The Advantage Travel Partnership has announced its Travel as a Force for Good activities taking place during its annual conference held in Malta between 13^th - 16^th May 2025. Advantage has teamed up with a selection of NGOs to give delegates the opportunity to support and give back to the local Maltese community on Thursday 15^th May.   Conference delegates can choose between three activities to help support Malta in its efforts to protect the local community, partnering with Coast in Clear to help preserve Matla’s natural beaches, Friends of the Earth to support the local community in growing its Giving Garden and Zibel which has organised over 70 large scale land and sea clean-ups thanks to its dedicated volunteers.   Coast is Clear Coast is Clear is a Maltese environmental NGO that is committed to preserving the beauty and biodiversity of the Maltese isle. Working with a team of passionate volunteers, this NGO organises beach cleanups, educational programs and tree plantings. Coast is Clear has helped plant over 550 trees since being founded and has organised 60 clean ups to date collecting 27 tonnes of waste. Delegates will have the chance to help with their efforts through visiting a rural site to help in creating a cleaner and healthier environment. For more information go to: https://www.coast-is-clear.org/   Friends of the Earth Friends of the Earth Malta is an independent organisation that works with several social and environmental NGOs on issues that are of common concern and interest. Considered a small activist group which turned into a dynamic NGO, Friends of the Earth offers advocacy, public education, and diverse community projects. Through its Giving Garden urban gardening & nature therapy initiative the team helps better the local environment by promoting the significance of gardens in urban areas particularly within residential zones and offers the community a garden where people can come together and learn to grow their own crops and herb. Delegates will have the chance to visit and tend to the gardens and to learn more about how this project is enhancing the local community and increasing green spaces across Malta. For more information go to: https://foemalta.org/green-resource-centre/urban-gardening-nature-therapy/   Zibel Zibel is a registered Voluntary Organisation and NGO founded in 2017 with the aim of reducing the overall waste generated on its islands. Aiming to restore its natural environments to their most natural states, Zibel has organised and coordinated over 70 large scale land and sea clean-up and disposed of over 131 tons of waste through its support of its volunteers. Zibel will be offering delegates the chance to participate in a large-scale beach clean at the beautiful Golden Bay, whereby participants will work with the team on different stations, including sand sifting, removing debris & sorting stations. For more information go to: https://www.zibel.org/   Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO, The Advantage Travel Partnership, said: "We proudly introduced our groundbreaking 'Travel is a Force for Good' initiative at our conference last year in Cancun, and it will now play a transformative part of conferences going forward. This visionary initiative is fundamentally about meaningful engagement with, and sustainable support for local communities through a carefully curated series of immersive experiences, such as authentic cultural exchanges, impactful community service projects and mutually beneficial partnerships with local businesses and artisans. Through these thoughtful endeavours, we steadfastly strive to ensure that we leave a lasting positive impact on both the local environment and the vibrant communities we are privileged to host our conferences in.   "When we come together in the beautiful island nation of Malta, we gather not merely as industry professionals, but as a dynamic global community united in our passion to exchange innovative ideas and collectively chart an inspiring course towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for the travel industry and the diverse communities we proudly serve. I have absolute confidence that providing our delegates with meaningful opportunities to engage in rewarding volunteering and philanthropic activities enhances their overall conference experience, fosters deeper connections and leaves an enduring, positive impression that resonates long after our events conclude."   The Advantage Travel Partnership’s conference will be hosted at the 5-star Hilton Malta in St Julian's, Malta. The three-night conference will include a blend of insightful business sessions, inspirational keynote speakers, and dedicated travel content. Advantage’s CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said and other senior executives from the UK Travel Industry will share the latest insights to the leisure and business travel sectors in 2025 and beyond. The conference will again have a strong focus on sustainability and giving back.

