10 minute read
Four-sight: We ask our
Trend watching 12 / Four-sight
What’s trending for 2023?
We asked our columnists: As we look forward to 2023, what trends are forming and is the cost of living crisis impacting holiday decision making?
James enjoys a cruise with Amawaterways
Sri Lanka is popular for Liz
As I write, my dad (Trevor) is off exploring Western Australia and the Top End and will end his trip in Sydney, to scatter some of my lovely Mum’s (Penny) ashes in Manly – one of her wishes, as this was a place she loved dearly.
So, that leaves Liz and I holding the fort. It has been a little quiet for us this last week, so we’ve used it as a chance to work on marketing ideas and streamline some of our processes – something we often talk about, but rarely get the chance to action!
That said, we’ve had some great 2023 bookings including Iceland, Indonesia, Norwegian Fjord cruises and African safaris. It’s been very varied!
It seems a lot of clients are catching up on lost time, and we’ve seen a trend for multi-generational holidays too.
Lots of clients are also visiting relatives in Australia and New Zealand, making up for the last few years apart.
I’m staying in the UK for the winter but Liz is off to the Gambia on a fam soon –hooray! And Liz and I are both attending the TTNG Business Partner day in December. We’re looking forward to some updated training and catching up with the TTA team and industry friends! For river cruising, long-haul trips to the Mekong are back and selling well but Myanmar remains closed.
Equally, the visa complexity is restricting bookings to India despite it being in demand. Meanwhile, European trips are now looking to return to pre-Covid levels.
I myself am back on the water as I write this, enjoying a Europe’s Rivers and Castles cruise with Amawaterways, which sails the Moselle, Rhine and Main rivers from Luxembourg to Nuremberg.
We can only hope that the ongoing airline and airport problems, rising airfares and shaky economy does not put people off making travel plans into 2023.
As agents, it is frustrating to find that tour operators still have staffing challenges which leaves phones unanswered. At the same time, clients are more demanding than ever and feel they can cancel or change their minds at will.
Perhaps we need to look seriously at charging a fee for our time and effort rather than relying on commission.
For agents with winter sun bookings, may all the flights depart on time and the luggage arrive at the right destinations!
THE FAMILY BUSINESS Anneka Desrosiers
Southern Cross Travel, East Sussex
European river cruises are predicted to return to preCovid levels
THE CRUISE SPECIALIST James Hill
Director of GoRiverCruise Worcestershire
Trend watching Four-sight / 13
``Long-awaited return of long-haul´´
We’re busy with bookings for Sri Lanka, Costa Rica and Jordan
Our customers are definitely feeling more confident travelling long-haul and we are busy creating itineraries to various destinations including Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, Jordan and South Africa.
We are also seeing demand for longer stays in far-flung places such as Australia and New Zealand, particularly for those visiting family that they haven’t seen since before Covid. Airfares have increased significantly since their last visits though. This seems to be the latest challenge across the board into 2023.
I’m feeling ready for a holiday after missing an autumn break to Cyprus but it will have to wait until after Christmas.
Despite travel being our job, does anyone else find it hard when it comes to looking for their own holiday?
I struggle finding the right ‘deal’ and just finding the time to search for it too!
Talking of Christmas, it feels too early but the shops are full of it so we are advertising Travel Gift vouchers too.
In the past we have had customers that have bought holidays for their loved ones – so we will be putting ideas in the windows too to hopefully inspire some new bookings. I think people are desperately wanting to go abroad and I haven’t had any negative comments despite the cost of living crisis. And it seems that long-haul is back in the mix. My neighbour cant wait to go to Australia and has flights booked for the end of January. I think all-inclusive is always popular with families as they can judge what they want to spend. I personally like to eat where the locals eat.
I was recently hosted on a press trip to Las Vegas and have to say it is so accessible for clients who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Cloud of Goods offer an excellent and affordable service that includes drop-off and pick-up to all the main hotels and attractions. As for taxis, we used Desert Cab, who offer a reliable service with a maximum 15 minute wait for an accessible taxi, and the driver even puts it in the back for you! I can’t stress enough how easy it was to use the mobility scooter. I kept getting told of for going too fast!
I hope the trend will be to book with a ABTA and ATOL protected Travel Agent in 2023. There is just so much uncertainty and danger in doing it yourself now.
THE HIGH STREET AGENCY Liz Beaty
The Travel Team Brampton, Cumbria
It seems longhaul is back. My neighbour cant wait to go to Australia
THE HOME WORKER Sandy Murray
Sandy's Travel Escapes
Western Australia is very special to Anneka’s family
Sandy zipping around on her scooter in Las Vegas
Next issue: With a new year beginning, what is one travel-related resolution you hope to keep ?
Trend spotting 14 / Travel talk
Tracy Berkeley, Interim CEO, Bermuda Tourism Authority
It’s an exciting time for Bermuda as we have now scrapped all entry requirements from the UK as well as launching a daily direct service from London Heathrow to Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport, beginning March 26, 2023.
We’re also promoting our new Lost Yet Found campaign, which showcases the destination from Bermudians themselves.
