TV presenter Eamonn Holmes has struck a partnership with Not Just Travel and The Travel Franchise which will involve championing the value of booking through agents.
Holmes, described as the world’s longest-serving breakfast TV anchor, will appear as a keynote speaker at conferences and other events, including Not Just Travel’s Seminar at Sea cruise this month in conjunction with Princess Cruises.
As a spokeseperson for Not Just Travel, he will also present the company’s The Travel Podcast with brand ambassador and TV presenter Hayley Sparkes.
Not Just Travel co-founder Paul Harrison said: “Having Eamonn join us is a real coup. During Covid, Eamonn was a massive champion of the travel industry; now he’s the champion of Not Just Travel.”
The Northern Irishman, who co-presented ITV’s This Morning until 2021, took part in a Travel Weekly webcast during the pandemic in which he outlined the strength of his support for the travel trade.
Holmes said: “What I love the most about Not Just Travel and The Travel Franchise is the passion everybody has, not just for travel, but for helping others, and I really want to be a part of this.
“I’m excited to spread the word about the value and service personal travel agents provide.”
He added: “Working in news means that I often see or report on how the travel industry is disrupted. During the pandemic it was clear that those who had booked through travel agents had support and advice when they needed it most.
“If I want something done, I get someone with expertise in that field to do it and travel is no different. I would never think of booking my holiday independently. I pick up the phone and talk to a travel consultant who I know and trust and who can add value and security.”
Harrison said the partnership represented an “unparalleled collaboration for Not Just Travel”, describing Holmes as “one of Britain’s most beloved TV personalities”.
He added: “Eamonn will help us in many areas of our business, calling upon his presenting skills and working with our network of travel consultants helping with their social media reach.”
Holmes, who was awarded an OBE in 2018 for services to broadcasting, co-presented GMTV for ITV between 1993-2005, going on to present Sunrise for Sky News between 2005-2016.
He co-presented This Morning between 2006-2021 with his wife Ruth Holmes on Fridays and during the school holidays. He now works for GB News.