DATE: 12–14 June 2006
VENUE: Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, Oman
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Conference Overview
Programme of Events
Conference Programme
Headline Sponsors
Delegate List
Sponsors
A record number of delegates enjoyed a business programme that educated, informed and entertained, with speakers reading like the who's who of the
travel industry.
Following in the foot steps of Michael Portillo, William Hague, Alastair Campbell and Robin Cook, this year we welcomed Michael Howard as our key note speaker.
The conference was hosted by the Oman Ministry of Tourism in association with Gulf Air and Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa.
MODERATOR
Nicholas Witchell
We were delighted that for the third successive year, our conference moderator was Nicholas Witchell, one of Britain’s most experienced journalists.
Philip Beard, Director of Corporate Relations of London Organising Committee of The Olympic Games
On 6th July 2005, the President of the IOC, Jacques Rogge, brought immense joy to the people of Great Britain, when he uttered the word "London". That momentous decision changed the sporting landscape of our Country for ever.
London 2012 will create opportunities for businesses and bring thousands of new jobs to the UK. Phil Beard gave delegates the chance to gain a better understanding of the benefits that will be generated for the travel and tourism industry through the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics and outlined the key milestones, challenges and opportunities ahead.
Paco Underhill, Founder and CEO, Envirosell
Widely reported to be one of the best speakers in the world, Paco Underhill is the author of the international bestseller "Why We Buy", which sold over 750,000 copies worldwide. When asked whether he read books on management and if so, which had influenced him most, Charles Dunstone (founder of Carphone Warehouse) replied "Why We Buy" by Paco Underhill is the best I've ever seen."
Paco is a retail anthropologist, urban geographer, and the founder and CEO of Envirosell Inc., a global research and consulting practice specialising in retail strategies and the shopping patterns of the consumer. What makes or breaks a shopping experience? How can little changes mean big differences in sales?
Sue Biggs, Managing Director, Kuoni UK
Kuoni is the dominant force in UK Longhaul, and is now looking to build an equally strong presence in other longhaul sectors too.
In this special session, Sue discussed with industry analyst, Michael East, not only the current performance of the longhaul markets, the key growth areas and Kuoni's place in those, but where and how Kuoni proposes to expand.
Simon Vincent, CEO, Opodo
The Internet has produced a new generation of travel consumers for whom leisure travel is an integral part of their lifestyles and for whom the Web has become their key source of travel inspiration as well their primary booking method. As part of its Consumer Insight Programme, Opodo surveyed more than 20,000 online travel bookers across the UK, France and Germany. This research has led to an invaluable understanding of travel consumers in the leading European markers. We are delighted that Opodo shared its research with us.
Sponsor
Simon Ferguson, General Manager, DG&G Travel Information
Esteban Walther, Head of Travel, Google Europe
Nick Jones, Development Director, Travel, Yahoo Overture
Search engines are having an enormous impact on travel. According to Google, over 60% of online travellers use search engines when choosing holidays. "Hotel" is reportedly the most searched word on the web! Google has become the world's biggest media company in just a few short years, and Yahoo and Google's advertising revenues now outstrip those of the top three US television channels.
How are travel suppliers to view these monolithic change-agents? Are search engines the new "virtual GDS"? Will travel suppliers become too dependent on search engines? And what about "Meta-search" companies, who automatically pull travel offers from a variety of sites and allow consumers to compare them?
Dr Thomas Stuttaford
SARS, bird flu, sexually transmitted diseases, skin melanomas, AIDS — is the travel industry a health hazard? Dr.Thomas Stuttaford, renowned doctor and chief medical commentator for The Times, offered some forceful views about how our customers could be better protected at home and abroad. Just what are the medical and moral responsibilities of the travel industry?
Cath Urquhart, Travel Editor, The Times
Tim Hames, Editor, The Times
Since July 2005, when the Chinese authorities granted Britain "approved destination status", Chinese visitors have been coming to the UK on holiday. By 2020 the WTO states that half a million Chinese will visit Britain each year - and an incredible 100 million will take overseas holidays each year. In return China is now one of the most exciting long-haul destinations with travellers heading off the beaten track of Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an and the Yangtze River to explore more remote rural areas.
Seema Desai is director of the Foreign Policy Centre's programme on Rising Powers and, with Cath, examined the consequences of the economic and political ascent of China in the world.
The Rt Hon Michael Howard QC MP
Following the election of David Cameron in December 2005, Michael Howard stood down as Leader of the Conservative Party.
Called to the Bar in 1962, he was appointed a QC in 1982. He has represented Folkestone and Hythe since he was first elected in 1983. In 1990 he entered the Cabinet as Secretary of State for Employment and following the 1992 election, he was appointed Secretary of State for the Environment. In May 1993 he became Home Secretary, a position he held for four years.
Having been in Government for twelve years and the Cabinet for seven years, Michael’s “off the record” session undoubtedly made fascinating listening.
James Hogan, President & Chief Executive, Gulf Air is joined by
Tim Hames, Assistant Editor, The Times
Andrew Cooper, Director General, FTO
The Rt Hon Michael Howard QC MP
A year is a long time in travel and tourism. How have world events influenced our industry over the past twelve months and what does the future hold? A "Question Time" opportunity for ITT delegates to discuss the issues that affect us all.
ITT would like to take this opportunity to thank all Headline Sponsors for their enormous contribution to the success of this year's ITT Conference.
If you are interested in becoming a Headline Sponsor for the ITT Conference 2007 please contact ITT's Commercial Manager on 0870 770 7964 or via email to ande@itt.co.uk
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