Latest news with #AdvantageTravelPartnership
The Independent
06-08-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Travel agents hit out at claim by Booking.com boss that ‘AI can find the best holiday for you'
Travel industry leaders have hit out at assertions by 's chief executive, Glenn Fogel, that artificial intelligence could replace traditional agents. The boss of the global accommodation platform told the BBC Today programme: 'This is the most transformative type of technology in the world has ever seen. ' AI enables our customers to go to our site, They go to the text box and they can just type in natural language, just like you would be talking to a human travel agent – 'I'd like to have a hotel that's a three star, I'd like it to be on the beach with a view of the water and I'd like to have a gym'. It's so much easier, that natural search, it's just the simplest thing.' Mr Fogel then claimed artificial intelligence could find a traveller's ideal holiday. He said: 'We have a thing called the AI trip planner, which can go back and forth like you're having a conversation with a human travel agent. 'It's not a human travel agent, it's our AI doing it, but it's just like you're dealing with a human travel agent to come up with what really is going to be the best holiday for you.' But Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, said: 'At its heart, travel is and always will be about human connection. It's about understanding individual needs, crafting experiences that resonate emotionally, and offering a level of care that technology alone cannot replicate. 'This is where the irreplaceable value of a human travel agent shines: combining years of experience, professional insight, and a deep commitment to consumer protection.' Ashley Quint, director of the Hertfordshire agency Travel Time World, said: 'I would suggest that the best travel agents would call the majority of the clients friends, and know what they would like more than they know themselves. 'This kind of technology is only as good as what you feed it, and that could lead it down the wrong avenues. Human agents are pretty good at coming up with left-field suggestions based on their experience and know would be ideal. 'When there's a problem or emergency with empathy, there isn't a substitute for really good, personal customer service.' Ms Lo Bue Said concurred, saying: 'In today's increasingly complex and unpredictable world, travel disruptions are not just possible, they're inevitable. And during those stressful moments, travellers don't want to be left navigating automated systems or chatbots. 'They seek empathy, reassurance and real-time problem-solving from someone who genuinely understands their situation. There's immeasurable comfort in hearing a familiar voice say, 'Don't worry, I'll take care of this'. 'It's about being present, accountable, and responsive when travellers need it most. AI can assist, but it cannot replace the human ability to listen, adapt and act with compassion and urgency and we shouldn't pretend it can.'
Wales Online
10-07-2025
- Wales Online
Brits heading to Spain and Turkey issued price rise warning
Brits heading to Spain and Turkey issued price rise warning Prices to some of the UK's favourite holiday destinations are surging Spain - a firm favourite among Brits - has seen a surge in prices when it comes to family package holidays Brits are being warned that the cost of a family package holiday to some of their favourite holiday destinations is surging. Figures compiled for the BBC by TravelSupermarket show the likes of Spain, Turkey, and Cyprus are among the hardest hit. According to the stats, the average price for a week in Cyprus in August has gone up by 23 per cent, from £950 per person to £1,166. Spain has gone up from £835 to £914, while Greece has gone from £926 to £1,038. The United Arab Emirates has seen the biggest jump, going from £1,210 to £1,525 - a jump of 26 per cent. Only two countries among the top 10 most searched for have seen a drop. Italy has gone down 11 per cent, from £1,129 to £1,266, while Tunisia has dropped 4 per cent, from £794 to £763. Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of travel agent industry group Advantage Travel Partnership, said the price rises were down to the high inflation seen across the world in recent years. "These increases simply keep pace with the broader cost of doing business and reflect the reality of higher operational costs, from increased energy bills affecting hotels, to elevated food costs impacting restaurants and rising wages across the hospitality sector," she told the BBC. Article continues below However, she said Brits do have money to spend, pointing at customers frequently upgrading to premium, all-inclusive packages and booking more expensive cabin seats on long-haul flights to locations such as Dubai. Consumer champion Which? added that prices were high because, although prices for things such as food and energy have increased, demand for foreign holidays in the UK remains strong. This is likely a result of wage growth continuing to outstrip inflation, giving Brits more spending power. Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said: 'While inflation has started to ease over the last year, our latest research has shown holiday prices bucking the trend, with a combination of increased demand, alongside rising energy and fuel costs, contributing to higher prices for holidaymakers." Article continues below 'Booking early is almost always your best chance of securing the best rate," he continued. 'Take the time to shop around, and if you're holidaying with kids, consider travelling in the last week of summer holidays, as we've previously found this can be the cheapest week in the peak season.'
