| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 26/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 8 |
| Copyright: Other |
Analysis
Bright lights: the Las Vegas conference generated some good and not so good business sessionsITT banks on new ideas for stakes in the future
The ITT conference in Las Vegas has seen the Institute renew its focus and draw up a fresh manifesto. Steve Jones reports
Former ABTApresident Steven Freudmann spoke for many last March when he said the Institute of Travel and Tourism had little recognition in the industry.Speaking as he received the ITTOdyssey award for 2000, Freudmann claimed the industry “desperately needs a professional body to set real professional standards.”
Judging by the words of ITT chairman Jackie Kernaghan at the conference in Las Vegas, the Institute’s new management team appears to have recognised the failings of the past.
It has drawn up a new manifesto and a list of priorities which promise much. Whether it delivers, only time will tell.
“Freudmann said being a member of the ITT didn’t mean anything,” said Kernaghan. “I support his statement. But I think that is about the past. We have an opportunity for the board to give meaning to it.”
Latest initiatives include a recruitment drive, targeted at junior level, and a renewed focus on learning.
“This is the core and heart of the ITT,” said Kernaghan. “We need to establish what role we need to play. I don’t believe it is delivering training but helping people understand what their needs are and where training can be provided. People have said it must be a thankless task but the rewards are worth it.”
She said it is building relationships with ABTA and TTC Training in its bid to “help people map their career.”
Another plan is to create a centre of learning where travel and tourism information is available for all ITT members.
A new membership package is also being launched in September with benefits including a travel club and dedicated information technology, accounts and legal helplines.
Despite the efforts to change, Kernaghan said back-biting still exists.
“Some individual members are malicious and give us a hard time,” she said. “I think we can rise above that.”
Kernaghan has also promised to review the annual conference to ensure it remains topical and continues to attract high-quality delegates.
This year’s conference was of mixed quality with speakers, who should have known better, delivering poor addresses.
Key culprits were British Midland chief operating director James Hogan and tourism minister Janet Anderson.
Hogan’s speech on how deregulation can help customers was nothing short of a 30min British Midland advert, a practice frowned upon by the ITT which prides itself on its anti-propaganda stance.
Virgin.com managing director Ian Brooks was perhaps too harsh, describing Hogan’s speech as an “abuse of my time” but many shared his view.
Kernaghan, as you would expect, defended Hogan.
“You cannot please all the people all the time and it’s easy to sit on the outside and criticise,” said Kernaghan. “Some people will switch off if an issue doesn’t directly affect them.”
Travel Counsellors managing director David Speakman was equally as cutting about Anderson.
“She talked about a Cumbrian Internet site at a conference in Las Vegas. It was a disgrace. She should have been briefed to stay at home and not to waste people’s time,” he said.
It was severe criticism but there’s no doubt that delegates had every right to expect more from a Government minister.
On the plus side, the session involving Going Places managing director Terry Fisher, Travel House managing director Martin Morgan, Tapestry Holidays managing director Nick Wrightman and Urbanweb managing director Steve Endacott received widespread praise.
Views from analyst Julian Easthope of Warburg Dillon Read were also well received.
A disappointing aspect was the absence of any senior staff from Thomson, JMC or First Choice. But with the next round of European consolidation looming fast, perhaps it was to be expected.
Kernaghan: ITT can rise above criticism
quotes
“This was my first ITT conference and everyone had told me it was on a higher plane. But there were an awful lot of adverts on the first day. Fortunately the second day redeemed it.”
Neil Armorgie, supplier managing director, Air Miles.
“A lot of people told me they agreed with the sentiments when I criticised James Hogan’s speech. But they also said I spoke to him too bluntly which is a fair point.”
Ian Brooks, managing director, Virgin.com.
“Las Vegas is a fabulous location but because there is so much to do you lose people socially at night which is when a lot of networking takes place.”
Carol Dray, retail sales manager, British Airways.
“It’s always good to get a different perspective on the industry. I thought we managed to do that this year.”
Jackie Kernaghan, chairman, ITT.