Supporting travellers through political unrest: Sorrel’s story

When disruption strikes, business travellers need more than a booking platform – they need expert support, proactive communication, and someone fighting their corner. 

Recent political unrest in the Middle East created significant uncertainty for travellers, with airspace closures, flight cancellations, and rapidly changing travel conditions. For Travel Counsellor Sorrel Ashton, it meant stepping into crisis-management mode to support a group of senior executives stranded overseas. 

Her experience highlights the value of having a dedicated travel partner when business travel plans are thrown into disarray. 

When travel disruption becomes a human issue

Sorrel was supporting a group of ten board members travelling in Dubai when the situation escalated. 

As reports emerged and tensions increased, the executives found themselves far from home, uncertain about how and when they would be able to return. 

"I was getting pictures on a Saturday of smoke rising out of buildings, which is exceptionally distressing," says Sorrel. "They were all away from their families. The main concern was, when are we going to be able to get home and see our families?" 

Making emotional family reunions happen

For Sorrel, the most rewarding moment came after the travellers had returned safely to the UK. 

One executive was able to surprise his daughter during school pick-up after arriving home earlier than expected. 

"The daughter ran into his arms. It was just the most adorable thing," says Sorrel. "It's just really nice to be able to get customers home and to their families." 

Moments like these underline the importance of duty of care in business travel and the role that expert travel support can play when circumstances change unexpectedly. 

A support network unlike any other

Sorrel is also quick to recognise the wider Travel Counsellors community that helped her support clients throughout evolving situation, saying: “"I couldn't have done this without my other Travel Counsellors." 

And it’s the collaborative way of working that ultimately benefits clients. "The culture of care at Travel Counsellors is all about support and being personal. Thanks to the support of head office and fellow business owners, I was able to help my clients through a really challenging situation”, Sorrel said. 

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