Boy, has our Yes Minister campaign for a dedicated tourism minister hit a nerve!
The head honchos at Tui, Thomas Cook, British Airways, The Co-operative Travel, Hays Travel, TTA Worldchoice, Travel Counsellors, Advantage, Travel Republic and On The Beach have all thrown their weight behind it.
And signatures on our Downing Street petition are building rapidly – proof this sector is fed up with being sidelined.
Tough trading means decisions at Whitehall are making the difference between companies staying afloat or failing.
The timing of our campaign couldn’t have been better, with Abta launching its manifesto – demanding a dedicated tourism minister, among other things – in the House of Lords this week. Surely the next government will have to listen to our united voice?
An agent recently asked me if Travel Weekly could also launch a “Keep BA flying” campaign. It’s a far cry from the year 2000 when BA’s commission cuts enraged the trade.
But over the last decade, agents have learned to sell BA with a mark-up because it’s often what their customers want, and it’s great to see BA writing to the trade through Travel Weekly to reassure agents and thank them for their support.
With recent Mintel research indicating that the number of Britons using a travel agent rose by 6% from 2005-09, and many companies now admitting their cost of customer acquisition is the same direct as it is through the trade, it’s no wonder agents are feeling more love of late. Long may it continue.
For regular updates on the latest news in the industry and my views follow me on Twitter at @Lucy_Huxley
Support our campaign
- Sign the petition on Number10.gov.uk
- Share your views on travelhub