Delegates and speakers share their thoughts about the event and the industry:
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
Thursday, 14 June 2007
Tuesday, 12 June 2007
Guest blogger # 5 - Joanne Roche
Joanne Roche, managing partner, Training For Travel:
"Sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to tell us they enjoyed our DVD and especially to Danny Waine for his very kind comments regarding our potential for Eurovision! Managerial role gladly accepted!
"When the Training For Travel team got together to decide on the theme for our sponsor slot leading to 3 minutes of fame, we decided that the only way that we could make an impact would be to look at the sponsorship format differently.
"I, like Danny have sat through conference sessions and sponsorship promotional slots (ours included last year) growing increasingly dismayed when the audience have become disinterested during the sessions because of uninspirational delivery. Unlike my esteemed fellow sponsors, TFT suffers from the problem of anonymity. We wanted to rectify this and to show off our absolutely fantastic asset - that is, our staff.
"How fortunate we were to have Liz Jackson following our 3 minutes - an inspirational example of what can be achieved with positive thinking and not succumbing to the excuse that you can't do it.
"Liz reduced me to hopefully discrete tears - here is a person who has overcome unimaginable difficulties to achieve so much. Liz delivered her story with humour and integrity and demonstrated that you can be self-deprecating without losing respect.
"When Bev and I asked our wonderful team to star in our DVD, they could have said "no, can't do it, won't do it" for fear of failing and making complete fools of themselves (the Tufty Club pitiful display in the water volleyball was enough!).
"But no, our fantastic team embraced the challenge (worryingly, some seemed to positively thrive in front of the cameras!)and delivered a light-hearted performance to meet the audience head on and were not frightened of making fools of themselves.
"A sleepless night was had by all prior to the DVD being shown and red faces when the opening notes began - followed by a sense of pride that we had the guts to do this in front of a very discerning, experienced and serious audience.
"There was a serious point to our DVD, believe it or not and that was that training is viewed slightly cynically; that it is the same format pedalled out again and again and so of therefore limited use.
"What we attempted to show was that we challenge the traditional ways of thinking and tailor our delivery to bring the best out of the people we train. We seek to add value by thinking outside the box and by understanding what is important to each organisation we work with.
"We are also committed to the importance of professionalism in the industry and although there are many ways of reaching this goal, qualifications do have a very important part to play.
"Danny articulated what I also think in his comment -there was a wasted opportunity to really address this vital issue in the session this year. I vote that it is put back on the agenda for next year - what does everyone else think?"
Sunday, 10 June 2007
Saturday, 9 June 2007
Guest blogger # 4 - Danny Waine
Danny Waine from Perfect Weddings:
"This year was my second visit to the ITT, although no longer as a student but now working 24/7 (which I´m assured is the norm for the travel industry), I´d been counting down the days until it was time to fly out to Gran Canaria.
"Things couldn´t have got off to a better start, as the guy at check-in at Manchester Airport saw my company name ´Perfect Weddings & Honeymoons´ printed on the ticket, took a quick glance at me and my colleague Rich, put two and two together and made five...
"I know that Gran Canaria is a mecca for gay and lesbian couples but the fact that he upgraded us to extra legroom seats free of charge, as a "honeymoon treat" was rather amusing and a great start to the week.
"The conference itself has excelled the experience of last year; well organised, blessed with good food and even better weather. No longer drowning of sweat in the Omani heat, this week I even managed to get through with dry clothing to spare. A number of frustrating but equally stimulating points have been raised over the past couple of days.
"As ever, the green debate raised its ugly head (not my favourite subject!); but finally in the summing-up of the conference, Tim Hames spoke sense and rightly pointed out that if you stop people travelling then it could wreck a destination´s economy and its peoples´ lives - an issue always overlooked by the green lobby. Bill Bryson encouraged people to take responsibility and clean litter on roadsides and railway embankments - as if our slow, expensive, and usually delayed trains aren´t bad enough the state of the stations and railtracks are a national disgrace.
