Newsletter Jun 09

ITT Conference

One of the highlights of the recent ITT conference was watching a novel piece of negotiation on stage, as the MD of Gold Medal Travel fired some warning shots in the direction of the CEO of one of Dubai’s leading hotel groups, Jumeirah Beach, which was contemplating a more direct selling strategy. Gold Medal’s Terry Fisher cleverly used an analogy of having a wife and a mistress and the increasing temptations of the mistress.

The most inspiring presentation however was from the CEO of space tourism pioneer Virgin Galactica. The luxury travel market is clearly not dead if you have an innovative product to offer, as the company has taken 300 deposits of $200,000 from customers who want to travel in a rocket into space and float around in a gravity free environment.

Despite the recession there was a sell out capacity of 400 delegates. The recession has put Dubai’s inexorable growth in check somewhat, but you get the distinct feeling that when the recession disappears, Dubai’s tourism growth will be not dissimilar one of Virgin Galactics rockets. And that can only be good news for job creation, and in a tax free environment.

Post ITT at a Barclays Travel Forum, the attendees (senior travel sector leaders) were asked in 12 months time whether they thought their business prospects would be worse, the same or better. Encouragingly only 3% said worse and the rest were evenly split between similar or better.

Job Of The Month

Senior Account Manager, Up to £50K, Nationwide

Our client, a well respected and successful TMC, are looking for a Senior Account Manager to retain and grow business within their key relationships. You will need to bring a consultative style of account management, ensuring you add value to the client offering by analysing MI, and suggesting ways in which the customer can optimise their travel spend in a more cost effective and timely manner. In other words really illustrating the difference between a TMC and a booking agent. To be successful in this role you will have a proven track record in a similar environment, and be innovative and strategic in your approach. A TMC background is essential. To apply, please email

Refer a Buddy

Don’t forget our “Refer a Buddy” scheme whereby if you recommend us to your friends or colleagues, as a thank you for your recommendation (which results in a successful placement), you will receive a gift as a token of our appreciation. So why not recommend a friend or colleague today!

Talented Moves

John Briggs joins Virgin Holidays on an interim basis as National Sales Manager, Wyndham Group appoints John Lucas as Director of International E-Commerce, Claire Flack joins Millennium & Copthorne Hotels as International Sales Manager, Stefanie Grotegard joins Air France as Account Manager.