Tag: europe

Travel Habits Changing: The Impact of Rising Airport Fees

Over the Christmas and New Year break, when you have too much free time on your hands, I find myself doing things I wouldn’t normally do. Facebook and Instagram are platforms I use on a daily basis in my working life, but X — or Twitter in old money — I rarely use. However, when I have time, I find myself going down a rabbit hole of scrolling and commenting on some of the absolute rubbish that people write. I know I should just leave it alone, but sometimes I can’t help myself.

While we were away, we discovered that we needed to get Jude, our youngest, back for a game of football and training. If we had known beforehand, then maybe we wouldn’t have gone, but we had already booked four days away to see family and friends. Luckily, we were staying with some friends near Gatwick Airport, so we booked him an early-morning flight from there. I took the liberty of checking whether there was a charge to drop someone at the airport, as I knew that Luton — where we had flown from — charged £7.00. I couldn’t believe it when I read that they had put their charge up from £7 to £10.00!

So, of course, I decided to send a tweet to the airport:

How does @Gatwick_Airport substantiate a £10 drop-off charge when my @easyJet flight in January costs €19? #ripoffbritain

Within minutes, I got a reply from the airport:

Hi, while we will be increasing our drop-off charge from £7 to £10, passengers can be dropped off for free in our long-stay car parks, with a free shuttle bus to the terminal. Blue Badge holders remain exempt from the charge. The drop-off charge helps to limit the number of cars, reduce congestion, and fund a number of sustainable transport initiatives. It also plays a role in encouraging more passengers and staff to use public transport to reach the airport. Thanks, Grace

Then came the pile-on, with loads of comments mainly chastising the airport for what is basically a money grab. For a few hours, I actually went viral, which was fun. But the more serious side of me focused on the attitude of UK airports towards their passengers arriving at the airport.

London City: £13.00 (10 mins)

Heathrow: £7.00 (10 mins)

Manchester: £6.40 (10 mins)

Glasgow: £6.00 (10 mins)

Belfast: £3.00 (10 mins)

Cardiff: £3.00 (10 mins)

Compare that to some of the major airports around the world:

Palma: Free 

Paris (CDG, Orly): Free

Madrid (Barajas): Free

Frankfurt: Free

Barcelona: Free

New York JFK: Free

Dubai: Free

Seamus McCauley, Head of Public Affairs at Holiday Extras, commented:

“Airport drop-off fees have quietly become one of the fastest-rising costs of going on holiday. What used to be a quick goodbye can now cost up to £10 — and that’s before you factor in fines if it takes a little longer than anticipated.”

According to a new report, because of the financial squeeze in the UK, several long-standing travel habits are quietly being ditched this year. From packing techniques to what travellers get up to once they are inside airports, there are plenty of changes being made.

The biggest behaviour being dropped is holidaymakers no longer drinking and dining as much in airports. For some, an airport pint or a full English is the perfect fuel before a flight, but it appears this might not be as popular anymore. Rising prices and the overall cost of living mean more people are packing permitted snacks in their hand luggage to cut expenses and avoid buying food and drink at airports.

As for what travellers are putting in their bags, this has changed too. Passengers are now less likely to overpack, with many leaving the bad habit behind to avoid extra charges and baggage fees. Low-cost flights still exist, but by the time you’ve added on the extras, they aren’t anywhere near the price advertised. It’s mad that an airport drop-off, a bag that doesn’t fit the airline’s sizer, or even a caramel macchiato can actually cost more than a flight.

The travel industry needs to make sure it doesn’t price itself out of the market.

Sant Sebastià 2026: A Festival of Music and Tradition in Mallorca

Spain is widely known for its tradition of fiestas. A fiesta in Spain is a vibrant festival or celebration, often rooted in religious holidays honouring saints or commemorating historical events, but also encompassing cultural, seasonal, or modern parties. These celebrations typically feature music, parades, food, fireworks, and unique local traditions.

The patron saint of Palma de Mallorca is Saint Sebastian (Sant Sebastià), a Roman soldier martyred for his faith. His feast day is celebrated with major festivities in the city in the middle of January featuring concerts, bonfires, and traditional parades such as the Correfoc. He became the city’s patron after his relic was brought to the Cathedral, coinciding with the end of a plague and symbolising protection against epidemics.

