Your letters


Isn’t it time to start thinking about online brochures? I think the panel missed something during the WTM ttgluxurydebate – online brochures (“WTM 2010: ttgluxurydebate: brochures ‘still essential’”, ttglive.com). We have started using them on our website in the last year, and they have been very successful. They save printing hundreds of brochures, but we still have the option of printing pages if the client requires. We need some operators to take advantage of the technology available and think outside the box. With online brochures offers could be updated immediately, there could be content-rich pages, with videos or virtual tours. This would save them a fortune and save the planet. Brochures are needed by the few, but I bet


over 50% could be saved. Nicholas McKay


managing director, Travel Designers


The APD increase is hurting my independent agency


As an independent travel agent specialising in the Caribbean, I want to say that Air Passenger Duty has affected our business (“WTM 2010: Caribbean ‘finds proof’ that APD is hitting economies,” ttglive.com). 0ur clients are complaining that air fares are too high and many will now find it difficult to afford to visit families or attend functions and things like musical festivals in the Caribbean.


Penny Howe manager, Travel Solutions Worldwide travel trade gazette


uk & ireland edition Issue 2936


EDITORIAL Daniel Pearce editor 020 7921 8008


NEWS Chris Gray news editor (aviation) 020 7921 8003


Sophie Griffiths reporter (cruise/hotels) 020 7921 8010 Rob Gill reporter (operators/city) 020 7921 8011


FEATURES AND SUPPLEMENTS Philippa Jacks features and supplements editor 020 7921 8038 Katherine Lawrey deputy features and supplements editor 020 7921 8018 Olivia Hemmings features reporter 020 7921 8004 April Hutchinsonttgluxury editor 020 7921 8440


EDITORIAL PRODUCTION Matthew Parsons chief sub-editor 020 7921 8015 Ian Shine sub-editor 020 7921 8013


Media partner of the ITT


TTGLIVE.COM Paul Revel web editor 020 7921 8017


ART & DESIGN Jasveer Mehay group head of design 020 7921 8430


COMMERCIAL Sheryl Makin sales director 020 7921 8023 Louise Napierttgluxurysales manager 020 7921 8508 Ricky Wilkes senior account manager 020 7921 8195 Matt Roclawski senior account manager 020 7921 8025 Simon Pilkington account manager 020 7921 8019 Laura Bowyer marketing manager 020 7921 8026 Vanessa Powell journal administrator 020 7921 8029


CLASSIFIED & RECRUITMENT Simon Pilkington account manager 020 7921 8019


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30 19.11.2010


Daniel Pearce was right – and I loved my first ever WTM too


TTGeditor Daniel Pearce was spot on in his editorial on WTM (TTG, November 12). It was also my first time at WTM and I


thoroughly enjoyed it, even if it was a little tiring. The diversity of exhibitors was a credit to the organisers and I found plenty of things that were of interest to me. Plus it was a great way to network and meet people. I went on the final day, the Thursday, and from


what exhibitors told me it was the quietest day of the week. This was good for me as it meant uncrowded stands, but it must have been disappointing for organisers and exhibitors. WTM is a great event and the trade should


support it. I can’t wait for next year’s event. Robert Lidster


independent travel writer


Mauritius fam has given me confidence to sell it myself


I would just like to say a massive thank you to Gold Medal’s Leigh Lavery and Naiade Luxury Resorts’ Justin Coles for the fantastic time I had on their Mauritius fam trip. I made some wonderful friends and saw some of the most beautiful hotels I have ever seen. Seeing the country for myself has given me the confidence to sell this destination and put my customers in the most suitable resorts and hotels. Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to go on this wonderful trip.


Gemma Milne travel consultant, Pole Travel


ADVERTISEMENT PRODUCTION Stephen Miller production manager 020 7921 8027 stephen.miller@ubm.com Alistair Taylor production controller 020 7560 4207 alistair.taylor@ubm.com Mark Saunders digital production 020 7921 8386 mark.saunders@ubm.com


PUBLISHING Tony Arnold managing director


EVENTS Ellie Spreckley events manager 020 7955 3751 eleanor.spreckley@ubm.com


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Why does easyJet really want Low Cost as tour op partner?


The step taken by easyJet to get a foothold in tour operating is a logical one, and it was only a question of time until it took it. The company doesn’t need good luck as it will be a success. However, from a purely logis- tical point of view there is one serious doubt that must be raised – bringing in a third party and effectively losing control of the components other than the air service. Hopefully the three-year forecast for their marriage with Low Cost will end in divorce and easyJet will use Low Cost as a springboard to formulate its own operation and eventually take total control. These consortium-style operations do not work. Who is the principal? The thought of bringing in the retail trade is doomed to failure – sadly for easyJet – as nothing but complaints will ensue. Imagine the secnario: travel agent books an easyJet holiday, makes a mistake on the dates and expects to talk to someone about a change. Not a chance! The agent pays for the alteration and the additional seat increase. Bye bye profits.


Peter Mayne business development, First Step


WHAT DO YOU THINK? The deadline for letters is 10am on Tuesday. We need your name, job title and company address. Please limit letters to 250 words maximum. We reserve the right to edit. Email: ttgletters@ttglive.com


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