United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
BA to forge better links with corporate sector
ITM National Conference Special: British Airways has pledged to forge closer relationships with the corporate sector after 12 months of cost-cutting. UK and Ireland head of sales and marketing Tiffany Hall said it had spent the last year stripping out costs “which did not add value to the corporate customer” but was now ready to switch focus. “We want to spent time on our customers. That’s our focus,” Hall told delegates at the Institute of Travel Management conference in South Wales last week. “We believe in working closely with our trade partners and we are trying to work closely with our key Travel Management Companies.” Hall added that BA would continue to offer all booking options for customers – predicting internet bookings for simple point-to-point flights will continue to grow. “But I still believe many people will come on the phone for more complicated flights,” she said. In an upbeat message at the conference, BTI managing director Mike Platt said business agents were poised for a good year. “In 15 years I have never felt more optimistic. Customer are flying again,” he said. “If we sell value we could have a fabulous future. The actual booking is the tip of the iceberg. So much more goes round that booking.” But he said the industry was continuing to play “pass the parcel” with costs – with the corporate customer the loser. “They (corporates) want to know in no uncertain terms where the costs are,” said Platt. Report by Steve Jones
Ginny McGrath
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
Abercrombie & Kent hails $500 million funding boost
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Gatwick braces for strike
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’