NEWS ROUND-UP
FACE TO FACE: “I am one of those old-fashioned blokes who believes we are doing this for profit”Richard Bowden-Doyle, page 16
SPAA president Glen vows to review agent body’s role
Amie Keeley SPAA Annual Dinner, Glasgow
The Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) is undertaking a “root and branch” review of the role of the group, its president has revealed.
Speaking at the association’s 86th annual dinner in Glasgow last week, Alan Glen said that he “recognised the need for change” in light of the challenges facing the industry. He also said the group had become more involved in the big issues affecting travel, including Air Passenger Duty (APD) and airport expansion. Addressing guests, Glen, owner of Glasgow-based Glen Travel, said: “We recognise the need for change, so we’ve started a root and branch exercise about what we do and why we do it.” He added: “Occasionally the harmony between suppliers and agents is disrupted and partnerships dissolve, but that’s where the SPAA comes into its own.”
Coach tours expert and Croydon agent John Flin dies
The coach tours sector has paid tribute to John Flin, managing director of
Coachholidays.com and boss of Wallace Arnold Worldchoice in Croydon, who died of cancer last month. Flin, whose career in travel spanned more than 30 years, passed away on February 16 after becoming ill in June last year. He joined Homeland Tours, the family business in Croydon, in the
JOHN FLIN: A ‘walking Wikipedia’ on escorted holidays
late 1970s after leaving school at 18, and set up
Coachholidays.com in 1997 with his father. Gary Lewis, chief executive of
The Travel Network Group, said: “John and his business at Wallace
8
travelweekly.co.uk 3 March 2016
NEWS IN BRIEF
Comtec parts company with chief executive Russell
Tech supplier Comtec has parted company with chief executive Mike Russell. Russell, who joined in May 2015, was credited with leading the business back to profitability. No reasons were given for his departure.
Travel businesses gain Sunday Times accolade
GLEN: ‘Threats will always come along, but agents are survivors’
“We’ve started a root and branch exercise about what we do and why we do it”
He described the agents’
body as the “glue” that holds the Scottish industry together. Asked later about threats to the trade, such as undercutting and
heavy discounting, he told Travel Weekly: “We will always fight a
member’s corner, but we will fight for them on an individual basis when it crops up. Threats will always come along, but agents are adaptable. We are survivors.” Glen declined to give details
of what changes lay ahead for the SPAA, but said they would be revealed in the next few months, with members being informed first. “In any business you have to
look at what you are doing and ask if it makes sense,” he said. “It’s about utilising our time in the best way and keeping members happy.”
Arnold have been highly valued Worldchoice members for a great many years. He ran a very strong and successful business and offered good advice to new members. He will be missed by us all.” Michael Bowers, national sales manager at Shearings Holidays, said Flin was a “walking Wikipedia” on the escorted sector, while Leger Holidays chief executive Ian Henry described him as “a great friend to the coach holiday world”. Flin’s sister, Elle Flin, who had
been living in Australia, flew back to the UK last summer and has been managing the family business since her brother fell ill.
The Sunday Times Best Companies To Work For 2016 rankings featured several travel companies. Hays Travel, Kuoni, Bourne Leisure, Flight Centre, Marriott Hotels International, Merlin Entertainments, Red Carnation Hotels, Holiday Extras, Audley Travel and G Adventures all appeared.
Drinks ban ‘looms’ after midair stag party brawl
A rise in air-rage incidents could lead to restrictions on the sale of alcohol on flights, the Civil Aviation Authority has warned after a Ryanair flight to Bratislava, Slovakia, had to be diverted to Berlin when a fight broke out among a stag party.
Book your place on a counter-terror seminar
Anti-fraud group Profit is hosting a free travel counter-terror seminar in London on May 24. Email
barry@profit.uk.com
POLL
Will the views of travel bosses influence how you vote in the EU referendum?
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