p2 May 22 20/5/09 20:22 Page 2
Who would make
the best speaker
news
of travel’s house?
WHILE the drama in Westminster grabbed the
national headlines this week, travel has seen its
very own political spectacle unfolding.
The battle for the Abta chairmanship between
Britaly Travel’s Daniele Broccoli and Advantage’s
John McEwan has been dubbed by Broccoli himself
as a “David and Goliath” contest.
The vastly different candidates have spelt out
this week
their manifestos, and companies and individuals
have begun aligning themselves (p8).
Nothing like this has been seen before in travel
and there are already signs that allegiances are
being forged around “party political” factions.
But it would be a shame if, just as greater
transparency is forcing our MPs to step away from
the old tribalism of party politics, this first-ever Abta
election were to be decided on that basis.
The ploys from Brazil
Any candidate comes with baggage and could be Fam trip places to Brazil and free flights to Rio de Janeiro were among prizes
accused of favouring one faction over another, but up for grabs at Brazilian Tourist Office roadshows last week. Fern Roberts,
the key question here is which individual, regardless product executive in the Holidays Division at Thomas Cook, is pictured receiving
of the consortium they represent, is likely to be the her prize, two Tam Airlines tickets to Rio, from the airline’s sales executive,
most effective Abta chairman? Steve Smith. Roadshows were staged in London, Birmingham and Newcastle.
Thank goodness I don’t have to decide that one –
but many of you do. APC. Cruise.
So, in the same way that our politicians are now CAA says ‘no more time’ p4 Harmer proud of UKCC p10
having to select a new speaker of the House to The CAA has rejected a demand for Outgoing Ace director Andy
represent them without fear or favour, our industry an extra six weeks’ consultation Harmer named the creation of
has to choose between two men whose personal on its proposal to treble the Atol the UK Cruise Convention as one
credentials should sway the vote. Protection Charge to £3, as of his proudest achievements
Broccoli, playing the “champion of the grassroots opposition to the hike mounts
agent” card, has come up with a tempting offer on Business travel.
subscriptions and is promising a greater focus Air. GTMC Dubai conference p12
on issues that matter to members, like him, Viking Airlines praised p5 Young TMC employees skilled in
running businesses on the frontline. Controversial charter carrier online social networks such as
McEwan, meanwhile, is hoping his own Viking Airlines, which has links to Twitter and LinkedIn have been
retail background, his knowledge and expe- the failed XL Group, has been hailed hailed as key to their firms’ futures
rience of corporate giants and unquestion- as a saviour of small operators by
able communication skills will enable him to Sunvil Holidays’ Noel Josephides UK holidays.
unite the agent and operator membership Bourne boom for Bognor p14
for the benefit of the whole industry. Retail. Bourne Leisure has brought forward
Barrack Obama-style campaign- Cook shops ‘face closures’ p6 the opening of its new Bognor
ing techniques, including Twitter Thomas Cook’s Manny Fontenla- Regis hotel in August by two weeks
and YouTube, that appeal Novoa has admitted the company’s
directly to voters, have already 800-strong retail chain could City.
been deployed by both sides. decline by 100 over the next five NCL posts Q1 profit p16
But ultimately, these things won’t years as he predicted a tough 2010 Norwegian Cruise Line reverses a
determine the outcome: you will. $145m loss into a $5.2m profit
Let’s hope for a clean fight, and Abta 2009.
may the best man win. Get a ‘30-minute MBA’ p7 SECTORS.
Travel Convention attendees will Cruise p20
be able to get a fast-paced insight Operators p22
Lucy Huxley Editor into running a business by signing Air p24
up for a “30-minute MBA” session Letters p28
02 22.05.2009
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