2021 News
2021 News
ITT Conference News: Delegate List
Taking place in the five-star Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel from 14-16 June 2022, the ITT Conference will offer an ideal blend of engaging conference sessions, social activities, and fantastic networking opportunities. To date, Members have registered from companies such as Advantage Travel Partnership, Luxtripper, Deloitte, MSC Cruises, Fosun Travel Group, Olympic Holidays, G Adventures, Princess Cruises, ITC Travel Group, Travelzoo, James Villa Holidays, VisitBritain and more.
ITT Members Lounge At WTM 2021
It was a successful ITT Members Lounge at WTM this week but don't just take our word for it, see below feedback from Chris Oakes, Sales Director at Technomine Travel:
"An excellent productive and emotional few days at WTM London. Massive thanks to Natalie Scripps, Paul Evans, Steven Freudmann, Barbara Kolosinska and team ITT. It was a great base in the lounge overlooking the Thames, membership was worth it for this event alone!” – Chris Oakes, Sales Director at Technomine Travel."
Event photos >>
ITT Odyssey Supper
This week, ITT Members enjoyed an ITT Odyssey Supper at the exclusive Biltmore in Mayfair. The event, which was kindly sponsored by Elman Wall Travel Accountants and Canny App, included a networking drinks reception and three-course meal followed by an after-dinner speech from Richard Moriarty, CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). During his speech, Richard stressed that the CAA was still “open” to discussing with the trade how to improve consumer protection through Atol reform, adding that “[the CAA] wants to play a role in supporting the industry in the recovery."
Event photos >> Password: osoct21
ITT Conference News: Register
Registrations are open for ITT’s 2022 Conference in Istanbul, which will take place on 14-16 June 2022. Themed East Meets West: Breaking Down Barriers, the conference sessions will encourage you to explore new frontiers, discover exciting initiatives, break down barriers, make connections, and embrace opportunities. Our Conference hotel – the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti – boasts stunning panoramic views across the city and Bosphorus and will be the ideal location for us to meet. More >>
ITT and Travel Counsellors: Revamped Training Platform
Travel Counsellors has launched a remastered ITT accredited training platform that offers travel professionals flexibility and personalised induction experiences. Content is available on demand and induction programmes are held virtually using trainer-led sessions, video content and masterclasses with subject matter experts from across the business.
The Phoenix Arts Club: Awards
Congratulations to the Phoenix Arts Club for winning two prestigious awards including the Best Late Night Venue in the UK at The Great British Pub Awards. The Lloyds Bank Small Business of The Year Award in conjunction with The Times was also awarded in recognition of the Club’s showreel live service to the community and its industry leading livestream throughout lockdown. We can't wait to return to this award-winning venue for our Network ITT.
ITT Lounge at WTM
Once again, the ITT Members Lounge will be open during the World Travel Market from 1-3 November 2021 at London’s ExCeL Centre.
The ITT Members Lounge provides the ideal opportunity to network and hold informal meetings with other attendees.
You can find out more about the event on WTM's website here.
ITT Odyssey Supper:
Sir Stephen Hillier to Speak
ITT Members enjoyed an ITT Odyssey Supper at the exclusive and luxurious Biltmore Hotel in Mayfair.
With its magnificent Georgian exterior, this elegant hotel was originally the grand home of the Duchess of Kendal. It was the ideal location for ITT’s prestigious event where Members will enjoyed a drinks reception, delicious three-course meal and engaging after-dinner speech from Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority.
ITT Conference News:
Reset Travel Sustainably
Following a session at the ITT Conference about resetting travel and tourism sustainably, Nicki Page and Leo Downer, Co-Founders of TLC Harmony share their presentation material below.
Presentation Deck >>
ITT Conference News:
Conference Photos
Visit the ITT Hub on TTGmedia.com to read news from the event.
Photos from the ITT Conference held onboard MSC Virtuosa are now available to view. To view them, click here and enter the password: ITT21
(Please note: this password is case sensitive.)
ITT Conference News:
Louie Davis, Commercial Lead at Whitbread and Member of ITT Education and Training Committee will moderate a panel discussion on formal qualifications, barriers to entry and posit perspectives on employee engagement. Panellists include: • Kate Harland, Graduate Tutor, Northumberland University and Member of ITT Education and Training Committee • Jamie-Lee Abtar, Founder, 2219 Media and ITT Future You Ambassador • Sophie Nelson, Travel and Partnerships Manager, International, Avis Budget Group and TTG 30 under 30 • Tina Benbow, Travel Industry Professional and ITT Student Ambassador.
ITT Conference News:
Carol Savage
Onboard MSC Virtuosa, Carol Savage, CEO and Founder of Not in the Guidebooks will address how she started a new travel company just before the pandemic and had to turn on a sixpence to deliver, survive and be strong in the new travel paradigm. She will talk candidly about what has worked, what hasn’t, and the struggles and the lessons learnt through sheer persistence, creativity and using experience of dealing with adversity.
ITT Conference News:
Louise Davies
In an environment of confusing traffic lights systems and changing travel requirements, the killer has been uncertainty. At the ITT Conference, Louise Davies, Managing Consultant at PA Consulting, will explore consumer research findings and discuss what’s changed over lockdowns up to today and highlight the big opportunities and areas of continued concern for customers.
