Face to Face: U. Gary Charlwood, Chairman, CEO and Founder, Uniglobe Travel and Century 21 Real Estate
Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly
1) What has being inducted into the International Franchise Association Hall of Fame, alongside such luminaries as Ray Kroc and Henry Bloc, meant to you and your organisation?
A big honour for everyone in the companies, particularly after the additional induction into the ASTA Hall of Fame alongside legends like Sir Edmund Hillary and Walt Disney. This is not just personal recognition, it is recognition to all that have played a part in developing Century 21 and Uniglobe across the globe.
2) You have written and spoken extensively about the love/hate relationship between the travel industry and the Internet. What do you see as the next developments in this relationship?
At the beginning there was tension and anxiety re the ‘new’ medium. Today the relationship is symbiotic; anybody who is a player needs to be internet savvy. It is a communication vehicle that facilitates information exchange with speed never contemplated before. Bricks and mortar companies use the Internet, and Internet companies are forging relationships with bricks and mortar agencies, allowing customers to pick and choose the medium with which they feel most comfortable.
3) How have your views on the growing importance of China and India to the travel industry been impacted by the global economic crisis?
It’s become even clearer that these burgeoning economies are the catalyst to recovery as their consumers are still buying. Almost 2.5 billion people and a growing middle class in these countries will impact demand enormously. I expect to see busloads of Chinese and Indian nationals on Table Mountain and Sugar Loaf by 2015.
4) Part of Uniglobe’s DNA speaks of ‘stellar service to corporate clients’
Can you define that for us?
Essentially ALL players in the travel industry offer similar platforms as technology is accessible to all. The difference is in delivery! Our ‘stellar service’ to corporate clients is impacted by our unwavering commitment to dependability and reliability – something much more easily implementable by the owners of our businesses worldwide, all of whom have their money on the line. To them providing “‘stellar service’ is a must, not just a job!
5) Jogging shoes, swimming trunks and a Blackberry travel with you.
What can modern-day ‘road warriors’ learn from you about finding balance in their traveling lives?
The trick? Build your passion into every day, no matter what!
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