  David Forder has been promoted to the newly created role of Marketing Director at The Advantage Travel Partnership, effective 1 April 2025.   Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of The Advantage Travel Partnership, said: "David has been a highly valued member of our senior team for the past eight years. As Head of Marketing, his innovative initiatives have been instrumental in our success, strengthening our presence across all our stakeholders, driving membership engagement and enhancing our brand positioning. He has also provided invaluable guidance to members, empowering them to elevate their local marketing strategies and increase brand prominence in their communities."   In his new role, Forder will take on a more strategic focus, leading brand development, digital transformation, customer insights and the Partnership's multi-channel marketing strategies. He will collaborate closely with Advantage's senior leadership team to align the group's initiatives with its evolving vision and continued brand amplification.   Commenting on his promotion, Forder said: "I'm delighted to be stepping into this newly created role, which will give me the opportunity to help further shape the future of the business. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the senior leadership team and our valued members to deliver impactful marketing strategies and initiatives to support our collective success."   "I am confident that David's leadership will be instrumental in accelerating our ambitious plans. His expertise will further strengthen our brand equity, refine our content strategy and foster innovation, which are all vital to our long-term success and that of our valued members and all our stakeholders," concluded Lo Bue-Said.

  The Advantage Travel Partnership has announced leading global specialist provider for the hotel sector, SHR, as a new partner. This relationship will bring new opportunities for Advantage members, empowering SHR to connect their high-value business and leisure travellers through Advantage’s extensive agency and corporate travel programmes.   Founded in 2004, SHR is a global specialist in hotel services, providing a diverse portfolio of accommodation options to hoteliers worldwide. With a strong presence in the hospitality sector, SHR supports over 2,000 hotels, from major global brands to independent properties.   As part of its commitment to enhancing global hotel distribution, SHR’s accommodation listings will be available for Advantage members to book in the Global Distribution System (GDS). This aligns with Advantage’s market-leading Global Accommodation Programme, which offers access to more than 45,000 hotels and over 1 million serviced apartments worldwide.   Through this partnership, Advantage members will benefit from an even greater choice of accommodation, while hotel suppliers gain broader reach through targeted marketing and streamlined operations – all with the shared goal of delivering exceptional value to travellers.   The Global Accommodation Programme (GAP) is Advantage’s market-leading proposition that offers accommodation options from global chain hotels to independent properties, serviced apartments and bedbanks. It will also offer suppliers more reach through combined marketing resources and aligned operational efficiencies that will focus on the common goal of delivering more value to the end customer.   Sally Ramos, Vice President of Implementation and Consortia Services at SHR says: "Through SHR’s partnership with Advantage Travel Partnership, the UK’s largest independent travel agency network, we can connect client hotels with high-value corporate and leisure travellers through Advantage’s extensive agency and corporate travel programmes. This strategic alliance helps SHR hotels boost occupancy, drive direct revenue, and expand market reach."   Pelin Dede, Head of Supplier Partnerships, Lodging at The Advantage Partnership, says: “We are pleased to have SHR partner with us, this relationship will enhance our offering to members, enabling our programme to be more global than ever due to its portfolio having a large number of hotels in North America. This will be a great addition for our members and furthermore will offer long tail supply content in this region.”

