Author: Shawon Hannan

Canadian Affair recently initiated the ‘Battle of the Agents’ fam trip, marking a novel approach in showcasing British Columbia to travel agents.This event is designed to offer agents a hands-on, immersive experience, facilitating a deeper understanding of the destination.Unique Experience for AgentsThe ‘Battle of the Agents’ fam trip, hosted by Canadian Affair, has commenced with six agents competing for the title of champion, along with a £250 Love2shop voucher and a commemorative certificate. Participants will engage in challenges designed to immerse them deeply in the itinerary, providing a new and unique perspective on the travel package offered by the agency.Challenges…

Sri Lanka has risen significantly in the Good Trip Index, showing remarkable improvement in responsible tourism.The South Asian nation climbed 34 spots to rank 107th, amid improved stability after recent turmoil.The Good Trip Index highlights advances in human rights, sustainability, and press freedoms.Switzerland remains at the top, followed closely by Denmark and Sweden in the index.Spain and Portugal maintain strong positions within the top 20 responsible tourism destinations.Sri Lanka’s notable ascent in the Good Trip Index reflects its substantial progress in establishing itself as a responsible tourist destination. After a period marked by instability, the country has improved its rankings…

Marella Cruises is taking a significant step towards sustainability by introducing a groundbreaking microplastic filter trial on the Marella Explorer. This initiative aims to enhance the vessel’s eco-friendly operations.Marella Cruises is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to enhance its sustainability efforts by testing a new type of microplastic filter on the Marella Explorer. Developed by the Cleaner Seas Group, these INDIKON filters are integrated into the vessel’s crew laundry system. The goal is to prevent plastic microfibres from polluting marine environments. This initiative underscores Marella Cruises’ commitment to environmental stewardship, aiding in the preservation of vulnerable marine ecosystems.In partnership with…

The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) has initiated a refined approach to its fee structure, aiming to balance fairness and financial sustainability. This adjustment comes after pandemic-induced financial challenges.Abta, the prominent association representing British travel agents and tour operators, announced a shift in membership fee structures, with changes slated for the 2024-2025 membership year. The fee increase of 7% is not uniform; it varies according to the turnover of each member’s business. This adjustment marks a return to the pre-pandemic model, which considers the most recent financial accounts to determine fees.The recalibration of membership fees means that some members…

In the face of rising travel costs and global conflicts, European holidaymakers remain undeterred, according to a recent study by the European Travel Commission.The research indicates a steady increase in the intention to travel between May and October 2024, highlighting the community’s remarkable resilience.Increased Travel IntentionsThe European Travel Commission (ETC) revealed that 75% of Europeans plan to travel between May and October 2024. This marks a three percentage point increase compared to the same period last year.”Remarkably, more than a third of respondents intend to take a single trip, while over half are planning multiple getaways within the timeframe,” the…

InteleTravel has experienced a noteworthy rise in its turnover, achieving an impressive 28% year-on-year growth for the first quarter of 2024. This growth, primarily driven by cruise bookings, underscores the company’s strategic efforts in enhancing its market presence.The increase in cruise bookings—accounting for 13.9% of sales—signals a positive trajectory for the homeworking agency. This uptick in performance is supported by the efforts of top agents and strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening their outreach and sales capabilities.Strong First Quarter PerformanceInteleTravel has reported a remarkable start to the year with a 28% increase in turnover during the first quarter of 2024. This…

The impending strike by Border Force staff at Heathrow Airport is primed to cause significant disruptions. More than 500 staff members are planning a three-day strike over a new roster dispute. This action coincides with the end of the half-term holidays, potentially impacting thousands of travellers.Details of the Strike ActionMore than 500 members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) employed at Heathrow are set to strike from May 31 to June 2. This follows a well-supported strike action earlier in May. The union claims the new roster system is causing widespread disquiet among staff, leading to this pivotal…

Ryanair has projected that its peak summer fares for 2024 will be ‘flat to modestly ahead’ of last year, amid robust demand and constrained capacity.The airline’s financial performance is underscored by a 34% increase in profits, driven by a rise in passenger numbers and enhanced revenue per passenger.Ryanair’s Financial PerformanceRyanair’s recent announcement shed light on its financial achievements, revealing a substantial 34% increase in profit after tax for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. This growth was accompanied by a 9% surge in passenger numbers, reaching 184 million. The airline’s total revenue rose by 25%, amounting to €13.44 billion,…

Dame Irene Hays has earned her place on the prestigious Sunday Times Rich List, entering the top 350. This recognition comes as a result of Hays Travel’s impressive financial performance.Dame Irene Hays’ success story is a testament to resilience and strategic acumen. At the age of 70, she made her debut at 324th on the Sunday Times Rich List, sharing the spot with Sir Michael Gooley. With a net worth of £400 million, Hays Travel, under her leadership, thrived by tripling profits last year to £51.5 million, showcasing her adept management.In 2019, amid the collapse of Thomas Cook, Dame Irene…

The Advantage Travel Partnership is steering towards a refined membership approach, focusing on agent quality over numbers. This strategy ensures a more sustainable and impactful growth model.Through strategic initiatives, the consortium aims to nurture excellence among its members, leveraging their strengths while mitigating operational challenges through its Advantage Managed Services.Strategy Shift Emphasising QualityThe Advantage Travel Partnership has adopted a strategic shift towards prioritising quality over quantity within its membership base. During the annual conference in Cancun, the consortium’s chief executive highlighted the necessity of securing ‘quality agents’ over expanding sheer numbers. With current membership slightly exceeding 750, Julia Lo Bue-Said…