ITT Conference News:
Julie Murphy and John Speers
At the ITT Conference hear from John Speers, Kemosabe’s Owner and Global Strategy Director and Julie Murphy, ANA’s Country Sales Manager (UK and Ireland) as they discuss how Japan and its 5-star airline ANA will attract passengers and visitors in 2022. In what is probably Japan’s most interactive digital experience, Japan will be opened up with a suite of experiential advertising, influencer, digital and social media to drive visitors to engage on a fully immersive digital platform. John and Julie will provide a great comeback story for a nation with a sustainable visitation and flight experience.
ITT Conference News:
Clare de Bono
It is clear that the travel industry’s recovery will be varied and fragmented. At the ITT Conference, Clare de Bono, Amadeus’ Head of Prime Customer and Traveller Solutions, will consider the four trends she predicts shaping travel as we look to rebuild the industry. From bubble resorts and travel corridors to the rise of workcations and a new breed of sustainably conscious consumers, she will address how the 2021/22 map is almost unrecognisable from that of previous years.
ITT Conference News:
Rt Hon Liam Bryne
Since the turn of the century, we've seen conflict, crash and now contagion. What's yet to come over the next 10,450 days as we shift from the pandemic to the Paris agreement? At the ITT Conference, Rt Hon Liam Byrne, Labour MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill, will discuss the trends set to reshape the Age of the Shockwave and what it means for business and politics. A former Cabinet Minister, Liam worked in the Home Office and Her Majesty’s Treasury as Chief Secretary. He is a member of the Council of Europe, Chairs the All Party Group on Inclusive Growth, lectures at Oxford University and has written books such as Black Flag Down: Counter-extremism, Beating Isis.
ITT Conference News:
Nicki Page and Leo Downer
At the ITT Conference, TLC Harmony’s Co-founders Nicki Page and Leo Downer will present evidence-based thinking which argues that we must measure, reduce, and offset our effects and protect nature. They will reflect on how our industry must respond faster to the changes needed so we can sustain and protect our natural world.
ITT Conference News
Antonio Paradiso
At the ITT Conference attendees will hear from Antonio Paradiso, MSC Cruises’ Managing Director (UK and Ireland), in a session called ‘Rebuilding Our Industry Bigger and Stronger’. The pandemic presented hurdles, but also brought to the forefront a breadth of opportunities for the wider travel industry to learn and find new approaches. From harnessing brand awareness, to attracting new customers and launching new products, Antonio will share the fresh and forward-thinking perspectives learnt about what the cruise industry can achieve.
ITT Conference News:
Tricia Handley-Hughes
Tricia Handley-Hughes, UK Director at InteleTravel will give a conference session called InteleTravel: Dispelling the Myth. IntelTravel started over 30 years ago in the USA and its US membership now stands at 50,000 Independent Travel Agents and UK membership stands at 10,500. At the Conference, Tricia will give a strategic and transparent view of InteleTravel UK and will speak about its extensive training programme, growth during the pandemic and future plans.
ITT Conference News
A Timely Industry Update
Attendees will hear from a panel of industry experts including Andy Harmer, Director and Senior Vice President of Membership at CLIA UK and Ireland; Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of The Advantage Travel Partnership and Clive Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association. Their panel debate will consider topics such as the lessons learnt from the pandemic, what the government got right, what it got wrong and what it could have done better, the impact on the sector and future prospects for the industry.
ITT Conference News:
Tim Hames
The COVID-19 crisis has lasted longer and inflicted deeper damage on the travel industry than first imagined at its outset. What will the world of 2022 look like? In a session at the ITT Conference onboard MSC Virtuosa, Tim Hames will consider why the risk of virus pandemics has increased sharply over the past two decades. He will discuss the different nature of the vaccines now available and the extent to which they afford humanity protection. And thirdly, the variants that have and could yet emerge in this virus and what their impact might be.
ITT Conference News
Jo Potier
At the ITT Conference, attendees will hear from guest speaker Jo Potier, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Associate Director of Organisational Development at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and Executive Coach. Drawing on her expertise in mental health, organisational culture, and staff wellbeing and using evidence from developmental neuroscience and critical incident psychology, Jo's talk will focus on the role of compassion in our emotional recovery from Covid-19.
ITT Conference News:
Wendy Wu
Wendy Wu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of multi award-winning Wendy Wu Tours, is the latest Conference speaker to be announced. Wendy is a distinguished member of the esteemed British Travel Industry Hall of Fame, highly commended for her extraordinary achievements in shaping and inspiring the travel and tourism industry. She is acknowledged as one of the most influential women in travel in both the UK, Australia and New Zealand. She has also been a pioneer in making China and Japan accessible to everyone, having invented the world’s first China e-Visa in 2019.
ITT Conference News
Dame Irene Hays
Dame Irene Hays, Chair of Hays Travel, will speak at the ITT Conference onboard MSC Virtuosa in a session sponsored by BDO. Dame Irene was instrumental in the expansion of Hays Travel and in the acquisition of Bath Travel and Thomas Cook’s retail estate in 2019. She has had a career in local and central government and has held a number of board positions, including BBC and Sport England, and chairs the Education and Skills Funding Agency for the Department of Education. She was awarded CBE in 2008 and a Lifetime Award for Services to Business in North East England in 2010.
