Abta expects the sector to convene at the Travel Convention following Continued from page 48 “We’ll be talking about


climate change, the challenge of decarbonising and ESG [environmental, social and governance] investment. Suddenly every investment manager is talking about ESG, and companies are going to have to respond. But how credible is it? “Bringing it down to the


industry focus, what about the business model? Are there going to be more direct sales? What strategies are there for agencies and tour operators? Are agents going to choose niches? “There is a household


income squeeze, it’s going to impact young families more than older people who have bought their homes. Will there be a shift in the market? Will sectors which have an older demographic fare better? We have more-polarised income distribution. Are people going to focus on high-net-worth customers?” All this, set against “the


vibrant life of a North African city”, will make for a special convention, he believes. Tanzer said: “Marrakech is a


fantastic city. The surrounding area, the Atlas Mountains, offers incredible destinations. Morocco is a very hospitable nation. I’ve no doubt they will give us an experience we won’t forget.” Attendees can still enjoy the


‘early bird’ rate of £600 (Abta members) or £700 (non- members) by registering now.


‘Demand is strong for this year but 2023 uncertain’


Abta chief Mark Tanzer hailed the strength of consumer demand for holidays ahead of peak summer despite the incidence of flight cancellations but warned of “a need to be cautious” about 2023. He argued: “The problems


at airports and with airline cancellations are an indication that it’s going to take a while to get back to normal operation.


“Consumer demand is there.


Bookings for the summer are very strong even if people are turned off in the short term by cancellations. And these are new bookings, not just rebookings of deferred holidays. It’s new money coming into the industry, which is great. It’s a better picture than for a long time.” But he warned: “We need to be


cautious about next year, largely due to the economy. There is going to be a big hike in fuel costs. People are going to feel poorer. “Household spending is


dropping already and eventually that is going to filter through to people’s leisure travel spend.


“It doesn’t mean people are


not going to go on holiday, but it’ll maybe be a different type of holiday or a shorter break. “We can’t insulate ourselves


from the wider economic context.”


‘Travel has been unfairly stigmatised for disruption’


The government has “stigmatised” the industry over disruption due to staff shortages after being warned in advance of the consequences of refusing sector-specific aid. That is according to Abta chief


executive Mark Tanzer, who told Travel Weekly: “Airlines and airports obviously have huge operational challenges, some not within their control, some to do with shortages of staff and support services at airports.” But he pointed out: “Furlough


stopped long before the travel restrictions lifted. There was obviously going to be a cash crunch for the industry which was going to have to lay off people. “To be castigated for not being


able to bring people back quickly enough is very unfair from a government that didn’t support the industry in the way we asked. “The government has stigmatised


thetravelconvention.com 46 23 JUNE 2022


the industry.” However, Tanzer appealed for the sector not to descend into a blame


game. He said: “It’s not helpful for one part of the industry to pick on another. We’re all part of a chain which is unable to deliver a good customer experience [at present]. We should be trying to work together to sort out operational issues rather than pointing fingers of blame.” He rejected government claims


that airlines ramped up capacity too quickly, insisting: “Exiting a two-year hiatus in travel was never going to be


Transport secretary Grant Shapps


smooth. I wouldn’t criticise airlines for having offered flights because who knew what the demand was going to be? Who knew what the pressure points would be and how quickly staff would come back? “It’s difficult to anticipate the


pressure on the system at different times and make a judgement in advance to cut flights. Obviously, as you get into the operational cycle, you see the pressure points and can make those decisions.” Tanzer said: “I feel sympathy for


customers, for agents and operators. It’s terrible when someone’s flight is cancelled and there is no information. But the vast majority of passengers aren’t experiencing delays. Most are travelling and having a good holiday experience. “Obviously, we’re hitting peak


season when more people will be travelling and more people going through airports could be a challenge. But airports and airlines are trying to get staff in place as rapidly as possible.”


travelweekly.co.uk


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