p9 TBI July10 8/7/09 15:21 Page 9
ttglive.com
Have faith
If your idea is good, hold your
WIN
Is your idea worth £100k?
nerve and don’t be deterred
The Big Idea is an amazing chance to
win a £100,000 investment from four
experienced travel industry investors.
It’s the chance of a lifetime to transform an
Holiday Taxis founder Paul Stanyer, who was once knocked
idea into a working business. back by investors, wants to see determined mavericks among
All finalists will go on to pitch to four
the entrepreneurs pitching big ideas. Rupert Murray reports
investors and be invited to the TTG Travel
Awards in September to find who has
won the big prize. entering an unproven market. But they liked
Entries must be submitted me and they liked the idea.
by August 2. For details, “Similarly, it doesn’t matter to me if someone
visit ttgbigidea.com P
aul Stanyer knows how hard it is to
pitch an idea to potential investors.
The first time he walked into a room
hoping to convince someone his doesn’t have the relevant experience. If I see
revolutionary transfer concept was worth a some raw talent, even if they are a little maver-
punt he was laughed out of the room. ick, I won’t shy away. If someone comes in who
“It was brutal; he stopped me well before I I like, with an idea that is backed up by common
IAN SCOTT had finished my presentation and told me sense and talent, I will be interested.”
UK & Ireland director, my idea would amount to nothing.” Stanyer’s idea came to him after
Dubai Tourism and But Stanyer had faith in his idea years working overseas and repeat-
Commerce Marketing and ability so was able to walk into edly hearing complaints about
another room and face another long and poor-quality transfers.
DUBAI’S aim to be the investor. He recalls: “This time I “Early this decade operators
world’s number one fam- was stopped mid-flow again and started to depackage the package
ily destination requires was ready to pack up and go when a little and they were charging £15
some pretty big ideas and they suddenly told me they were per person for a transfer.
spectacular attractions. interested.” “It occurred to me that it was pos-
The stunning Atlantis, He hopes to see that sible to offer a private transfer
The Palm, has brought us strength in the entre- for the same or even less.”
Dolphin Bay and Aquaven- preneurs who walk With dynamic packaging
ture, while the eternally popular Wild Wadi into TTG’s dragons’ taking off thanks to low-cost
makes Dubai a water park paradise. Or, visitors den. airlines and bed banks,
can head for the enormous aquarium at The “In order to be Stanyer’s idea really did turn
Dubai Mall, or go skiing at Mall of the Emirates. a success you out to be big, with many
Dubai’s Big “attraction” Ideas look to the have to have total following him into the sector
future too. We’ll soon see Sega Republic and faith in your idea he created.
Kidzania and beyond that the Dubailand and yourself. Holiday Taxis now operates
mega-project will open more than 20 parks. “When I look in 70 countries and has,
There are countless attractions for big kids back I know my along with its founder, won
too, including the Dubai World Cup Horse Race, business plan numerous awards.
offshore powerboat racing, the Dubai Rugby had holes in it Stanyer is looking
Sevens, the Race To Dubai golf tournament and it was quite a forward to judgement day
and the annual Jazz and Rock festivals. gamble from my and advised those who
Dubai has had some pretty Big Ideas as far as investors considering make the shortlist to
attractions are concerned. Now it’s your turn..! I had no track record relax and enjoy the
and was talking about experience.
Train to be a Dubai Expert
Sign up at dubaiexpert.co.uk
Receive Dubai updates
Sign up for e-newsletters at dubaiupdate.co.uk
For rules and entry form go to ttgbigidea.com
10.07.2009 09
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