  The Advantage Travel Partnership has announced Eagle Travel has transitioned its business to operate under its Managed Services model – Advantage Managed Services (AMS) from being a standard member.   Eagle Travel said that having access to Advantage’s bespoke AMS back-office V-Suite, whilst receiving full support from its dedicated AMS finance team to manage all their supplier payments, would better support the agency’s strategic goals going forward.   Based in Goldington Road in Bedford since 1991, Eagle Travel is a boutique-style agency offering tailor-made and luxury holidays, whilst offering experiences such as worldwide cruises, rail journeys, UK tours and beach escapes. The business takes pride in its personal approach, and professional environment and offers a trusted service to its customers.   This transition also facilitates the semi-retirement of Eagle Travel’s co-owners, Sue Alexander and Carole Forth, who have been integral to its success.   Sue, who began her journey in travel in 1979, joined Eagle in 1994 and, alongside Carole, took ownership in 2013. Their legacy of exceptional service and industry expertise will continue to shape Eagle Travel as the company embraces the opportunities offered through Advantage Travel Partnership’s AMS model.   With Sales Director Charlotte McGennity now leading the team, Eagle Travel is entering an exciting phase of its development. Charlotte has been with Eagle Travel for nine years and brings extensive industry experience from her career in travel since 1998.   Sue Alexander, Manager Director of Eagle Travel, says: “Joining Advantage Managed Services (AMS) has allowed us to enhance operational efficiency and future-proof our business. We look forward to this new chapter, continuing to provide our clients with the highest level of service while leveraging the advantages of AMS to drive growth and efficiency. “   Kelly Cookes, Chief Commercial Officer of The Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “We look forward to working closely with Eagle Travel during this exciting new chapter and wish Charlotte every success in her new role. They are revitalising the back office and now operating under new leadership so that the two owners can take a step back, exciting times ahead.”

  A significant incident at Heathrow Airport has led to severe travel disruptions, affecting passengers and flight schedules. With Heathrow being one of the world’s busiest airports, the impact is expected to be widespread, especially as Friday is a peak travel day. Julia Lo Bue-Said, Chief Executive Officer of The Advantage Travel Partnership, shares insights on the situation, the implications for travelers, and what passengers should do next.   Julia Lo Bue-Said, Chief Executive Officer of The Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “The situation at Heathrow Airport is incredibly difficult, an incident like this at one of the world’s busiest airports will have a very significant knock-on impact on all travel for the next few days. Of course, the priority for everyone is safety, and the airport and the airlines will be working hard today to make sure the area is safe and that they can resume operations as soon as possible. Friday is typically the busiest day for travel with people returning from business trips, going on holiday or visiting friends and family,  so all airports will likely be incredibly busy. Therefore, the reality is that the London airports would have been busy today already and this incident will exacerbate it further.   Under UK Law, when flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines have a duty to look after their passengers be that by providing meals, accommodation with an obligation of getting you to your destination as soon as possible, even if that’s on an alternative airline, however customers can also choose to have a full refund if this is preferred. Compensation however tends to be offered when the airline is at fault whereas today’s event is likely to qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” so compensation may not be offered. This is very much an evolving situation so we would advise travellers in the first instance to follow the advice being given by Heathrow and not travel to the airport today.   For anyone that has a flight booked out of Heathrow today, and had booked via a travel agent, I recommend contacting them in the first instance as they will be able to provide the latest information and advice. If you haven’t booked with a travel agent, then try and get in touch with the airlines and they will advise you on when you might be able to travel.”

  The Advantage Travel Partnership has announced Giles Duley MBE as its closing keynote speaker at its annual conference - Journey Reimagined - taking place in St Julian's, Malta between 13-16 May 2025.   A born storyteller, Giles began his career as a music photographer before changing direction from the celebrity world to documentary work. He has since become renowned for his work that deeply explores the long-term humanitarian impact of conflict. Through his photography, writing and storytelling, he sheds light on the lives of those affected by war. In addition to being a photographer and writer, Giles is also a chef, presenter and the CEO of the Legacy of War Foundation.   Whilst working in Afghanistan, Giles was severely injured by an IED. As a result of his injuries, he is a triple amputee. He has since returned to Afghanistan to continue his work as a photographer, documenting the toll of war on civilian lives - as well as founding and acting as CEO of the NGO Legacy of War Foundation, an international charity supporting communities and individuals as they rebuild their lives after conflict. This work as a campaigner for the rights of both refugees and those living with disability was recognised with an MBE. Throughout his distinguished career, Giles has collaborated with numerous global figures including Angelina Jolie, David Beckham and Ukraine’s President Zelensky.   Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of The Advantage Travel Partnership said: "We're very pleased to announce Giles as our closing keynote speaker. Giles links the importance of managing control and overcoming fear with embracing change, a critical aspect of both travel and personal growth. His incredible journey and commitment to human rights make him a powerful voice, and we look forward to hearing his insights as our conference in Malta draws to a close."

