Recovery continues for agents as enquiries and bookings rise

Another key finding in the latest Tracker is the return of long-haul with both enquiries and bookings for the Caribbean, Indian Ocean and Middle East rising significantly.

There has also been a surge in bookings for the US and Canada, which has doubled from the first half of September, after the Biden administration said the US would reopen to British visitors in early November. A further boost in bookings is likely once the US sets date for this reopening.

Another key finding is a resurgence of cruise bookings for agents – going up by an impressive 19 points on the previous fortnight’s Tracker.

Despite these positive trends, plenty of barriers remain for agents: many clients are still nervous about booking as they are concerned about testing and filling out the necessary online forms.

The traffic light system may have finally gone, but customers are still nervous about their destination suddenly ending up on the red list. Although this fear should hopefully recede now the red list has been cut to just seven countries from 4am on Monday (11 October).

The trade could also face a cash squeeze over the winter, with many clients not due to depart on holidays until summer 2022. Although agents are now, at least, benefiting from stronger winter 2021-22 sales (up by 14 points on the previous fortnight).

TTG’s fortnightly Travel Agent Tracker reports are a benefit of TTG+ membership. To find out more, head to ttgmedia.com/membership.