Author: Shawon Hannan

Five years ago, the travel industry witnessed the monumental collapse of Thomas Cook Group, a pivotal moment reminding consumers of the need for financial protection. As this anniversary arrives, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) underscores the importance of ATOL protection to ensure holiday security.The collapse triggered the largest repatriation in the history of the ATOL scheme, resulting in over 140,000 Thomas Cook customers being flown back to the UK. In this context, the CAA continues to advocate for consumers to verify ATOL protection when planning their travels, ensuring peace of mind in an unpredictable industry.The failure of Thomas Cook on…

British Airways is taking decisive action in environmental responsibility by investing in over £9 million worth of carbon removal credits over six years. The airline asserts its leadership in the UK by spearheading this large-scale initiative.Through collaborations and innovative projects, British Airways aims to integrate sustainable practices into its operations, establishing itself as a pioneer in the aviation sector’s path to net zero. These efforts are not only about current responsibility but also future readiness.British Airways and Carbon Removal CreditsBritish Airways has embarked on a significant environmental initiative by committing to the purchase of over £9 million in carbon removal…

Jon Berridge, a former secondary school teacher, has successfully transitioned to a Personal Travel Consultant role at Hays Travel, experiencing remarkable business growth within weeks.Mr. Berridge, who embarked on his new career on June 17, reported a surge in enquiries and bookings, highlighting the effectiveness of Hays Travel’s training programme.Rapid Transition and Early SuccessJon Berridge, formerly an assistant vice-principal, began his career with Hays Travel on June 17 and achieved his first booking by June 30. “I am amazed at how busy and successful I have been,” he stated at the end of his first full month, illustrating the rapid…

A dedicated team of travel agents from Hays Travel undertook an impressive fundraising walk to support men’s mental health awareness.The five-strong team walked over 18 miles from their branch at The Rock shopping centre in Bury to Manchester Airport, raising a significant amount for Andy’s Man Club along the way.The Journey from Bury to ManchesterEarlier this month, a group of five agents from Hays Travel embarked on a rigorous walk, spanning over 18 miles from their agency located at The Rock shopping centre in Bury to Manchester Airport. This journey took them through various scenic and urban landscapes, showcasing their…

Merlin Travel Group is commemorating its fifth anniversary by launching a series of fam trips in 2025 to reward their agents.These trips, under the ‘Five for Five’ initiative, are designed to appreciate the dedication and hard work of the team over the past five years.Celebrating a MilestoneMerlin Travel Group is marking its five-year anniversary with a unique initiative, aptly named “Five for Five”. This plan demonstrates their commitment to acknowledging the contributions of their team members, particularly the hardworking agents. The initiative comprises five familiarisation (fam) trips designed as a token of appreciation for the dedication shown by its workforce…

Long-haul cruise bookings are experiencing a resurgence, breathing new life into the travel industry. This revival marks a shift towards exotic destinations.Andy Harmer highlights the growing interest in exploration cruises, which offer unique experiences to travellers.Current Trends in Cruise BookingsThe cruise industry, recovering steadily post-pandemic, is witnessing a revitalisation in long-haul bookings. According to Andy Harmer, Managing Director of Clia UK & Ireland, the trend is shifting towards exotic and lengthy destinations. While 35% of cruises took place in the Mediterranean in 2023, customers are increasingly drawn to bucket list and exploration itineraries.The dominance of European cruises is consistent, however,…

Virgin Voyages has announced a major revamp for the Scarlet Lady, focusing on luxury and innovation. The updates aim to enrich guest experiences.Scheduled for 14-28 November, the upgrades will transform accommodations and dining, reinforcing Virgin’s commitment to excellence.Strategic Revitalisation for Enhanced LuxuryVirgin Voyages is set to transform its Scarlet Lady cruise ship with a comprehensive cosmetic revamp planned for 14-28 November. This strategic move intends to enhance guest experience and satisfaction. A significant aspect of this upgrade involves converting several Sea Terrace cabins on deck 11 into 24 Seriously Suite RockStar Quarters, each spanning 352 square feet with a European…

A-Rosa River Cruises has announced an enticing new promotion for their summer 2025 itineraries. This promotion focuses on their popular seven-night Danube cruise.Travellers can benefit from a substantial £750 saving per couple on selected peak summer dates, making it an appealing option for both new and returning customers.A-Rosa River Cruises has unveiled a new summer 2025 promotion, bringing exclusive offers on their seven-night Danube cruise. Travellers can now enjoy significant savings on this popular itinerary.The campaign highlights three peak summer departure dates—24 and 31 July, and 14 August 2025—with a substantial £750 saving per couple. This promotion aims to entice…

Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled its latest itineraries for 2026 and 2027, featuring voyages from key US ports.These voyages highlight Carnival’s commitment to offering diverse and enriching cruise experiences for its guests.Carnival’s Exciting New ItinerariesCarnival Cruise Line has announced a series of exciting new itineraries for 2026 and 2027, showcasing its commitment to expanding its travel offerings. These itineraries will be served by four ships from its fleet, namely, the Carnival Luminosa, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Vista, and Carnival Sunshine, all departing from strategically selected US ports on both the east and west coasts.The Carnival Luminosa, known for its elegant design…

Classic Collection’s restructure underscores a commitment to trade.The Classic Connect forum held in Andalusia gathered key industry players.Si Morris-Green highlights the longstanding agent-friendly approach.New strategies include enhanced marketing, incentives, and partnership.Classic’s agile structure post-restructure aims to fortify agent support.Classic Collection has reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining a strong focus on trade following a recent company restructure. During the inaugural Classic Connect forum, a new initiative held in Andalusia, the company brought together 16 key figures from the travel industry, including notable agencies such as Millington Travel, Not Just Travel, and Premier Travel.The forum served as a platform for Classic Collection’s…