Why these agents are feeling hopeful despite the economic downturn
Will PayneDespite a continued economic downturn amid the cost-of-living crisis in the UK – coupled with the looming backdrop of political confusion – some agents have remained optimistic heading into the winter period.
Speaking to TTG, owner and founder of Scotland’s LAH Travel, Linda Hill Miller, said despite November being a "historically quiet" month, the agency has yet to see a downturn in business.
"It is very encouraging," she said. "This year we’ve had our best 10 months in our 20 years of business. We are up to eight staff, which is more than I have ever had, and we can, and want, to take on more. We are really positive about everything at the moment."
She also urged the industry to "stand up and be counted for" with the government amidst the continued uncertainty around the country’s leadership.
"Travel agents have a huge responsibility to take control of what is happening and we need to stop being so passive," she said. "Don’t accept what the government is saying - we need to take it by the scruff of the neck and make it happen."
Graeme Brett, director of Westoe Travel, echoed Hill Miller and was buoyant over recent business.
"[The cost-of-living crisis] doesn’t seem to be having an impact on us to be honest," he told TTG. "It is a bit quieter anyway this time of year, but we are not noticing any significant fall off because of what’s going on.
"Bookings for next year are better than they have been in any previous year in the 23 years we’ve been going. People want to travel again which is great and we are feeling very positive about it."
Despite the optimistic outlook, Brett admitted the previous three to four weeks had started to "put some doubt" in customers’ minds. "But overall it hasn’t really been impacting our bookings," he insisted.
"People want to still go on holiday. They might downgrade, or maybe opt for a domestic holiday, but they will still want to have some sort of holiday to look forward to."
Meanwhile, managing director of Reading-based Triangle Travel, Rob Kenton, said the cost-of-living had not yet impacted sales "for long periods of time", but acknowledged uncertainty is starting to play on the minds of some consumers.
"The last couple of days it has been going a bit slower, it is quieter sometimes and busier others, it’s hard to get a gauge on how the market will shape up," he told TTG.
"We haven’t been able to get a run on it, since probably about August time. We have one good week and then we’ll have one bad week. It is all or nothing really."
Despite his concerns for short-term bookings, Kenton was confident about summer 2023, with more families booking earlier than usual to prepare their budgets for the new year.
Cartwright Travel managing director Steve Cartwright said his business, which targets older solo travellers online, was positive, but added: "People I know in the trade are having it tough.
"Brexit was not a good deal, there are worries over interest rates and the government is one mix up after another. Plus the Russians are not helping. Let’s hope Rishi starts to invest in the travel sector."
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