This year might not have started out quite as we all hoped, but while the UK may be in the midst of lockdown three, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The UK is on target to vaccinate its most vulnerable by the middle of February – news that will be crucial in restoring confidence to the market. So what can we expect from the year ahead? Are travel businesses still banking on a Peaks? How might be the market be reshaped without this? And crucially, how can the industry get back to business and do what it does best – sell dreams?
These are the questions TTG will be addressing in this latest seminar (only available to TTG+ members), exploring exactly how the travel industry can get back to business.
The seminar, which will feature live Q&A sessions for delegates to put their questions to panellists, will begin at 2pm on 27 January with a session exploring “What does 2021 hold for the travel industry?”, with Susan Deer, Abta’s director of industry relations.
It will be followed by a session examining the beleaguered ski sector, which has been dealt a severe second blow with much of Europe in lockdown.
A panel including Helen Furlong, Midcounties PTA, Diane Palumbo, sales and marketing director, Skiworld, Rupert Longsdon, founder and CEO, Oxford Ski, will discuss the impact on the sector, how businesses have coped, and how they’re planning to get back to business despite the challenges of the current climate.
After a short break, the seminar will move onto explore the new travel restrictions facing British holidaymakers.
The travel industry has broadly welcomed the introduction of pre-departure testing, but many argue the industry cannot survive if quarantine rules remain in place as well. A panel of industry figures will discuss: “To quarantine or not to quarantine: What does the future of travel look like?”, with speakers including Farina Azam, partner, Kemp Little, Tim Alderslade, chief executive, Airlines UK and Gordon McCreadie, general manager, If Only.
The afternoon will conclude with a Big Interview featuring Ben Bouldin, vice president EMEA, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Almost a month into the new year and the UK government still refuses to confirm when it will lift its ban on cruise travel. So how can cruise lines plan for the future amid such uncertainty, and how has it impacted consumer demand? Will the industry still see a “wave period” this year, once restrictions are lifted? How are cruise businesses maintaining staff morale at this difficult time? And what does it mean for the long-term future of the sector? Bouldin will consider all this and more as he meets with TTG editor Sophie Griffiths to discuss navigating a business through uncharted waters.
TTG seminars are open to all TTG+ members. To register click here.
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