"One session that I had been particularly looking forward to was Prof. Rhodri Thomas and his findings in to research in to Travel and Tourism graduates intention of joining the industry.
"Although there were some startling results; such as the few students who actually know what ITT stands for and around three-quarters of employers claiming to value someone with a degree - yet many still not offering worthy-enough career opportunities; but once again sadly this failed to spark the debate which is desperately needed. A swift glance around the room showed heads inside magazines and the odd hangover-induced person nodding off.
"Although this short-sightedness by some was picked up on by Ian Pearson, the Futurologist, in an earlier session who said that employers must invest in their staff and lose their arrogance, as what has happened in the past, whether successful or not, does not necessarily guarantee success in the future.
"The flip-side to the disheartening results of the research was the fantastic speech given by Liz Jackson of Great Guns Marketing. As an aspiring entrepreneur, it was an honour to sit intently for the whole session and listen to someone speak so passionately and enthusiastically about what one can achieve if you´re prepared to work hard enough.
"She spoke great sense but with a comic undertone that last night´s Aussie act Tim Michin would have been proud of. Liz left you with the feeling that anything is possible, if you believe in yourself and deservadly received the biggest round of applause of the week, well almost...
"The biggest ovation was actually for a sponsors Ad screened between two sessions. It was the girls from Training for Travel, and their take on the Sugababes hit ´Push The Button´.
"If this ad hasn´t already been leaked to YouTube then it should be! and if the girls haven´t already applied for Eurovision next year then I´d like to offer myself as their agent, free of charge! It´s a dead cert for Europop stardom.
"As the show draws to a close and I get ready for a week of recovery in bed once again (oh no, I´m not a student anymore!) all I can say is, roll on ITT 2008!
But sales are flat...
Okay, so the closing party was "awesome", "best I've ever seen", "worth the trip" - in fact, yet to hear a single negative comment about the entire evening.
The local authorities and tourist board clearly pulled out the stops for an incredible show, featuring dancing, music and a spectacular fireworks display. [See a few pictures taken on a camera phone]
The travel industry can be guilty of hyperbole on occasions, but most delegates agree that there have been very few gala events as impressive as last night.
However, superb nights are often followed by sore heads and moments of reflection.
The content during the conference sessions was very good this year, particularly on the first morning, many delegates say.
In fact, almost all the presentations were upbeat, motivational, inspiring (especially from Liz Jackson). Debates about some of the important issues, however, have been restricted to conversations away from the conference hall.
Indeed, the reality for many travel companies in 2007 is this: sales are flat, again.
One delegate said last night that the dip last year blamed on the World Cup in Germany was not a dip - it was a trend.
Lead-in times are much shorter for many package holidays, for example, (down from six months in previous years to sometimes just a few weeks), making it a nightmare for operators to forecast and put the revenue on the bottom line, months ahead of the actual trip.
There are real problems with some areas - the Canary Islands, ironically, in particular. ["Why fly almost five hours from the North of England to Tenerife when you can reach the Caribbean in seven for a few extra hundred quid."]
So despite a superb conference, many are worried - very worried - about the market.
"We will certainly lose a few operators this year," another delegate said last night.
Interestingly the threat to the market is no longer being blamed on the online companies. Everyone is in it together...
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
The local authorities and tourist board clearly pulled out the stops for an incredible show, featuring dancing, music and a spectacular fireworks display. [See a few pictures taken on a camera phone]
The travel industry can be guilty of hyperbole on occasions, but most delegates agree that there have been very few gala events as impressive as last night.
However, superb nights are often followed by sore heads and moments of reflection.
The content during the conference sessions was very good this year, particularly on the first morning, many delegates say.
In fact, almost all the presentations were upbeat, motivational, inspiring (especially from Liz Jackson). Debates about some of the important issues, however, have been restricted to conversations away from the conference hall.
Indeed, the reality for many travel companies in 2007 is this: sales are flat, again.
