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Comment: Together we are stronger – 23 Nov 2006

Together we are stronger

Travel Weekly acting editor Martin CouzinsThe recent furore over dynamic packaging and ATOLs has exposed the travel industry as one that is in need of a clear, unified voice.

With change coursing through the industry at great speed, now is the time for the industry to have a clear vision of what it wants, how it wants to be regulated and what it can offer on pressing issues such as the environmental impact of travel.

On a local level businesses are doing some very smart things – be it on the environment, with technology or enhancing the customer experience. The industry can boast a workforce with a lot of energy and desire to deliver on the aspirations of its customers.

But the way the industry organises itself could be so much more effective. Take training for example. At World Travel Market, the Institute of Travel and Tourism and ABTA launched their Accredited Travel Professional scheme. And on Wednesday, People 1st launched the UK Skills passport for hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism.

These two schemes may well provide different benefits, but surely it would be simpler and clearer if the industry had one scheme?

And then there is regulation. Rather than lobbying with one voice the Civil Aviation Authority and ABTA are fighting each other in court.

Surely, both should be working together with the Government to overhaul regulation to reflect the way business is done in 2006 and beyond. From the Government’s perspective, it must look like a confusing industry to do business with.

A start would be to create a truly representative body for the whole industry with the clarity and clout to lobby the Government, to win the hearts and minds of politicians and to bring about much-needed changes in regulation.

Could Justin Fleming at ABTA be on to something when he says he wants to bolster ABTA by merging it with the Passenger Shipping Association, the Association of Independent Tour Operators, Association of British Travel Organisers of France and the Federation of Tour Operators?

If it means a stronger, more unified voice then the answer is yes.

How else can the industry campaign effectively on issues such as the environment and regulation?

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