RECOVERY - How do we get there?
To start off the Madrid Summit a video of a recent interview of Marc Hildebrand, Chairman of TQ3, by Derek Jewson, Chief Executive, Odyssey Management Services, was shown.

The interview stimulated discussion as to the role and value of Travel Management Companies to both principals and corporates. It was agreed that like the previous city meetings that the role of TMCs had increased in importance and that total knowledge of of the whereabouts travelling clients would remain a major issue post 11th September.

Derek Jewson then managed the session and shared discussions from the Regional Summits held in London, Stockholm, and Frankfurt.

Recent press coverage of Swiss Air, Sabena and Air Lingus prompted a discussion as to the well-being of European airlines and concern as to who maybe the next casualty.

Future lay off of staff is a real issue in Spain. There has been a reduction in business travel levels and cancellation of some large conferences (ASTA). It was felt that winter leisure travel from the USA will be impacted significantly.