Tough times require innovative strategies

Tough times require innovative approaches to standard business functions, and likewise can be the driver of creative new strategies and processes – be it from a cost cutting or revenue generating standpoint.

Published: 22 Jan 2009

Tough times require innovative approaches to standard business functions, and likewise can be the driver of creative new strategies and processes – be it from a cost cutting or revenue generating standpoint.

Presently, anywhere we turn there is no escaping the deluge of discouraging announcements relating to the uncertain economic environment that we are facing. Another airline liquidation here, another financial bailout there… undoubtedly testing times for the travel sector more than most. Some commentators believe that the worst is yet to come and that 2009 could be the toughest year that the industry has encountered since 9/11.

From the Asian standpoint, compounding this difficult situation even further are the recent political and security issues confronting some of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations.

The simple truth is that it is impossible for anyone to predict what the coming 6 to 12 months will hold for the travel industry, and if anyone could predict the outcome then the current economy would cease to be continually labelled ‘unpredictable’. Six months ago no one could have predicted the 6 percent drop in economy flight sales this past November, or the 3 percent drop in worldwide hotel prices in Q3.

It is with this in mind that the theme of Innovation has been applied to this year’s Travel Distribution Summit Asia. Being innovative is critical to the success of the travel industry – across every sector – in the current economic climate.

Why innovation?
Because continuing business activities as if operating in a stable market will most likely be fruitless.
Because when budgets are tightened, outside-the-box thinking can often create better and more cost effective ways of operating.
Because without innovation the challenges faced will no longer just be those external to our business, but also internal.

The program has not been created to scare or depress attendees with references to economic doom and gloom. Instead it has been designed to offer a dynamic and practical means by which to positively confront the current challenges, with a degree of relative success.

Online distribution will provide the backbone of TDS Asia, accompanied by increasingly important revenue management topics, as well as the introduction of the dynamic new world of website content strategies.

As always the leaders in each of the various sectors and disciplines will be collaborating to bring you an engaging two days of opinion, theory and debate. More information and a full speaker list can be found at the following website www.eyefortravel.com/tdsasia

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