This Friday, January the 16th the Crystal Fighters take to the stage in Plaça d’Espanya. They are an English-American electronic music band formed in London in 2007. Known for their explosive fusion of electronic music, folk influences, and festival energy, the band promises one of the international highlights of this year’s programme. Their Instagram says they are excited to start the New Year together with a free concert for all. 

On Saturday, January the 17th, the now-popular tardeos will spread across Plaça del Rei Joan Carles I and Plaça Major, with DJ sessions and live performances aimed at a broad audience. It’s a format that continues to grow in popularity, perfect for enjoying music during the afternoon while soaking up the atmosphere of Palma’s city centre.

Everything will culminate on January the 19th with the Revetla de Sant Sebastià, when simultaneous concerts will take over multiple city squares. Urban music and electrolatino will dominate Plaça d’Espanya, local talent and tradition will shine in Plaça Major, Catalan pop and Balearic sounds will fill Plaça del Rei Joan Carles I, and rock history will resonate in Plaça de Cort.

All in all, Sant Sebastià 2026 is shaping up to be a celebration marked by diversity, blending generations, traditions, and musical styles into a vibrant cultural offering that once again places Palma’s streets at the heart of the party.

Mallorca’s Tourism Strategy: Diversification and Sustainability Goals

This past week has seen the World Travel Market in London, where the great and the good of the travel world descend on the Excel Centre to showcase their wares. Mallorca focused on diversification and sustainability as the new buzzwords, while the Government continues to fend off questions about tourismphobia.

There are three main travel markets in Europe: the WTM in London in November, Fitur in Madrid in January, and the ITB in Berlin in March. The majority of Mallorca’s tourist numbers come from three countries:

Germany: The largest single source market for tourists in Mallorca, accounting for around 40% of total tourist traffic. In 2024, estimates suggest over 5 million German visitors. Reports indicate that this year there has been a decrease in the number of German tourists.

United Kingdom: The second-largest market, typically making up around 26% of visitors. In 2024, there were an estimated 3.58 million British tourists. Reports suggest that the British helped save the summer season this year, with a slight decline in visitor numbers in July and August but a significant increase in September.

Spain: Domestic tourism from mainland Spain is also a key market, with approximately 1.8 million visitors estimated in 2024.

We are starting to see more and more visitors from other countries. In my concierge business, I have met and spoken with people from the USA, France, Italy, Austria, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Iraq, and Singapore. Next year, we are expecting flights from Canada, Abu Dhabi, and possibly South Africa.

For me, it is fundamental that we are represented at these travel markets. I often see comments online such as, “Why are we going when we’re always full?” and “Do we really need to spend this money?”

Marketing is crucial for sustainable growth — not just for attracting more visitors. It helps draw in a higher-spending demographic, which is something the Government is keen to encourage. It also helps spread tourism throughout the year and attracts people interested in different types of activities, helping to manage and reduce pressure during peak times. In addition, it can attract tourists with different needs and preferences, which in turn diversifies the local economy and ensures long-term stability.

Not being represented may not have a noticeable effect on tourism numbers in the short term, but you can be sure that in the long term, we would start to suffer. Competition among destinations is increasing, and according to the organisers of the WTM, London 2025 is expected to be the largest event in its 45-year history. Early indicators show significant growth, surpassing the more than 4,000 exhibitors from 2024, with an 8% increase expected.

Let’s be clear: tourism accounts for approximately 45% of Mallorca’s GDP, making it the island’s primary economic driver. The sector’s total impact is even greater, with analyses suggesting it influences up to 90% of the island’s economy through indirect effects on other industries. Most of us have a family member or friend who works in tourism.

Sustainability will be a vital part of our tourism strategy in the coming years. One change I would make immediately is to the tourist tax — I would charge a fixed fee all year round for every traveller.

At the moment:

• Under-16s don’t pay.

• Rates vary depending on the type of accommodation.

• There’s a 50% reduction if you stay longer than nine nights.

• It’s discounted during the low season.

Let’s be in no doubt: the island’s beauty must be maintained for generations to come — but we should also be proud of what we have. I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep saying it:

We are a beautiful island of contrasts — from the stunning beaches in the north to the mountains of the west, the caves and coves of the east, and the bustling nightlife of the south. There is something here for absolutely everyone.

If ever there was a destination built for tourism, it’s our island. It hasn’t been one of the most popular islands in the world for the past 50 years for nothing. In my opinion, it remains one of the best places to live and one of the best holiday destinations anywhere.

