TTG Luxury Spring 2024

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I hope someone reading this gets the above headline (Google it, it’s by The Streets and is one of my favourite songs).

Are you a crier? I am. But why does anyone cry and what does it mean? There are many scientific reasons we do it. Some say it’s a way of gaining empathy so others can help criers with their overwhelming feelings – those who observe people crying often feel connected to them in a deeper way. Oh, and it’s also a basic way to help ensure your eyes stay healthy.

Yes, it can signal distress, grief or sadness – literally a “cry for help”. But also, we cry “happy tears” and “tears of relief”, with crying also releasing endorphins – the feel-good chemicals – and potentially reducing stress levels. So why then are we so often embarrassed by crying, when it is as much a fundamental part of the human experience as laughing?

I attended two awards ceremonies recently – one we organised, the 2024 TTG Luxury Travel Awards (see p12), and one as a guest at Carrier’s annual agent recognition event. There were tears at both.

Being recognised for how you take care of your clients and colleagues is clearly an emotional business, as was demonstrated by the tears of joy and surprise. This is a sociable sector, built on support, mutual respect and commitment, so heartfelt speeches also brought tears to the eyes of those in the audience, including myself. So, is the volume of tears shed at an event a marker of success – I’d say so. And proudly. As I heard someone say at Carrier’s event, ‘maybe Kleenex should sponsor it next year’. Maybe we should all take those tissues and cry more. After all, we deserve it. And it’s good for us.

April Hutchinson
Editor, TTG Luxury
@aprilhutchinson