The sector’s ability to develop cross-party engagement was a rare silver lining of the pandemic, says Travel Weekly’s Lucy Huxley
There were very few positive takeaways for the travel industry from the pandemic, but one of the rare silver linings was the cruise sector’s ability to establish relationships with those in Westminster.
Those efforts are set to continue this week, when more than 25 MPs are due to meet with cruise executives for the first Cruise Industry and Government Forum. Crucially, the event will be a cross-party gathering, reflecting an acknowledgement from both government and the opposition of the importance of cruise to the economy and communities.
Another significant aspect is the inclusion of those from the supply chain, including Tui, The Advantage Travel Partnership and Barrhead Travel, which will represent the agent community.
As debate continues about the industry’s lobbying efforts – and the need for a standalone outbound group, as being championed by Advantage and Aito – any evidence of cut-through in Westminster and Whitehall is to be welcomed.
All involved will now hope the forum fosters greater appreciation not just of the contribution of the cruise sector but also of the wider industry as it rebounds.
One company which is making hay while the sun shines is Jet2holidays, which last week increased its Atol to make it the largest operator in the UK by licensed capacity, a fact not lost on Tui chief Sebastien Ebel who expressed a desire to reclaim the top slot.
As always, volume is only one part of the equation, with profitability the key benchmark. But the bullish commentary coming from both parties was a welcome reflection of their confidence in travel’s ongoing recovery.
Comment originally from Travel Weekly February 16 edition