Convention Special: Panelists give mixed views on trading
Hays Travel founder John Hays admitted that he did not have high expectations of growth for his business in 2011.
Speaking in a panel debate at the e-tid business breakfast, Hays described trading as ‘OK’ this year and in line with 2009, but that trading would continue to be challenging.
“Next year will also be in line with expectations, but I don’t have high expectations. It will be tough for the next 12 months,” he said.
Hays predicted further consolidation following the tie-up between Thomas Cook and the Co-op.
“We’re in a low margin business and companies need economies of scale, so there will be more rationalisation,” he said.
“We are not interested in being acquired – we are an acquisitor and there are opportunities out there.”
British Airways sales and marketing director Andrew Crawley, also on the panel, said the aviation sector had actually had a rather good year.
“The first quarter for us was challenging with the ash cloud and industrial action, but customers have stuck with us,” he said.
“The sector as a whole has benefited from a discipline in [control of] capacity. Yields have improved in most cabins and we’re rather pleased with the upswing in Club Europe bookings.”
Monarch group chairman Fabio Mantegazza, also on the panel, said he was optimistic about the future.
“We’ve gone through a transformation process. We’re now a group with sectors that have complimentary skill sets, when previously they were fighting each other.”
Speaking from the floor, Travel2 managing director Andy Freeth said there were a lot of discerning customers who were prepared to pay for high quality holidays.
“We have more than 2,000 bookings that cost more than £10,000 each,” he said.
By Jeremy Skidmore
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports