Comment: Master the science of domestic appliance

So it's no surprise that we leapt at the chance to feature the sector's latest recruit on the cover this week – even though she's made of Plasticine!

Agent Alison is the latest creation from the stable that brought us the iconic Wallace &; Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, which is a pretty big deal given that the team at Aardman are rather particular about the characters they make.

Alison features in VisitEngland's latest ‘Holidays At Home are Great' campaign, urging customers to book their domestic breaks with an agent. It's some turnaround from a VisitEngland campaign just two years ago that made no mention of agents!

The fact is, agents have really upped their game over the last couple of years, supported by some fantastic trade-friendly operators, to make UK holidays an important part of their business mix.

At Travel Weekly, we've seen the domestic sector get increasingly engaged with the trade – hence this week's UK &; Ireland Special Edition, which is supported by VisitEngland.

And we're lucky enough to work with some amazing suppliers – just check out the coverage of Bourne Leisure's Community Champions competition and this year's Travel Brit Awards.

Experts agree that there are still massive opportunities to sell more domestic holidays.

So make sure that any potential customers looking for a real-life Agent Alison know you're ready to take their call.