ITT Conference News:
Networking Opportunities
Taking place onboard MSC Virtuosa from 11-14 September, the ITT Conference will offer an ideal blend of engaging conference sessions, social activities, and fantastic networking opportunities. To date, Members have registered from companies such as: Advantage Travel Partnership Avis Budget Group Cruise Nation Cunard G Adventures Holiday Extras MSC Cruises Olympic Holidays P&O Cruises Silver Travel Advisor Sunvil.
TLC Partners with ITT to Reset Tourism Sustainably
ITT is delighted that TLC has become a Member of the Institute to further sustainability and wellness tourism strategy and development in the industry.
“Sustainable tourism should be our number one priority. ITT is delighted to support TLC’s Reset Tourism Sustainably initiative, and we look forward to Nicki Page speaking at our Conference in September.” – Dr Steven Freudmann, Chairman of ITT.
ITT Conference News:
Speakers and Theme
Taking place on 11-14 September onboard MSC Virtousa, the 2021 ITT Conference will be themed ‘We will never take travel for granted again’. Throughout the conference sessions, speakers will reflect on the opportunities we have to revise our attitudes, treasure travelling and value the precious moments in life as we move forward.
ITT Conference News:
Julia Lo Bue-Said
At the ITT Conference, Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of the Advantage Travel Partnerships, will discuss why it’s too late to look back in anger and what we must now do for a new revolution for the UK travel trade.
Julia was nominated as a Leader of Change in the 2018 IBM IX Everywoman in Travel Awards and ‘Industry Influencer’ on the Business Travel News Europe 2021 Hotlist for leading business travel's recovery and representing the industry throughout Covid-19.
ITT Conference News:
Registration is Open
Registration is now open for ITT’s Conference, which will take place onboard MSC Virtuosa from 11-14 September. The three-night UK Staycation Cruise will offer a fantastic blend of engaging conference sessions, social activities, and networking opportunities in a memorable setting.
ITT Future You Welcomes New Ambassadors
Olly Nicholls, CEO of Attraction World and Jenny Kovacs, visibility specialist and the ‘Queen of Being Seen’ – have been appointed as Future You Ambassadors to help continue to inform and inspire the next generation of travel and tourism professionals.
They join industry professionals Donna Allcock (Tourism Ireland), Lee Ainsworth (Advantage Travel Partnership), Jamie-Lee Abtar (The Travel Marketer), Ben Rogers (BWH Hotels Group) and Michael Long (Expedia). More >>
The Future of Work is Changing – Free Report from Impactful
Impactful has provided a free guide for business and third sector leaders looking to build back better as they return to the office and adapt to future ways of working.
ITT Conference News:
ITT is Coming Home
The ITT Conference is the travel industry’s blue riband event, created for ITT Members and attended by senior figures from across the UK travel and tourism industry. The Conference is usually held overseas, however ITT is coming home in 2021!
This year's Conference will be take place onboard MSC Virtuosa during a three-night UK Staycation Cruise, taking place from 11-14 September.
More >>
ITT Bubble Webinar News:
Clare de Bono
At ITT’s Bubble Travel Webinar, attendees will hear from Clare de Bono, Head of Prime Customer & Traveller Solutions at Amadeus.
Clare headed up a number of global initiative at STA Travel Group, including the rollout of customer and trade facing air and hotel booking engines, a new global rail platform, and the opening of STA Travel in France. She has held a range of leadership positions and At now leads Customer & Traveller Solutions for agents in the Retail Travel sector at Amadeus.
ITT Bubble Webinar News:
Matt Brayley
Matt Brayley, Marketing Director at The Travel Chapter, is the latest panellist to be announced for ITT’s Bubble Travel Webinar on 30 June.
Matt joined The Travel Chapter in 2018 as Head of Digital Media, having previously spent 12 years working agency-side, before taking on the role of Marketing Director in July 2020. Matt now oversees a growing and passionate in-house marketing team, with expertise ranging from digital media and SEO to CRM, design, and content.
ITT Bubble Webinar News:
Stig Williams
Stig Williams, Head of International Travel & Partnerships at Avis Budget Group, will speak at ITT’s Bubble Travel Webinar on 30 June.
At Avis Budget Group, Stig oversees the team that manages partnerships with global airlines, frequent flyer programs, associations, hotels, credit card companies, travel management companies, tour operators and travel agents. He joined the Avis Budget Group as national account manager in 2005 before holding various roles managing and increasing partnerships.
ITT Bubble Webinar News:
Claudia Miguel
Claudia Miguel, Director of the Portuguese National Tourist Office in the UK, will be a panellist at ITT’s Bubble Travel Webinar.
Claudia joined the promotion division of Turismo Portugal in 2010, where she worked with trade relations (TO’s and Airlines) for different incoming markets. She joined the Tourism Office team in London in 2018 and has been Director of the Portuguese National Tourist Office in the UK since 2020.
ITT Bubble Webinar News:
Jennie Carr
Jennie Carr, Creative and Communication Director at Silver Travel Advisor, is the latest panellist to be announced for ITT’s Bubble Travel Webinar.
Jenny joined Silver Travel Advisor in 2011 to curate and edit creative content across online and above-the-line channels.
ITT Bubble Webinar News:
Edward Framptom-Fell
ITT is delighted to announce that Edward Frampton-Fell, Managing Director of SPL Villas, will be joining the panel for ITT’s Bubble Travel Webinar on 30 June.
