SPAA ANNUAL TRAVEL AWARDS 2024

SPAA ANNUAL TRAVEL AWARDS 2024

DoubleTree by Hilton – Glasgow G2 3HN

Thursday 31st October 2024

Sincere congratulations go to our own travel industry legend and twice SPAA President Jimmy Martin – and the Jimmy Martin Travel team – who were declared Travel Agency of the Year at this year’s ATAS Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers conference in Leeds.

True to form, Jimmy was travelling (back from India) on the day, but his award was graciously accepted on his behalf by Christopher McCloskey (Riviera Travel).

Given the rapid growth of touring, expedition and adventure travel of all kinds in the Scottish market – it’s a timely and prestigious award to win and one that will take pride of place on the office shelves!

AI has key strengths to offer our travel sector, and as it continues to evolve they will become ever more important to our businesses – but I’d argue that AI-generated customer-facing staff is not one of them.

Just as automated hotel check-in is no where near infallible – just think of the ‘out of order’ signs that are a familiar feature in some hotel reception areas – the ‘human touch’ remains a key aspect of travel and hospitality contact. We all know what it feels like to roll-up at a check-in desk, or a busy

airline lounge or hotel foyer – delayed, frustrated and impatient – and yes we do expect professionalism + efficiency, but just as importantly a bit of empathy + understanding.

It’s a major element in what makes travel agents increasingly trusted and valued by leisure + business travellers of all backgrounds and demographics. We can, and no doubt will, augment it with new AI-generated features, but the ‘human touch’ will never be outdated or redundant.

Have a restful, relaxing weekend, #Staysafe and take care, you and yours!

All the best ~