GTMC COLUMN ADRIAN PARKES Challenges ahead
Significant disruption will strain long-standing commercial relationships and impact the travel industry
balancing the books as we seek to manage costs and plan for growth in what many regard as changing and challenging times. My colleagues and I greeted the Autumn Budget with mixed emotions. Certainly it was encouraging to see the government’s commitment to regional infrastructure and investment in initiatives, including the Transforming Cities Fund. There is widespread agreement that improved connectivity with city regions to support productivity beyond London and the south- east is money well spent and no doubt many businesses and the economy will benefit. However, it was disappointing to see a more shortsighted approach to incentivising travel further afield with an increase to premium
F
OR MANY BUSINESS TRAVELLERS AND TMCs, the start of the year will see a focus on
Adrian Parkes is chief executive of the Guild of Travel Management Companies (
gtmc.org).
economy and business class APD rates. While the terms and conditions of our departure from the EU are still being debated, one thing is certain: the UK economy will continue to grow post-Brexit. Businesses need to be incentivised, not penalised, to travel long haul and an intelligent approach to APD is key to supporting this. Looking more closely at our own industry, we can also expect further challenges in the airline distribution model. The past 12 months have seen significant and increasing fragmentation of the existing level playing field. The decision by Air France and KLM to enter the world of distribution surcharging was predictable, yet disappointing. NDC (new distribution capability) was positioned as the standard for merchandising and distributing air content to give airlines greater control at point of sale. As a
MOVERS & SHAKERS
result, TMCs are enabled to better present and sell ancillary products, therefore improving the service offering to their clients. However, the current disruption in distribution has meant that the long-standing commercial relationships in the market are now subject to significant change and should be judged as such, rather than as part of the NDC solution. To move forward, it is important that the travel industry ensures full transparency of both price and product is maintained to guarantee best value to the end client. Ongoing communication and engagement from all parties is necessary so this highly disruptive period results in the best possible outcome for suppliers, TMCs and business travellers.
ANDRIUS REMEIKIS Choice Hotels Europe has announced the appointment of Andrius Remeikis as director, corporate sales, Europe. He joins from Club Quarters Hotels where he was global membership manager. Remeikis previously worked at Choice Hotels in 2010-2013.
142 BBT January/February 2018
JULIET HOWIE Oakwood Worldwide has recently appointed Juliet Howie to be director of sales – EMEA. She is taking responsiblity for driving sales within the EMEA region. Previously, Howie held the position of global sales director/strategic accounts at NH Hotels.
MARK WILLIS Movenpick Hotels & Resorts has named senior hospitality professional Mark Willis as president – Asia. He has two decades of experience, most recently as senior area vice-president Middle East, Turkey & Africa at Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.
SHARON BURRELL CWT Meetings and Events has appointed Sharon Burrell as head of operations, UK&I & Benelux. Burrell has spent 25 years in the events industry. She was head of events for 12 years at Procon Conferences (now part of United Drug), and has freelanced since 2004.
BUYINGBUSINESSTRAVEL.COM
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