Comment: OTT acquisition will help us to support you

It is not often that Travel Weekly is the focus of news stories rather than breaking them, but this week was one of the exceptions as our parent company Jacobs Media Group announced an agreement to acquire Online Travel Training.

It was exciting news for all of us within the business who are looking forward to bringing a really highly regarded agent favourite into our wider portfolio of magazines, websites and events.

And it was also particularly rewarding to know that the deal will secure the jobs of all 14 members of staff and contractors who were facing an uncertain future at a tough time for many.

As the outpouring from the trade last week demonstrated, OTT holds a special place for agents and suppliers alike, and we are delighted its services will continue to be offered with even more support from a portfolio including Travel Weekly, Aspire and ATAS.

We are also sure there will be some exciting developments to come with input from JMG's overseas businesses including Connecting Travel in the Middle East and Asia, and our global luxury events specialist Connections.

With destinations continually striving to educate agents and so much new product coming on-stream across a range of sectors, the importance of high-quality skills and product training has never been higher.

At Travel Weekly, we remain committed to our four pillars of informing, inspiring, connecting and supporting the industry we exist to serve, and the acquisition of OTT will help us better achieve all four of those goals.

: Jacobs Media Group agrees to acquire Online Travel Training