Maurice Veronique, the new chairman of the Guild of Travel Management Companies, has outlined his intention to get rid of ‘Fortress Guild’.
Speaking at the association’s AGM in London this week, he said he wanted to put an end to the perception “in some corners” that the guild is too closeted.
“The Guild needs to be more opening the future. I want to dismantle the perception of ‘Fortress Guild’,” said Veronique, chairman and chief executive of The Appointment Group.
“We need to make the guild more transparent and move forward with the times.”
He said one of his key objectives would be to challenge regulators and law makers.
As a result, lobby consultancy, Cavendish Place Communications, has been hired to help members lobby the Government, both on a national and European level.
“We need to be forceful and assertive, putting our arguments forward powerfully at every level, be it in the corridors of power or the debating chambers of the lawmakers,” he said.
The new chairman also unveiled plans to create a ‘young’ Guild of Travel Management Companies.
Members are being invited to nominate up and coming middle management to shadow the senior Guild members and to set up their own working parties.
“We need an influx of young, new blood – the next generation,” explained Veronique.
In addition, quarterly forums will be held with the Institute of Travel Managers and corporate buyers to tackle industry concerns.
By Bev Fearis
