Page 10 - 364655 LP243790A Travel Matters Magazine 52pp A4 (July 2022)
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Hello and welcome everyone to my latest update on our SPAA.
A very warm welcome to you all.
The recent hot weather has been
a welcome bonus for us in the UK, although travel agents have been experiencing a different kind of heat with the ongoing problems regarding baggage, schedule delays and cancellations at certain UK airports which unfortunately is continuing to create issues and generate negative headlines in the media.
I know that everyone - airlines and airports along with ancillary service providers, are doing their very best to resolve these issues, as clearly this is in everyone’s interest to do so - but the longer this goes on, the less likely the travelling public’s confidence and enthusiasm to travel will continue.
As agents, we strive to do our best for our customers, however frustration
does creep in when you hold on the phone for six hours to speak with a supplier. I have received numerous examples of such but as always, we will persevere and get there in the end. Let’s hope for a solution at the earliest opportunity and put all this recent disruption firmly behind us. Hopefully the recruitment of key personnel will continue at pace and all necessary training and clearances will be completed and in place soon.
On the plus side, load factors from Scotland are being reported by carriers as positive and good projections are noted for the coming summer season. The news from the US on the removal of pre-departure testing was also greatly welcomed and a boost to the direct flights departing Scotland to the States.
The recent World Cup qualifying rounds ended in disappointment for Scotland and indeed Ukraine, who knocked them out, but to the advantage of Wales who eventually came out top.
We wish them all the very best and look forward to an exciting tournament and the boost that travel agents will undoubtedly receive from football fans flying into Qatar with their respective teams. As a result this should help generate some good traffic numbers later on in the year.
Sadly we have to report the passing of two previous SPAA Presidents - John Lynch and Ian Reilly. Representatives from your Association were at both of the memorial services and for those who knew these gentlemen well, it was indeed a solemn occasion but also an opportunity to celebrate their lives and the service they both gave to the SPAA.
THE VOICE OF TRAVEL IN SCOTLAND
Our regular meetings with our associates continue to be held and
we are looking forward to the SPAA involvement in the cross party aviation working group which will convene at the Holyrood parliament.
When you read this, we will have already had our summer event at the Glasgow Science Centre and for those of you who attended, I’m sure you’ll agree that a great time was had by all. It was nice for us to get some respite and enjoy a very sociable evening together.
Our annual golf event will again be held in Lanark in August and this is always a great fun day, although in my case not necessarily the best golf round (it’s not the winning – it’s the taking part!). Our generous sponsors contribute some fantastic prizes and there are excellent networking opportunities, so get
your teams together and send in your applications.
This year we are launching our Sparkle Awards and this is a great opportunity to recognise and reward those within our Travel Agency community who you feel deserve recognition for jobs well done, going above and beyond and making an impact in their respective companies. Application forms are on the SPAA website at spaa.org.
It’s important that these contributions are recognised so please forward your nominations by 22nd July to ensure these travel ambassador’s stories
are heard.
Take care and stay safe.
Mike Tibbert SPAA President
spaa annual
Open to Members & Associates plus guests, why not bring a team of four for a great day of golf and networking.
• :am Bacon rolls/Coffee/Tea • Midday Tee off • :pm High Tea
Golf day
Fabulous prizes up for grabs!
Email: secretary@spaa.org for more details
Kindly sponsored by
LANARK GOLF CLUB
Thursday 18th August 2022
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