The EU's new biometric border rules, which will start being rolled out next month and are still only on around 50% of Brits' radars, are high on the consortium's agenda heading into autumn, sales for which are already being complicated by choppy economic conditions and erratic consumer behaviour.
Addressing media on Thursday (4 September) as Advantage revealed its latest trading data, chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said said an uptick in shoulder season demand showed the time had come for the school holiday calendar to be reviewed – particularly in light of rising temperatures during peak summer months.
"It’s the first time we see it so distinctly in the data,” she said. “There’s a real case to look at what’s right for families – not for the travel industry.
"We should look at having the school holidays spread out more, not just those six weeks in the summer when you have the hotter weather – there are lots of different benefits to doing this.”
Lo Bue-Said said there should be a “call to action” to look at changing the school calendar, pointing out academies would be able to change their term dates without requiring any legislation. Around 50% of all schools in England are currently run as academies.
She also warned changes to EU travel rules, including next month’s phased introduction of the EU Entry-Exit System (EES), was likely to cause confusion for holidaymakers – but agents could help them understand how they would be affected.
"In a few weeks, you will start to see them taking biometrics, although passports will still be stamped,” said Lo Bue-Said. “There are likely to be more queues for Brits travelling to the EU.
“Spain is one of the countries 100% ready and geared up to take biometrics. Over time, it’s going to get easier as more countries make sure they are EES-ready. It’s a confusing time for travellers. We’re providing members with a toolkit of different assets so they can communicate with customers about what it means for them.”
The related European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias), which will require UK passport holders to apply for the new travel authorisation when travelling to 30 European countries, similar to a US Esta, is scheduled to be introduced during the final quarter of 2026.
Lo Bue-Said also provided an update on the UK Outbound Travel Group's lobbying efforts, which aims to “amplify and showcase” the importance of the sector to politicians.
The group has now met with 85 MPs said Lo Bue-Said, who added it was encouraging agents to speak to their local MPs to emphasise the “value of the sector” to the UK economy, including tax receipts and jobs.
