While the recent decision by Virgin Holidays to stop selling through the trade was disappointing, I’ve been struck this week by just how many new opportunities travel throws up for agents.
In this week’s magazine alone, you can read about a new operator of cruise shore excursions, and Norwegian Cruise Line’s innovative virtual ship launch – a world first, no less.
On the cover, we feature a great bunch of young agents who vied to become G Adventures’ Responsible Travel Ambassador, championing a growing sector of the travel market.
But it’s not just operators getting in on the act; destinations are also doing their bit to ensure travel agents have an ever-evolving and reliable range of products to sell.
Magaluf says it’s enjoyed surprising success in reinventing itself as a family destination, while Thailand has reached out to the trade following the Bangkok terrorist attack in August.
All this comes as the UK trade prepares to be wooed by everything the planet has to offer tourists at next week’s World Travel Market in London.
So while one door closes, others open, and the travel industry shows, once again, how it has an incredible propensity to forge a prosperous future and reinvent itself.
Talking of grasping opportunities, it was great to hear how our Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas godmother contest winner, Emma Wilby, has become the line’s brand ambassador.
With the backing of supporters such as those mentioned above, I’ve no doubt any agent with the vision and enthusiasm to spot an opportunity has a bright future.