Edward is currently the Managing Director of SPL Villas, a start-up villa holiday company launched in January 2021, and has held the role since August 2020.
The Passing of Richard Gooding OBE
It is with utter sadness that ITT advises that Richard Gooding OBE, former Chief Executive Officer at London City Airport, has passed away following a recent illness. ITT has fond memories of Richard speaking at ITT Conferences in the past and offers its sincere condolences to Richard’s family and friends at this very sad time.
Richard started his career at BEA in 1966 and later became CEO at Luton Airport, where he launched easyJet services. As CEO at London City Airport, he was instrumental in expanding the airport's terminal and upgrading its infrastructure. Before retiring, he oversaw the sale of London City Airport to Global Infrastructure Partners and remained a non-executive director. After retiring, Richard relocated to Suffolk where he created an award-winning holiday-let business.
Richard received the Queen’s Award for Export, Technological and Environmental Achievement in 1999, and then an OBE for his services to aviation in 2006.
His funeral on 18 June will be attended by his close family and a memorial service will be held in London after June 21, with further details yet to be confirmed. Richard's wife has launched a Just Giving appeal to raise funds for a memorial garden to be created as a tribute to him. You can donate here.
ITT Travel Chat on Clubhouse:
14 June
Join ITT’s Free Webinar: 30 June
ITT invites you to join a free Bubble Travel Webinar on Wednesday 30 June at 2pm.
Moderated by Daniel Pearce, CEO and Owner of TTG Media, the webinar will feature a range of travel experts who will consider what will influence travellers’ holiday decisions as restrictions ease. They will explore how important safety and flexibility will be when choosing to travel and will discuss the expected rise in ‘travel bubbles’ – where families or friends will choose to go on vacation together in a way that will minimise the contact they have with other people and reduce the multiple touchpoints encountered when travelling.
Speakers will be announced on social media over the coming days.
ITT Education and Training Hub: Collaboration with Corporate Partner Equator Learning/Travel Uni
ITT is delighted to collaborate with new Corporate Partner Equator Learning/Travel Uni, to launch an ITT Education and Training Hub. The Hub website creates a centre of excellence and learning for those in our industry as well as those aspiring to join it. It showcases the fantastic work of the ITT Education and Training Committee and guides people to resources, training, and advice across education and industry.
Beating Excessive Covid-19 Testing Costs by Working Together
The ITT Board of Directors is calling on all outbound travel companies to pool their combined buying power and to force down the currently excessively high costs of “Private” Covid-19 PCR or Lateral Flow tests, required by customers to receive fit to fly certificates or to be released from UK quarantine.
The UK Government has failed consumers with a list of “Approved” test providers that do not take into consideration price, convenience of location or reliability of service. The UK outbound travel industry therefore needs to take the lead and create a recommended supplier list that we all jointly promote based on a range considerations.
ITT Travel Chat on Clubhouse: Monday 7 June
The ITT Board invites ITT Members to join them for our weekly 1pm Travel Chat on Clubhouse on Monday 7 June.
At the next session, the ITT Board will be joined by:
• Carlos Villaro Lassen (the European Holiday Home Association) • Chris Etheridge (CV Villas) • Kate Harland (Northumbria University) • Lockie Kerr (Inspire My Holiday) • Sharon May (Worldwide Travel Solutions)
They will robustly debate travel industry issues such as traffic light travel experiences, coming back stronger and the next opportunities in travel.
The Clubhouse app allows attendees to listen, request to join the conversation, ask questions and express opinions. If you would like to join the conversation, simply email events@itt.co.uk and we will arrange for an invite to be sent to you via one of our existing ITT Clubhouse members.
Feefo Spotlight Podcast with ITT and Avis Budget Group
Dr Steven Freudmann, Chairman of the Institute of Travel & Tourism, recently joined Stig Williams, Head of International Travel & Partnerships at Avis Budget Group to record Feefo’s latest travel-themed podcast. They discussed sustainability, travel trends and demands and what they think the future of travel could look like. NB: this podcast was recorded prior to 17 May 2021.
You can listen to the podcast here.
Evaluating the Impact of Brexit on the Agreement Process
We all know that the terms of Brexit have had a significant impact on how we operate but how has Brexit impacted the Agreement Process?
This paper explores the impact of Brexit on business agreements, particularly contractual relationships with third parties that serve as a framework for underlying day-to-day business operations. It examines how companies can draw on various digital tools to identify and adjust key business operational dynamics that may be impacted by Brexit. More >>
Keeping Your Customers Engaged In A Travel Ban
Travelling may be uncertain for now, but that doesn’t mean you should stop communicating with your customers – in fact, you should be more connected to them than ever before.
Final Call for 2021 ITT Future You Awards
The prestigious ITT Future You Awards are still open for entries. The Awards celebrate the best emerging talent in our sector as well as the people that support them.
Claire Steiner, Chair of the ITT Education & Training Committee commented:
“The ITT Future You Awards are the only awards of their kind in the UK Travel and Tourism space. This is our chance to recognise the students and industry professionals already making their mark on the sector and to prove that despite the challenges of COVID-19 the travel and tourism industry continues to attract amazing talent. As we start to emerge from these difficult months, it is now more important than ever to showcase the next generation and to reward the people, companies and educational institutions that encourage and help develop our future leaders.”
