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The Future Travel Coalition has launched a new survey today, which seeks to track the industry’s recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses from across the industry are encouraged to respond to the survey which will also track how businesses expect to fare with the cost of living crisis. The data gathered will be used to support the Coalition’s lobbying efforts over the coming weeks and months. The survey is open until 5pm on October 3 2022. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/KLQY88D Luke Petherbridge, Director of Public Affairs at ABTA – The Travel Association said: “The partners within the Future Travel Coalition have committed to continuing to work together to promote the value of the travel industry, and to urge the new Government to support travel businesses with the rising cost of doing business. “We saw throughout the pandemic the importance of having data and evidence to back-up our advocacy work. The evidence gathered in similar surveys played a critical role in overturning the decision to exclude retail travel agents from grants support, back in November 2020, and played a role in in achieving the removal of travel restrictions following the Omicron spike last year. “Having up to date information from businesses will provide solid evidence for the Coalition’s engagement with the new Government, and it’s vitally important that businesses across the travel sector take part and share their views. Clive Wratten, Chief Executive of The Business Travel Association said: “I really encourage all of the members of the Business Travel Association, and other Future Travel Coalition partners, to support the survey. Having up to the minute data on what is happening in the industry adds significant weight to conversations with politicians and other stakeholders.” The Future Travel Coalition brings together 15 travel associations, consortiums and other bodies from across the organised travel sector, representing a large proportion of the market including leisure and business travel, inbound and outbound operations.

Travel.Radio, the world’s first global digital radio station for people who love travel, is delighted to welcome one of the world’s premier lifestyle travel brands, Virgin Voyages, to the radio crew. Shane Riley, Vice President International Sales at Virgin Voyages, and Luke Day, National Training Manager, will debut the new show at 1pm on Thursday 18th October when the two will get together in the studio for the first time to present a double-handed two-hour show. They will be the regular presenters on the prime-time Thursday afternoon slot, for an initial six-week run sponsored by Virgin Voyages. Shane and Luke will bring a fun mix of news, views, chat and insider tips from the cruise world to Travel.Radio, very much reflecting the fun and vibrant Virgin brand. “We’re thrilled to have the chance to share our excitement about Virgin Voyages with the Travel.Radio audience,” says Shane Riley, Vice President of International Sales. “Our lady ships are making a big splash in the ocean waves and we can’t wait to do the same over the airwaves.” Launched in August 2021, Virgin Voyages currently operates two ships, Scarlet Lady, traveling from the USA to the Caribbean, and Valiant Lady, currently heading to Miami after her debut Mediterranean season. Resilient Lady, who will be sailing from Athens,  joins in May 202. Brilliant Lady will be joining the rest of the lady ships in late 2023. In just 12 months they have achieved top recognition for the unique cruising experiences they offer, including being awarded Cruise Critic’s ‘Best New Cruise Ship’ on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2022 Cruising “Hot List,” and recently being named one of the top ocean cruise lines in Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. Debbie Henley, CEO Travel.Radio: “With a new, fun and innovative way to attract adult sailors, Virgin Voyages is the perfect partner for Travel. Radio, also a first-of-its-kind with a whole new approach to global broadcasting helping brands to reach their target audience. “We are so excited to welcome Shane and Luke to our very talented and experienced presenting team and I know they will bring a new and fun presenting style, coupled with years of experience, which our listeners will love.” Cruising with Shane & Luke, powered by Virgin Voyages, will go on air at 1pm UK time on Thursday 18th October 2022. For overseas listeners in different time zones, or people who want to catch up, the shows will be available On Demand on the website www.travel.radio for two weeks after they are first broadcast.   ABOUT THE PRESENTERS SHANE RILEY Having spent the last 18 years working the travel industry, Shane started out from University as a trainee travel agent and did a stint as an overseas Holiday Rep. He progressed through the ranks working for some of the UK’s biggest brands before moving into the world of cruise. Shane was selected to launch Virgin Voyages in the UK and International marketing over four years ago. Since then, he has been promoted to Vice President of International Sales and leads the sales strategies across all Virgin Voyages’ international markets.     LUKE DAY A learning and development professional with 10-years experience in the travel industry, Luke began his professional journey in the aviation and events and exhibitions industries  and worked his way upwards, working for one of the most iconic brands in British aviation and the largest events and exhibition company in the world. Joining Virgin Voyages, Luke swapped wings for fins and became Scarlet Lady’s very first onboard Training Manager. Since then, he has moved to the commercial world and is now National Training Manager with Virgin Voyages, leading the learning engagement strategy and ensuring learning successfully partners with performance. ABOUT VIRGIN VOYAGES Virgin Voyages is a new lifestyle travel brand focused on delivering irresistible cruise vacations. Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady – the first and second ships in the fleet – were designed to reflect a yacht’s sleek luxury, offering the intimate, elevated experience of a boutique hotel at sea. Featuring spaces designed by some of the top names in contemporary interiors, the Lady Ships are exclusively adult, a sanctuary at sea for the 18+ traveller. A dose of Vitamin Sea is naturally intertwined across the entire ship, with well-being, relaxation and rejuvenation at the forefront. The fleet sails to 100 of the world’s most incredible destinations with 25+ unique itineraries across four continents. Each sailing offers alluring entertainment and Michelin-inspired menus served across 20+ world-class eateries. With a modern twist on luxury, coupled with discerning design, Virgin Voyages offers incredible value for its Sailors, including food, essential drinks, WiFi and group fitness classes, all covered in the voyage fare. ABOUT TRAVEL.RADIO Travel.Radio is an industry first, a global, digital radio station exclusively for those who work in or are associated with the world of travel or those who just love to travel.  It evolved from CCFM On Air, a radio station originally created at the start of the pandemic for cabin crew and airline colleagues which soon attracted the wider travel industry as well as members of the travelling public. The station broadcasts 24-hours a day with a popular mix of industry chat, great presenters, guests and music, and is available through the website, on Alexa and smart speakers and via the phone app.