Travel industry remains positive over spending review
Despite fears that the government’s recent spending review may hit the tourism sector hard, the mood at the recent ABTA convention was surprisingly optimistic.
While many in the travel industry fear the knock on effect from George Osbourne’s austerity measures, it’s not all bad news according to many sector heads. ABTA Head of Public Affairs, Luke Pollard summarised the feelings at last week’s ABTA conference by saying “the message from the travel convention is that the travel industry needs not to be too pessimistic.”
Although many people will have less disposable income going forward, they’re still likely to spend on travel - deeming it an essential part of modern life. What is likely to change however, is how they choose to spend their travel budgets.
Speaker Douglas McWilliams, Founder and Chief Executive of the Centre for Economic and Business Research for one predicted that quality and reliability will become important factors in influencing the decision-making process. Particularly in the wake of the collapse of operators like Goldtrail, British holidaymakers will want to know their money is going to be well-spent going forward.
From tour operators to airport parking specialists
The change in mood is likely to affect everyone in the travel industry - not just package holiday companies and airlines. Hotels, car hire companies and airport parking operators will have to work harder to attract business too, doing more to win their customers’ trust.
Bud Mott, Director of airport parking specialists BVP admitted that they were already having to respond to changes in the market, “we now check our prices hourly to ensure they’re the most competitive around as we know we can’t afford to be complacent. We’re also working hard to boost our reputation as a high quality parking operator by investing in the training of our team of chauffeurs and customer service staff.”
About Bristol Valet Parking (BVP)
With a team of qualified chauffeurs and secure, Park Mark accredited parking facilities, Bristol Meet and Greet Valet Parking is Bristol’s premier meet and greet car parking service. Every week hundreds of domestic and commercial travellers choose to park with us, testament to our quality of service and excellent standards of security.