Opinion

'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

'Is direct action the only way we will make progress on accessibility?'

Limitless Travel founder and CEO Angus Drummond makes the case for direct action if government isn’t going to step in and require the aviation sector to make flying more accessible

'Why we believe there’s more to a lasting partnership with agents than just commission'

’Investing in and continually improving a well-crafted and personalised agent rewards strategy should complement, and never substitute, a fair commission structure,’ writes Titan Travel’s director of trade distribution, Shane Lewis-Riley, for TTG

Aito: 'Travel must be treated as a partner, not an afterthought – the rhetoric is promising, but we need action'

The Labour government turns one this week. To mark the occasion, TTG reached out to several industry leaders for their assessment of what progress has been achieved for travel over the past year, and where there is still work to be done. Our third and final contributor is Aito head of industry affairs Christina Brazier

Advantage: 'Government has shown willingness to improve practical travel arrangements and remove barriers'

The Labour government turns one this week. To mark the occasion, TTG reached out to several industry leaders for their assessment of what progress has been achieved for travel over the past year, and where there is still work to be done. Our second contributor is Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said

Abta: 'There are positive signs the government stands ready to support the long-term future of our industry'

The Labour government turns one this week. To mark the occasion, TTG reached out to several industry leaders for their assessment of what progress has been achieved for travel over the past year, and where there is still work to be done. Our first contributor is Abta’s director of industry affairs Luke Petherbridge

Five pledges agents can make right now to promote better animal welfare in travel

Animondial’s Daniel Turner shares with TTG a business commitment, principle and five red lines agents and operators can embed in their operations to promote an animal-friendly, nature-positive future

‘Agents are indispensable to our industry – our economic impact report shows that’

According to Carnival UK’s first independent Economic Impact Report, the company is projected to contribute more than £2.5 billion to the overall UK economy over the next five years

'US tourism is getting on with business, and boy does it have a story for agents to tell'

The US tourism industry has plenty to shout about if it can find ways to mitigate the Trump effect, writes TTG Media CEO Daniel Pearce from IPW 2025 in Chicago, who believes travel agents can be central to how the country tells its story

Agents – if something goes wrong, are you ready for when the spotlight falls on you?

As a travel agent, have you ever wondered about your responsibilities when something goes wrong for a customer on holiday? Or for that matter, one of your staff members on a fam?