One delegate said last night that the dip last year blamed on the World Cup in Germany was not a dip - it was a trend.
Lead-in times are much shorter for many package holidays, for example, (down from six months in previous years to sometimes just a few weeks), making it a nightmare for operators to forecast and put the revenue on the bottom line, months ahead of the actual trip.
There are real problems with some areas - the Canary Islands, ironically, in particular. ["Why fly almost five hours from the North of England to Tenerife when you can reach the Caribbean in seven for a few extra hundred quid."]
So despite a superb conference, many are worried - very worried - about the market.
"We will certainly lose a few operators this year," another delegate said last night.
Interestingly the threat to the market is no longer being blamed on the online companies. Everyone is in it together...
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
Guest blogger # 3 - Andy Washington (again)
Andy Washington, sales director at Cosmos, emails again (thoughts on the first day):
"The conference sessions are due to begin at 9 , But by the look of some people they've only just got in from the night before! Work hard/play hard!
"The sessions kick off with the introductions of local officials followed by Prof Richard Scase's view on the Global Remix and customer demographics.
"This guy needs to slow down otherwise he'll blow a gasket. He rattles off an entertaining and informative presentation which suggests men and women are far happier being single or divorced.
"Jeff Gazzard puts his stance forward in session 2 for saving the environment. His 15 minutes are summed up much clearer by Dermot Blastland with a follow presentation in 2 minutes.
"There is clearly a lot of work for the industry to do to tackle and influence climate change iin a positive way and Dermot's passion for this subject is inspiring.
"Manny is up next to tell us how Cook's will take on the world and how they will do it. Unfortunately he can't really tell us because quite rightly he had a loyalty to his own staff first and they will be briefed on the 18 June.
"Manny's honest shines through but 10 minutes before this session we all received the news about the new TC board and some shock waves swept through the audience.
"Next up Richard Reeves who gives more marriage counselling. It pays to be single they keep telling us! I thought this was a travel conference.
"The marriage made in heaven though was the water volley ball competition in partnership with the travel inndustry. Oh dear, the view from my balcony has just been ruined!
"Surely the winning team would be the team that actually could get the ball over the net. I'm not sure this event will be back, but it's more liekly than some of the random comments from some speakers!
"All in all a good and entertaining day. I've had some excellent meetings too, so trust me there is lots of work being done too.
"Now where's the bar, more networking to do before another early start!"
Friday, 8 June 2007
Guest blogger # 2 - Gail Kenny
Gail Kenny, managing director of Gail Kenny Executive Search:
"Interesting session on women in travel. The companies quoted offering flexible working were all large corporates.
"These companies clearly have the infrastructure to make this possible.
"Large and small companies are adapting to women's needs and leaving mid sized companies behind.
"Clearly the reason companies lose their talented women is lack of flexible working, but also because of work related factors such as unsatisfying jobs.
"Women in my view are not so hung up on status, they want more challenge in a role and to feel connected to the company.
"There is also evidence of women leaving to set up their own businesses i.e. myself, Jane Dyson etc.
"Setting up my own business means I have complete control over when I work and when I dont, whether I work from home or the office, and freedom to take decisions..."
FriendsReunited for Travel
Stephen Freudmann almost has a tear in his eye as he closes the conference sessions.
It is like a "FriendsReunited for Travel", he says. [Surely Facebook?]
Meetings and networking continue this afternoon.
More commentary to come...
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
It is like a "FriendsReunited for Travel", he says. [Surely Facebook?]
Meetings and networking continue this afternoon.
More commentary to come...
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
More women, please
There are – still, despite the best efforts of legislation and awareness programmes – very few women at the top of the industry.
The chair of the Equal Opportunities Board, Jenny Watson, is on a panel with Alessandra Alonso (Shine People & Places) and Anita McErlean (AMC Consulting).
Some interesting points are being raised about how the travel industry treats women.
There are very few mentors for women in companies and in the industry.
We are not managing the talented women, especially those returning to work after having children.