The list of awards are as follows:
• Bella Rangel Callan ITT Student of the Year • Hospitality & Catering Student of the Year • PhD Student of the Year • Responsible Tourism Student of the Year • Apprentice of the Year • Mentor of the Year.
The closing date for applications is 31st May 2021. Enter here >>
Travel Industry Help for Start Ups
COVID-19 turned the travel industry upside down last year. Despite this, Travlaw are seeing many new travel businesses emerging so that when travel re-starts properly they are ready to meet the expected demand from the public for a long awaited get-away.
TravLaw has teamed up with Travel Risk Professionals and TTC to put together a free webinar aimed at businesses about to start up, those who are new to the industry and those which have begun operating but are still trying to establish themselves. This webinar will provide valuable insight into the main things that new start-ups need to think about and will also feature a talk from a guest-speaker within a travel company who will describe their own experience from their time trying to establish their business.
If you would like to attend this webinar on Wednesday 26 May at 10am, simply sign up for free here.
ITT Conference News:
John Bercow
At the ITT Conference, delegates will hear from the Rt Hon. John Bercow, who served as the 157th Speaker of the House of Commons in the UK Parliament from 2009-2019. John has had a remarkable career in politics. During his time as Speaker, he presided over Brexit debates, increased the use of Urgent Questions, and was the first Speaker since the Second World War to have served under four prime ministers and been elected four times.
The Conference will feature sessions from a range of speakers including Jo Delahunty QC, Andy Harmer, Dame Irene Hays, Susan Hooper, Antonio Paradiso, Chris Paton, Jess Phillips MP, and Patricia Yates among others. Register here.
Election is Open for the ITT Board of Directors
The Election is now open for the ITT Board of Directors. It is an indication of the strength of the Institute that even in these difficult times, we have 15 candidates competing for the four remaining vacancies. There are FOUR vacancies in the GENERAL category and the following 15 Members are standing for election:
• Douglas Adams • Paul Alexander • Robert Ansari • Agnieszka Ferrel • Ryan Haynes • Fiona Jeffery OBE • Barbara Kolosinska • Bruce Martin • Bill Munro • Julie Murphy • Oliver Nicholls • Lucia Rowe • Claire Steiner • Bhavneeta Taylor • Rick White
ITT Members should look out for an email with instructions on how to vote.
ITT Conference News:
Patricia Yates
At the ITT Conference, Members will hear from Patricia Yates, VisitBritain’s Strategy and Communications Director. Patricia is responsible for research, tourism affairs and communications and delivers on the BTA’s statutory role to advise Government and ensure tourism is considered in policymaking. She chairs The Tourism Industry Emergency Response Group (TIER), which has issued daily updates on guidance and plans for tourism during COVID-19.
Conference sessions will be themed around We Will Never Take Travel for Granted Again. A range of speakers will reflect on the opportunities we have to revise our attitudes and will address what we can take forward once the world opens up again. It is set to be a thought-provoking Conference - register here.
The Passing of Charles Merriman
It is with utter sadness that ITT advises that Charles Merriman, a highly respected and longstanding ITT Member has passed away.
Charles had a long career in travel starting with Whitehall Travel in the 1960s, then moved to Lord Brothers, Lakers, Ellerman Sunflight and latterly run his own travel business. He was honoured with a “Fellowship” for his work in the travel business and was a Fellow of the Institute of Directors. Charles was highly respected in the industry by his colleagues and by his customers. He always enjoyed working in travel and this interest continued when he retired. ITT offers its sincere condolences to Charles’ family and friends at this very sad time.
ITT Conference News:
Chris Paton Joins as Speaker
Chris Paton is the Managing Director of Quirk Solutions, a management consultancy that specialises in business resilience and executive success. Within this role, Chris focuses on enabling organisations to become higher-tempo, through better decision-making and techniques proven to increase productivity, innovation and margin.
Chris was previously a Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Marines and advisor to the Cabinet and National Security Council on the Afghan strategy.
Our thanks to Babble for sponsoring his participation in the Conference.
Register for the Conference and find out more here.
ITT Travel Chat on Clubhouse - Mondays at 1pm
The ITT Board invites ITT Members to join them for our weekly 1pm Travel Chat on the new audio-chat phenomenon; Clubhouse.
ITT’s Clubhouse sessions are moderated by Board Member Steve Endacott, who is known for his direct approach, and each week feature a panel comprising ITT Board Members and senior industry figures who robustly debate travel industry issues, or topics flagged in the trade press during the last week.
The Clubhouse app allows attendees to listen only or request to join the conversation to ask questions or express their own opinions on the topic. So, imagine a highly interactive, topical weekly debate and you have a good idea of what you’re going to experience, during a slot designed to coincide with business lunch times.
Clubhouse is currently limited to iPhone users and requires an invitation from an existing user. If you’d like to join the conversation, simply email events@itt.co.uk and we will arrange for an invite to be sent to you via one of our existing ITT Clubhouse members.
