End of an era: Tricia to stand down

Tricia Barnet talks to Valere Tjolle VIDEO CLIP
Tricia Barnet and Baroness Kennedy talk about leadership VIDEO CLIP

Indefatigable campaigner Tourism Concern director resigns

Although Tricia Barnet didn’t start Tourism Concern it’s very much been her baby for two decades.

Over the last 20 years Tricia has been the, not always welcome, face of Tourism Concern and so closely identified with the organization that she felt it was time to stand down.

20 years in the life of such a vigorous campaigning organization has got to stretch the nerve ends somewhat but if it hadn’t been for Tourism Concern and Tricia’s energy, many wrongs would certainly have been left unexposed.

In that time, apart from the ‘Whistle Blowing’ activities, Tourism Concern has established a centre of excellence for ethical tourism – providing a unique library of tourism material, seminal educational activities for schools and other places of learning, and a number of important publications about tourism including the Ethical Travel Guide and many academic reports.

As far as the travel industry is concerned, where Tricia built up much respect – if not always kindly looks – the establishment of the Ethical Tour Operators Group.

Over the years Burma, Zanzibar and Hilton Hotels amongst many others have all come in for Tricia’s acid-tongued wrath.

It is also probably right to say that in recent years, if Tricia hadn’t pocketed her pride (a pretty difficult activity) Tourism Concern would have gone to the wall through lack of funds.

At the time, she was quite astonished at the depth and breadth of Tourism Concern’s friends in the travel industry.

But it is probably not yet time to relax. A new director is shortly to be appointed and she is probably not going to be a pushover.

She will have a big job; Tourism Concern is the only valid global tourism campaigning organization. And, even after over 20 years, has still not been able to get core funding.

But it probably won’t be the same. Rachel McCaffery of Virgin Holidays said today: “Tricia's relentless campaigning, often for those in tourism who would not otherwise have a voice, forced us all to sit up and take notice and helped kickstart the responsible travel movement”

John deVial said: “Personally, I am very sorry to see Tricia move on from a role that she has done so much to define and I wish her every success in the future. Tricia has made a real difference and has been a strong critical friend of the industry, holding us all to account in order to ensure that tourism takes responsibility for ensuring that it works as a power for good for all people.”

And Chair of Tourism Concern's Council,  Stroma Cole:  “Tricia's knowledge and wisdom are going to be sorely missed and it is reassuring to know she will still be available in an advisory capacity. She is leaving the organisation in a healthy shape and at an exciting stage, following a year of investment in our IT, database, website, and back office functions. This is currently allowing us to launch new campaigns and a new membership structure, with its own dedicated member of staff.”

"Tricia was never afraid to challenge and debate with all areas of the tourism industry with admirable determination. Whatever the subject, Tricia made for lively discussion and thought provoking debate. Her positive impact and commitment contributing to the sustainable tourism movement is very much valued."

"The team at ABTA, would like to thank her for her contributions she has made over the years and wish her the very best for the future." Said Nikki White

http://www.tourismconcern.org.uk
Valere Tjolle
Valere is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite 2011 Special Offers HERE