Sharon Thompson reveals the trends helping Thompson Travel smash targets in January
As the planets in our solar system align in harmonious formation, agents will be so busy, they will barely have time to catch a glimpse of the astronomical phenomenon.
It’s been all go in our office and the trends seem to be carrying through from last year. We smashed our targets in January, and February has got off to a good start.
Celebratory travel has been a phrase on customers’ lips this year. From those travelling for birthdays to those who use any excuse to get away, it seems to be the best way to mark any occasion – which is good news for us.
Our customers are also looking for something more authentic. They want longer holidays with more time to appreciate their surroundings and to immerse themselves in local cultures and traditions.
One common request is for places to enjoy a digital detox. Maybe this planetary alignment has got us all looking for something deeper in our travel experiences.
In this busy world, clients are looking for places where they can rest up and indulge in some relaxation. Spa-based holidays, where rejuvenation is key, are definitely on the up.
Nostalgia trips – visiting places associated with a historical event such as battlefields, or where people can reflect on events that have had a significant impact on their lives – are also popular.
We’ve had bookings for Elvis Presley’s birthplace of Tupelo in Mississippi, Peru to visit Machu Picchu, France for First World War trips and the Canadian Rockies for the scenery.
Thirty years’ experience gives us the ability to close these sales.
For the past 18 months, we have hardly mentioned our trips to the Holy Land and Jordan, but as negotiations take place, the enquiries are slowly coming back.
People want to grasp an opportunity to see places that are precious to their faith. Nostalgia and a feeling of inward peace keep it within their hearts.
I hope the world takes a rest from its battles in 2025 and we can be confident in the plans we wish our clients to enjoy worldwide.
Mixed feelings
Another buzz phrase is artificial intelligence, which is slipping into conversations more and more often.
It has been around for decades, but it seems to be getting more powerful, more accessible and more affordable.
Imagine computers and machines that can learn, reason and act in such a way that would normally require human intelligence. Scary!
I have mixed feelings about its implementation. It can be used to easily navigate online providers to find holidays exactly suited to the client, but is that to the benefit or detriment of face-to-face agents?
What happens if it malfunctions? Are there security risks? I suppose it all depends on how it is used and integrated into the travel industry.
As for the ETAs, I’m involved in outbound travel and haven’t got caught up in the negativity around the scheme for travel to the UK.
I can’t see a problem with it, though, as it is a common requirement when visiting lots of destinations around the world.
Pictured: With my mum and son Jason in happier times
Cherish your loved ones
On a sad note, I lost my mum in January. It was quite unexpected and I raise my glass to her. She was a founding partner of Thompson Travel International in 1992 but never got involved in the day-to-day running of our business. Instead, I did that, while she quietly looked after my children, as she watched the business grow. Her input was invaluable and without her love, the business would not be where it is today. Cherish your moments with your loved ones as time really does fly by. I’m pretty sure Mum will still be keeping a watch on things from up above.