15 May
2009

Getting ready for a brand new world

PricewaterhouseCooper analysts will provide Travel Convention delegates with essential insights for business planning when they take to the stage in Barcelona in October.

Mark Hudson, UK Retail and Consumer leader for PricewaterhouseCoopers will explain how economic conditions will affect the consumer of the future; what their attitudes will be to purchasing; what they will consider value for money and what the implications will be for pricing and branding strategy.

He’ll also explore issues driving consumer behaviour such as ‘the flight to value’, on-line behaviour and sustainability – and how understanding these issues can help future proof businesses. The session will also include video interviews with some of the top names on the UK high street.

Mark Hudson agreed to talk on the main stage this year following a private session he conducted with travel industry leaders at last year’s Travel Convention in Gran Canaria. Peter Shanks, Chief Commercial Officer, Carnival UK said: ‘Mark provides a very useful context to the fast changing economic environment - the range of PwC partners means they have a unique oversight of consumer trends and the triggers companies need to pull in order to survive and prosper in tough ecomomic times. He may just have that magic piece of advice that makes the difference.'

Richard Carrick, Chief Executive of Hoseasons, who saw Mark Hudson speak in Gran Canaria and recommended him to speak to a larger audience in Barcelona said: “To understand its prospects and likely winners and losers, what the industry needs right now is some hard nosed financial scrutiny and Mark Hudson provides this in bucketfuls. With a unique combination of original research data and other sources not normally used by our sector, his insight is both illuminating and very practical.”

Following this session, Convention regular Malcolm Preston will explain what the changing consumer retail behaviour will mean for the travel sector and what the industry needs to do to prepare for the next 18 months.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive commented: “Whatever the state of the economy at the time of the Convention, we know that the recession will have changed the way consumers think and act and that things will never be the same again.  These will be unmissable sessions for future business planning.”

To register and book your accommodation, go to www.thetravelconvention.com