United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Hello beer and chips
By Yeoh Siew Hoon
The buzz in Melbourne, as I heard it.
1. Let the youth in
We slipped into the ICCA Youth Forum run by Elizabeth Rich and found it brimming with ideas and enthusiasm. Listening to the questions and group discussions imbued us with hope for the industry.
This is the lot that will take our business into the future and they reflect the new customers. Engage with them.
2. Dare to be different
Quote from Jill Henry of the Sarawak Convention Bureau which won the ICCA 2008 Marketing Award. “It is better to be different than better.”
3. Technology is the new green
Businesses will look to technology to drive business efficiencies. Suppliers will look to the online channel to drive direct business. Customer behaviour is being shaped by new technologies.
All will converge to drive a sea change in our industry. Don’t keep saying, people will always need to meet face to face.
Instead, say, how can we use technology to better improve face to face communications?
4. The age of austerity
At a time when companies are being bailed out, and people are losing their jobs, the industry has to be more sensitive to the times or else risks being labeled as “junkets” and face legislation.
Look to what’s happening in the US under Obama. Your customers have to be seen doing the right thing and suppliers will have to help. Goodbye, champagne and caviar. Hello, beer and chips.
5. CSR is the new black
It’s the word on everyone’s lips, well at least in Australia. From Tourism Australia to the Melbourne Convention & Visitors Bureau, the industry is abuzz with CSR as a way of business.
It is hoped it will give Australia a competitive edge when it comes to winning business. But are customers demanding it and willing to pay for it?
The Americans, British and Europeans seem to be asking for it but how about the biggest and fastest growing part of the world, Asia?
And will CSR stick in these tough economic times? As the saying goes, when poverty walks in the door, does love fly out the window?
Catch Yeoh Siew Hoon every week at The Transit Café http://thetransitcafe.com/
Ian Jarrett
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
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak