Where there are challenges, there is also opportunity

The current conflict in the Middle East has yet again proved the resilience, dedication and expertise of our industry.

Many of us and our teams spent the early days dealing with the immediate fallout, re-routing guests with flights from or via key Middle Eastern hubs, or busily rebooking guests with imminent plans onto different dates or carriers.

Now, six weeks down the line, we are navigating a changing market. With oil prices volatile, certain destinations off limits – many of which would have been popular for spring sunshine – and flight paths restricted, we are doing what the travel industry does best and we’re pivoting. 

We are nothing if not nimble. We have weathered many storms before and we will weather this one.

I am always mindful that in this business, where there are challenges, there is also opportunity. Brits will never tire of a break in the sun, or our much-loved summer holiday, but with capacity limits resulting in potential price increases, particularly in the Western Med, we need to encourage customers to think a little differently about what kind of holiday is going to be available and present the best value for money for them this year.

This is where the value of an all-inclusive cruise package comes into play, where prices are fixed, and flights are included. Clients might not have considered an all-inclusive cruise, but there are boutique options like ours that have the intimate ambience and effortless service of a luxury hotel, with fine dining, premium drinks at any time and the relaxing premise of never having to put your hand in your pocket to enjoy a drink or an enriching experience.

This kind of holiday can rival any resort-based all-inclusive. With delicious local wines on demand, an impressive choice of included activities such as oyster tasting or a bike ride through the back streets of Bordeaux, stunning views of the twinkling Venetian lagoon or the vineyard-clad hills of the Douro valley from the comfort of a sun lounger, and exceptional, attentive service round the clock, what’s not to love?

There is a real opportunity here for agents to convert customers that might have otherwise booked a five-star all-inclusive resort in the Maldives, Dubai, Greece or Turkey to an all-inclusive luxury river cruise in the south of France, Portugal or Italy.

This summer I also recommend looking for a company which typically has an international clientele. With the American market less likely to travel in times of uncertainty, and other long-haul international markets more limited in their flight options to Europe, capacity opens up for the Brits to holiday much closer to home at exceptional value, if they have the right options presented to them.

This could be the year they have their first incredible ultra-luxury cruise and, like many before them, never look back – and you have an advocate for life.

I also think we’ll see opportunity with the lates market this summer. Customers that were initially cautious, waiting to see how things play out, will suddenly be looking to travel at short notice, and will seek the advice of their preferred travel agent to help them navigate what’s out there.

Because most of all, in times of caution or uncertainty, customers turn to the experts for guidance.

Opportunity is in the hands of agents to offer them a truly incredible alternative – we just need to ask the right questions, understand concerns and think outside the box about what the answers might be.