smooth operators
Travel Convention to open with men of the moment
Wednesday 28 November
10:15-11:15
Peter Long CEO Designate of TUI Travel and Manny Fontenla-Novoa, CEO of the newly formed Thomas Cook Group will be interviewed by Jeremy Vine - A look at the new industry landscape following their mergers and focus on the challenges that they – and we all – now face.
What were the market forces that forged these new businesses and how do the two men at the top view the new order they have created? What are their priorities and what do they believe should be the priorities of the industry as a whole going forward?
Virtually overnight the face of the UK travel industry changed completely with two of its largest names moving almost in tandem toward mergers which would create the mega players that that now dominate the travel scene.
“There could be no more powerful opening session,” said ABTA Chief Executive Mark Tanzer. “These are not only the men whose decisions have changed our industry but travel professionals with vast experience and who will be able to provide us with key insights into the future of the business.
“Both represent classic examples of vertically integrated companies – how do they view the radical new routes to market now emerging? and what emphasis will they be placing on their exploitation? And how do they see the continued rise of the low cost airlines?”
“This session willl bring the Big Picture sharply into focus and provide delegates with invaluable insights that will directly impact their business.”
They will be joined by a panel including:
- Peter Brown, CEO, MonarchAirlines
- David Dingle, CEO, Carnival UK
- Mike Greenacre, Managing Director,
Co-operative Travel Group - Andy Cooper, Director-General, FTO
- Ian McCaig, CEO, lastminute.com
