of Travel Republic and Classic Collection, you'd be forgiven for thinking dynamic packaging was history – but nothing could be further from the truth,' writes Steve Endacott for TTG

'These Esta changes are more bark than bite, but the answer cannot be to build higher walls'

USAirtours founder and chair Guy Novik reflects on US proposals to require visitors to provide five years' social media history as part of their Esta application

'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

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

'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

'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

'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

The right way to sell Sri Lanka? Do it with purpose – and clients will love it

Co-founders of The Conscious Travel Foundation Olivia Cryer and Maudie Tomlinson are advocates for a new way of selling travel to Sri Lanka

'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

‘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