  The Advantage Travel Partnership is pleased to announce a new partnership with WEX, marking the beginning of an exciting expansion in its payment partner portfolio.   This collaboration aims to deliver smarter, more efficient payment solutions that will help Advantage members optimise cash flow, streamline operations, and generate meaningful cost savings for their businesses and their customers.   Andrea Caulfield-Smith, Managing Director, Global Business Travel commented on the partnership: “We are thrilled to welcome WEX as a payment partner for Advantage members and marks an exciting milestone in our ongoing efforts to drive a complete One-Stop Business Hub approach to members across our growing network.   This collaboration is a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering smarter, more efficient payment solutions that help our members optimise cash flow, streamline operations and drive meaningful cost savings on their own and their customers’ travel spend. By enhancing the way money moves across the travel ecosystem, we are empowering our members with greater control, flexibility, and efficiency.   Jason Hancock, Managing Director of International Business Payments Division said “WEX is pleased to partner with The Advantage Travel Partnership as we recognise the significant opportunities within the corporate travel market and look forward to driving mutual success together. We are excited to be the headline sponsor at today's Corporate Travel Summit, hosted by The Business Travel Association (BTA) and The Advantage Travel Partnership. We are looking forward to engaging with attendees and showcasing how our partnership with Advantage can provide travel companies with the tools they need to thrive in an evolving market.”   WEX is a key sponsor of The Corporate Travel Summit taking place today. The one-day event is taking place at Novotel London West and will offer a unique platform for business travel professionals to come together, share insights, and explore innovative solutions within the industry.

 

• Easter holiday bookings up by 15 percent compared to the same period last year.

• Impressive growth in the family market with the percentage of bookings featuring at least one child increasing from 21 percent in 2024 to 25 percent this year.

• Summer holiday bookings suggest a growing trend of families looking to get away during other times of the year, particularly during the Easter break for better deals and more suitable weather.

• Strong momentum in long-haul travel across agency partners with a 5% shift from short-haul holidays to long-haul for this summer

  The Advantage Travel Partnership has reported a strong surge in Easter holiday bookings this year, with bookings up by 15 percent compared to the same period last year. The family market has seen particularly impressive growth, with the percentage of bookings featuring at least one child increasing from 21 percent in 2024 to 25 percent this year. For Easter, the top winter sun destinations are Tenerife, Antalya and Costa Blanca and Orlando, Mexico and New York for long-haul.   In 2024 the family market was slower for summer holiday bookings and the same is appearing to be the case for summer holiday bookings this year suggesting that there is a growing trend of families looking to get away during other times of the year, particularly during the Easter break, to secure better deals. Additionally, there’s a growing wave of travellers seeking destinations that offer cooler temperatures, as traditional summer holiday hotspots have been experiencing hotter-than-ever conditions in recent years. This shift in preferences is contributing to the increase in popularity of Easter travel, as people are keen to avoid the sweltering summer heat while still enjoying a memorable holiday.   The Advantage Travel Partnership have also seen strong momentum in long-haul travel across its agency partners, with demand accelerating from January into February.  The uptick in long-haul travel suggests that many families are discovering that long-haul destinations can be more cost-effective during school holidays than European alternatives, particularly in regions like Thailand and the Far East, where local costs remain attractive.   As an example, two weeks staying in a four-star self-catering property in the Balearics in August for four people is £4,500. Whereby you could get a similar holiday in Thailand for the same price, whilst the cost of living when you are there is significantly lower.  As a result of this Advantage says it is seeing a 5% shift from short-haul holidays to long-haul for this summer.   Kelly Cookes, Chief Commercial Officer of The Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “It's unsurprising that destinations such as Tenerife, Lanzarote and the Costa Blanca continue to be popular for Easter breaks as they can be reliably sunny and good value for travellers. They also offer a wide range of facilities and activities for all ages.   We often see people travelling slightly further afield to destinations such as Orlando earlier in the year to try and beat the summer crowds and queues and avoid the hotter summer months.  We believe that Orlando will continue to be a destination to watch as it’s set to have a bumper year with the new Universal Park Epic Universe opening in May. Overall, the U.S. market is experiencing robust growth, with Orlando and New York leading the charge, however Nashville is also seeing rising interest, driven by the growing popularity of country music.   It’s interesting to see that long-haul is proving popular and we anticipate that the popularity of shows like White Lotus set in Thailand and Love Island All Stars filmed in South Africa will further fuel interest in these destinations for 2025 holidays.   We can expect to see cruise grow in popularity partially due to the continued growth of capacity in the sector with the introduction of additional ships. 2025 will be a big year with new ships across ocean, river and expedition cruising, with MSC, Uniworld, NCL, Celebrity Cruise, Royal Caribbean and Virgin Voyages all bringing on new additions to their fleets.   For anyone looking to get away in the coming weeks or months we would always recommend booking with a travel agent. Agents have an incredible amount of knowledge and experience in searching for the best deals available. They are also best placed to help researching the ideal destination for every budget and ensuring you get the best value for your money.”

