p2 May8 6/5/09 22:14 Page 2
Strong leadership is
crucial for uncertain
news
times ahead
WHICH middle-aged man in a grey suit wins the
presidency of Abta or chairmanship of ITT may not
keep you awake at night. I certainly hope not...
But the recession has taught us that in business,
confidence is key and strong leadership is vital.
So it will be more important than ever for the
industry to have people at the top who can fight its
corner and demand change. The leaders of Abta and
this week
the ITT will be at the heart of this.
You can’t overstate what a crucial period the
travel industry is entering.
The downturn is clearly going to be around for
some time yet. And on top of this, two court cases
could drastically change the way the industry that
pays your wages is allowed to operate.
The CAA will try to prove the way Travel Republic
Travel Gives Back. . .in London
sold holidays is illegal, threatening a travel boss Cunard hosted agents at a cocktail party in London this week where items
with jail if it wins or blowing apart traditional tour that had been designed and autographed by celebrities were showcased ahead
operating if it loses. of a charity auction. From left: Dave Mills, Iglu; Daniela Barbosa de Carneiro
Meanwhile, the Greek authorities will try to (Sir Ben Kingsley’s wife); Sir Ben Kingsley, ambassador for The Prince’s Trust;
apportion blame on two Thomas Cook reps for the Simone Clark, Iglu; and Carol Marlow, Cunard president. Full story, p23
deaths of two young British holidaymakers from
carbon monoxide poisoning in Corfu. Election. Air special.
Just two threats to the industry that will require ITT extends vote deadline p4 Battle in the skies p10
strong, decisive leadership through whatever fallout Members have been given extra As Aer Lingus goes head to head
transpires. time to cast their votes in the with easyJet from Gatwick, TTG’s
Most TTG readers may not have the power to forthcoming board elections after Chris Gray compares their flights
influence the outcome of the ITT elections. But Abta concerns were raised about the and talks strategy with the bosses
remains a recognisable voice for the industry and if original May 31 deadline
rumours we hear are true, you could get a say. Ski.
If, as expected, there are two candidates for the Abta. Inghams in Lapland p12
association’s presidency, it will go down to a vote of Freedom fallout anger p5 Ski specialist Inghams is to expand
the entire national membership for the first Following Freedom Direct’s its Lapland 2009-10 programme,
time. collapse, Abta has come in for following Tui’s partial withdrawal
So maybe it is worth deciding which grey scathing criticism from consumers
suits you would rather have skippering who wrongly assumed the associa- City.
travel through choppy waters after all. tion offered a 100% guarantee in BAA reaps tariff income p16
the event of a member failure BAA increased its first-quarter
Face of Travel: go for it! income at its three London airports
TTG’s Face of Travel is back! Our search Sales. to £305 million, but passenger
for two travel industry ambassadors ‘Hot weather threat’ p6 numbers fell by 10%
was such a hit last year, attracting The prospect of a long and hot
hundreds of entrants and more British summer is a bigger threat Comment.
than 6,000 votes, that we’re to the trade than swine flu or the Come hell or high water p18
running it again in 2009. And recession, according to On Holiday British travellers don’t let crises
this year, the prizes are even better! Group boss Steve Endacott get in the way of their holiday,
So what are you waiting for? Enter says Kuoni director Derek Jones
or nominate a colleague today at Cruise.
faceoftravel.co.uk Deposit gamble pays off p9 SECTORS.
Gills Cruise Centre said its decision Cruise p22
to slash deposits to £50 to stimu- Operators p26
Lucy Huxley Editor late bookings was a calculated risk Air p28
that it would try again Letters p34
02 08.05.2009
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