Author: News Team
Travel Counsellors research underscores media’s role in holiday choices.41% of consumers choose destinations inspired by TV, film, or social media.Social media influences 61% of 16-24-year-olds, highlighting age disparities.Stress-free travel remains a key priority for those booking through advisors.Multi-destination holidays gain popularity, rising to 16% this year.Travel Counsellors’ recent research emphasises the substantial role media outlets play in shaping holiday choices among consumers. According to the study, two-fifths, or 41%, of respondents stated that their travel destinations are often inspired by content from television, film, or social media sources. The study highlights a notable generational divide; a significant 61% of individuals…
The UK travel and tourism industry faces mounting financial challenges, with many firms experiencing significant distress in recent months.Restructuring experts report a 20% increase in businesses under severe financial pressure compared to early 2024.Consumer confidence remains weak, exerting immense pressure on consumer-focused sectors like hospitality and travel.The impact of inflation, combined with adverse weather, has further complicated the trading environment for these firms.Economic uncertainty and impending interest rate hikes threaten to extend insolvency risks into 2025.The UK travel and tourism sector is currently under siege from mounting financial pressures, underscored by a 20% rise in firms experiencing significant financial distress…
Classic Collection’s latest initiative, the ‘Summer of Love’ campaign, reflects a commitment to rewarding travel agents for their patience and support amidst a significant brand transition.The company has shifted to a streamlined single-brand model to offer enhanced flexibility and a broader range of products, introducing various incentives as a token of appreciation.Classic Collection has unveiled a newly streamlined platform transitioning from two distinct brands to a unified ‘one brand, one platform’ model. This strategic overhaul is designed to enhance operational efficiency and provide agents with more flexibility and a broader range of products. The singular Classic Collection brand aims to…
Barcelona is set to implement a substantial increase in the tourism tax specifically targeting cruise passengers. This move is part of the city’s efforts to address the challenges posed by mass tourism.The decision aims to balance tourism’s economic benefits with the need to preserve the city’s quality of life, ensuring that tourism revenue is reinvested into community projects.Barcelona’s Strategy to Manage TourismBarcelona’s decision to increase the tourism tax is part of a broader strategy to manage the impact of mass tourism on the city. The Catalan capital, renowned for its rich culture and historical landmarks, is addressing challenges associated with…
Kuoni aims for a paradigm shift in its sales strategy by rebranding remote agents. The travel operator has strong intentions to enhance its business model deliberately.This initiative is born from the desire to reach a substantial sale expansion target of 30% by the year 2025. It marks a significant departure from traditional operations.Kuoni, in a strategic move to increase sales, has eliminated the term ‘homeworker’ from its lexicon. The company now refers to these professionals as ‘home-based business owners.’ This change underscores Kuoni’s commitment to recognising the vital role these agents play in its business structure. The sales segment attributed…
In a pivotal meeting, the Future Travel Coalition convened for the first time since the general election, marking a significant moment for the travel industry’s engagement with the new government.Held at ABTA’s headquarters in London, the session included both in-person and virtual attendees, highlighting the coalition’s commitment to leveraging the changes brought by the election.Representatives emphasised the importance of establishing strong relationships with new MPs, aiming to enhance their understanding of the travel industry’s multifaceted value. Discussions centred on the advantages the sector brings to the economy, including its ability to generate billions and support a substantial workforce.ABTA’s Director of…
Ryanair reports a 46% decline in profits attributed to disruptions and fare reductions.A surge in passenger numbers was insufficient to counterbalance timing issues and reduced fares.Ryanair experienced a notable decline in its profits for the second quarter, with figures dropping by 46% to €360 million. This downturn is attributed to operational disruptions, including a 10-day period marked by extensive flight delays and cancellations. Additionally, while passenger numbers increased by 20% year-on-year, the timing of Easter negatively impacted the fiscal results as it was accounted for in the previous quarter, combined with weaker than anticipated airfares.The average fare for Ryanair’s peak…
Anticipating overtourism, Barcelona aims to adjust the cruise passenger levy.The city plans to raise the existing €7 per day tax on cruise passengers.Mayor Jaume Collboni emphasizes sustainable tourism respecting local life.Funds from the tax increase will support high foot traffic and social areas.The proposed tax hike awaits approval from the Catalan regional government.The bustling city of Barcelona, a prime destination for cruise liners, is preparing to initiate a significant change in its approach to managing the influx of tourists arriving by sea. In an effort to combat overtourism, Barcelona plans to increase the tax currently imposed on cruise ship passengers…
Agent incentive programmes are becoming increasingly innovative, presenting agents with unique rewards to boost engagement.Understanding what drives agent motivation is crucial for cruise lines. Recent discussions among industry experts have shed light on the evolving nature of these programmes and their effectiveness.Recent developments in agent reward programmes have seen cruise lines reaching new heights of creativity. From offering front-row tickets to popular concerts to all-expense-paid voyages, the offerings serve a dual purpose: they motivate agents and amplify brand visibility. However, with such diverse incentives available, companies need to carefully consider what resonates most with agents to ensure effectiveness.In a roundtable…
June was an unpredictable month for travel agents, dominated by uncertainties at Birmingham airport. Many travellers reported chaos stemming from ongoing upgrades, which significantly impacted bookings.As airport operations faced challenges, travel agents had to rely increasingly on innovative strategies to meet sales goals. Creative marketing and attention-grabbing deals became essential to draw in customers, despite the turmoil.Birmingham airport’s ongoing upgrades led to operational disruptions, causing concern among passengers. Reports of prolonged waiting times and procedural confusion were common, particularly affecting families and the elderly.The airport’s efforts to mitigate congestion, such as allowing bag drop-offs the night before, helped but were…