025-27 TTGB INTERVIEW 4/11/08 16:16 Page 27
interview 27
arise as the market turns. Like a tide, it will turn, and “Increasing numbers of travellers are boarding trains
just like the best fishermen, the smart companies will be without giving air alternatives a thought. So the
there, wherever in the world they need to be, able and standard of rail service will continue to develop, both
ready to capitalise.” domestically and, on the back of Eurostar’s success,
The much maligned airport/airline experience in the through high-speed international links.”
UK could also substantially improve, if White’s
predictions come to fruition. “There have been too many Don’t talk travel down
empty airline seats flying round the world, so the Much has happened since White has been involved in
inevitable failures of weaker airlines will leave a better the travel trade. But he still sees himself as being in the
match between supply and demand, benefiting both the early stages of his career, with much left to achieve. As a
economy and the environment. Prices may increase long-term member and former deputy chair of the
SMART PEOPLE
slightly, and while no-one will enjoy paying more, the GTMC, he is aware of the need for unity and cohesion.
WILL WATCH
services will become much better.” “Travel is a ‘now’ industry and, unfortunately, it is
The aviation sector looks likely to come through this susceptible to negative talk. As an industry – and that
OUT FOR NEW
period of turbulence in better shape than it went in, includes the trade press – we need to be more far more
OPPORTUNITIES
and White believes important steps will continue to be positive. I’m not saying we should shout and scream like
WHEN THE
made on the rail tracks as well. “It’s almost become it’s party time, as nothing could be further from the
socially unacceptable these days to fly between truth, but we should never be caught talking the
MARKET TURNS Birmingham, Manchester and London,” he says. industry down.” L52159
ttgbusiness.com a79 november 2008
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64