On the Travel Industry and where it may be headed
There is a disquieting trend occuring.
One datum I saw was that the traffic to the USA has decreased by 17% since 9/11. This is a brutal blow to international airlines. How can they survive the revenue drop and also how can they cover the increased fuel costs?
Of course, the number of flights can be reduced. But this makes it more expensive per traveller as you have the same overheads in buildings, aircraft facilities,repairs etc.
Air travel might be a wee bit unpopular because of the global warming factor. But there is still a desire to travel to exotic places. A bit of marketing can handle that.
There is the hassle factor when boarding a plane. It is rather discouraging to know that your belongings have togo through a scanner, your shoes removed, all liquids left at home, in order that you get on the plane. This is annoying at a level below one's awareness perhaps, but still annoying!
So, the traffic volume decreases. Is this a good thing?
I think no. The reason is that international cooperation depends on face to face meetings between people of nations so that they can see their differences and similarities, can formulate together a solution that helps all concerned. This can be done in a meeting around a table, and with a great deal more trouble, by a video conference. But shaking the person by the hand, seeing them for real as a living breating entity makes a big difference. Going out to a dinner with them or going to a show has an extra that is missed in a video conference.
That is my argument for increased travel abroad.
How can it be implemented? Let me ponder that a bit!
Stephan
One datum I saw was that the traffic to the USA has decreased by 17% since 9/11. This is a brutal blow to international airlines. How can they survive the revenue drop and also how can they cover the increased fuel costs?
Of course, the number of flights can be reduced. But this makes it more expensive per traveller as you have the same overheads in buildings, aircraft facilities,repairs etc.
Air travel might be a wee bit unpopular because of the global warming factor. But there is still a desire to travel to exotic places. A bit of marketing can handle that.
There is the hassle factor when boarding a plane. It is rather discouraging to know that your belongings have togo through a scanner, your shoes removed, all liquids left at home, in order that you get on the plane. This is annoying at a level below one's awareness perhaps, but still annoying!
So, the traffic volume decreases. Is this a good thing?
I think no. The reason is that international cooperation depends on face to face meetings between people of nations so that they can see their differences and similarities, can formulate together a solution that helps all concerned. This can be done in a meeting around a table, and with a great deal more trouble, by a video conference. But shaking the person by the hand, seeing them for real as a living breating entity makes a big difference. Going out to a dinner with them or going to a show has an extra that is missed in a video conference.
That is my argument for increased travel abroad.
How can it be implemented? Let me ponder that a bit!
Stephan
posted by Stephan Hokke at 12:38 AM
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