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Prices of all-inclusive family package holidays soar by 26% amid cost-living-crisis - but two popular destinations buck the trend
British tourists are facing steep price increases for all-inclusive family package holidays abroad this year to popular destinations such as Spain, Cyprus and Turkey. The price of a week to Cyprus has surged to an average of £1,166 per person for seven nights next month - up by 23 per cent from £950 in August last year. But trips to the United Arab Emirates have seen the biggest rise - a 26 per cent jump from £1,210 to £1,525, according to data compiled by TravelSupermarket. Holidays to Spain have gone up in cost by 9 per cent from £835 to £914, while stays in Greece have increased by 12 per cent from £926 to £1,038. Turkey, which has increasingly become a lower-cost alternative compared to other European destinations closer to the UK, is up by 15 per cent from £874 to £1,003. Portugal has risen 4 per cent from £936 to £972, while Egypt is up 20 per cent from £981 to £1,176 and Malta has increased 8 per cent from £804 to £866. Out of the top ten most searched countries, only Italy and Tunisia have seen prices drop – down 11 per cent to £1,129 and 4 per cent to £763 respectively. The figures were published by BBC News which reported travel agents are saying UK tourists are now booking shorter stays or travelling mid-week for a cheaper price. The data was based on online searches on TravelSupermarket between April 18 and June 17, for all-inclusive, seven-night family holidays in August 2024 and 2025. Julia Lo Bue-Said, from the Advantage Travel Partnership representing travel agents, said: 'These increases simply keep pace with the broader cost of doing business.' She also told MailOnline that the rises 'reflect the reality of higher operational costs, from increased energy bills affecting hotels, to elevated food costs impacting restaurants and rising wages across the hospitality sector'. But Ms Lo Bue-Said pointed out that some customers still had plenty of money to spend, given they were upgrading to more premium all-inclusive packages and booking more expensive seats on long-haul flights to destinations such as Dubai. She continued: 'Despite the continued cost-of-living crisis, the desire to travel has shown no sign of slowing down, and the luxury travel market is one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry. 'As people look to make the most of the holidays they take, there is an increase in demand for luxury breaks and more personalised service, which again increases prices.' Ms Lo Bue-Said said this year marks the 75th anniversary of the all-inclusive holiday, and today they represent over 40 per cent of sales through its travel agency network. Chris Webber, head of deals at TravelSupermarket, said: 'Like most things, family summer holidays have become more expensive over the past 12 months — and our data at TravelSupermarket backs that up. 'We've seen price rises of between 4 and 26 per cent across popular destinations like Spain, Greece, Turkey, the UAE and Portugal. 'These increases are likely tied to rising fuel prices driving up flight costs, along with hotel expenses rising due to energy costs — which in turn pushes up food and drink costs for all-inclusive packages.'
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Yahoo
Holidays to Spain, Cyprus and Turkey soar in price
All-inclusive family package holidays from the UK have jumped in price for some of the most popular destinations, including Spain, Cyprus and Turkey. The average price for a week in Cyprus in August has gone up by 23%, from £950 per person to £1,166, figures compiled for the BBC by TravelSupermarket show. Of the top 10 most-searched countries, Italy and Tunisia are the only ones to see prices drop by 11% and 4% respectively compared with 2024. Travel agents say holidaymakers are booking shorter stays or travelling mid-week to cut costs. The top five destinations in order of most searched are: Spain, Greece, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Portugal. They have all seen price rises. Trips to the UAE have seen the biggest jump, up 26% from £1,210 in August 2024 to £1,525 this year. Cyprus had the next biggest rise and came in at number nine in terms of search popularity. The figures are based on online searches, made on TravelSupermarket from 18 April to 17 June, for all-inclusive, seven-night family holidays in August 2024 and 2025. While this snapshot of data reveals a general trend, costs will vary depending on exactly where a family goes and when they book. Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of travel agent industry group Advantage Travel Partnership, said the price rises were down to a number of factors. "These increases simply keep pace with the broader cost of doing business and reflect the reality of higher operational costs, from increased energy bills affecting hotels, to elevated food costs impacting restaurants and rising wages across the hospitality sector," she said. But she added the group had seen evidence that some holidaymakers still had money to spend. Some customers were upgrading to more premium all-inclusive packages and booking more expensive cabin seats on long-haul flights to locations such as Dubai, she said. Holiday destinations are a frequent topic of conversation at the hairdressers. At Voodou in Liverpool, Ellie Mooney talked to us as she got a last-minute trim before jetting off to Turkey. "We've been going for the past 20 years or so. We normally book a year ahead then save up in dribs and drabs," she said. Hope Curran, 21, was getting her highlights done and she and her partner had just got back from holiday in Rhodes in Greece. "We did an all-inclusive trip because it was a bit more manageable, but it's not cheap," she said. End of life care nurse Francesca Ramsden, 35, from Rossendale, has made it her mission to cut the cost of holidays, saving where she can and hunting for a bargain at every turn. "My husband is sick of me, he'll ask 'have you found anything yet' and I'll say no, rocking in the corner after looking for 10,000 hours. "The longest I've booked a holiday in advance is two to three months and I find that the closer