The University of Surrey, School of Management with the Greek National Tourism Organisation organised a discussion forum at the World Travel Market, in London…
The University of Surrey, School of Management with the Greek National Tourism Organisation organised a discussion forum at the World Travel Market, in London on Wednesday 10th November 2004 to discuss the “future of tourism”. As international tourism is changing rapidly a number of key challenges and opportunities emerge for both tourism destinations and suppliers around the world. This level of development requires a rethinking of both strategic and tactical Tourism management.
The discussion forum aimed to facilitate the debate about the five key contexts for change, namely Distribution and Technology; Environment and Sustainability; Human Resources Management and Education; Consumer Transformation and Emerging Markets; Political Dimension. The forum was organised by Dr Dimitrios Buhalis and chaired by Prof David Airey. It brought together leading University of Surrey tourism academics (Michael Riley, Peter Jones, Mark Hampton) and professionals, including Ufi Ibrahim (World Travel and Tourism Council) Rok Klancnik (World Tourism Organisation), Martin Brackenbury (International Federation of Tour Operators) Steve Garley (UniS Visiting Senior Fellow), Hugh Somerville (UniS Visiting Professor) and Steve Endacott (onholiday group).
The forum was attended by more than 70 individuals from around the world including about 40 former students from the School.
Some of the key issues that emerged include:
- technology is changing the structure of the industry providing opportunities and challenges
- dynamic packaging is emerging as part of mainstream tourism distribution
- there is an oversupply of undifferentiated travel products, increasing competition and reducing prices
- environmental concern is coming to the front line of tourism competitiveness
- the greening of the industry is a result of both costumer requirement and legislation
- industry and all stakeholders need to assume responsibility for sustainability
- local industries and Tour Operators need to work together to enhance destinations
- human resources and education will be critical for the level of service offered in the industry
- although the quantity of tourism graduates has been addressed we need to revisit the quality of the curriculum and to ensure that sufficient skills are available
- major new markets are emerging, in particular those of India and China are providing new opportunities
- safety and security has influenced tourism demand in the last few years
- there is a significant demographics shift with an ageing but more active population
- governments and politicians need to create an “infrastructure” for business
- tourism requires a professional approach to planning and marketing away from political interests and short term gains
- the power of tourism is shifting back to customers
- tourism is one of the most dynamic industries in the world
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
