What is the biggest issue that stands between a policy and its successful delivery? Is it a lack of knowledge or ability in order to create one? Is it uncooperative or unable suppliers or intermediaries? Is it poor uptake or availability of appropriate technology systems? Or is it simply that end users either cannot or will not comply with edicts and have ways of getting around them? Depending on your own experiences you could say one, some or all of the above but I think you might be missing something even more important. Read More »

The other day I spoke to a friend who had always been a massive supporter of European low cost/no frills airlines. He looked pretty annoyed and moaned about the fact that many of the deals that used to be around no longer exist. He also could not understand why he now has to do a lot of the work for them such as online check-in etc yet pay for almost every extra you can think of. Why, he asked, should I do all the work yet more often than not have to pay an administration fee?

It seems to me th Read More »

Without insinuating they are all a load of blood suckers I believe that inviting the press to listen to you is akin to inviting Count Dracula around for a nightcap. You want the experience to be worthwhile and enjoyable but there is a chance you will have a pain in your neck and the need for a transfusion afterwards.

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I have just been reading the agenda and speaker list and boy what a blast I would have if I were there! No folks, this is not an advertorial for this event, more a recognition that at last somebody in the travel world is getting together some smart guys to air critical issues. I hope they do not let us and themselves down by blowing the opportunity to sidetrack posturing and 'company speak' to thrash out some alternative arguments.

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Surely we have enough associations? Do we really need another one? I think the answer is probably no ... if those we have provide greater focus on the re-engineering and industry strategies that are developing as I write. But they don't. Read More »

OK, OK, I know. I said I was going to quit corporate travel and disappear into the mists of travel legend…or something like that. But it is so very hard! I am rather like Frank Sinatra was, or Michel Jordan is, where something happens which triggers off a new reason why the lure of starting again becomes too much. Read More »

After almost exactly 45 years in the travel industry I have decided to call it a day but I could not do it without saying thanks to my friends, colleagues and particularly Jay at The Beat as well as other industry publications. I only hope I have been able to give as much to you as you have given me over the years.I have had a great and worthwhile time but everything needs to end sometime and I would rather walk away while my knowledge is still current than leave it to a time when my comments be Read More »

When I was at the sharp end of the travel management company business, I was a huge fan of employing clever people and, when possible, rewarding them for success in saving money for both my clients and my company. I undertook quite a bit of research which confirmed to me that a good agent could bring an annual savings ROI of between 300 percent and 500 percent. Only trouble was that people were so focussed on taking any manpower cost out that they did not delve into the deeper implications of do Read More »

I was surprised to read that one of the new British Airways/Iberia/American Airlines triumvirate had stated that the market can expect combined corporate deals within the coming few months. Astonishing, really, considering alliances have been finding reasons ranging from antitrust to market difference to avoid doing such a thing in the past. However, if they now go ahead, it has the potential to impact the market as significantly as direct connect. Read More »

I always thought technology drives most change and the travel industry is no different to any other business in this respect. I assumed that the reason for travel evolution being so painful was that new technology had been so scarce for so long that now it has arrived people are overdosing on it. However, unlike the pharmaceutical business nobody has tested products, understood the correct dosage or learned how to deal with adverse reactions. Read More »