Conference
Thursday 5th November 2009

» Welcome by Stephen Lucas, Conference Chairman

» 20 years of ETOA: the changing face of the industryMuch has changed in the world of travel since ETOA’s Arst steps in 1989.The Internet, low-cost air travel and shifting consumer patterns, to name but a few, have transformed business. Patrick Richards, Chairman of ETOA, reviews ETOA’s biggest year yet while Jack Coronna, President of ETOA, considers the hazards and opportunities ahead.

» Europe: open for business? Europe remains the world’s most popular tourist destination but its competitiveness is under threat. Tom Jenkins, Executive Director of ETOA, will highlight current concerns including over-complicated visa rules and excessive entry taxes, and describe what action ETOA is taking.

» Tax time bomb: 1st January 2010 will be a critical day for the travel industry. Changes to the Tour Operators Margin Scheme (TOMS) and ‘supply of services’ come into effect. David Bennett of Saffery Champness will look at the implications and provide an update on ETOA’s campaign to influence planned reforms by the Spanish Presidency.

»Liberate and Regulate: The Package Travel Directive, drafted in the 1980s, pre-dates online booking and self-packaging consumers. 2010 will see the European Commission make detailed proposals for its replacement. How will they balance the EUs twin aims of market liberalisation and consumer protection? ETOA and its trade partners will continue to make strong representations during the consultation period. Tim Fairhurst, ETOA’s Head of Group Tourism, will present the case for light-touch regulation.

» View from America: The United States remains Europe’s largest inbound market and a bellwether for the industry in general. Arnie Weissmann, Editor in Chief of Travel Weekly casts his expert eye over the latest findings from brand new research.

» Destination Europe: What are the logistical obstacles to group tourism in European cities? Current concerns include exclusion zones, coach access, permits and entrance fees. Dieter Hardt-Stremayr, President of European Cities Marketing pleads for more partnership between operators and city tourist boards. Simon Hillyer, Coaching Manager at Trafalgar Tours provides a tour operator’s perspective and suggests that some cities are their own worst enemies.

» Free speech now! Freedom to provide cultural information to group tours remains problematic in some of Europe’s cities. Local practice in implementing EU legislation varies. Chris Sandeman, CEO of Sandeman’s New Europe has had his guides forced off the streets of Madrid. He shares his experience there and in other cities, where they still work freely. Dino Costanza of Costanza and Partners lends his experience of Italy to the debate and shows what emerging destinations might learn.