I’ve been writing this column since 1993, I think, although there was a period when I had a break. That’s a very long time. My term as Association of Independent Tour Operators chairman came to an end in 1993.
I can’t remember why I was asked to write in the first place. All I remember is that Travel Weekly editor Jeremy Skidmore, who was news editor at the time, rang and asked if I was prepared to describe my daily routine.
It was a very boring format. I remember at that time, former Owners Abroad director Roger Allard wrote for a while and we all used to have a laugh because his routine consisted of lunch here and dinner there.
I couldn’t think of anyone who could have written more interesting stuff than Roger but, being part of Owners Abroad, a publicly quoted company, his hands were tied.
The same applies to most of the prominent people in the industry.
You can never get down to the basics because you are not allowed to do so. Added to which, the industry is so incestuous that no-one dares say anything controversial because the company being written about in a derogatory fashion could well be a future employer.
Travel Weekly has also got much bolder over the years. When I was asked to churn out a column on my daily routine I tried to write on just one theme once or twice but Jeremy Skidmore used to say I couldn’t.
I therefore stopped for a while and then Jeremy, who had tried one or two others on the daily routine theme came back and told me I could do what I liked – within reason, of course.
Travel Weekly, especially now with Jeremy as editor, has tended to move away from the traditional trade paper role of bowing and scraping to the market leaders who provide the bulk of the advertising.
The paper has moved towards the stance taken by the consumer press, where the journalists have a fairly free rein to write and comment as they wish.
I still have to be careful as to what I say and, quite rightly, some of the juicy bits are cut out when I get carried away – although I wish they weren’t! I’ve learned how far I can go.
At one time I was asked to write every fortnight but that didn’t work out and I was back to the weekly routine which I find much easier.
In fact it would be even easier to write a daily column. There is so much going on in our industry and I speak to so many people that it really isn’t at all difficult.
How interesting it all is or isn’t is another matter. I know that many in the industry have asked the paper to replace me because it’s getting boring. However, if those same people are mentioned then the reaction is electric! So they must read what I say and can’t find it too tedious.
Jeremy always wants me to speak my mind and give my honest opinions on subjects rather than sitting on the fence over issues because if articles are bland, no-one will read them.
And which company has taken the stick from me and not flinched? Why, it’s Airtours. Chairman David Crossland’s got guts and the regime there can take it on the chin and we can have a laugh about it afterwards. That’s why they are the top dog now.
Have a happy and prosperous 2000.