  In a significant move for the UK’s aviation sector, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed the government’s support for major airport infrastructure expansions, including the long-debated third runway at Heathrow. This decision aims to enhance the country’s global connectivity, ease airport congestion, and stimulate economic growth.   Julia Lo Bue-Said, Chief Executive Officer of The Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “We’re pleased to see the government supporting essential infrastructure growth across several of the UK’s major airports including the third runway at Heathrow. These expansions will significantly improve the passenger experience for both leisure and business travellers with a wider range of departures, increased competition for pricing, and reduced congestion and delays. Alongside this, it will enhance connectivity to global markets, driving both tourism and business investments. Having the necessary facilities available to maintain a thriving inbound and outbound travel industry is vital in order for the UK to remain a major international hub and to continue driving economic growth.”

  The Advantage Travel Partnership has announced London-based travel agents, The Travel House Ltd, has recently joined the consortia. This industry leader differentiates itself from other agents by consistently offering superior and bespoke travel experiences including itineraries representing the pinnacle of global travel.   Comprising of 50 skilled professionals with a passion for travel, The Travel House team has a wealth of knowledge and stays updated with the latest trends and best options for travel for its developed and growing base of loyal customers.   The Travel House doesn’t just book trips for its customers, they create journeys that resonate with each client’s wishes to deliver seamless and personalised travel experiences. They boast an expansive global network giving customers access to premier destinations and high-class experiences. The Travel House can offer a range of orchestrated experiences including luxury business expeditions, designing an exotic leisure retreat, or managing complex group travel logistics whilst consistently delivering exceptional results.   In 2024, The Travel House was honoured to be recognised by the British Travel Awards whereby 400,000 travellers vote annually for the best travel experiences. The Travel House was nominated as both the Best Travel Company for the USA as well as the Best Travel Website for Flight Bookings. Through its loyal client base, exceptional service provided and ability to provide top-notch travel solutions, The Travel House won the Bronze Accreditation as the Best Travel Agency for the USA.   Following its new relationship with The Advantage Travel Partnership, The Travel House has taken a strategic step to align its mission of providing exceptional travel solutions with Advantage's extensive global network to gain access to resources, suppliers and competitive pricing. This will help The Travel House to deliver innovative, cost-effective travel options while maintaining its hallmark personalised customer service.   Raghav Tahasildar, Head of Global Supplier Partnership and Global Key Account Management at The Travel House Ltd, says: “Advantage’s commitment to empowering its members with exclusive resources and industry expertise resonates with our dedication to offering tailored, high-quality travel solutions. This partnership allows us to collaborate with like-minded professionals, keeping The Travel House ahead in a competitive market and ensuring our customers consistently receive the highest standards of service and value. By joining Advantage, we are not just aligning with a prestigious network; we are reaffirming our pledge to meet and exceed the evolving needs of our clients in the UK and globally. This partnership strengthens our position as a trusted leader in the travel industry, committed to delivering exceptional experiences to our valued customers.”   Kelly Cookes, Chief Commercial Officer of The Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “It’s great to have The Travel House join Advantage due to the incredible tailor-made travel experiences and excellent customer service they are able to offer their client base. We look forward to watching their business grow as an Advantage member. Following the success Advantage saw in 2024, with more than £500 million in new member turnover, we are delighted to start strong and continue to grow our member base in 2025.”

