The election for Abta’s large retailer position on its board of directors will see candidates from a more traditional high street agency and an online agency go head-to-head on April 14.
Travel Weekly asked Mike Greenacre, The Co-operative Travel managing director, and Johnny Pollard, On The Beach commercial director, five key questions.
Mike GreenacreThe Co-operative Travel, managing director |
Johnny PollardCommercial director, On The Beach |
What is your view on airport expansion generally in the UK, and specifically Heathrow? | |
Greenacre: The desire to travel will continue to grow and, while this will have a negative impact on climate change, we must achieve the right balance. Developing regional airports will have less impact on climate change and create jobs in the regions. Airlines must be encouraged to develop technology. I am against enforced regulation but, bearing in mind the fragile financial state of many airlines, using a proportion of Air Passenger Duty to support research should be considered. | Pollard: I do not oppose any expansion in air travel itself. However, the question is whether Heathrow should be the focus. Reports suggest those who live in the Midlands spend more than £400 million a year travelling to Heathrow because of the many long-haul flights that depart from there. Wouldn’t it be a better idea to expand airports outside of the capital? |
What is your position on the future of financial protection for consumers? | |
Greenacre: We must demand clarity as to whether customers are protected or not. I am pleased progress appears to have been made, but I am confused as to why airlines should not be part of consumer protection. We need clarity for the customer and an even playing field. | Pollard: As a business we support an equal playing field for customers. There needs to be something to protect all consumers and it should not matter how they book. We believe there is a significant difference in the tour operating and the pure agent models, and that needs to be reflected in how a consistent system is implemented. A one-size-fits-all solution has a number of flaws. |
Does the high street travel agent have a future? | |
Greenacre: Innovative and focused agents are capable of not only surviving but flourishing. We have invested large sums in refurbishing much of The Co-operative’s network. Freedom, our independent consortia, is very successful for members and, while those in the traditional space must positively embrace new technology, there will be great opportunities for the foreseeable future. | Pollard: Thomson and First Choice are bucking the online trend by opening 30 new high street outlets. However, online bookings are set to grow in the UK from 45% in 2009 to 48% in 2011, so the real growth remains online. Adaptability is the key. As long as the high street can keep up with the technology available, there will always be a role for quality high street retailers. |
If you could add a sixth demand to the Abta manifesto, what would it be? | |
Greenacre: There needs to be an urgent wholesale review of a tax regime that impacts the travel industry disproportionately. We have a responsibility to contribute our fair share of tax; however, this should be matched by government support to help the industry become more economically and environmentally efficient. | Pollard: Abta hasn’t made any demands, just five key proposals to government. Adding a sixth for the sake of it is not really constructive. All I would like to add is that the travel and tourism industry is a key player in the nation’s economy and a major employer, the government should recognise this accordingly. |
How can Abta make sure it represents all of its diverse membership? | |
Greenacre: Abta has achieved some significant milestones to make it fit for the 21st century. The merger of the Federation of Tour Operators allowed operators and agents to work closer together, and a strategy has been developed with a particular emphasis on Abta’s role in the fields of tax, compliance and regulatory matters, alongside lobbying to raise the profile of our fantastic industry in government. The Abta board is well balanced and properly constituted to represent all sectors of the industry.
| Pollard: Continuing along the lines it is doing now, using the Abta Today emails to communicate information to members on a raft of subjects backed up with good experienced head-office staff. In the last few weeks, members have been asked to participate in the Atol reviews and the Package Travel Regulations and have even been given the new regulations on what travellers can and can’t bring back to the country. Add this to the seminars and events such as Beginner’s Guide to Travel Law and Dealing with Complaints, etc…I would say more of the same. |
