p2 Contents mar13 11/3/09 20:44 Page 2
There’s never been
a more crucial time
news
to enterTTG Awards
TODAY we launch the TTG Travel Awards 2009 –
prouder than ever of their credibility, value and
desirability.
Our revered judging process, combining agent
votes with the scrutiny of expert judges, remains
unique in the industry, as does the amazing awards
ceremony we have in store for you in September,
which no other event can match.
this week
Awards have always played a major role in
generating recognition and status within travel, and
in this downturn, when competition for business is
fierce, they are even more important.
Entering and winning will give suppliers and
agents that crucial edge over competitors and
become a valuable marketing tool. Even making it
to the shortlist holds great weight when targeting
consumers who are desperate for something to help
cut through the host of travel options available.
Royal welcome for Air Asia X
So the opportunity to milk such accolades for all The Duke of York greets crew on the inaugural Air Asia X flight from Kuala Lumpur
they’re worth must not be wasted. to Stansted after the Airbus A340 touched down on Wednesday. He is flanked by
Not everyone can go to quite the lengths of Air Asia Group chief executive Tony Fernandes, who said the start of the no-frills,
Monarch, which emblazoned “TTG Airline of the long-haul service was a “revolutionary” moment for aviation. Full story, p9
Year” down the side of its aircraft, but you can still
sing from the rooftops if you get shortlisted or win. APC review. travel agent’s throat during an
And this year, we will be working closely with ‘Act fast over levy rise’ p4 attempted robbery.
consumer media to help you maximise your The industry has been told it
achievements – and reap the commercial benefits. must act quickly if its views on the New Greece range.
Winning a TTG Travel Award is also a massive future of Atol are to be included Goldtrail agent support p10
motivation for staff. When most of us are being in a CAA consultation, now The architects of Goldtrail’s new
asked to work harder than ever, such recognition expected to start in late April. Greece programme have promised
would be one hell of a pat on the back. They re-en- full trade support, including
ergise everyone involved and promote a real sense Disabled travel. competitive commission, fam
of achievement – inspiring teams to return the Agents fail mystery test p5 trips, training and a brochure.
following year with something even better. Four travel firms have defended
Over the 11 years that I have been their approach to customers with Kenya.
involved in travel awards, the standard of disabilities after none of them Rebuilding communities p14
entries has improved exponentially. It’s fan- were able to secure a booking in Travel Counsellors chairman David
tastic to see our awards taken increasingly a groundbreaking TTG Mystery Speakman and his family visited
seriously and the enormous amount of Shopper assessment. Kenya to see how their support of
time and effort put into entries. Plan UK is making a difference.
This year we’ve simplified the Membership.
entry process by putting it online, Abta ‘not a competitor’ p6 Cimtig Awards.
so grasp this opportunity to A survey of 20 of Advantage New media in limelight p16
shine. In this economic climate, Travel Centres’ most influential Web, viral and print campaigns
I urge you to keep awards on agents found they were generally were among travel promotions
your agenda as they are one of the happy with the services provided judged by leading industry figures
most powerful marketing tools. by Abta. this week for the Cimtig Travel
To find out more, turn to p48 or Marketing Awards 2009.
go to ttgtravelawards.com. Thomson raid.
Machete attack on agent p7 SECTORS.
Police in Manchester are appealing Cruise p24
Lucy Huxley Editor for information after armed raiders Hotels & resorts p28
held a machete to a Thomson Air p30
02 13.03.2009
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