NEWS ROUND-UP
COMMENT: “Conceding that sales might grow would appear to be a cardinal sin” Amanda Matthews, page 36
New SPAA president vows to ‘discuss issues not fight’
Jennifer Morris
jennifermorris@
travelweekly.co.uk
The new president of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) has set out his focus for the next two years, highlighting the need for “harmony” between agents and principals.
Alan Glen, a director at Glen
Travel, took up his role at the SPAA’s annual general meeting last week. In the past, the association has
gained a reputation for not being afraid to speak out against tour operators and airlines. Glen said: “While many might
see the role of the SPAA as protecting the interests of agents, I view it as promoting harmony between both sides. “We are a conduit – a conductor
of information between agent and principal. We don’t necessarily have to agree on everything, but we do need to communicate. And if a decision is made that damages or destroys the harmony then, ultimately, the partnership will be affected and, probably, so will the business between the two.” Citing recent incidents, such as the Russian plane crash in
Travel by Inspire named inaugural Hoseasons Hero
Travel by Inspire has been crowned Hoseasons Hero of the Year. The Cheshire-based agency and
operator received the accolade for its sales performance and approach to selling Hoseasons holidays. Eight agencies were nominated for the award, which was launched
WINNER: Keith Herman (left), with Hoseasons’ Tariq Khan
by the domestic holidays specialist this year. Presenting the trophy at
10
travelweekly.co.uk 12 November 2015 SHAKE ON IT: Alan Glen (right) with ex-SPAA president Jimmy Martin “Problems can often be avoided
“We are a conduit – a conductor of information between agent and principal”
Egypt, Glen said there were “bigger matters to consider”, describing the SPAA as harmonious in general. “Sometimes, we’ll get a problem such as the Lufthansa [GDS fee] plans threatening to upset the apple cart,” said Glen. “We had a meeting with them
where our members got to get their point of view across – and there was no fighting.
by simply communicating first.” Glen said the SPAA was always on the frontline giving opinions on behalf of members, but he also acknowledged a “need for change”. “It’s very important – whether
in Holyrood or Westminster – that our voices are heard when they need to be. “But like any good business, we
are not going to rest on our laurels. “We recognise the need for change and we have started a root-and-branch exercise to look at everything that we do, how we
do it and why we do it.” › Lufthansa, back page
a ceremony in Brighton last week, managing director Simon Altham said: “Travel by Inspire consistently goes the extra mile to promote our products to their customers, and get great results in the process.” Travel by Inspire managing
director Keith Herman said: “Every member of the Travel by Inspire team enjoys working with our partners at Hoseasons, so it’s nice to get some recognition for our efforts.”
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ian Allan memorial service to be held in Guildford
A memorial service for business travel guru Ian Allan, who died aged 92 in June, will take place at 2pm on November 23 at Guildford Cathedral. Allan founded Ian Allan Travel, a business that grew out of railway excursions he organised following the success of locomotive books he published. The company still has a turnover of about £60 million.
Advantage hosts training events on ancillary sales
Advantage Travel Partnership is running training workshops with its members this month with a focus on improving ancillary sales. The events are in Leeds today (November 12), Cardiff on November 23 and Belfast on November 26. A London workshop was held this week. To sign up, contact Colin O’Neill on 020 7324 3934.
Alpharooms sets up trade-only brand Betabeds
Consumer bed bank Alpharooms is creating a trade-only brand to start taking bookings from agents in January. Trade site
Betabeds.com will offer 250,000 hotels in 40,000 destinations. The trade brand is being managed by head of sales and operations Emma Lelliott, who joined in August from Thomas Cook-owned MedHotels.
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