Debate to tackle issue of whether agents are becoming operators

Wednesday, 25 Sep, 2003 0

The Tourism Society is holding a number of industry events over the coming months which will cover industry issues from UK domestic tourism to business travel.

The first event, on 11 November is the Annual Dinner, where VisitBritain chairman, Sir Michael Lickiss is guest speaker. His presentation is expected to centre around the issue of what progress has been made by the organisation and what the prospects are for UK tourism. But Tourism Society director, Adrian Clark told TravelMole the event is essentially about networking. It is being held at One Whitehall Place in London. Tickets cost £70, and there is a capacity of 200, although between 100 and 150 is expected.

The next two events are debates, aimed at agents, operators, academics and students. The first, on 18 November covers the issue of whether the distinction between agents and operators is becoming blurred. The Society puts forward the claim that agents could actually be becoming operators as a result of the changing nature of the industry, such as the pressure resulting from airlines cutting commissions.

There are presentations by ABTA president, John Harding, Majestic Travel md, Steven Freudmann, and CAA’s David Moesli, followed by an open discussion. It is being held at the ABTA offices and costs £17.50 for ABTA, ITT or Tourism Society members (as it is a joint event) and £25 for non-members. The Society is expecting around 40 participants.

The second debate covers the more ‘niche’ area of business tourism, during which research will be presented that claims to demonstrate that business tourism has, for the first time, outstripped holiday tourism in terms of value. Presentations come from Business Tourism Partnership chairman, Michael Hirst and Historical Association chief executive, Madeline Stiles, among others. Society members and their guests pay £25, non-members, £35. The event is being held in The New Connaught Rooms in central London and is expected to attract around 40-50 participants.

For more information about these events go to the Tourism Society website.