This Saturday, 22nd July, marks National Travel Agent Day. Across the UK and Ireland travel agents will be celebrating this trusted profession dating back to the 1800s. The 4 th annual
National Travel Agent Day continues to mark the incredible service and benefits travel agents consistently deliver to UK consumers.
The Advantage Travel Partnership will be celebrating a major year, having previously announced record member retention and recruitment. For the year, 1 October 21 to 30 September 22, the size of Advantage’s membership base grew by 25%, with increases across all membership models. A recent Business Impact Survey* conducted by the Partnership across its travel partners revealed that 96 percent of members that took part in the survey are seeing new customers as consumers seek help to customise and plan their trips this year.
Advantage members are significantly contributing to the regeneration of UK high streets with its Partnership today representing a large proportion of the UK’s travel agency landscape with
750 locations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Advantage’s global footprint has also grown with representation now in 83 countries with 96 global members.
Looking ahead to 2024, the outbound travel forecast remains strong well into the year. Whilst late bookings have proven popular throughout 2023, there has now been a shift towards Summer 2024. Over recent weeks, on average approximately 17% of Advantage member bookings on a weekly basis are for Summer 2024 as consumers look to mitigate against the impact of the cost-of-living crisis by booking early to get great deals and manage their budgets.
The trend towards all-inclusive also continues, accounting for 35% of all 2024 bookings as it allows people to manage their costs. Cruise holidays are performing well, accounting for a
further 20% of bookings already made. Advantage has also seen strong demand for City Breaks in the early part of the year. The most popular destinations currently being booked for 2024 are
Spain and Greece as travellers look to secure their favourite accommodations and room types.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of The Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “We’re really looking forward to seeing the travel industry continue to thrive. Of course, there is no denying that the UK consumer has faced their fair share of disruption at airports and ports this year and navigating some of the issues outside of our control at exceptionally busy periods does put
increased pressure on the entire travel ecosystem. For potential disruption to have as minimal impact on travellers as possible we always advise booking with a travel agent. Many people
across the UK chose to book their flights and accommodation independently, but by doing so, run the risk that if parts of the holiday are cancelled then they have to make alternative plans.
Whereas those booking with a travel agent or tour operator and packaging the component parts under an ATOL agreement, means that the tour operator or agent have to seek the alternative on behalf of the customer.
This National Travel Agent Day it’s important to highlight the hugely valuable service travel agents provide to consumers the world over. As well as supporting customers with changes to
bookings when the unexpected happens they will always find the best deal for every budget which is invaluable at a time when belts are tightening everywhere. Travel agents can navigate
complex booking processes, provide the necessary information for each destination and they have access to a wide range of tour operators to ensure consumers are offered a breadth of
choice when it comes to choosing their holiday. Booking with a travel agent is no more expensive than booking independently and can offer consumers peace of mind that they will be
supported throughout every step of their journey.”
Travel agents have played a key role on the UK’s high streets and local communities for many years. Thomas Cook is widely credited as being the first travel agent having started almost 200
years ago in 1841.
Today, travel agents continue to provide consumers across the world with access to the best deals, offer their expert knowledge, and are experienced when dealing with the travel disruption of recent years.
To find your local agent, supported by The Advantage Travel Partnership, visit: The Advantage Travel Partnership.
