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Establishing our contacts at World Travel Market
Sunday, 10 Nov, 2009
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Regular TravelMole Guest column by Emma Russell of start-up online company About-U-Travel
Jetlagged from a Brazil fam trip, my suitcase still the other side of the world and some unwelcome intimacy on a crowded platform at Custom House, I knew I wasn’t going to enjoy my first visit to World Travel Market.
I see that this year it is described as ‘a vibrant must-attend four day event’. My version would be gruelling, try and stay away if you possibly can, very long ordeal.
We had the huge task last year of seeking out 40 reliable and innovative ground handlers for all the countries we were going to cover in Latin America, Africa, India, Indian Ocean Islands and The Caribbean on the About-U-Travel website.
It was important to meet them face to face to see what they could offer and for us to be up to speed with new ideas for itineraries and accommodation.
We had already established relationships with some of the ground handlers thanks to Lynda’s representation company background but others we were meeting for the first time.
Our requirements for the website and for our customers were quite specific. It was vitally important for our partners to understand that we needed a swift turnaround on itinerary requests and quotes. We needed to respond to high expectations and give a quick response to enquiries on the website.
Some companies had promised the earth at last year’s WTM and delivered it, while others have been disappointing so we will be looking for new contacts.
Our appointment schedule was absolutely insane. One meeting every half hour like everyone else, but with no breaks, and no logic so it would be 11am in South Africa and 11.30 in Peru, a good 10 minute run away.
The sprint would have been fine had it not been for the 200 brochures to carry and the matter of dodging Rio Carnival dancers and Zulu warriors.
It’s fair to say as well that Lynda’s boundless energy and Zimbabwe origins make her invincible at these exhibitions and difficult to keep up with. In an area over 43,000 square meters I think we did some serious mileage.
Luckily, to keep our spirits up there was a little shot of Ugandan Gin here, a Pisco Sour there and a Marguerita whilst dashing past Mexico.
Then at the end of the day it was off to a minimum of three parties each night regardless of where they were being held in town.
As always they were good value for networking and spreading the word about selling to the agents, tour operators and to the public…that was if you were still standing and managing to string a sentence together.
This year our focus will be on ensuring we get the best possible prices for the website. During the year we have established contact with some excellent ground handlers and been able to test them out for their reliability, quotes and services. In addition we will make sure we are updated with latest products, new accommodation, and developments in each country.
Our survival strategy this year will be to work to a more logical schedule, region by region, to go at a more sedate pace with the cocktails and to take a firm stance on the acceptance of brochures.
And in order to warm up we’ll be taking a walk from Canning Town instead of facing the tube.
Phil Davies
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