Comment: Partnerships will prove key to recovery

I was fortunate last week to sit down for long conversations with two industry leaders: Hays Travel owner Irene Hays and Intrepid Group chief executive James Thornton.

The businesses Dame Irene and James run are very different, yet both have a similar vision for their futures rooted in a united purpose, passion and pride in their staff.

Another notable link between the two conversations was a shared belief in the importance of trade partnerships in the recovery process, and that affirmation was particularly timely as we gear up for the Agent Achievement Awards on September 16 and launch the 2022 Globe Travel Awards, which will return in January after a year’s hiatus.

We thought long and hard about running these events as the industry continues to face immense challenges but were encouraged to do so by readers and partners who told us of their desire to acknowledge and reward those who have stood out during the pandemic.

The industry’s biggest awards have always reflected much more than just sales volumes, and that has never been truer than in this disrupted period.

In just two weeks’ time, we will find out which agencies will receive those sought-after AAAs based on the votes of suppliers. As we prepare for that great celebration of our agent readers, I would urge you all to discover in this week's issue how you can reciprocate and honour the businesses and individuals that have done the most for you over the past 18 months.

: Find out more about the Agent Achievement Awards and the Globe Travel Awards including how to book tickets