Comment: It’s time for industry to act

It’s a big market which, aside from a few companies that are starting to take it seriously, and a handful of specialists, is largely being poorly served.

I have first-hand experience of that having travelled with a friend in a wheelchair, who suffered from motor neurone disease, with really mixed experiences.

Whether the driver is moral or increasingly commercial (and there’s nothing wrong with that), isn’t it time the industry as a whole sharpened up on how it deals with customers in the disabled holiday market?

Agent Achievement Awards

Last week, I had the honour of co-presenting our annual Agent Achievement Awards with comedian Rob Beckett, supported by a host of stars including 90s pop legend Chesney Hawkes, 2018 Britain’s Got Talent finalist Maddox the magician and top UK party band Madhen.

The AAAs, which have been running for more than 20 years, are the biggest event recognising agents across the UK and the most credible and coveted trade awards in the industry. Some agents retained their titles, some picked up trophies for the first time and some had multiple wins on the night. Many announcements prompted looks of total shock and tears of joy. One winner was crying as he took to the stage. He hugged me and told me the award had “made my entire life”.

What a privilege to be part of such an occasion and congratulations to all our hugely worthy winners and finalists.