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ITT chief responds to conference venue criticism
Monday, 27 May, 2005
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Institute of Travel & Tourism chairman Steven Freudmann has defended the organisation’s decision to hold its annual overseas conference in Barbados.
Responding to criticism from Hoeasons chief executive Richard Carrick, he said the Caribbean island topped an ITT members’ list of desirable conference destinations.
Mr Freudmann said: “As a membership organisation, the ITT constantly receives feedback from its members. Indeed after every conference we send our members a detailed response survey. The surveys have consistently shown that our members prefer to hold their conference in leisure destinations that are important for their clients.
“Clearly Barbados is a very important destination both for our members and for the UK travel industry.”
He added: “The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Barbados is a sell-out – as indeed was Qatar last year. Both destinations are eight hours flying time away and both succeeded in attracting the highest quality speakers and delegates.
“The Qatar Tourism Authority was delighted by the publicity that the conference generated and by the fact that so many senior travel executives took the time to visit their country.
“With so many flights being offered, and at such competitive rates, it could be argued that Barbados is easier to get to than many European destinations.
“Finally, I can confirm that ITT is still committed to holding its annual Aspire Conference in the UK.”
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