Our people want to give visitors a local experience. It’s not uncommon to be invited to someone’s house or to a raft-up where locals link boats for an on-the-water party.
We also have year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, pristine marine life, a vibrant culinary scene and a great historic tapestry that people can discover on their own, through a tour or just by talking to locals on the island.
Moving forward
We haven’t been as present in the market as we should have been, so one of the things that we’re looking to do is build on that and create frictionless travel. We have a whole ethos about making Bermuda an easier destination, not only to get to but to sell. We sometimes get lumped into being a Caribbean destination, but Bermuda is a boutique island and very unique.
There’s also the opportunity to sell Bermuda as a twin-centre destination with New York, which is a 90-minute fl ight away. We’re encouraging people to have that shopping experience in the city and then come to Bermuda to decompress and relax.
And for the eco-conscious traveller we have a Living Reefs Foundation which educates visitors on our conservation and sustainability eff orts. We’re also focusing on Blue Tourism into 2023. gotobermuda.com
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Luxurious highs
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Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, the stylish and enrapturing destination in the heart of the UAE Capital, is proud to further strengthen its position as a Forbes Five Star hotel by unveiling a new elite lifestyle space.
Launched on October 15, 2022, Level 45 is an ultraluxe fl oor exclusively reserved for hotel guests who have booked one of the luxurious ”Level 45” executive guestrooms or luxurious suites.
Adding to the hotel’s award-winning array of dining destinations, bars, lounges and leisure experiences, the private escape takes luxury to even greater heights. Presenting a fusion of fi rst-class services, panoramic views, world-class cuisine, stateof-the-art business and leisure facilities and exceptional cocktails and refreshments, the new club ensures that every Level 45 guest experiences an extra special and unforgettable holiday or business trip.
Those staying on Level 45 can enjoy suites complete with views over the azure waters and striking skyscrapers of the Abu Dhabi Corniche, as well as amenities such as ultra-soft and embroidered Level 45 robes and slippers. Meanwhile, every stay is made even more blissful with access to a dedicated guest experience team, and unlimited opportunities to relish in the peace and serenity of the private Level 45 member’s club.
Level 45 guests are free to return to the new lifestyle space whenever they require a refreshment or a moment to recharge and revitalise. •
Undiscovered Eastern Tennessee
Globe hopping How to sell... / 15
Clients that venture east in Tennessee will find natural wonders and authentic musical gems, says Jessica Pook
Why sell it
Tennessee may be best known for its music and whiskey but the state beyond the bars and crowds of the main cities lies in wait for visitors in search of off-the-beaten-track experiences. Eastern Tennessee offers an authentic alternative with natural gems ranging from hiking the Appalachian Trail, whitewater rafting on the Ocoee, Nolichucky or Pigeon Rivers or taking in the views of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which was the U.S.’s most visited national park in 2021 with over 14 million visitors.
Who to sell to
For music lovers there’s still plenty of foot-tapping to be done in the east, especially in Bristol which is the birthplace of country music. Follow the Tennessee Music Pathways in Bristol, Chattanooga, the Smokies or Knoxville to discover festivals, attractions and live music venues.
For families, there’s Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium in Kingsport or Navitat in Knoxville. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking, biking, boating and more in the many state and national parks.
What to sell
Eastern Tennessee has a year-round calendar of events, but a highlight is Schulz
CAmpinG in the GreAt smoky mountAins AnAVistA tower At AnAkeestA, GAtlinburG
Brau Brewing’s Oktoberfest in Knoxville: two-weeks of live music, bratwurst eating contests and plenty of craft beer.
Chattanooga’s Riverbend Festival offers three days of rock, country, urban and bluegrass music while during the colder months Pigeon Forge Winterfest brings Christmas cheer to the Smoky Mountains.
There’s also a Harvest Festival, Flower and Food Festival and a Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration at Dolly Parton’s Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.
Tennessee is famous for its whiskey and the Whiskey Trail shows off the state’s signature spirit at over 10 distilleries.
The state also produces premium craft beers and wines. Suggest a guided craft beer experience with Knox Brew Tours or Chattabrew Tours. Tennessee also makes wine: the Wine Trail offers everything from dry Chambourcin to cherry jalapeno wine.
How to sell it
Eastern Tennessee is the perfect road trip destination with several self-guided driving routes already mapped out.
Follow the Rocky Top Trail for nature and wildlife or check out the childhood home of Dolly Parton on the Sunny Side Trail. Or hire a motorhome and explore Chattanooga and the Tenessee River Gorge before heading to Knoxville and the edges of the Smokey Mountains and finishing in Bristol discoverTNtrails.com.
What’s new
Dollywood will open a new resort, HeartSong Resort and Lodge, and a new roller-coaster in late 2023.
Ride a scenic chairlift to a mountain-top farm at the newly opened Skyland Ranch or stay in a luxury treehouse at Sanctuary Treehouse Resort, both in Sevierville. •
Book it with... America As You Like It
A 14-night Tennessee itinerary including return flights with British Airways, car hire and accommodation, plus all local taxes, is priced from £,2465pp. americaasyoulikeit.com