The Advantage Travel Partnership has responded following the Home Office's proposal to raise the maximum price of the electronic travel authorisation (ETA). It proposes a rise from £10 to £16 which was submitted to Parliament n 16 January. The decision was made to reduce the reliance on the taxpayer. The increase in fees will generate an additional £269 million a year. Responding to feedback from the aviation industry, the government agreed an interim exemption for passengers who transit airside, and don’t need to pass through UK border control. “It's incredibly disappointing to see the government increase the cost of the new ETA fee by 60% even before it's fully launched,” said Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of The Advantage Travel Partnership. “Charging international travellers to visit the UK is just another economic policy which will also directly impact the UK outbound travel sector and will only serve as a further blow to consumers.” “Without a thriving inbound sector, you cannot have a thriving outbound industry. " The Advantage Travel Partnership represents independently owned travel agencies and travel management companies, operating across 750 locations throughout the UK. Collectively, as a global network, members generate over £15.6 billion in global sales annually. UKInbound also responded: “The decision is a staggering blow to the UK’s tourism industry and businesses across the country. This change comes at the worst time, just as ETA requirements for all non-visa national visitors are rolled out from 2 April,” it said. “International tourism is a competitive industry and the two key motivators to visit a destination are value for money and the quality of welcome, and this move damages our standing on both fronts.”

  The Advantage Travel Partnership has announced The Travel Team as one of its latest members, having joined the consortia in July of this year. The Travel Team, a family founded travel agency based in the market town of Brampton in Cumbria, has been in business for over 38 years, helping holidaymakers book their dream trips from city-breaks to expeditions.   The Travel Team offers a wide choice of holidays including cruises, expedition voyages, ski trips, and adventure holidays as well as creating luxury and tailormade itineraries. They provide high standards of customer service whilst finding solutions for everyone.   Liz Beaty, Director of The Travel Team, has worked in the family business for over 30 years and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the company as well as providing a hands-on booking experience for travellers. Alongside Liz, Branch Manager Helen Griffiths brings over 20 years of experience in the travel industry to The Travel Team including several years working overseas in Turkey, Spain & Cape Verde.     Together they work in a team of five knowledgeable, well-travelled and experienced agents and through creating tailormade holiday experiences, the team has excellent customer retention which has helped to grow their existing client base.   Liz Beaty said: “We are thrilled to have joined Advantage earlier this year due to what the company has been able offer The Travel Team in terms of commercial agreements with tour operators as well as what they are providing us with for our marketing needs whether it’s promoting exclusive offers for customers, point of sale material or new initiatives. After Covid, we identified that we wanted to make some changes within the business and wanted to join a consortia that would offer us the support and development necessary so that we could strengthen and grow.”   Kelly Cookes, Chief Commercial Officer of The Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “We were delighted to have The Travel Team join Advantage earlier this year as we have seen the incredible experiences they have created for clients over the last 38 years. This year we’ve seen significant growth in our membership with over 50 new branches and more than £500 million in new member turnover. We have seen this growth come from across the travel agent sector with established businesses joining us from other consortia, brand new start-up businesses, and some which were previously unaffiliated to any consortia seeing the benefits and have joined us.”