A crisis can be a timely reminder of travel pros’ value

I don’t know about you, but I think the occasional travel crisis can be a positive thing, in that it helps to remind the happy-go-lucky, DIY customers that life can be tricky (and expensive) when international travel is disrupted due to an unexpected conflict of one sort or another.  

In fact, any macro disruption – whether it is war in the Middle East, a natural disaster or, perhaps, a major industrial dispute – can serve as a timely reminder to enthusiastic travellers that their experience would be much better if they had invested a little more and delegated the smooth running of their holiday to an expert travel agent and a specialist tour operator.

Striking example

The recent air traffic control strike in Italy was a much more mundane issue compared to the Middle East conflict but, nonetheless, it had serious consequences at the end of a busy Easter week. 

Among other clients, we had to deal with one multigenerational family faced with an unexpected two-day extension to their short break due to flight cancellations.

 
It took significant effort and expertise to find alternative flight seats for the nine passengers, not to mention the two additional nights’ accommodation. The airline’s AI bot was, apparently, incapable of finding a solution – but, like many Aito specialists, we still have a team of experienced and determined human beings in the Kirker office and it was a pleasure to collaborate with the travel agent concerned, investing time and money into finding a solution.

I am not sure if the airline will ever make a contribution towards the £5,000 costs we incurred but, for us, our reputation and the long-standing relationship with the travel agent is priceless. 

And let’s not forget, when the client booked back in the peaceful calm of January, they would have been encouraged to do so by the agent, who would have explained to the well-heeled granny who was paying that while Kirker may not be the cheapest, they are experts in Italy and would find solutions to overcome any unforeseen eventuality.  

Booking deterrents

Meanwhile, having coped with two months of issues caused by Middle East disruption, we are now focused on two key macro challenges deterring clients from booking their next holiday: consumer confidence and concerns about a potential shortage of jet fuel. 

Firstly, consumer confidence has been dented by negative press concerning the health of the wider economy, caused by a general downturn in economic activity combined with oil price inflation.

So, what can we do to counteract the general downturn in consumer confidence? Well, while I am sure that you share my own (ahem…)confidence in Sir Keir and Rachel Reeves’ ability to resolve the UK’s economic and political challenges, the UK travel industry will, once again, have to come up with our own enticing proposals to reassure consumers that they deserve a holiday.

Secondly, with regard to anxiety regarding jet fuel supply, it was very reassuring to read travel journalist Simon Calder’s observations on this topic. His assessment is that two-thirds of Europe’s aviation fuel is produced within Europe, so only the third that comes from the Middle East is under threat. 

Mr Calder went on to assert the leading European airlines have the capacity to trim their flight schedules by 20% without significant impact on the travelling consumer.

Furthermore, if clients book through a tour operator, their holiday is Atol‑protected, and unscheduled amendments and associated additional costs are, generally speaking, the operator’s responsibility and expense. So, overall, his message is to book now to avoid disappointment.

Thank you, Mr Calder. I like Simon’s pragmatic style and, even if he sometimes misses opportunities to promote luxury breaks with cultural concierge services in favour of public transport, walking boots and rucksacks, his infectious appetite for travel can only encourage consumers to reach for their suitcase and passport.

Good luck, and bon voyage!