Three New Board Members and Two Re-elected
We are pleased to announce that three new Members have been elected unopposed to the ITT Board. These are:
• Kirsten Hughes, UK Managing Director and COO, Travel Counsellors • Miles Morgan, Chairman, Miles Morgan Travel • Charles Wilson, Sales Manager UK & Ireland, German National Tourist Office
Two current ITT Board Members have been re-elected:
• Antonio Paradiso, Managing Director UK & ROI, MSC Cruises • Danny Waine, Head of Membership, ABTA
“I am delighted to welcome three new ITT Members to the Board. They all bring valuable perspectives and a breadth of experience, which will be a tremendous asset to the Institute. It will be a privilege to work alongside them during this crucial time. This year saw a record number of Board nominations with a further 15 Members standing for four seats in the General Category. It is a wonderful endorsement of ITT’s work that so many senior people from our industry wish to be elected to the Board of Directors.” - Dr Steven Freudmann
Further details about the General Category election will be announced in the coming weeks.
ITT Conference News:
Wendy Wu
Wendy Wu, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the multi award-winning Wendy Wu Tours and inventor of the world’s first China e-Visa, will speak at our Conference.
Wendy is a distinguished member of the British Travel Industry Hall of Fame and is acknowledged as one of the most influential women in travel. She will be joined by a host of speakers including Dame Irene Hays, Antonio Paradiso, Jess Phillips MP, Jo Delahunty QC, Andy Harmer, and Susan Hooper among others.
Internationalisation Fund
The Department for International Trade has launched its Internationalisation Fund. The programme's goal is to assist SMEs to improve international trade performance.
Find out about the Internationalisation Fund here.
University Alliance Powering the UK's Future
ITT Supports latest campaign
This campaign brings to life just some of the work the UA's universities do every day, and the way in which they believe universities like Leeds Beckett have the local roots, the expertise, the partnerships and the public support to power the UK’s recovery from this current crisis.
They believe that through partnerships with organisations such as ITT, Alliance universities can deliver the skills, ideas and innovations needed to support an economic and skills-driven recovery that will see communities across the country once again thrive.
Steven Freudmann said “Partnerships with institutions such as those within the University Alliance are invaluable to professional bodies. Working closely with Alliance universities to shape their courses around the requirements of industry, and to deliver specially selected work placements, means that employers are met with graduates who have industry-responsive skills and the agility to adapt to the changing nature of business and the economy. Alliance universities, like Leeds Beckett, throughout the UK, are supplying the skills needed for industries, economies and communities to boost their regions and aid in the post-COVID recovery.”
ITT Conference News:
Antonio Paradiso and Andy Harmer: Reinventing Cruise
It has been an incredibly challenging year for the cruise industry, but it has made us re-evaluate how we operate as people, as communities and as an industry. We have always been a resilient and forward-thinking one, and this past year has revealed the areas that we need to continue to evolve as the market demands change during this period of recovery. As guests begin to prioritize unique experiences when choosing a holiday, the on-board offering will be more important than ever.
At the ITT Conference, Antonio Paradiso, Managing Director of MSC Cruises UK and Ireland and Andy Harmer, Senior Vice President Membership and Director of CLIA UK will address how the cruise industry can evolve to come back stronger. They will discuss topics such as innovating ship designs to cater to new needs and trends as well as the environmentally conscious initiatives and principles that will continue to be a driving force behind the evolution of the cruise industry.
It is set to be an interesting session. Find out more about the Conference here.
Business Rates Review: Interim Report
In July 2020, the Government published the Call for Evidence for the Fundamental Review of Business Rates, in two tranches. This Interim Report sets out an overview of the responses received to both tranches of the Call for Evidence. It also includes the policy decisions announced at Spending Review 2020 and Budget 2021.
Read the Report here.
ITT Conference News:
Jo Delahunty QC
Following her positive reception at the 2019 ITT Conference, Professor Jo Delahunty QC will return to speak at our Conference in Istanbul.
Jo is one of the UK’s leading family barristers entrusted with some of the most significant national cases. From 2013 to 2015, Jo acted on behalf of 76 bereaved families in the Hillsborough inquests and was instrumental in securing the verdict that the inadequate emergency medical response contributed to or caused the loss of life in the disaster.
Find out more about the Conference here.
ITT Conference News: Susan Hooper
Susan Hooper is Director of Chapter Zero, Chair of Carer Sourcer, and sits on the Boards of Uber UK, The Rank Group, Affinity Water and Moonpig. At our Conference, Susan will address Chapter Zero’s dedication to providing education and support on climate change at Board level. The name of the network, Chapter Zero, reflects the drive towards a net zero carbon economy and the major role business will play in achieving it.
The ITT Conference will take place 20-22 September 2021 at the five-star Hilton Istanbul Bomonti. Find out more and register here.
Corporate Partner News:
itravel Staycation Awards 2020/21
As domestic tourism prepares to restart, the i are launching a special edition of the itravel Staycation Awards, recognising the challenges, hard work and achievements of the industry during the pandemic.
The Awards will also recognise tourism heroes who transformed their business or job in support of their local community and frontline workers.
Free to enter. More>>
ITT Conference News: Jess Phillips MP
Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley and Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding will be joining us in Istanbul. With a reputation for plain speaking, tackling violence against women and calling out sexist attitudes, Jess will be a valuable addition to this year’s Conference.
The ITT Conference will take place 20-22 September 2021 at the five-star Hilton Istanbul Bomonti. Find out more and register here.
ITT Conference News:
Dame Irene Hays
ITT is delighted that Irene Hays will be speaking at the 2021 ITT Conference in Istanbul. As the Chair of Hays Travel, Irene Hays is well-placed to give her perspective on our industry. She received a DBE in 2020 for services to training, education and to young people. She has also been awarded a CBE for her services to Local Government and a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to the economic development of the North East region. Find out more about the Conference and register here.
