Some 12million holidaymakers will head off to exotic climes next year - only to buy or cook traditional English meals, a new survey by HomeAway.co.uk has revealed.

The way consumers purchase travel and holidays has changed radically. Gone are the days of going into your local travel agent and picking up a brochure, now, for many people, booking a holiday takes place entirely online. For travel agents this represents a huge mind-set shift in how they reach and communicate with consumers and establishing an online presence is crucial.

A stronger pound means more cash in hand for people visiting European cities this spring according to the 2012 Post Office Travel Money City Costs Barometer.

As airlines test new "social seating" software which enables travellers to browse fellow passengers Facebook or LinkedIn profiles in order to choose their ideal neighbour, HolidayExtras.com customers give the concept a big thumbs-down.

South Africa should take its place in the international tourism arena as a destination of choice; not stand cap in hand asking travellers to visit because its a cheap long-haul destination.

In my last article I left you with the scenario where a customer has objected to your suggested travel solution of a week in the Venice Hilton, by claiming that it was not right because it wasnt on the main island. Now, it might well be that this customer is telling no more than the truth and so, if you come up with a similar kind of hotel on the main island then that will be acceptable and you can proceed. Obviously, when you were investigating your customers needs you didnt find out that a hotel on the main island was what was needed.