Last week saw the Advantage Travel Partnership's member and supplier community gather for its annual Big Celebration Lunch in London; CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said committed to "ris[ing] to the challenge of tackling today's issues head-on"
In her opening speech, the ever-present CEO took "the opportunity to shine a light on excellence."
Noting a global turnover of over £17 billion in 2024, member turnover growth of 16% year-on-year, and 50 new branches across all of Advantage's operating models, Julia described 2024 as "another exceptionally strong year. A year when we have made significant progress as a business – delivering against our strategic goals, as well as building a strong financial performance in order to deliver on future investment opportunities aligned with delivering our vision."
Most importantly of all, 2024 has seen Advantage "members continue to thrive."
While the pandemic is largely in the rearview mirror (Julia believes it is "the first [year] since the pandemic that has truly felt like a return to some form of normality,"), several challenges still face travel. Lo Bue-Said noted the "many uncertainties, geopolitical challenges and headwinds before us."
The recent budget, described by Julia as "a further devastating blow to businesses of all sizes," is one such barrier to potential success. In spite of that, the Advantage Travel Partnership remains sure that "travel isn't just a luxury – it's fundamental to human wellbeing. UK outbound travel has thrived over the last few years, and demand for 2025 is looking no different."
That belief makes it all the more reassuring that one of the industry's stalwarts feels that, "True to our industry's resilient spirit, I know that we will rise to the challenge of tackling today's issues head-on with our members continuing to do what they do best: delivering unforgettable, tailored experiences for consumers and corporate travellers."
The Advantage Travel Partnership Big Celebration Lunch took place in London on December 6th, 2024.