We can boast turquoise-blue waters, secret coves, soft golden sands, lush green landscapes, rugged mountains, picturesque villages, amazing cuisine, an up-and-coming wine industry, vibrant nightlife, and a lively capital city. And we’re just a couple of hours’ flight from most major European cities — right in the heart of the Mediterranean.

As someone who lives and works here, I see Mallorca’s magic every single day — in the people, the landscapes, and the memories our visitors take home. If we can combine smart marketing with genuine care for our environment and communities, I have no doubt that Mallorca will continue to shine as the jewel of the Mediterranean for decades to come.

Discover Mallorca: An Emerging International Destination

Mallorca is developing more and more into an international destination, and with that, more opportunities are becoming available to those of us living and working here. The truth is, why would you not want to come here?

We are a beautiful island of contrast, from the stunning beaches in the north to the mountains of the west, the caves and coves of the east, and the bustling nightlife of the south. There is something for absolutely everyone.

If ever there was a destination built for tourism, it is our island. It hasn’t been one of the most popular islands in the world for the last 50 years for nothing. In my opinion, it remains one of the best places to live and one of the finest holiday destinations. We can boast turquoise-blue waters, secret coves, soft golden sands, lush green foliage, rugged mountains, picturesque villages, amazing cuisine, an up-and-coming wine industry, a lively nightlife scene, and a vibrant capital city. We’re also an island in the Mediterranean, just a couple of hours’ flight from most European cities.

Palma Airport, which is Spain’s third busiest, is currently undergoing a €559 million expansion and modernization by its owner, AENA. The project began in 2022 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Its purpose is to improve the airport’s passenger-friendliness, efficiency, and sustainability.

One thing that is changing is the increasing number of direct flights arriving from outside of Europe. It used to be that anyone coming from further afield had to visit us via Madrid, Barcelona, or another European city. Since the pandemic and around the start of the airport expansion, things have started to change. In June 2022, a direct flight from New York to Palma began operating, and its frequency has increased every year. From June 17th to October 24th, 2026, Air Canada will launch a direct flight between Montreal and the island, and Etihad Airways has officially announced that it will begin direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Mallorca starting June 12th, 2026, running through to mid-September. This will be the first-ever direct connection between the UAE and Mallorca, and currently the only direct air link between Asia and the island — a landmark moment in Mallorca’s international connectivity.

Not only are all these connections great for the island but let’s remember we now have the opportunity to travel to these destinations for either business or pleasure. Making it a win-win situation.

Friends of mine in the wedding industry here on the island tell me that since the flights from New York began, there has been a steady increase in American couples getting married here. Friends in the property world also say that more and more foreign buyers are being lured to the island because of its beauty and great connectivity.

Not only is this good for business here but this also has a knock-on effect on many third-party businesses that may not be directly involved in these industries but will benefit from their growth.

I see all of this as positive, but I also understand that the sustainability aspect needs to be seriously looked at and addressed in a constructive way. We need to continue working to extend our seasonality. A 12 month year round Mallorca is far more appealing then a 6 month one and it could well lighten the load on the summer months. I see this slowly moving in the right direction, and we need to look at how we can better cope during the busiest months of the year, July and August. For Mallorca to become a year-round destination, we all need to work harder during the shoulder months to achieve this. Don’t listen to the naysayers who constantly say it can’t be done — Magaluf is now a perfect example of how positive change can happen. Keep those glasses half full!

Ryanair’s New Baggage Rules: What Travelers Need to Know

My last column, writing about Ryanair and the possibility of them setting up a tour operator, got some really good feedback — so thank you for that. Ryanair is a story that keeps on giving, and these past two weeks have been no exception.

They have introduced new baggage rules which, to be honest, won’t make much of a difference. I imagine I’ll just be able to bring back a few more tea bags than I did before. They have increased the maximum size of the so-called “personal item” (to be stored under the seat) from 35x20x20cm to 40x25x20cm. This is the standard allowance for all passengers. If you want to bring a larger wheelie case, you must pay for priority boarding, which includes one larger cabin bag (55x40x20cm) and a second smaller item that can be stored in the overhead locker. Don’t you just love it when the priority boarders have to get on the same bus to the airplane as the rest of us in cattle class — or is that just me?

