p22 columnist oct24 21/10/08 15:45 Page 22
news comment
ttglive.com
Amanda Wills Virgin Holidays
“Collective challenges need
a collective response. Travel
people need to look out and
support each other”
N
obody wants to read another through obstacles together, and not, through
column that screams “it’s tough in tough commercial talk, perpetuate and reinforce
our industry, the outlook’s bleak. . .” , messages that impact on customers’ confidence to
or at least not with a full stop after it. buy holidays. That is why I recognise and support
That is not what we should be about in the my staff with concrete initiatives, more so as the
travel industry. It is tough out there, and it always going gets tougher in our industry as a whole.
has been. The specifics change, but the need for That extends into support of our suppliers, our
a collective industry voice does not. There have destinations and our loyal trade partners.
always been unexpected, sometimes tragic, Rallying is the one action all travel industry
events, alongside trading obstacles from fuel members can extend to each other that doesn’t
surcharges to the credit crunch and recession. compromise competitive edge, but ensures
What takes the travel industry out the other we all have something to play for.
side is our sector showing up united. We address this at Virgin Holidays in our
What doesn’t get much airtime is one vital staff awards and rewards processes, and
component: us. Investment in people, as we the environment created as a result is a
weather challenges as an industry, isn’t a collective one. There is a real drive in the
cliche or a throwaway phrase mumbled team to pull together towards our clear
at the end of board meetings. Many of strategic and commercial goals. That is
the issues impacting the industry’s because the goal of a merit-based and
commercial future impact us all, respectful working atmosphere is very
regardless of competitive edge, real here in Crawley, in our overseas
brand differentiators or price points. offices and at our airport locations.
Collective challenges require a Speaking of recognition and support, it
collective response. Travel people was great to have a chance for positive
need to look out for each other, reflection at the recent TTG Travel Awards,
supporting each other as we go and we were delighted to win the Long-
about our business of inspiring and Haul Tour Operator of the Year award for
informing our customers, responding to the second time in a row. That’s just one
media, training and listening to our agent of the ways we can weather our industry’s
partners, addressing responsible travel issues. storms: recognising great work, thanking the
We must talk ourselves into – not out of – a sector agents who take us to market and getting
that provides what is for most Brits their one behind the next challenge – or is that
time of the year to enjoy new experiences and a opportunity? It’s a perspective thing.
deserved break from the very same conditions
that we’re talking about! Amanda Wills is managing director
It’s our responsibility as an industry to walk of Virgin Holidays
22 24.10.2008
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