p4 jan23 21/1/09 20:32 Page 4
news
23.01.2009
Insurer offers
BIRD STRIKE: A flock of birds has been blamed
for disabling the two engines in the
‘crisis’ policy
US Airways Airbus A320 that was forced
to crash-land in the Hudson river last
week. Investigations have still to
INSURANCE firm Arnold Fisher has introduced
be completed into the accident,
crisis management and crisis public relations
which saw all 150 passengers
protection to its tour operator liability and agent
escape virtually unscathed
insurance products.
The add-on cover offers up to £25 million com-
bined public liability and crisis management cover.
Annual premiums cost from £300, which
would be in addition to the annual liability
Photos
premium, which starts at £850. P
A
There is no crisis policy excess, but a £100
excess for PR costs.
Policy holders using Abta Resort Check will
receive a discount voucher of up to 50% against
their crisis management premium at the next
Aito: Big two using
policy renewal.
Chief executive Paul Turner said: “Immediate
action is required to make an unfortunate
situation more comforting for the affected and
scare tactics to sell
less damaging for the reputation and future of
the company involved.”
Kay McLellan.
of 100% protection; we want people to know
AN AITO board member has accused Tui Travel that even if they book with a small company,
and Thomas Cook of “scaremongering” to drive their money is safe. We must retain confidence in
customers to the big brands. small companies.”
Sunvil Holidays managing director Noel He said the “free for all” in the industry over
Josephides said their recent advertising the last few years and the loss of values could no
campaigns highlighting protection attempted to longer be sustained, with people looking for
make people think they must book with a large stability following XL Leisure Group’s collapse.
operator to be financially protected. Josephides added: “Smaller companies are
He is now calling on smaller firms to work to not fighting the big two directly, but fighting to
maintain consumer confidence. maintain the public confidence in booking with
Visit USA awaits
Josephides said: “Tui and Cook are scaremon- smaller companies. We just have to make sure
gering because they want to frighten everyone that confidence doesn’t deteriorate.”
into booking with them as the big brands.
‘Obama effect’
“That is why Aito is emphasising its message ■ Aito conference report, p12
PARTYGOERS at a Visit USA presidential
inauguration celebration in London rubbed
shoulders (sort of) with the great man this week.
Kuoni boss miffed at departure
Visit USA is hoping the “Obama effect” will
result in a bounce in bookings this year. MANUEL Mascarenhas has admitted he is before looking to rejoin the industry he has been
Pictured, with a cut-out of the new president, disappointed to be leaving Kuoni. part of for 30 years.
are chairman Peter Moss and the association’s It was announced late last week that he will He added: “The response from the trade has
PR committee chairman, Kate Burgess-Craddy. no longer be sales director due to the “focus of been amazing and a few calls have come in with
the sales division broadening beyond traditional interesting opportunities to consider.”
■ Read Adam Coulter’s Washington blog sales channels”. Kuoni is expected to reveal details of how
at ttglive.com/ttgbusiness Mascarenhas plans to take a short break sales channels will be broadened next week.
04 23.01.2009
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