When I qualified as a solicitor in the mid 1980s, there were around 30,000 solicitors on the roll. There are now around 135,000 practising solicitors, as well as an increasing number of paralegals. It has long been my view that … Continued

When I took over the Federation of Tour Operators in 2003, I wrote out a list of lobbying objectives, which was started by calling for reform of the Package Travel Directive, to reflect the changes in the market since 1990. … Continued

Like many people, I was surprised, and more than a little disappointed by the outcome of the EU Referendum. My surprise actually seems to have been shared even by those calling for a Leave vote – with Nigel Farage originally … Continued

The Balearic Islands introduce an Eco Tax on the 1st July. This is charged at various rates on all tourists arriving in Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza, ranging from €0.50 to €2 per day (+ 10% VAT) per traveller, depending on … Continued

I was recently lucky enough to be invited to attend the launch of a new history of the package holiday[1]. Looking round the 20 odd attendees, who collectively represented between 750 and 1,000 years’ experience, and sharing anecdotes with that … Continued

The topic of night flights is once again in the media, following the recent announcement by Heathrow airport that it was willing to accept the proposed restrictions put forward by the Davies Commission in order to secure agreement to build … Continued

A recent working visit to Dubai has got me thinking about what outbound tourism from the UK and other parts of Europe will look like in the future, and where we will choose to take out holidays.   For many … Continued

Terrorist attacks across the world are now happening with a frightening regularity. In March 2016 alone, there were 9 major terrorism incidents (Brussels, 2 in Turkey – Ankara and Istanbul, 3 in Pakistan – Shabqadar, Peshawar and Lahore, Ivory, Nigeria … Continued

I received in my inbox the other day an email from the Department of Business informing me about their newly published Call for Evidence on Terms and Conditions and Consumer Protection fining powers. Sad man that I am, I look … Continued

I recently stumbled across an article in the Times of India, reporting that Thomas Cook India had entered into an agreement to work with Airbnb to supply accommodation to Indian outbound travellers.   Whilst Thomas Cook India no longer has … Continued