Travel Agent - February 4, 2008 - (Page 70)

BUSINESS OPER ATIONS TRANSPORTATION BUSINESS TRAVEL COALITION Chair Kevin Mitchell discusses crucial issues for the industry BY GEORGE DOOLEY TRAVEL AGENTS AND THE rest of the travel industry can expect a tumultuous year for the nation’s airlines, with few easy solutions and a great deal of election-year posturing by presidential candidates. Kevin Mitchell, chairman of the Business Travel Coalition (BTC), a powerhouse for representing travel agents, consumers and corporate travel managers, is, in fact, deeply pessimistic about building consensus—or finding quick and easy solutions. “I have long believed that there are more problems in our industry than there are travel organizations or resources to address them,” he said in an interview with Travel Agent. He urges improved cooperation and communication within the travel industry on the issues. At stake, Mitchell believes, is not only a viable air transportation system but also the confidence and patronage of the traveling public. He feels that that every sector of the industry bears responsibility for helping formulate solutions. Mitchell’s concerns include airline consolidation, Open Skies, passenger rights, flight congestion and delays, registered traveler programs, data security and privacy, and travel distribution issues. His recently completed report for the General Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress, has been released and recommends a strong dose of reality for legislators, the Transportation Department and the FAA, among others, on the advantages and potential pitfalls of consolidation. A critical subject to Mitchell—rivaling the 1995 airline commission cuts in their effects 70 | TravelAgent February 4, 2008 He believes that opening the U.S. market to non-U.S. carriers makes sense: It would interject needed competition. “We can’t look at the airline industry in the U.S. in isolation from the rest of the world,” Mitchell says. Passenger rights may be welcomed, but Mitchell sees the disastrous consequences of individual states determining their own “rights” and questions if the federal government has not abandoned its responsibilities. Too Many Hassles? The high-profile issue of registered traveler programs may well earn the approval of airports and the industry. Mitchell sees the current delays and cancellations coupled with security hassles as a barrier to expanding travel demand. “They will take the train, drive or use teleconferencing to avoid air travel.” If there is any hope for the airline industry— fragmented by individual union, management, airline, airport, air traffic control and FAA interests—it is that the traveling public will demand answers and accountability. “Every sector of the travel industry—tour operators, cruise lines, destinations, hoteliers and travel agents—will be affected by the outcome,” says Mitchell. “As we have seen with passport issues and policies in the past year, there are no quick fixes.” The Business Travel Coalition has offices in Radnor, PA, and Brussels. Travel agents can obtain information on the group and key industry issues at www.businesstravelcoalition.com. I Airline-related issues include consolidation, Open Skies and passenger rights on agents—is the “pay for content” issue with Air Canada. The airline wants to charge travel agents fees for accessing certain types of booking information that have been provided for free. “The whole airline industry is watching this, and if Air Canada wins we will eventually be forced to use the Internet to book travel on the carriers’ terms.” No alarmist, Mitchell urges agents and industry leaders to take a close look at the issue—admittedly technical—but crucial to the future of a viable distribution system. http://www.businesstravelcoalition.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - February 4, 2008

Travel Agent - February 4, 2008 Online Now Contents From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Europe: Mid-Priced Hotels in Paris Europe Briefs Africa: Morocco’s Must-See Cities of Fez and Marrakech Africa News & Notes Pacific/Asia: What's New in Tokyo Pacific/Asia Briefs Hawaii: Lanai, Famous for its Pineapple Production, Repositions as “The Private Island” Oahu Hotels and Activities Las Vegas: New Nightclubs in Sin City California: San Francisco Keeps Pace with Demand Ski/Snowboard: The Ritz-Carlton Denver, Luxe Gateway to the Rockies Central & South America: North American Travelers are Discovering Brazil Latin America News & Notes Caribbean News & Notes Caribbean: Three Smaller U.S. Virgin Islands Resorts Cruises: Wave Season Rolls In Cover Story: Cayman Islands Transportation: Airline Issues Facing Agents Agent Profile: New Tzell VP Lisa Benzakein Aims to Pump Up the Agency’s Leisure Sales Technology: TRAMS Marketing Alliance Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar ASTA's Key Issues State of the Cruise Industry Caribbean Hotel News Australia Promotes Shorter Visits In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch Victoria Clipper/Clipper Vacations Special Outsert

Travel Agent - February 4, 2008

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