SPAAToday
 
 

From the President
 
How fragile we are!

I often talk about the unpredictable nature of events that affect the travel industry. The discovery that the Zika virus can potentially affect the development of the unborn child, if the mother is infected during pregnancy, has huge repercussions for many countries that were previously considered 'safe areas'.

I have already heard stories of young, honeymoon couples who wish to cancel or change their holidays to the Caribbean or Mexico. It is early days and possible we do not know enough yet, but it is easy to see how fragile the travel and tourism business can be when faced with such a difficult issue.

Understandably many people will err on the side of caution. Areas and countries that depend on tourism for their economy can be devastated in a very short space of time - likewise the effect can also be devastating on the companies and tour operators that specialise in travel to these areas.

Without a doubt, our world is fragile. However, it is also huge and recent years have seen many new destinations and services spring up, worldwide. Travel breaks down barriers and helps us all withstand the pressures of life today, so we are also fortunate to have such diversity to offer.

Sadly, we lost another travel stalwart this week. John Harding was MD of city break operator Travelscene and was also a former president of ABTA. I met John a few times at SPAA functions and always found him in fine fettle, a firm handshake, a glowing smile and a knowing glint in his eye. A real gentleman and travel character who took every opportunity to  champion the Independent travel sector. He will be sorely missed.


Alan Glen - SPAA President


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SPAA Diary 2016 - for your diary!

Thursday 25 February : 86th Annual SPAA Dinner - Glasgow           #SPAA86thdinner
Thursday 24 March : STAR Exhibition - Edinburgh                                            #STARedi
Thursday 07 April : Spring Seminar & Networking Lunch - Gla                #SPAAlunch
Tuesday 10 May : SPAA Travel Quiz - Glasgow                                         #SPAAquizgla
Tuesday 17 May : SPAA Travel Quiz - Edinburgh                                      #SPAAquizedi
Tuesday 24 May : SPAA Travel Quiz - Aberdeen                                      #SPAAquizabz
Thursday 02 June : SPAA Travel Quiz Final - Glasgow                           #SPAAquizfinal
Thursday 16 June : SPAA Summer in the City                                   #SPAAsummerball
Thursday 25 August : SPAA Golf & Spa Day - Glasgow area                         #SPAAgolf
Thursday 15 September : Autumn Seminar & Networking Lunch - Edi  #SPAAlunch
Thursday 22 September : STAR Exhibition - Aberdeen New date!                #STARabz
Thursday 03 November : SPAA Travel Awards - Glasgow                       #SPAAawards
Tuesday 22 November : STAR Exhibition - Glasgow                                        #STARgla
Thursday 08 December : SPAA AGM & Christmas Lunch - Glasgow   #SPAAchristmas

For details visit www.spaa.org , or contact Janice Hogarth at [email protected]
(All event details are subject to change)



 
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