But what dominates the debate is the thorny – and hugely uncomfortable for many – issue of positive discrimination.
Watson is eager to point out that being flexible does not equate with discriminating against men.
Jane Dyson from The Network – mother of six children – worries that this “all this talk” will mean people will be picked for jobs for the wrong reasons.
Hames notes: “It’s amazing how many women there are actually against feminism.”
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
The chair of the Equal Opportunities Board, Jenny Watson, is on a panel with Alessandra Alonso (Shine People & Places) and Anita McErlean (AMC Consulting).
Some interesting points are being raised about how the travel industry treats women.
There are very few mentors for women in companies and in the industry.
We are not managing the talented women, especially those returning to work after having children.
But what dominates the debate is the thorny – and hugely uncomfortable for many – issue of positive discrimination.
Watson is eager to point out that being flexible does not equate with discriminating against men.
Jane Dyson from The Network – mother of six children – worries that this “all this talk” will mean people will be picked for jobs for the wrong reasons.
Hames notes: “It’s amazing how many women there are actually against feminism.”
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
Don't listen to occupational therapists
Liz Jackson, managing director of Great Guns Marketing, lost her sight during the company's first year. Since then she has been awarded an MBE for services to business and won a string of entrepreneurial awards.
When Morgan began losing her sight, she was visited by an occupational therapist.
The therapist suggested two alternative careers:
Morgan has two bits of advice:
When Morgan began losing her sight, she was visited by an occupational therapist.
The therapist suggested two alternative careers:
- Masseuse
- Piano tuner
Morgan has two bits of advice:
- Whatever you do...don't rely on luck
- Whatever you do...don't be a nearly man or women (don't bore people with tales of things you nearly did)
Industry bodies? Where?
Next up: Professor Rhodri Thomas from Leeds Metropolitan University who also works with the ITT to help with its research.
He asks some important questions:
* Has the sector been professionalised?
* Are there careers for professionals?
One of the reasons why Morgan is getting involved with the ITT is obvious: the number of applicants to travel courses is declining - there are not enough smart people coming through the system.
This is not a “pretty picture” for the industry, Morgan says.
So there is clearly a problem in attracting a new breed of professional into the industry.
However, Morgan hints that the representative bodies themselves - such as the ITT - need to take a more pro-active approach.
But unfortunately there is also a problem with the profiles of these bodies. In fact, 80% of students do not know what the letters "ITT" stand for.
A vicious circle...
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
He asks some important questions:
* Has the sector been professionalised?
* Are there careers for professionals?
One of the reasons why Morgan is getting involved with the ITT is obvious: the number of applicants to travel courses is declining - there are not enough smart people coming through the system.
This is not a “pretty picture” for the industry, Morgan says.
So there is clearly a problem in attracting a new breed of professional into the industry.
However, Morgan hints that the representative bodies themselves - such as the ITT - need to take a more pro-active approach.
But unfortunately there is also a problem with the profiles of these bodies. In fact, 80% of students do not know what the letters "ITT" stand for.
A vicious circle...
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
Quote of the conference #1
Ian Pearson, futurologist from BT:
"If we take the greens out of the loop we can actually solve the environmental problems."Kevin May, editor, Travolution
Re-jigging the schedules
Charlie Kennedy's absence has meant everything is starting later today.
One suspects this suits many of the delegates - quite a few bleary eyes this morning after the Times Media bash at the Gran Hotel Lopespan.
A fantastic evening. Tim Minchin, a singer-comedian, did a star turn...
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
One suspects this suits many of the delegates - quite a few bleary eyes this morning after the Times Media bash at the Gran Hotel Lopespan.
A fantastic evening. Tim Minchin, a singer-comedian, did a star turn...
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
Where's Charlie?
Well, here's not here.
Charles Kennedy MP was meant to be wrapping things up today with the last address of the morning.
Unfortunately he missed his flight. Cue much muttering amongst the delegates as to his whereabouts...
