Articles tagged “tour operators”

There is no CEO at Virgin Holidays, perhaps because of its very close relationship with airline Virgin Atlantic, instead it is led by a Managing Director. The latest changes at the top illustrate just how intertwined the two companies are.

The incoming U.S. President creates a classic 'crisis' and 'opportunity' situation for U.S.-China travel. Despite concern over tension between the two countries, Chinese business travelers see more potential investment opportunities under the new administration, while a strong dollar and continuing interest in China should continue the flow of Americans heading east.

Since the heady days of a stock market floatation in 2007, there has not been much to shout about for All Leisure Group. Like a number of other travel companies, it has not been able to cope with the level of geopolitical upheaval in key destinations. It is unlikely to be the only big travel casualty of 2017.

While Thomas Cook has yet to fully step out of the shadow of its near-collapse in 2011, the current management team has at least managed to steady the ship. But 2016 has presented its own challenges with terrorism in Turkey doing particular damage.

It's not around the corner but you can expect China's Ctrip to set up shop to compete against online and offline travel giants in the U.S. Breaking in through acquisition would be an obvious strategy although it's unclear whether that's actually part of Ctrip's seemingly very active strategic plan.

With these investments in North America and elsewhere, Ctrip is creating a new online travel agency model. It's one that goes beyond merely booking trips but guaranteeing service levels once travelers arrive abroad.

With the UK government seemingly determined to sever all ties with the European Union, things don’t look great for the travel industry. For the time being there’s not much companies can do but hope for the best.

Monarch’s history of financial struggles means that this isn’t likely to be the end of the saga. The company is talking about new investment but until this goes through, questions will continue to be asked about the company’s future.

It's a subtle change, but a change nonetheless. Virgin Holidays' growth plans cannot be met by going after the same old customers, it needs to broaden its appeal and try and convince holidaymakers who regularly fly to the Mediterranean to try something different.

New products like river cruising are taking the focus for Tauck, instead of any attempts reinvent the guided tour experience. Why mess with a classic approach to the vacation experience?