Recognising and tapping into the power of new technology is becoming increasingly important for the travel industry.
The Internet and digital television have opened up new distribution channels for the trade and there is a danger that those who choose to ignore these new developments will be left behind.
The technology seminars at this year’s World Travel Market reflect the growing significance of technology for the travel industry. Over the four-day event, there will be 10 technology seminars each lasting 45mins and covering a wide range of subjects such as ‘How to Get on the Internet’ and ‘How to Build A Web Site’.
James Vaile, UK manager of Microsoft Expedia, one of the most successful on-line travel businesses, will talk about the company’s growth and why travel could be the next e-commerce success story.
Henry Lane Fox of lastminute.com will also be addressing delegates, asking whether high-street agents can survive the growth in on-line business.
WTM director Fiona Jeffery said:”The calibre of people speaking in the technology seminars is better than ever.”
Technology will also be the dominant theme of the three, free Discovery seminars taking place on Wednesday and Thursday with speakers providing a step-by-step guide on setting up and maintaining a Web site, and looking at how to use a site to attract and retain customers.
Travel Weekly columnist Maureen Hill will take agents back to basics in her Discovery seminar that will look at how agents can improve their sales technique.
The other major focus for agents at WTM is eco-tourism, and this year’s Green Globe seminar will examine sustainable tourist attractions, with representatives from UK firms such as Legoland and Earth Centre showing how business performance has been improved through sound environmental practice.
On Tuesday visitors from the incentives and conferences sector will have a chance to network during four seminars, while Meetings Industry Association president Philip Catlow will be speaking on Hospitality Assured Meetings and Society of Incentive Travel Agents president Wendy Moffatt will unveil new ways of sourcing incentive customers.
Two other sessions will cover ‘Enhancing Your Listening Skills’ and ‘How to Sell Successfully to UK Buyers’.
l The technology seminars take place in the Marlborough Room, Earl’s Court One. Each session costs £12. To book call 01203 426476. Seminars can also be booked at the desk between Earl’s Court One and Two.
lÊDiscovery seminars are free and held in the Brompton Suite Three, Earl’s Court Conference Centre on Wednesday and Thursday. To book, call 01203 426426.
l The Green Globe seminar on Wednesday will be divided into two afternoon sessions to be held at the Chelsea room, Earl’s Court One. To pre-register, call Miriam Cain on 020-7235 2135.
lÊConference and Incentiveseminars take place on Tuesday and cost £32.50 each. The price includes lunch at the Brompton suite, meeting room three between 1pm and 2pm. To pre-register, call 0870 733 3986.
lÊAt the time of going to press there were places for all seminars but booking soon is advisable.
Technology seminars:
Monday
12.30pm-1.15pm: Travel, the Industry of all Industries.
2pm-2.45pm: The On-line Travel Agent.
3.30pm-4.15pm: Winning Ways on the Web.
Tuesday
12.30pm-1.15pm: Can an Off-line Travel Agency Dominate the Internet Travel Space?
2pm-2.45pm: Direct Distribution the EasyJet Way.
3.30pm-4.15pm: Winning Ways on the Web.
Wednesday
12.30pm-1.15pm: Getting On-line the Powernet Way.
2pm-2.45pm: Winning Ways on the Web.
Thursday
(as Wednesday).
Discovery seminars
Wednesday
11am – 3.45pm: How to Set up an On-line Travel Agency.
2pm – 2.45pm: Travel Agents in an On-line World?
3pm -3.45pm: Suits You Sir -Tailoring your Sales Technique.
Thursday
(as Wednesday)
Green Globe Seminar
Sustainable Visitor Attractions – Are You at the Forefront of the Action or Being Left Behind?
Part 1: 2pm-2.45pm
Coffee break: 2.45pm-3.15pm.
Part 2: 3.15pm- 4pm.
Conference and
Incentives
Tuesday
10am-10.45am: Hospitality Assured Meetings – the Ultimate International Quality Standard for the Conference and Meetings Industry.
11.15am-12.pm: The New Incentive Marketing Perspective .
2.30pm-3.15pm: Enhancing Your Listening Skills
3.45pm- 4pm: Selling Successfully to UKConference and Incentive Travel Buyers.