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
Charles Kennedy MP was meant to be wrapping things up today with the last address of the morning.
Unfortunately he missed his flight. Cue much muttering amongst the delegates as to his whereabouts...
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
Thursday, 7 June 2007
Guest blogger # 1 - Andy Washington
Andy Washington, sales director at Cosmos, emails with some observations:
"Delayed flight, lost baggage, and lots of sunburnt faces from the golf - sounds just like a usual conference! The flight over was abuzz with industry colleagues 'networking' or catching up since the last conference.
"Then off to the welcome party - an impressive setting and the usual local hosptiality and entertainment. Although we slightly confused when the dancers waded through the water in their clothes.
"The fireworks brought the welcome party to an end but as the remains of the fireworks rained down on the spectators the important question was raised, "if I am injured by the fireworks, who is the principal?". Sorry I had to get the subject in somewhere!
"Finally down to the bar, and that's where today's blog ends. What goes in the bar stays in the bar!"
Pictures from delegates
Seems like delegates are buying into this image-sharing lark.
Dean Harvey from Spannerworks emailed us some photos from Wednesday, during the golf tournament and from around the complex. Thanks!
Delegates with pictures can email them here.
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
Dean Harvey from Spannerworks emailed us some photos from Wednesday, during the golf tournament and from around the complex. Thanks!
Stuart Jackson (Cosmos)
Steve Endecott and Neil Herbert
Rehearsal: Trevor Harding and Stephen Freudmann
Delegates with pictures can email them here.
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
Bill Bryson loves Britain
Bill Bryson, author of such bestsellers as Notes from a Small Island and The Lost Continent, ends the Wednesday conference sessions.
It’s a strange 45 minutes or so. An after dinner speech, before lunch – if that makes sense?
Bryson, an America from Iowa, loves the UK. He moved back to the UK four years ago after spending some time in the US.
In fact, Bryson should be working for VisitBritain, such is his enthusiasm for the British Isles.
He enthuses about the sense of humour of its people, history, churches and architecture.
He rails against a growing litter problem (with a plug for a new ambassadorial role he has at the Campaign for Protection of Rural England).
He shows some slides featuring, er, slides. [Funny joke about ITT chairman Stephen Freudmann’s request for “slides” during his presentation].
He loves headlines!
"Water board chief settles in well"
"Columbus native to run home"
"Florida reporter completes sentence"
"The Millenium happens once in a lifetime"
"Chesterton couple take on missionary position"
"Polo man charged with forking woman"
"World affairs concern Bush"
"Bush planning Mars trip"
Amusing end to a good morning...
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
It’s a strange 45 minutes or so. An after dinner speech, before lunch – if that makes sense?
Bryson, an America from Iowa, loves the UK. He moved back to the UK four years ago after spending some time in the US.
In fact, Bryson should be working for VisitBritain, such is his enthusiasm for the British Isles.
He enthuses about the sense of humour of its people, history, churches and architecture.
He rails against a growing litter problem (with a plug for a new ambassadorial role he has at the Campaign for Protection of Rural England).
He shows some slides featuring, er, slides. [Funny joke about ITT chairman Stephen Freudmann’s request for “slides” during his presentation].
He loves headlines!
"Water board chief settles in well"
"Columbus native to run home"
"Florida reporter completes sentence"
"The Millenium happens once in a lifetime"
"Chesterton couple take on missionary position"
"Polo man charged with forking woman"
"World affairs concern Bush"
"Bush planning Mars trip"
Amusing end to a good morning...
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
In pursuit of happiness
Pre-lunch, easy-on-the-ear sessions now.
First up is an entertaining motivational speech about “happiness” by former journalist Richard Reeves, who now masquerades as a consultant to businesses.
No PowerPoint (shock horreur). Lots of flipcharts about how various countries are more happy than others, what are the “happiest” activities people can do – holidays, marriage (the year before the wedding, ironically!), new job.
So what should we take away from the session?
Reeves says: Drink (moderately), get married (enjoy the engagement!), and start gardening.
