15 April 2008

Q&A with Paul Wiseman

(Q&A with Paul Wiseman who was recently named president of Trafalgar Tours, where was previously managing director of Trafalgar Tours in Australia).

Q: What have you done at Trafalgar to cope with the slowing economy and weakening dollar?

A: WeÃ¢â¬â¢re very focused on our core message. Our core message is that people can save 40% by using our product compared to trying to arrange an identical itinerary themselves. Therefore, in tough times, we provide a very good value. That message is very strong.

Q: Because of the economy, some travelers are downsizing. Has that had an impact on you?

A: Not really. The bulk of our tours have a price range of around $2200. WeÃ¢â¬â¢re not exposed to high end product where people might be downgrading. So if the economy is tight, or the dollar is tight, we do pretty well in those circumstances.

Q: You launched Trafalgar online E learning 18 months or so ago. Any upgrades with that?

A: We have a new reservation system that can now shop for the best available airfare and compare it to wholesalers. ItÃ¢â¬â¢s far more dramatic than in the past. We also pay agents 10 percent on air.

Q: Has the recent American Airlines fiasco had any impact on your operations?

A: That could cause problems with our international flights, but so far, touch on wood, weÃ¢â¬â¢ve been able to get everybody away.

Q: You have expanded your train touring portfolio. How is that going in light of the many complaints about Amtrak?

A: There is a perception and sometimes a reality that some train travel is unappealing both in the US and Europe. What we do is offer train product that we believe Americans will find to be an enjoyable experience. ItÃ¢â¬â¢s definitely not a European rail product but also definitely has some good points.

Q: The future of train and tour travel?

A: We have to think in todayÃ¢â¬â¢s world, people are looking at environmentally friendly travel. Travel by coach and train is definitely that. The problem with trains is that you get to the station you have to lug your bags up and down stairs. ThereÃ¢â¬â¢s limited help. So weÃ¢â¬â¢re trying to add value to our Royal Network by dealing with those issues.

Q: Any new promotions or products on the horizon?

A: WeÃ¢â¬â¢re working on our 2009 products as we speak. There wonÃ¢â¬â¢t be a revolution but an evolution. With the baby boomers becoming relatively well traveled, thereÃ¢â¬â¢s a need to produce more product choices.

Report by David Wilkening