Unpacked, by TTG

Are traditional ship visits still the best way for travel agents to get to know a cruise brand – or have they had their day? In this episode of Unpacked by TTG, we explore how ship visits are changing, whether a few hours onboard can really deliver the knowledge and experience agents need to sell with confidence, and how cruise lines can make these experiences more relevant and commercially valuable. We’re joined by Princess Cruises’ Yas McKechnie to discuss what makes a great ship visit, who should qualify, how success should be measured – and what the future of agent training and ship experiences could look like.

In this episode of Unpacked by TTG, Editor in Chief Sophie Griffiths is joined by Cuba specialist Matt O'Sullivan to explore the deepening crisis facing one of the Caribbean's most iconic destinations. What have been the impact of US sanctions, fuel shortages and collapsing tourism on everyday life in Cuba? And could recent diplomatic talks between Cuba and the United States mark the beginning of a recovery? The conversation explores whether Cuba remains a viable destination for travellers, what travel agents need to know right now, and how quickly tourism could bounce back if conditions improve. It's an honest, insightful discussion about the challenges facing the country today – and why the travel trade shouldn't write Cuba off just yet.

On this episode, the TTG team are joined by Alan Bowen, legal advisor to the Association of Atol Companies, and northern-based travel agent Tony Mann, director of Idle Travel, as they explore what a potential Andy Burnham premiership could mean for the UK travel industry. What might the 'King of the North's' policies on regional devolution, business rates, and aviation expansion mean for the sector? Plus could his pro-EU leanings help ease ongoing European border friction? Is a Burnham-led Britain really the boost of optimism high street agencies need, or will further political instability cause a long-term headache for outbound travel?

On this episode, the TTG team are joined by travel agent Jackie Stedman, founder of Travel Time World, and Jo Kolatsis, director at Themis Advisory, as they explore the industry-wide headache caused by the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) new price transparency guidance. The panel delves into what these rules actually mean for travel agents and break down the widespread confusion regarding whether agents are being forced to disclose all their supplier partners on social media and window cards. Are these new rules really as big a problem as many in travel fear or has it all all been blown out of proportion?

Travel agents are having to sell in a very tricky lates market at the moment. To compound matters, there are EU Entry-Exit System issues are still being ironed out and there's still the looming spectre of a potential jet fuel crisis hanging over the industry. So what holidays are travel agents pushing to their clients this week? The TTG news team explain why agents are tending to choose one holiday type over the others.

The latest episode of Unpacked by TTG explores the decline in travel and tourism to the USA, and whether the World Cup, kicking off on June 11, can stimulate demand to a country which has seen a significant slow down in interest from numerous markets. But why is this? Is it really all the fault of Donald Trump – is the Trump Slump real? Or are there other factors at play? And how can travel agents and tour operators help to reignite interest in what still remains one of the world's most unique destinations...? Listen as Guy Novik, CEO of USAirtours and Travel Counsellor Jamie Evans offer their take alongside hosts TTG Editor-in-Chief Sophie Griffiths and Head of Partner Content Madeleine Barber.

On this latest episode of TTG's News in Brief, TTG's Sophie Griffiths and Harry Kemble dissect the TTG Agenda 2026 breakfast briefing which saw the release of exclusive data from consumers and travel bosses about the state of the market. Plus travel leaders revealed their own takes on the current market, and find out why despite the Middle East crisis and economic concerns facing the sector, one travel leader believes there is still "opportunity" to be had...

On this special edition of our News in Brief podcast, managing editor James Chapple quizzes Advantage's commercial director John Sullivan on how they're supporting members in the current climate of uncertainty, his predictions for the rest of the year and why we really need to speaking to – rather than writing to – our AI friends...