Moving Forward Together Makes Us Stronger
- 04 Oct 2021
- Julia Lo Bue-Said
From 4am this morning, the rules in relation to international travel were updated with the traffic light system replaced by a Red List and a Rest of the World category. We also have the Common Travel Area which includes the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Ireland where no restrictions apply.
For vaccinated travellers, travel is becoming easier and cheaper particularly with the removal of the pre-departure test to return to the UK. We are also anticipating that we may hear this week confirmation on when Day 2 tests will be replaced with the cheaper antigen tests. Advantage members, please remember that at Advantage we have agreed discounted rates with testing providers: C19, Qured and Randox.
Last week at the Business Travel Show Europe we launched the rebrand of WIN, now known as The Advantage Global Network and we will shortly be encouraging members and partners to optimise the high profile of the Advantage brand across their own channels. Never has there been a better time for members to showcase that they are a member of the Advantage group.
I was also reflecting on last week’s Travel Industry by TTG Awards and being the recipient of the first-ever Travel Legend Award. I am proud beyond belief of all we have achieved as an organisation; of how we raised our heads above the parapets and said what had to be said; of how we implemented from day one our video communications and how we have, through adversity, showcased agents both for leisure and business travel as the go-to for booking future travel. Raising the importance of human interaction during a booking process, ensuring clarity and a measured response across national media.
The Travel Legend Award has only been possible with the ongoing dedicated commitment and support of my Advantage team, our external public relations team, the Advantage membership and our suppliers, and support from across our Global Network. Never before has there been a time to come together, to have each other’s backs and to do all we can to support the wider industry.
We are all bruised and tired but moving forward together indeed makes us stronger, watch this space!
Julia Lo Bue-Said is CEO at The Advantage Travel Partnership
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