As the dust settles on another festive period, the tinsel is packed away and we’re all still sticking to our new year’s resolutions, the travel industry will be bracing itself for another eventful year.
The run-up to Christmas was dominated by uncertainty over Brexit, and trading in the coming weeks will give us an idea of whether that anxiety is likely to suppress peaks sales.
As the masthead on this week’s edition suggests, 2019 is also set to be an eventful year for Travel Weekly, as we celebrate 50 years since we were first published, as Travel News.
We’ve got some exciting plans for the year ahead, including a regular look back into our archives – starting this week on page 36 – and a renewed focus on our fundraising efforts as we aim to raise ‘50 for 50’ in our golden jubilee year.
Going back through the archives is always a fascinating and entertaining experience – whether it’s being reminded of companies or brands that are no longer with us or seeing how the industry leaders of today took their first steps in travel.
It also serves to highlight how the travel industry has battled headwinds ranging from the oil crisis that dominated January trading 45 years ago to the financial crash that cast a shadow over the peaks 35 years later.
Our industry has often been forced to respond to challenges at home and abroad, but it has traditionally discovered resourceful and innovative ways in which to adapt and thrive.
As we celebrate our 50th birthday, we look forward to continuing to work for and alongside you all, and wish you a happy new year.
Comment from Travel Weekly, January 3 edition