Careers News: The Elevator Pitch Challenge
During National Careers Week, ITT Future You's Co-Founder Danny Waine set students across the UK a challenge to take part in ‘The Elevator Pitch’. Students were encouraged to imagine they just entered an elevator and had a brief opportunity to have a one-to-one chat with a potential employer. In 60 seconds, they needed to introduce themselves and sell their key skills, interests and best achievements ...all before the lift doors opened. It was great to see so many individuals involved. You can watch the best submissions from students and graduates here.
ITT Conference News:
Date Rescheduled to September 2021
Following the Government’s recent roadmap announcement, which included a date for the re-start of live events, we are delighted to confirm the June ITT Conference in Istanbul has been rescheduled to take place on 20-22 September 2021.
Exclusively for ITT Members, the three-day event will take place at the five-star Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel. Located in the heart of buzzing Bomonti and within the vicinity of Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre and Taksim Square, this luxury hotel boasts stunning panoramic views across the city and Bosphorus. Featuring an elegant décor and deluxe furnishings, the hotel is also adjacent to the historical Bomonti Beer Factory and is only a 15-minute walk from the stylish shopping district of Nisantasi, making it the ideal location for what is set to be a very memorable event.
Find out more about the Conference and register here.
Careers News: How to Become a Part-Time Lecturer or Teacher
To mark National Careers Week, we take a look at how travel professionals can supplement their income through lecturing or teaching.
We speak to three people with experience of lecturing and teaching students to hear their stories, and share their advice with others in the travel industry considering doing the same.
Corporate Partner News:
International Airlines Group (IAG) and Amadeus Partner
Amadeus and International Airlines Group (IAG) have partnered to announce their commitment to drive advanced travel retailing through NDC. Through the agreement, content from IAG operators, including British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling, will be made available for travel sellers, agents and corporations through the Amadeus Travel Platform via Amadeus’ NDC-enabled solutions.
Feefo - 6 Months FREE for ITT Members
Whilst we’re waiting for the world to open back up, how are you using this time to reflect on the last 12-months and perfect your customer experience, so you’re ready to deliver only the very best service when bookings start coming in?
Customer feedback isn’t just for the end of the customer journey. To really understand the full experience you’re offering up, you should be collecting reviews at every stage, so you can see which areas need some work, and which you should be shouting about in your marketing.
ITT Future You: Skills Fest
National Careers Week 2021
ITT Future You will host its first ‘Skills Fest’ next week, to coincide with National Careers Week (1-6 March). The week-long event will include a series of interactive workshops and virtual assignments for students and graduates, focusing on the key skills needed to have a successful career in aviation, travel, tourism and hospitality.
ITT Chairman's response to Prime Minister's statement to the House
"Whilst we understand the Prime Minister’s caution, given the mistakes of the past, we are extremely disappointed that sector specific reference to international travel and foreign holidays was conspicuous by its absence from his statement.
ITT Board Nominations 2021
The ITT Board positions that are up for election in 2021 are as follows:
- General – 4 places
- Travel Agent – 1 place
- Domestic Tourism – 1 place
- Shipping – 1 place
- Tourist Board – 1 place
If you wish to be considered for nomination in any of the above categories, please click here to download the ITT 2021 Board of Directors Nomination Form.
Please complete and return to admin@itt.co.uk no later than 31 March 2021. Nominations received after this date will be not valid.
You will need a current ITT Member to be your primary Proposer and you will also need an ITT Member to second your nomination. All three of you will need to complete the form before you return this to us together with your photo (head shot) together with a one page document which includes both your Biography (at the top) and Election Address (beneath).
Watch the Virtual ITT Conference Forum On-Demand
Last week, we held our second Virtual ITT Conference Forum, which provided an opportunity for ITT’s Members to engage with one another and to hear from a number of speakers who updated us on the vaccination drive and about how the sector is rethinking travel. Further information>>
Nye Bevan's Finest Hour:
By Lord Andrew Adonis
On the principle that ‘an institution is the lengthened shadow of one man’ – or woman – this may be Nye Bevan’s finest hour. For it is his National Health Service, with its comprehensive population coverage by general practitioners and its passion for selfless care, which has enabled the millions of COVID19 jabs to be administered so quickly and efficiently.
War stories are legion. Mine is of a GP friend who late into every night, including weekends, sits up planning the next day’s tour of elderly patients, because the Astra Zeneca vaccine comes in vials of eleven doses which have to be administered within a short time of each other. She has even lined up volunteer drivers, with her student son masterminding a huge map and database of those ‘done’ and ‘to be done’.
Virtual Conference News:
Preparing for the Big Bounce
Feefo's Chairman/Acting CEO and Director of Marketing Announced as Speakers
In a session at ITT's Virtual Conference Forum this week, Feefo's Chairman and Acting CEO Tony Wheble and Director of Marketing Keith Povey will discuss how not to confuse a spike in demand with customer loyalty. They will look at how to rebuild trust as we exit the pandemic and the importance of putting customers at the heart of it all. The online event is free to ITT Members - find out more and register here.
Virtual Conference News:
COVID 19: Our Route Out of the Pandemic
ITT is very pleased that Professor Calum Semple will be speaking at the Virtual Conference Forum on 28 January.
