| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 01/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 10 |
| Copyright: Other |
Freudmann is simply being tough but fair
The day after the Institute of Travel and Tourism’s Odyssey Award dinner I went abroad on a working trip and missed the immediate reaction to Steven Freudmann’s speech.I returned to discover a controversy fuelled by letters in this and another trade publication.
In the course of his speech, Steven Freudmann strongly criticised British Airways and Thomson Holidays. His comments seemed to meet with the approval of all present save, presumably, any representatives of those two organisations.
He then turned his attention to the ITT, making the valid point that the institute’s reputation should stand higher than it does within the travel industry and suggesting that it needs to work hard to establish itself as a force to be reckoned with.
So what’s the problem? His comments were tough but fair.
Far from biting the hand etc, Ithink his speech was appropriate to the occasion. His listeners, mature and experienced members of the industry, are capable of recognising constructive criticism and appreciating the fervour with which it was delivered.
That is what the Odyssey awards are all about – a forum for senior travel trade figures to speak their minds. The critics obviously prefer platitudes and are well served by other industry occasions.
John Carter
Patron
ITTOdyssey Club