The number of Atol holders has continued to rise, signalling positive growth within the package travel industry. Recent figures depict a vibrant and expanding sector, bolstered by an upswing in licence renewals.
For the second consecutive year, the number of Atol licence holders has increased, demonstrating resilience in the travel industry. Renewals collected last March surpass previous years, marking a triumph against earlier declines.
The Atol scheme has witnessed a remarkable increase in licence holders, rising to a total of 1,630. This achievement follows a period of stagnation, where numbers had previously remained at 1,619 in March 2023. Such growth underscores a revived confidence within the package travel industry, hinting at promising prospects for the future.
Among the notable increases, We Love Holidays leads with an additional 1,337,658 packages, followed by On the Beach and Virgin Holidays, which have also seen significant uplifts. Travel Counsellors added 12,074, further contributing to the overall rise.
Despite such obstacles, the system’s efficiency has been praised. The collective efforts of companies to ensure timely renewals signal robust internal strategies to navigate bureaucratic hurdles.
This shift is highlighted by Bowen’s observation that increasing numbers of companies are opting for direct sales, often foregoing Abta membership, which some now see as an unnecessary expense.
Jordan also emphasized that their members sell a broad spectrum of holidays, not limited to traditional flight-based packages, highlighting Abta’s adaptability.
Alan Bowen expressed cautious optimism about the trend towards larger licences, warning that some companies might be overestimating potential gains.
In summary, the travel industry has demonstrated robust resilience and adaptability, as evidenced by the recent Atol licence renewals. This progress is indicative of a healthy sector poised for future expansion.
The steady increase in Atol holders underscores a thriving travel sector ready to embrace growth.
With increased capacities and strategic expansions, the package travel industry is on a trajectory for continued success.
