Fast-forward a year, and Tunisia is proving, as On The Beach put it, “an incredibly popular destination”. Thomas Cook has already expanded its programme. Now, Tui, which admitted to TTG back in October it was “keeping an eye” on its rival’s programme, has also announced its return to the North African country. With just four weekly flights it is a small step for the travel giant. But it is significant – most of the 38 holidaymakers killed in the Sousse terror attack were Tui customers, 33 in total. The operator’s decision to return to Tunisia is a show of faith in the country’s safety.
Another North African country attracting headlines this week is Egypt, with Russia announcing plans to resume flights to Cairo and reports it may also return to Sharm. It was the bombing of a Russian aircraft in November 2015 which prompted many countries to ban the use of Sharm’s airport. Russia’s return to Sharm would send a similarly powerful message and beg the question, could the UK be next?
With Turkey also performing well, 2018 could herald a loosening of the Western Med capacity squeeze which has dominated recent summers.
Greater choice can only be good news for the sector.
Royal Makeover winner
Twelve months ago the prospect of a newly refurbished store also seemed a distant dream for Ireland-based agency Atlantic Travel Worldchoice, but after winning Royal Caribbean’s £20,000 Royal Makeover competition, in association with TTG, it has become a reality. Find out how the Letterkenny-based agency used its £20,000 prize – and an interior design company – to transform its store.
