Miles Morgan argues there is reason to be optimistic as the year draws to a close
Christmas seems to have crept up on us without warning, as it does every year. These days, now that my kids are older, the festive season doesn’t quite hit the same spot it used to, but I still love December and with good reason.
It’s the month when the business goes into full planning mode for January peak trading and last year was more than a little different to normal with the cloud of Omicron hanging over us. Talking to suppliers, discussing window displays, brochures and TV opportunities really does raise the excitement levels and after the past two years, this is even more exciting than ever.
Freedom to travel
I’m hearing and reading a lot from people who are worried about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on business and in January in particular, but after the past two years, we have every reason to be happy and optimistic.
Of course, the economic situation could dampen things for some, but I know my clients just want to be free to travel, and it’s the same story for many other agencies. Recent years have been so bad to the point nothing could possibly be worse, so let’s just go for it and give it the best shot we have.
This month also saw the return of our three full-on days of face-to-face training with our staff and suppliers. It was brilliant on so many levels, not least because it gave my staff the chance to see each other again and simply have a laugh and engage with our wonderful supplier partners, all the while learning in the process.
I have missed this event so much and I enjoyed every minute of it. And yes, even an old bloke like me always learns new stuff.
The buzz in the room such an occasion creates can never be recreated on a Zoom call, and while video calls have their place, in-person gatherings are far more special and beneficial.
Party time
December also sees the return of our legendary Christmas party. This is a special night every year but after a two-year gap it’s generating even more excitement than usual. The biggest reason for throwing a party is to finally see the whole of the Miles Morgan team back together again in one room.
It’s also a chance for me to say a huge thank you for their passion during the two years of torture that Covid presented, which they navigated so brilliantly. The free meal, free booze and free overnight stay is at least a chance to give staff something back and rekindle the fun days that we knew and loved for 14 years before Covid.
We will also have a lot of our supplier partners at the event and the party will also be a way of saying thank you to them; their help during the pandemic was so amazing and they have had a tough time too. Hopefully it will signify to everyone that the fun is most certainly back in travel.
Hopefully you can see why I love this month so much, particularly this year, and I hope you share my enthusiasm for the year ahead. I fully expect it to be a record year for Miles Morgan Travel; we are planning that way and acting that way and will ensure our customers feel the same too.
Travel is fully back in 2023 and we should rejoice and savour it. I have never been one to take things for granted but now I will really fully enjoy every moment next year presents: the expectation, the preparation, the training, the fun, the parties and, finally, meeting our wonderful customers. I’d like to wish all Travel Weekly readers a very happy Christmas and new year. See you in 2023!