Comment: Challenging times can stimulate change

Market conditions remain tough for most companies in the sector, while the Brexit delay doesn’t appear to have resulted in the release of pent-up demand that many hoped for.

That doesn’t mean it’s all doom and gloom. Deloitte’s latest leisure consumer report notes a desire to prioritise holidays ahead of other discretionary spending and listed off-the-beaten-track tours among growing sectors,which is good news for specialist operators such as Newmarket Holidays, sponsors of this touring-themed edition.

That said, there is no room for complacency even with the overall summer market holding up relatively well in the circumstances.

It is times like these that can stimulate innovation and change, which is why we are delighted to officially launch our £100k Pitch competition, in association with Avis.

Travel has a strong track record of producing entrepreneurs and businesses, and as Travel Weekly celebrates its 50th anniversary, we can’t wait to uncover the next big idea and support the future of our industry. We’ve got four investors with a proven history of business success to support and mentor our winner – and I’m looking forward to following their progress.

If challenging times are times of opportunity, then the opportunity to secure a £100,000 investment will be one the next generation of industry entrepreneurs will not want to miss.