AUSTIN, Texas -- Attendees at a Travel Industry Association forum
here got some straight talk from Robert Darbelnet, AAA's president
and chief executive officer.
In his keynote address to the Travel Industry Association's
three-day 2003 Travel Industry Market Outlook Forum here, Darbelnet
urged the 500 attendees to accept marketplace changes.
"We might as well get used to the price-sensitive, more
knowledgeable shopper who is looking for short vacations, and is
comfortable booking close to the departure date," Darbelnet said.
"Travelers' habits have change and I don't think we will see a
return to their behaviors in the past."
Darbelnet advised the attendees, which including executives from
a broad spectrum of travel companies, destinations, attractions and
suppliers, to:
• Stop complaining about the new marketplace and recognize 'the
travel business still has an upside.'
• Advertise and promote the U.S. to inbound tourists.
• Don't over-tax travelers.
• Ensure that travelers get value for their travel dollars.
• Recognize the diversity in the marketplace and tailor offerings
to appeal to different groups.
• Collaborate to effectively connect all the segments of the
industry.
"The efficiency with which we assemble the components of a
consumer's vacation affects the ease with which travel is promoted,
bought and experienced," Darbelnet said.
To contact reporter Michael Milligan, send e-mail to [email protected].