you get, the cheaper it is." She said she spent hours trying to save as much as possible on a May half-term break to Fuerte Ventura for her family of four which came in at £1,600. She now shares her budgeting tips on social media. "I've mastered the art of packing a week's worth of clothes into a backpack. I always book the earliest or latest flight I can, and midweek when it's cheaper." Luke Fitzpatrick, a travel consultant at Perfect Getaways in Liverpool, said people were cutting the length of their holidays to save money. "Last year we did a lot for 10 nights and this year we've got a lot of people dropping to four or seven nights, just a short little weekend vacation, just getting away in the sun," he said. He has also seen more people choosing to wait until the last minute to book a trip away. "People are coming in with their suitcases asking if they can go away today or tomorrow," he added. "Yesterday we had a couple come in with their passports and we got them on a flight last night from Liverpool to Turkey." Choose a cheaper location. A UK holiday eliminates travel and currency costs, but overseas destinations vary a lot too To decide whether all-inclusive will save you money, first look at local costs for eating out and don't forget about drinks and airport transfers Travel outside the school holidays if you can Booking early can help, especially if you have to travel at peak times Check whether you can get a cheaper flight by travelling mid-week Haggle. Call the travel agent to see if they can better the price you found online Choose destinations where the value of the pound is strong. This year that includes Turkey, Bulgaria and Portugal Source: Which? and TravelSupermarket
BBC News
09-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Package holidays to Spain, Cyprus and Turkey soar in price
All-inclusive family package holidays from the UK have jumped in price for some of the most popular destinations, including Spain, Cyprus and average price for a week in Cyprus in August has gone up by 23%, from £950 per person to £1,166, figures compiled for the BBC by TravelSupermarket the top 10 most-searched countries, Italy and Tunisia are the only ones to see prices drop by 11% and 4% respectively compared with agents say holidaymakers are booking shorter stays or travelling mid-week to cut costs. The top five destinations in order of most searched are: Spain, Greece, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Portugal. They have all seen price to the UAE have seen the biggest jump, up 26% from £1,210 in August 2024 to £1,525 this year. Cyprus had the next biggest rise and came in at number nine in terms of search figures are based on online searches, made on TravelSupermarket from 18 April to 17 June, for all-inclusive, seven-night family holidays in August 2024 and this snapshot of data reveals a general trend, costs will vary depending on exactly where a family goes and when they book. Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of travel agent industry group Advantage Travel Partnership, said the price rises were down to a number of factors."These increases simply keep pace with the broader cost of doing business and reflect the reality of higher operational costs, from increased energy bills affecting hotels, to elevated food costs impacting restaurants and rising wages across the hospitality sector," she she added the group had seen evidence that some holidaymakers still had money to spend. Some customers were upgrading to more premium all-inclusive packages and booking more expensive cabin seats on long-haul flights to locations such as Dubai, she said. Holiday destinations are a frequent topic of conversation at the Voodou in Liverpool, Ellie Mooney talked to us as she got a last-minute trim before jetting off to Turkey."We've been going for the past 20 years or so. We normally book a year ahead then save up in dribs and drabs," she Curran, 21, was getting her highlights done and she and her partner had just got back from holiday in Rhodes in Greece."We did an all-inclusive trip because it was a bit more manageable, but it's not cheap," she said. End of life care nurse Francesca Ramsden, 35, from Rossendale, has made it her mission to cut the cost of holidays, saving where she can and hunting for a bargain at every turn."My husband is sick of me, he'll ask 'have you found anything yet' and I'll say no, rocking in the corner after looking for 10,000 hours."The longest I've booked a holiday in advance is two to three months and I find that the closer you get, the cheaper it is."She said she spent hours trying to save as much as possible on a May half-term break to Fuerte Ventura for her family of four which came in at £1, now shares her budgeting tips on social media."I've mastered the art of packing a week's worth of clothes into a backpack. I always book the earliest or latest flight I can, and midweek when it's cheaper." Luke Fitzpatrick, a travel consultant at Perfect Getaways in Liverpool, said people were cutting the length of their holidays to save money."Last year we did a lot for 10 nights and this year we've got a lot of people dropping to four or seven nights, just a short little weekend vacation, just getting away in the sun," he has also seen more people choosing to wait until the last minute to book a trip away. "People are coming in with their suitcases asking if they can go away today or tomorrow," he added."Yesterday we had a couple come in with their passports and we got them on a flight last night from Liverpool to Turkey." How to save money on your holiday Choose a cheaper location. A UK holiday eliminates travel and currency costs, but overseas destinations vary a lot tooTo decide whether all-inclusive will save you money, first look at local costs for eating out and don't forget about drinks and airport transfersTravel outside the school holidays if you canBooking early can help, especially if you have to travel at peak timesCheck whether you can get a cheaper flight by travelling mid-weekHaggle. Call the travel agent to see if they can better the price you found onlineChoose destinations where the value of the pound is strong. This year that includes Turkey, Bulgaria and PortugalSource: Which? and TravelSupermarket
