One agency’s desire to engage with staff highlights the need to create a viable route into the industry, says Travel Weekly’s Lucy Huxley
This week I enjoyed a catch-up with Dawson & Sanderson managing director Annelene Hutton, speaking in her first interview since taking the reins last autumn.
Annelene offered a great insight into the northeast-based agency’s growth plans following a challenging period last year.
And it was fascinating to hear how a company that has always been well regarded, but has had a tendency to fly somewhat under the radar, is adapting and evolving its business for the years ahead.
Alongside new business divisions and a possible brand refresh next year, one of the key focuses for Annelene is stronger engagement with the staff who drive her agency’s 20 branches. This has included regular surveys to find out their views and needs, plans to reinvest more money in the business and proposals to update and improve salary and bonus packages.
Like travel companies throughout the UK and Ireland, Dawson & Sanderson understands the importance of supporting and rejuvenating its workforce to ensure it is fit for the future.
And against a challenging recruitment backdrop for all sectors, this requirement makes it all the more important for young people to be able to identify a career path in our industry.
Following on from our recent coverage of government plans to scrap funding for travel and tourism courses for 16-19-year-olds, trade bodies and education specialists have continued their efforts to encourage the Department for Education to reconsider. At Travel Weekly we will continue to support and amplify those efforts, and I would encourage all readers to do the same.
Comment originally from Travel Weekly, April 27 edition