I wish all airlines would agree on a standard size for cabin baggage. It’s very confusing. When you arrive at the gate there are so many different baggage sizers. Take a look at the photo above — and that’s only four airlines.

Ryanair will no doubt have their pack of hyenas at the gates, doing their best to ruin the start of your flight. I think some of them take pleasure in causing that misery. To make matters worse, they have increased their staff incentive programme to catch people out — from €1.50 to €2.50. This bonus used to be capped at €80 per month per person, but this has now been removed, which means they can earn as much as they want. Be warned!

I still laugh that they charge you a €45 administration fee to change a flight. I have no problem with being charged the difference between the flight I booked and the flight I am changing to. What I do object to is the so-called “admin fee.” Why? Because you actually do the admin yourself! At this rate, I’ll be charging myself for an oversized bag if I’m not careful.

They’ve also been in the news this week after apparently dropping one million seats from Spanish airports for the upcoming year. I’m led to believe that the rise equates to €0.68 per passenger. AENA, the company in charge of most of Spain’s airports, has said that it’s a 6.62% year-on-year rise. AENA also points out that Ryanair has raised its fares by 21% in the past year. Whilst this is a game of poker, it will be interesting to see if either side folds. My guess is that the routes Ryanair has dropped are their least profitable or loss-making ones and therefore won’t have a significant effect on their bottom line.

My friend and fellow podcaster Martin Makepeace, from our Talking Balearics podcast, loves Ryanair. He always books seat 17F — by the window, with legroom. Mind you, he is 6’7”, so he needs as much help as he can get!

As you can probably tell from the above, I’m not a fan. Will it stop me booking a flight with them if it’s the cheapest around? Probably not. And if any of those hyenas come snooping around, I’ll stick my bag where the sun doesn’t shine!

Evolution of the UK Holiday Industry: A Historical Overview

When I joined the tour operating world in 1990, tour operators were two a penny. ILG, the company I worked for, had numerous brands such as Intasun, Lancaster, Global, Club 18–30, and Horizon, to name just a few. After they went bust in 1991, the tour operating world started to change.

The major players then were Thomson, Airtours, Thomas Cook, and Owners Abroad, which rebranded as First Choice in 1994. After the Gulf War of the early ’90s, the holiday industry started to recover. Although the internet had begun, people were still booking their holidays at travel agents such as Lunn Poly, Thomas Cook, and Going Places. Who remembers searching the TV for a Teletext holiday? Unbelievable now when you think about it.

By the mid-’90s, the European Council relaxed the rules to create a common aviation area across Europe, and this was the start of the no-frills airline revolution. Ryanair, a company that had started in 1984, was known—believe it or not—for its customer service! In 1988, Michael O’Leary, who was an accountant at the time, was sent in to try and save Ryanair as it was losing millions of pounds. EasyJet started in 1995 when Stelios Haji-Ioannou took a loan from his shipping-tycoon father. He said at the time he didn’t have a clue what he was doing. Interestingly, both companies looked to the American airline Southwest for inspiration in building what you see today.

Between 1996 and 2015, passenger numbers at UK airports increased by 85 percent, from 135 million to 251 million—driven by flights sold by low-cost carriers and online booking. The traffic was also coming from more regional airports such as Stansted, Luton, and Liverpool.

This was definitely having an effect on the tour operators, with people now booking directly or with dynamic packaging companies, often for shorter trips. The traditional 7- or 14-night holiday was becoming a thing of the past. This squeeze brought about mergers: Airtours (rebranded as MyTravel in 2002) merged with Thomas Cook in 2007, and in the same year TUI, which operated the Thomson brand, merged with First Choice. Around this time, OTAs (Online Travel Agents) started to take off. On the Beach launched in 2004 from a terraced house in Macclesfield, and Love Holidays began in 2012.

The 9/11 attacks, subsequent wars, the global financial crisis, and the pandemic wreaked havoc across the holiday industry over the years, ultimately leading to the collapse of Thomas Cook in September 2019.

That left a gap in the market, which was filled by a company that had actually started in 1971 as Carpenters Air Services, flying flowers from Guernsey to the UK. After going through various guises, Jet2 launched its first scheduled leisure flight from Leeds Bradford Airport in 2003. In 2007, its holiday division was launched, and it has since become the leader in the package holiday industry.

Another company that began to fill the Thomas Cook void was already an established player in the airline industry. In November 2019, EasyJet Holidays was launched. It quickly realised that a seat sold as part of a package holiday generated more money per head than a seat-only sale.

