Some links to products and partners on this website will earn an affiliate commission.
I generally try to keep politics off InsideFlyer, but thought I’d run the risk with this one 🙂 . According to a recent poll published by The Times (in association with the Legatum Institute, conducted by Populus), 23% of Brits support the nationalisation of Travel Agents:Â
For the avoidance of doubt, this isn’t one of those self-selecting ‘voodoo’ polls – it’s a genuine poll conducted by a reputable agency to help inform serious policy research.
I’m really not sure what to make of this. I don’t think I’ve ever actually used a (traditional, high street) travel agent so perhaps I’m not best placed to answer. Are travel agencies crying out for nationalisation? It seems unlikely, but…
Pollsters often get a hard time for some of their results, but 23% is way above standard margin of error, so it seems there is a real and substantial minority in favour of this. Fascinating.
Bottom line
Anyone fancy being the Minister for Travel Agencies?
Seriously though, any thoughts on what this might all be about would be greatly appreciated! I’m scratching my head.
I’ve got my fair share of politics today, but this definitely made me laugh.
Indeed.
I was going to (slightly cynically) say to stop them profiteering during the school holidays but strictly speaking that would be tour companies rather than travel agents? Of course many are closely linked!! xxxxx
Good point, I suppose there could well be an element of people just being annoyed at the ludicrous school holiday prices. Whether nationalisation would help with that is another question of course 🙂 ; but if you’re annoyed at something I suppose any alternative can seem appealing.
My wife today came up with the following argument. Since the government mandates that children should attend school, it should subsidise holiday travel at the end of holidays to ensure that the kids get back ok. Otherwise, if pesky market forces interfere, there is a chance that parents will opt for the cheaper return flight instead of returning to school on time.
Having just spent >ÂŁ1000 to get 4 people to and from Malta for the half term week (via Brussels and Rome to cut down on the cost), I’m inclined to enjoy her fantasy.
I would strongly encourage Mrs Gnarly to stand as Minister!
Vote Gnarly!! xxxxx