The opening act
Ex-CEO of Sainsbury’s Justin King CBE will open the show on Monday (less than a week away now…) at the Captains of Industry Opening Lunch. He will face questions from the BBC’s Stephen Sackur about his career which also includes time at Marks & Spencer as director of food and senior roles at Asda.
Key to government?
Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport will deliver a keynote speech from 2.30pm on the opening day of the show. Javid was appointed into the role in April during the reshuffle and will undoubtedly look to impress on such a platform, but what will he have to say on any future plans?
Flying high
With all that’s happening within the airline sector it might be of use to hear in what is the latest from some of the world’s top carriers. Craig Kreeger, CEO, Virgin Atlantic is the keynote interviewee at 11.30 on Wednesday going through his first year in the role and its most recent developments. On the other end of the spectrum Wizzair’s CEO Jozsef Varadi will share its low-cost model developments at 11.00 on the Tuesday. Later at 14.30 on Tuesday a panel made up of TUI’s Chris Browne, Ryanair’s Peter Bellew and Flybe’s Paul Simmons will take to the stage.
Speaking out
Travel Counsellors chairman David Speakman will likely show off the firm’s recent investment news as he shares his views on how agents can survive against internet brands. On Wednesday at 10.30 he will discuss how technology has changed since Travel Counsellors was created 20 years ago and the threat of OTAs.
“In today’s industry it’s essential that agents adapt and relate to the changes and advancements in technology and the internet,” said Speakman. “Our business is based on trust and relationships, something an online booking tool simply can’t replicate. I look forward to sharing my own insights and experiences with others, highlighting how it is possible to not only compete, but also flourish in what many perceive as an internet dominated age.”
World Travel Market: The debates
It’s all social
Both Facebook and Twitter will have airtime during the show as keynote speakers. On Monday at 10.00 Facebook’s global head of travel Lee McCabe will cover the importance of mobile for the social network platform. Twitter will have to wait until Wednesday at 12.30 to share its tips into how to respond to customers at the right moment. The social media platform’s head of travel strategy EMEA Aoife Desmond will handle the questions.
Stars in their eyes
Sports stars, royalty, popstars and news correspondents have all been known to appear at World Travel Market. We can’t always make out the connections but, if not at WTM then when!? Former Arsenal and England player Ray Parlour will kick off the celebrity appearances early on Monday morning with a Europcar reveal, while on THAI Airways stand HRH Princess Ubolratana Mahidol, a member of the Thai Royal Family will be present. The following day Jennie Bond will help to launch the Regal Oaks hotel in Kissimmee, Florida and sports stars including Dwight Yorke will participate in the Caribbean street party on Wednesday.
World Travel Market: The Essentials
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