It was the author JK Rowling who wanted to try “ctrl-alt-del” on 2016 in the hope of being able to start again. While I may have wondered what an earth was going on with the world on many occasions, in fact, I found that the lows of 2016 meant that the highs were all the more brilliant.
The Rio Olympics and Paralympics, Major Tim Peake in space, Andy Murray being the world number one, Celebrity Cruises winning Travel Company of the Year at the TTG Travel Awards – and of course the Strictly final. In remembering these amazing moments, I’m taking an optimistic view of 2017.
The insight, expertise and peace of mind of a great travel agent has never been more valued by consumers. In a tumultuous world, travellers are looking for guidance and support. Our holidays have never been more important and it makes sense to have a skilled professional in charge of them.
Travel and infrastructure are firmly on the agenda of Theresa May’s new government. The approval for a third runway at Heathrow in autumn 2016 was a step in the right direction for the industry. I’m hopeful for more good news in 2017. More destinations are opening up to mainstream travel, delivering new opportunities. Cuba, Chile, Iran and many more places have increased direct flights and a renewed sense of excitement.
In 2017 Finland celebrates the centenary of its independence, it is the 70th anniversary of Indian independence, 100 years has passed since the Russian Revolution, and Aarhus in Denmark will be the European Capital of Culture. These events and anniversaries all provide platforms of awareness and a reason to book travel, and for agents and travel businesses something to take advantage of.
While I don’t doubt that there will be more unpredictability, uncertainty and change, travel businesses are getting ever better at tackling the unforeseen and our customers are wedded to the idea of great holidays.
Some of the bad times of the last few years, often sadly impacting destinations popular for UK holidaymakers, have seen the travel industry pull together. Resilience is a very British attribute, and one that I love about working in our sector.
I don’t want to predict that resilience will be a theme in 2017, but I’ve been in this business for too long to assume that we won’t all need a little bit of it. With Donald Trump about to be inaugurated as president of the US, those of us with colleagues and friends on the other side of the pond know that our skills in this area will be heavily leaned on.
In the spirit of the unbelievable coming true in 2016, I’m also holding out for the trend to continue, but with less of the darkness of the last 12 months. All I need is for Bake Off to return to the BBC and 2017 will be the best of years.
Jo Rzymowska is managing director UK & Ireland & Asia-Pacific at Celebrity Cruises