When you look at the top five ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) holders as of April 2025, it makes for interesting reading:

1. Jet2holidays

2. TUI

3. Loveholidays

4. easyJet Holidays

5. On the Beach

Now, I know you may think I’m mad, but don’t be surprised to see Ryanair Holidays within the next five years—or maybe even sooner. In fact, in a roundabout sort of way, they already exist without you knowing it. Ryanair has many partners in the holiday world, but the most recognisable are TUI, On the Beach, and Love Holidays—all of which include Ryanair flights in their packages. So don’t be surprised if Ryanair eventually takes over either On the Beach or Love Holidays in the future.

To borrow a football analogy: the holiday industry is a funny old game!

Navigating Car Hire Insurance: What You Need to Know

With all the travelling I do, I take out insurance that covers me for all the cars I rent. It is without doubt the cheaper way to do things. A year’s cost is usually about the same as taking out two fully comprehensive insurances that you pay as an add-on at the rental desk when you arrive. Most car hire companies will put you on third-party insurance and then add the fully comprehensive cover when you collect the car.

By taking out your own insurance, you avoid that cost—but you have to be aware that the excess charge is usually quite hefty. Obviously, this takes away the opportunity for car hire companies to make extra money from customers, so they try to make it as difficult as possible.

To deter people from doing this, they’ve now increased the excess charge from £1,000 to £1,500. Another thing I’ve noticed on my last two visits to the UK in recent weeks is a change in how they operate when giving you your car. It used to be that, after completing all the paperwork and signing the contract, they would lead you out to the car. Once there, they’d show you around and point out any damage to the vehicle. However, on both recent occasions, they’ve stayed behind the desk and said, “Please check the car over yourself by either videoing or taking pictures and making a note of any damage.”

Basically, they’re putting the onus on you to identify any issues with the car. I’ve rented from two different companies in the UK over the last couple of weeks, and both behaved the same way. I wonder—if you do take out their insurance, do they still bother to come out with you? I’d be interested to know if this has happened to anyone else.

Now, this is fine when the sun is shining and it’s warm because you can see everything. But what are you supposed to do in winter when it’s cold, dark, and raining? If you don’t report something, they’re likely to blame you for the damage. My hunch is this is a way of clawing back the money they lose when customers don’t take their insurance. I’d be happy to be proved wrong, but the way they now ask the question at the desk, it’s almost as if they assume you already have your own cover. Still, they seem determined to find other ways of squeezing as much money out of you as possible.

It reminds me of the check-in staff at low-cost airlines who inspect whether your bag fits into those size checkers. Reports have surfaced this week claiming they receive around €1.50 for every bag they identify as oversized. I think it depends on the airline and how motivated the staff are—on my last two trips, they didn’t bother checking at all.

Low-cost airline fares and cheap car hire are fast becoming a thing of the past, if I’m honest, and it seems we’re all going to have to pay more in the future.

Why Tourism is Crucial for Mallorca’s Economy

We live in a democratic world, thankfully, and that gives us the opportunity for free speech and the right to protest. So, I have no problem with the people who were protesting in Mallorca a few weeks ago. Where I do have a problem is with the mixed messages that seemed to be coming out.

My understanding was that they were there to protest about tourist overcrowding and the lack of affordable housing. But there were also people waving Palestinian flags and calling for Mallorcan independence. When the messages start to become mixed, the actual purpose of the protest, in my opinion, loses credibility.

The protesters claimed there were 30,000 people, while the police said there were 8,000. Who do you believe? Well, even if you go with what the protesters claim, that’s just 3% of the overall population. Hardly a majority, is it?

In my opinion, they shouldn’t be protesting against tourism or tourists. The issue lies with the government—and more importantly, with previous governments—and their lack of investment in social housing. You could also argue that some of the protesters are being hypocritical. Why, you ask? Well, for two reasons: one, you can almost guarantee that each and every one of them has a family member or friend who earns their living through tourism. And two, do these people not go on holiday themselves? If they do, they are contributing to the very thing they are protesting about!

The question is: if you’re really pushing back against tourism, what else are we able to offer? We’re not exactly in the heart of the manufacturing world, are we? Like it or not, tourism is a major pillar of our economy, contributing approximately 45% of our total GDP. Some analyses suggest that tourism’s influence extends even further, potentially impacting up to 90% of the island’s economic activity.

