Flexibility is the way to survive, say key industry figures

UK travel agents and operators are confident that the recent terrorist attacks will not devastate the industry, but businesses must be flexible to changing demand. Of the agents responding to an Amadeus snap poll, 55% said they thought terrorism would not negatively affect their business. The key message from agents and operators is to remain flexible with the product offering. Speaking at the inaugural Aspire event in Liverpool last week, Thomas Cook director of sales Ian Derbyshire said flexibility was the key – to be able to adapt to any situation that arises. Speaking at the same event, ABTA president John Harding said: “We have to face up to terrorism as it affects our daily lives. We have to support customers and make sure they can still go away on holiday. Having a diversity of resources is crucial to allow you to be more flexible. He said his business was not adversely affected by the bombings in Madrid. First Choice managing director UK distribution, John Wimbleton said First Choice had its best year ever last year, which he said demonstrated the operator’s successful operation of a flexible business model. Hoseasons chief executive Richard Carrick said: “Terrorism has affected the way we run our business and we have had to become faster on our feet and not over-commit to one destination.” He added: “Madrid will bounce back in a big way.” Report by Ginny McGrath