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.
There is a phrase you don't hear very often. In fact when we board a plane, enter a meeting or listen to the opening messages at a conference we usually hear just the opposite. Lately we hear with increasing frequency that mobile phones and the apps that we run on them will dramatically change the way we work, live and manage travel. So why are we always asked to turn them off?
Over the last few weeks much has been said and written about a merger of ACTE and NBTA and the potential benefits this would bring the global travel industry. It has been interesting to see how throughout the letters and articles, the strengths of the different associations have been outlined. Specifically it has been stated (even by NBTA officials themselves) that ACTE clearly has a stronger program and presence outside the US and a lead when it comes to educating the industry.
Continental Airlines has joined
BCD Travel in urging ACTE and NBTA to reconsider a merger. Here's the Continental letter to the boards of the associations, in its entirety:
Regarding today's
article in The Beat, there's been lots of talk over the years about a merger; in fact several years ago I wrote an Op-Ed to the effect that "The two associations should find ways to collaborate instead of compete." Some people took that the wrong way and thought I meant merge; which was not what I meant.