Professor Calum Semple is Professor of Child Health and Outbreak Medicine at the University of Liverpool. He is also a member of the Government’s SAGE Committee.
In his session, Calum will talk about the special challenges presented by the Coronavirus and the thinking behind some of the measures that have been taken to combat the disease.
He will also discuss the role that vaccines and testing will play in returning us all to a more normal way of life.
Virtual Conference News:
An Update from Headline Partner CannyApp
FEX – Rethinking a Lost Revenue Stream
After a torrid year, all travel retailers, both operators and agents will need to maximise revenue per passenger, as less passengers travel in 2021 and the immediate future. At ITT's Virtual Conference Forum, Headline Partner CannyApp will give ITT Members an insight to the scale of opportunity relating to the FEX marketplace. CannyApp's Managing Director Jane Atkins will motivate Members to make solid plans to recoup some of this lost revenue stream immediately by partnering with CannyApp in a simple, cost effective way.
Virtual Conference News:
Up in the Air 4 – Ready for Take off?
Ready for Take Off? is the latest instalment of Mail Metro Media’s on-going travel research series, Up in the Air. Mail Metro Media surveyed over 400 people to gather their current views on taking and planning holidays. Amongst the findings, they discovered that whilst travel will certainly look a little different in 2021, holiday planning is underway and, with many consumers spending more time researching before making decisions, there are plenty of opportunities to influence their choices and remain optimistic about the future of travel. At the Virtual ITT Forum, Mail Metro Media's Travel Account Manager Robertina Tompa will share fascinating highlights from this research.
ITT Partners with Feefo
ITT is pleased to be partnering with Feefo, the reviews and customer insights technology company to provide ITT Members with access to unique data insights and customer experience expertise. This will be delivered as bespoke content and statistics via video, podcast and audio and speeches at special events, including ITT’s Virtual Conference Forum taking place online on 28 January.
“We’re very excited to have Feefo as a Corporate Partner, cementing an already long and successful relationship,” said Steven Freudmann, ITT Chairman.
“Feefo will bring us highly valuable insights and data as the industry prepares to revitalise. It is essential we use data to understand how customers feel about every aspect of travel and hospitality services. Our members are primarily the senior decision-makers within the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors and that makes us unique.”
Tony Wheble, Chairman and acting CEO at Feefo said: “I’m extremely pleased we are partnering with such a forward-looking organisation as ITT which recognises our unique expertise in customer experience management, using data-driven insights from authentic customer feedback. As consumer habits constantly change and there is more choice in such a dynamic market, optimisation of the customer journey is the bedrock of success and profitability, especially after the pandemic.”
Feefo is a leading global reviews and customer insights technology company with a suite of smart solutions that deliver better outcomes in marketing performance and customer experience. Find out more here.
Virtual Conference News:
Rethink Travel - Adjusting to a New World
At ITT’s Virtual Conference Forum on 28 January, TTG Media’s Editor Sophie Griffiths will moderate a live panel discussion which will debate the Government’s latest three-stage testing strategy for travellers and other timely hot topics. Sophie will be joined by a panel of industry experts, including:
• Ilenia Cocco, Trade Manager, Italian National Tourist Board
• Steve Endacott, Chairman, Rock Insurance
• Nick Hughes, Sales Director, Tour Operations – dnata B2B Europe, Gold Medal & Travel 2
• Antonio Paradiso, Managing Director, MSC Cruises UK & Ireland
Register for the online Forum here.
Virtual Conference News:
Planes, Trains and Cars Surviving COVID-19 and After
Lord Andrew Adonis
Transport systems are under unprecedented stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but there have been some positive signs of resilience and recovery between the waves and lockdown last year. In his session at ITT’s Virtual Conference Forum on 28 January, Lord Andrew Adonis will give his view on the future of transport systems, infrastructure investments and capacity requirements post COVID-19.
Find out more about the online event here.
Virtual Conference News:
Rebuild Travel: Helping Travellers Feel Safe Again
Liz Emmott, General Manager, Amadeus UK
Register for the online Forum here.
Virtual Conference News:
What the Mass Vaccination Drive Means for Travel
Tim Hames will return to the ITT Conference Forum platform with a timely update on his presentation last September about the mass vaccination drive and what this means for the travel sector. Now Senior Adviser to FTI Consulting, Tim was a former Special Adviser to the Speaker of the House of Commons, Director General of the British Venture Capital Association and ex-chief leader writer and Assistant Editor for The Times.
ITT Members can register their complimentary place for the online Forum here.
Virtual ITT Conference Forum
Following the success of our first Virtual ITT Conference in 2020, a Virtual Forum will be delivered online on 28 January 2021. ITT Members are invited to attend the event free of charge.
Continuing the theme Rethink Travel, the Forum will feature engaging sessions from a range of speakers, who will address how the travel and tourism industry can move forwards and rebuild.
There will be several opportunities to network through group video chats as well as the chance to arrange private meetings via the Meeting Hub. Delegates will also be able to visit the Corporate Partner and Sponsor Gallery and exchange contact details with other attendees throughout the event. Register here.
Merry Christmas to Our Members
Seasons Greetings
The ITT Board of Directors would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year. Over the course of this year, our industry has endured some of the toughest challenges in its history, but we have used the opportunity to adapt and innovate and we shall return stronger than ever.
As we say farewell to 2020, let’s hope 2021 will bring a more prosperous year for you all.