Advantage partner agency featured on ITV News climate segment

TravelTime World director Ashley Quint found himself unexpectedly in front of the camera for ITV News after Advantage Travel Partnership used the agency as a filming location.

Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of travel agency consortium Advantage Travel Partnership, was interviewed by ITV News’ consumer editor Chris Choi at the agency’s Berkhamsted office to discuss the recent wildfires across Europe and the practicalities of travel for holidaymakers.

The interview, due to be aired today (August 4), covered changing holiday habits as a result of hotter weather, giving Lo Bue-Said the chance to discuss the need for more flexible school holidays to allow families to travel at cooler times of year – a key ask of the UK Outbound Travel Group, which she founded.

After the interview, Quint was asked if he would also be happy to speak on camera.

“I’ve not been interviewed on camera before for the main TV news but I just focused on what I wanted to say and it was fine – I don’t get nervous,” he said, adding: “I was able to put a little bit of nuance on what Julia was saying.

“For example, we have already seen people change their holiday habits as a result of climate change.”

He cited examples of clients deciding to go away twice a year, travelling out of peak season or changing their destination, such as opting for Mauritius during the summer instead of southern Europe for a similar price.

He also backed up the UK Outbound Travel Group’s plea for changes to the school holiday calendar during his interview.

“Climate change is impacting what we do in the summer and we need to consider having more flexibility at other times of year in order for people to travel,” he said, highlighting families who needed a holiday of at least two weeks to travel long-haul.

Lo Bue-Said praised Quint’s performance, writing on LinkedIn: “Great to be on location with Ashley Quint of TravelTime World, filming a segment for ITV News.

“The way we travel has changed. How we book, what we book, and the protection that comes with those bookings have never been more important, especially when things don’t go to plan.

“With summers becoming increasingly hotter, the debate around reforming the school calendar is only likely to grow.

“It’s a key policy ask of the UK Outbound Travel Group, reflecting changing travel patterns and growing consumer demand for holidays during the shoulder seasons when the heat is less intense.

“As travel continues to evolve, it’s vital that policy, consumer protection and the industry evolve with it.”