Arranging aisle seats all round

Working in corporate travel can be a pretty thankless task, right? On one side, clients ask for ways to keep spend down and, on the other, suppliers want exactly the opposite before they are willing to stump up the best in extras and benefits.

Being able to negotiate a way through this contractual wrangling is why our loyal readers are paid big bucks! But have you ever thought your talents for diplomacy might be better employed elsewhere?

News of a hot new business opportunity for TMCS comes courtesy of research from Grosvenor Casinos, which reveals that 60% of engaged couples now consider eloping rather than endure the expense of a UK wedding. Typical nuptials now cost over £30,000 – and then there’s all the arguments about where pervy uncle Alan should sit at the reception.

As sorting out flights and accommodation for demanding/ clueless travellers is a core TMC skill, grabbing a slice of this emerging market could be a goer. For the record, the top five ‘elopement’ destinations are all in the US – California, Las Vegas, Hawaii, New York and Florida, while traditional favourite Gretna Green, in Scotland, is down in 12th place.

Despite suggestions that we are all becoming more cosmopolitan and demanding of genuine ‘experiences' on holiday, it appears the reality is somewhat different. Alliance Assistance quizzed Brits about their travel nightmares – and guess what... the big gripes are no wifi and the horror of not being able to get an English breakfast. Further reinforcing our lack of adventure as a nation is a fear of lost luggage, forgetting our glasses and worrying about mosquito bites. Let's just stick to Butlin's, shall we?