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
First up is an entertaining motivational speech about “happiness” by former journalist Richard Reeves, who now masquerades as a consultant to businesses.
No PowerPoint (shock horreur). Lots of flipcharts about how various countries are more happy than others, what are the “happiest” activities people can do – holidays, marriage (the year before the wedding, ironically!), new job.
So what should we take away from the session?
Reeves says: Drink (moderately), get married (enjoy the engagement!), and start gardening.
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
Manny takes centrestage
So this is the bit that that most have been waiting for: “face to face” with Manny Fontenla-Novoa, boss of Thomas Cook.
Manny gets the basics out of the way. Why has Thomas Cook merged with MyTravel?
1 - Thomas Cook and MyTravel had gaps in their portfolios.
2 - Complimentary brands. No overlap.
3 – There will be a far greater geographical spread of products.
4 – Debt free balance sheet.
On the 19 June Thomas Cool Group PLC will be born. The new company’s strategy?
1 – Integrate businesses (get 18,000 people in the UK to focus)
2 – Strengthen package business
3 – Grow independent travel segment through tailored products/dynamic packaging
4 – Extend financial services business (e.g. foreign exchange)
5 – Active role in future consolidation (“which will happen”)
“Staff strategy” – the key tenet of any merger – will be announced on June 21, Manny says.
He also refuses to answer any question regarding the staff or what will happen to the headquarters of both companies – Thomas Cook in Peterborough, MyTravel in Rochdale.
Manny goes on to give some background to the merger. Apparently Thomas Cook received an offer for “another company”, which was rejected by shareholders.
Of course most people in the industry expected a deal with First Choice – it clearly didn’t happen. Manny fusses a little by saying how much he likes and respects Peter Long (First Choice) and how they’ve seen one another a few times since the deal fell through.
The reality is that the MyTravel merger happened very quickly. Three weeks, in fact.
Manny insists the deal is not “a takeover”. He might need to work harder on assuring delegates and the industry this is not the case.
He also mounts a firm defence of High Street shops (although he admits some will close as a result of the merger).
Despite looking distinctly uncomfortable whenever staffing crops up in conversation, Manny does rather well.
And the “TUI” count for the entire session? Two. Unless you count “the other deal”, which was also mentioned twice.
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
Manny gets the basics out of the way. Why has Thomas Cook merged with MyTravel?
1 - Thomas Cook and MyTravel had gaps in their portfolios.
2 - Complimentary brands. No overlap.
3 – There will be a far greater geographical spread of products.
4 – Debt free balance sheet.
On the 19 June Thomas Cool Group PLC will be born. The new company’s strategy?
1 – Integrate businesses (get 18,000 people in the UK to focus)
2 – Strengthen package business
3 – Grow independent travel segment through tailored products/dynamic packaging
4 – Extend financial services business (e.g. foreign exchange)
5 – Active role in future consolidation (“which will happen”)
“Staff strategy” – the key tenet of any merger – will be announced on June 21, Manny says.
He also refuses to answer any question regarding the staff or what will happen to the headquarters of both companies – Thomas Cook in Peterborough, MyTravel in Rochdale.
Manny goes on to give some background to the merger. Apparently Thomas Cook received an offer for “another company”, which was rejected by shareholders.
Of course most people in the industry expected a deal with First Choice – it clearly didn’t happen. Manny fusses a little by saying how much he likes and respects Peter Long (First Choice) and how they’ve seen one another a few times since the deal fell through.
The reality is that the MyTravel merger happened very quickly. Three weeks, in fact.
“It was done in a hurry. We had to decide quickly. It was a deal we wanted.
They wanted it.”
“I upset Peter [Long] and my son [who works for Scottish Widows, a majority
shareholder]”
Manny insists the deal is not “a takeover”. He might need to work harder on assuring delegates and the industry this is not the case.
He also mounts a firm defence of High Street shops (although he admits some will close as a result of the merger).
