Security and environment top issues facing operators
Security and the environment are the two main challenges affecting the way European tour operators do business.
The issues were highlighted at the European Tour Operators’ Association conference in London as having the biggest impact on business going forward.
ETOA executive director Tom Jenkins told delegates not to ignore the effect of visa policy on inbound tourists, especially those from emerging markets.
“Look at what has happened to the US. The weakness of the dollar should have led to an enormous boom in demand and the top five origin markets are all part of the visa waiver programme but the atmosphere has led to a slump in demand.”
Jenkins revealed figures showing the visa entry programme had cost the country more than $135 billion.
He said European tour operators should take a lesson from the US and be wary of seeming unwelcoming to source markets.
“Travel agents in China have said Europe is more unwelcoming than the US and getting visas is more difficult.”
Jenkins said the a visa fee increase in the UK of 39% in June 2005 had had an ‘amazing instantaneous impact’ on demand.
“Foreign and Commonwealth Office figures show a £1 increase leads to 1% decline in demand.”
Jenkins also predicted the environmental issue would continue to be high on the agenda for the travel and tourism sector.
“Whether you believe in global warming or not the story is self-sustaining and has a very long timeline in that it will take years to prove. The most alarming thing is that it relies on the weather but there is something odd going on with the weather at any time. Much of the discussion is irrational, disproportionate and ill-informed.”
He added that the industry should not become a scapegoat and be seen as ‘ostentatiously virtuous’ by continuing to champion the importance of tourism as well as participating in carbon reduction schemes.
by Linda Fox
Linda Fox
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