WIN Global Travel Network was invited, along side Advantage, to participate in a panel discussion hosted by the Institute of Directors on 17 September, titled ‘Reinventing Travel & Tourism Post Covid-19’.
John Hobbs Hurrell, Head of the WIN Global Travel Network was joined by Leigh Cowlishaw from Advantage and by UK member Sarah Wilson from Ace Travel to provide their views on a number of areas relating to the return of travel.
John says “It was interesting to see in a poll conducted at the beginning of the discussion, when many of the delegates predict that their individual businesses will commence travel and also when they will resume travelling for leisure purposes. There was a split in opinion of when travel will resume, with Spring and Summer 2021 being the two stand out periods. Many of those attending represent SME businesses and this is the core client type that a lot of the members provide travel services for.
Mental Health was a key topic discussed, with Leigh Cowlishaw highlighting the importance of companies having a clear policy and programme to recognise and support staff with mental health issues, the message was clear to the delegates, your staff are the assets of your business.
Duty of care was covered in detail, I myself highlighted the importance of local in country support, advocating the power of a global network and how the collaboration between partners can provide that extra level of comfort and guidance to travellers. We also discussed the importance of working with supplier products and programmes that have embraced ISO31030, the travel risk management accreditation. Importantly we also referenced the importance of providing clear guidelines for corporate customers and their travellers, a walk through of what the experience maybe at an airport, onboard and aircraft, train, bus etc. This is an area we need to work with our supplier partners to highlight the true value of the TMC.
Other areas discussed were technology and the need for consistent global standards across all travel services and accommodation types.”