“In a VI [vertically integrated] group they are not a problem. You can still run
a very profitable business shops.”
Despite looking distinctly uncomfortable whenever staffing crops up in conversation, Manny does rather well.
And the “TUI” count for the entire session? Two. Unless you count “the other deal”, which was also mentioned twice.
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
Doom, gloom, onwards, upwards…
Professor Richard Scase kicks things off with a grim reminder about the state of the the world economy, in terms of its reliance on traditional energy supplies and global geo-politics.
There is “fundamental business change” on the horizon, Scase says.
Why?
A re-drawn Middle Eaat. Global disease (AIDS/HIV). Instability in South America. All will continue to impact on the travel and tourism sector.
The green lobby has also hijacked the travel industry to use it as its whipping boy – especially the airlines.
Scase puts it simply: “We shouldn’t have allowed it to happen.”
As far as energy is concerned, travel and tourism – like other sectors and the global population – will find itself in big trouble very soon.
The usual – terrifying – statistics are rolled out.
* Oil runs out in 35 years.
* Petrol will be three times its current price by 2020.
* Gas runs out in 75 years .
But… Scase briefly points to the answer: nuclear power.
But where there are challenges there are huge opportunities for the travel industry, mainly arriving in the guise of emerging economics (China and India in particular).
In fact, 100 million Chinese tourists will be coming to Europe by 2015. An incredible figure…
But what of outbound tourism? A ageing population will fuel enormous growth. As well as a booming market for singletons (Single person households in the UK will increase by 50% to 9.9 million by 2026).
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
There is “fundamental business change” on the horizon, Scase says.
Why?
A re-drawn Middle Eaat. Global disease (AIDS/HIV). Instability in South America. All will continue to impact on the travel and tourism sector.
The green lobby has also hijacked the travel industry to use it as its whipping boy – especially the airlines.
Scase puts it simply: “We shouldn’t have allowed it to happen.”
As far as energy is concerned, travel and tourism – like other sectors and the global population – will find itself in big trouble very soon.
The usual – terrifying – statistics are rolled out.
* Oil runs out in 35 years.
* Petrol will be three times its current price by 2020.
* Gas runs out in 75 years .
But… Scase briefly points to the answer: nuclear power.
But where there are challenges there are huge opportunities for the travel industry, mainly arriving in the guise of emerging economics (China and India in particular).
In fact, 100 million Chinese tourists will be coming to Europe by 2015. An incredible figure…
But what of outbound tourism? A ageing population will fuel enormous growth. As well as a booming market for singletons (Single person households in the UK will increase by 50% to 9.9 million by 2026).
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
Never mind the luggage...at least we are all here
So how does Tim Hames welcome delegates to the first session of the first day?
“This is a big event for travel industry and… a big event for the drinks industry.”
Quite…
He tells delegates this year’s conference is unique in that all the speakers have shown up – “the same, alas, cannot be said for their luggage”.
Peering into the future, Hames says, will be a theme for the conference.
“This may well be remembered as the ITT Crystal Ball Conference. If it doesn’t work out this way it could be remembered as the Crystal Balls Conference.”
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
“This is a big event for travel industry and… a big event for the drinks industry.”
Quite…
He tells delegates this year’s conference is unique in that all the speakers have shown up – “the same, alas, cannot be said for their luggage”.
Peering into the future, Hames says, will be a theme for the conference.
“This may well be remembered as the ITT Crystal Ball Conference. If it doesn’t work out this way it could be remembered as the Crystal Balls Conference.”
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
The assembled masses
So after a day of golf, a lunch for the ladies and a pretty swanky opening party on the roof of the hotel, the Sheraton Salobre Golf Resort & Spa, it's time for the real business to begin.
The conference sessions run over two mornings.
Despite the copious amounts of revelry last night, delegates seems bright and breezy.
Rumour of the day so far: the water on the flight from Gatwick to Las Palmas was poisoned! Well, not exactly, but a few delegates are complaining about strange sensations in the their "systems".
