When the UK voted to leave the European Union in 2016, it shocked industries far and wide. Among the less explored narratives of Brexit is its effect on the travel industry, specifically the pack tour operator sector, particularly the travel representative jobs. The once robust and flourishing industry is now navigating an uncharted and stormy sea, grappling with the implications of the UK’s departure from the EU.
Overseas Travel Representatives
The unsung heroes of our holidays, the smiling faces that greet us at airports, the tour guides with endless local trivia, the problem solvers when we lose our luggage – they’re on the frontline of the travel and tourism industry. However, since Brexit, these dedicated professionals have been caught in a tangle of new regulations, visa requirements, and labour laws, causing many to question the longevity of their careers in an industry they love.
At the heart of the issue is the freedom of movement, a pillar of the EU that the UK was part of until Brexit. Under this policy, UK citizens could live and work in any EU country with minimal bureaucracy. Many overseas travel representatives took advantage of this freedom, building careers across the sun-drenched resorts of Spain, the ski slopes of France, or the historic cities of Italy.
However, Brexit effectively nullified the freedom of movement for UK citizens, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the overseas travel rep jobs. Now, a UK travel rep looking to work in an EU country must navigate a labyrinth of visa applications, work permits, and in many cases, meet language requirements. These new barriers have made it considerably more difficult for new UK travel reps to secure overseas roles and made lots more redundant.
Moreover, there are financial implications. Brexit’s impact on the value of the pound has made working abroad less financially attractive for UK overseas travel reps. In addition, many companies are now prioritising hiring locally within EU countries to avoid the administrative burden of hiring UK employees and the nightmare of short-term working visas.
The stakes are high, and the travel industry is lobbying hard for solutions. Industry representatives argue for bilateral agreements between the UK and EU countries to ease the process of obtaining short-term work visas. Others suggest developing an industry-specific work permit, which could bypass some of the bureaucracy, allowing overseas travel representatives to continue.
On top of this is the issue that no new travel representatives are being trained and recruited by UK package tour operators, meaning the opportunity for working in this field of work has all but disappeared.
However, amid the challenges, there is resilience and determination. Many travel reps are adapting to the new landscape by learning new languages, pursuing additional qualifications, or reorienting their careers towards the domestic tourism market, which has seen a surge in recent years, but still does not offer the experience of working overseas.
In the spirit of their profession, travel representatives are navigating this uncharted territory with a sense of adventure. While the post-Brexit landscape presents undeniable challenges, it also offers an opportunity for the industry to reimagine itself, building a future that embraces both domestic and international opportunities.
Cruise ships offer a unique setting for former overseas travel representatives to apply their skills and expertise. As floating resorts that traverse international waters, they represent an opportunity to work overseas without the need for work permits tied to a specific country. Travel reps can continue doing what they love, whether coordinating activities, guiding tours at various ports of call, or helping travellers navigate potential issues, all while circumventing some of the complications introduced by Brexit.
The cruise industry has shown a keen interest in welcoming these seasoned professionals aboard. Cruise companies value the broad spectrum of skills that travel reps bring – from their deep understanding of customer service to their problem-solving abilities and local knowledge, which can enrich the cruise experience for passengers.
Cruise ships also offer extensive roles for travel reps to explore. Beyond the traditional tour guide or customer service roles, travel reps can venture into entertainment coordination, event planning, and even guest relations management. The variety of functions is wide, catering to travel reps’ diverse skill sets and interests.
Brexit may have shifted the tides for overseas travel rep jobs, but it has not dampened the spirit of those who bring life and personality to our holidays. In this industry of resilience and adaptability, there’s hope that solutions will be found to keep the world of overseas travel thriving, even in the face of change. After all, in the world of travel, change is the only constant.
Despite all the attempts to put a smiley face on the situation, it remains that Brexit has caused great harm to the traditional package holiday overseas from the UK and is one that many customers are only now starting to realise.
