We all know Christmas is a special time for children and adults. It’s a time of magic and dreams coming true and it all starts with that all-important letter to Father Christmas. And this year I have a little Christmas wish list of my own for Santa when it comes to the travel industry. Here are some of the things I’d like to see happen (or not happen!) this coming year…
- A drop in fuel prices – if aviation fuel prices tumble further this means better value holidays so families thinking of a February half-term holiday or Easter break would be quids in.
- Weather - 2015 saw abnormally warm summer weather in the UK with a June heat wave resulted in our Orlando 2016 bookings up by 16%. Another heat wave in 2016 wouldn’t go amiss, although severe rain and snow in the UK this winter may have a similar effect!
- Growth in the UK economy – The UK economy’s growth slowed in the third quarter of this year. However, Britain is among one of the few shining lights in the global economy this year as the world sees the slowest period of growth since the depths of the financial crisis. I’m hoping for significant continued growth in 2016, which will help everyone.
- Higher wages - The minimum wage increased this year, and the National Living Wage (NLW) will be introduced in April 2016. Thanks in advance Santa George!
- Research from Abta’s Holiday Habits Report in 2015 showed an increase in the number of overseas holidays taken in the year. It would be great to see this continue in 2016!
- Security – Airport security has been in the news lately following the events in Sharm el Sheikh. I wish we no longer needed security but hope the same levels of security checks are applied everywhere in the world.
- Natural Disasters – So far this year we seem to have had fewer natural disasters and long may it continue as the effect on locals and their tourism economy can be devastating.
- Atol changes – Make everyone aware and understand the risks if they don’t buy flight and hotel products from Atol licensed businesses
I hope you all get what you wish for and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Stephen Rhodes is managing director of Funway Holidays