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
The conference sessions run over two mornings.
Despite the copious amounts of revelry last night, delegates seems bright and breezy.
Rumour of the day so far: the water on the flight from Gatwick to Las Palmas was poisoned! Well, not exactly, but a few delegates are complaining about strange sensations in the their "systems".
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
Wednesday, 6 June 2007
Who is the bloke in the middle then?
First timers to ITT may not be aware of a chap called Tim Hames. Rest assured, you won't forget him after this week...He will be master of ceremonies during the morning conference sessions on Thursday and Friday.
When not entertaining, sorry, moderating events like these he has a day job at the Times as a columnist and as the paper's chief leader writer.
In other words: a lot of the editorials on the comment pages are written by Hames, so you can blame him for the political stance of the paper (and not the boss, Rupert Murdoch?)
However, he does have plenty of experience in these matters. Prior to joining the Times in Wapping, Hames was a lecturer in American and British politics at Oxford University.
Delegates will remember his star turn at last year's ITT conference, when he was drafted in to talk about China after his colleague at the Times, travel editor Cath Urquhart, had to pull out.
It was actually one of the highlights of the conference. [Apart from the fantastic session on search, of course, by Travolution boss Simon Ferguson, and Travolution board member Esteban Walther from Google]
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
Technorati tags:
Introduction to the Blog
The Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT from here on, as everyone in the industry knows what it means) has asked us to provide a "media pod" for its annual conference, taking place in Gran Canaria this week.
Why? Well, the TW Group - the umbrella brand for Travel Weekly, Travolution and Gazetteers.com - has plenty of experience of new media for a start.
Travel Weekly reporters will be scurrying around for three days as usual, but we want to demonstrate to some of the most senior people in the travel industry how their customers are interacting with media brands - and, by extension, travel companies.
News, analysis, gossip, commentary and opinion will therefore appear in the print edition of Travel Weekly next week, on the Travolution and Travel Weekly websites, and on video.
We will be blogging live from the conference sessions each morning and adding our own observations during the course of the next four days. Senior industry figures will also be commenting here.
Travolution has been blogging live from a string of events in the past 12 months - the first time at the ITT conference in Oman last June.
There will be no other travel trade media getting involved in some many levels - it is time for a truly multi-media experience.
Of course, we want you - the delegates - to get involved, too. If you want to add your opinions about the event of what you may have heard, either post them directly here on the blog or email us.
Enjoy the conference.
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
Technorati tags: live blog multi-media
Why? Well, the TW Group - the umbrella brand for Travel Weekly, Travolution and Gazetteers.com - has plenty of experience of new media for a start.
Travel Weekly reporters will be scurrying around for three days as usual, but we want to demonstrate to some of the most senior people in the travel industry how their customers are interacting with media brands - and, by extension, travel companies.
News, analysis, gossip, commentary and opinion will therefore appear in the print edition of Travel Weekly next week, on the Travolution and Travel Weekly websites, and on video.
We will be blogging live from the conference sessions each morning and adding our own observations during the course of the next four days. Senior industry figures will also be commenting here.
Travolution has been blogging live from a string of events in the past 12 months - the first time at the ITT conference in Oman last June.
There will be no other travel trade media getting involved in some many levels - it is time for a truly multi-media experience.
Of course, we want you - the delegates - to get involved, too. If you want to add your opinions about the event of what you may have heard, either post them directly here on the blog or email us.
Enjoy the conference.
Kevin May, editor, Travolution
Technorati tags: live blog multi-media
Tuesday, 5 June 2007
ITT Conference Blog set-up
[For blog build purposes]
Technorati Profile
UPDATE:
Blog ready for 6 June
Technorati Profile
UPDATE:
- Added page elements to sidebars, including links to Travolution, Travolution Blog, Travel Weekly, Travel Weekly Blog, Gazetteers.com, ITT homepage and ITT membership.
- Technorati is tracking content.
- Installed new skin with combo logo.
Blog ready for 6 June
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