We should be embracing what we have and looking for solutions to the problem. We have a great example of how holiday destinations can evolve right on our doorstep. Magaluf is, in my opinion, a shining example of how a resort once much derided can reinvent itself. If you don’t believe me, go and see for yourself.

Spain’s New Workweek: 37.5 Hours and Same Pay

If you say to any worker, “I’m going to reduce your working hours but still pay you the same,” without a doubt they’ll respond, “Where do I sign?”

Ask the same question to employers, and I’m sure they’ll look at you in utter dismay and ask, “Why?” Most employers are already finding it hard enough to recruit good, qualified staff—and enough of them to cover the hours they need.

But the Spanish government is moving ahead with plans to reduce the official working week from 40 to 37.5 hours, without reducing salaries. Implementation is expected towards the end of 2025, and it won’t surprise you to know that the proposal has full support from the unions.

“This proposal is about living better, working less, and being much more productive and economically efficient,” said Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz, who put the idea forward.

However, the centre-right Catalan separatist party Junts has already signalled resistance, while the main employers’ lobby, CEOE, argues it will raise Spanish firms’ costs and make them less competitive.

If I’m honest, I lean toward the second opinion. This proposal is heavily weighted in favour of employees rather than employers, and it feels like a populist move designed to win votes in the next election.

I can understand it more on the mainland, where industries like manufacturing and construction are more prominent than here in Mallorca. On the island, tourism is by far the dominant sector, accounting for a significant portion of the economy. While specific figures vary, tourism is estimated to contribute between 40% and 75% of Mallorca’s GDP. It’s also the primary driver of employment, with a large percentage of the workforce directly or indirectly involved in tourism-related businesses.

Once again, Mallorca will suffer from a policy that benefits the mainland more than it benefits us.

Exploring the Palma International Boat Show: A Nautical Industry Overview

After working in tourism for most of my life, it was refreshing to immerse myself in a totally different world last week. The radio station was invited by two different companies to present live broadcasts from their stands at the Palma International Boat Show. The world of yachting is a fascinating industry that employs thousands of people and generates a significant amount of income.

To give you a full breakdown, the Balearics encompass 879 companies generating €1.106 billion in revenue and creating 5,145 jobs, with an annual growth rate of 4.26%, according to a report unveiled last year by the Balearic Marine Cluster. This was the first time a comprehensive overview of the sector had been provided, revealing the consolidation of the Balearic Islands as a hub for nautical activities in the Mediterranean.

Toni Salom, President of the Balearic Marine Cluster, stated in his opening speech: “The nautical industry in the Balearic Islands, representing 3.1% of the Balearic GDP, is not only an integral part of our local economy but also a symbol of our identity and culture.”

I was reliably informed by one of the exhibitors that the Palma International Boat Show is now the fourth largest in Europe. It has over 300 exhibitors and a 96% year-on-year return rate. On our site visit early last week, you couldn’t help but be impressed by the amount of detail people went to in order to make their stand or yacht stand out.

On Wednesday and Thursday, we were with Estela Yachts in the Port Authority building, which was right by the main entrance of the show. They are a full-service agency for commercial vessels, cruise ships, and superyachts, headquartered in Barcelona. They have offices and representatives on three continents and a global network for bunkering, shipping, customs & immigration support, and concierge services.

On Friday, we were with Precision Marine at their stand inside the show.

They provide a wide range of pragmatic, affordable, and always professionally conducted marine engineering services. They are experienced professionals in the marine engineering industry and have been providing successful services from 1994 to the present day. Their policy is to provide a quality service geared to customers’ requirements and deadlines. PME has been a family-run business since it was formed in 1996. Its founder, Andrew Wilcox, is still actively involved in the business today.

Outside broadcasts are fun, as they take you out of your comfort zone and make you totally reliant on a good internet signal. Unfortunately, that wasn’t always the case, but our plan B was to interview people and broadcast the segments back throughout the shows. All of this was great experience for us as we move on to the next big event. We met loads of different people from loads of different companies. It’s only when you get into it that you see what goes into making a successful boat show.

The vibe I got from everyone I spoke to was that this was one of the best shows ever, and they are looking forward to a very busy season. It’s an industry that, in my opinion, should be looked after by the authorities. I came away totally impressed by all the people who work in it, and we look forward to working with many of them in the near future.