Singapore, 25 August 2004 - In the space of 48 hours attendees at the 2004 ACTE Asia-Pacific Training Workshop were imbued with new analytical skills, challenged to make quantum leaps in their professional practice and introduced to new technology in travel management practice. The theme "Breakthrough" summed up much of the agenda as attendees discovered the steps that travel management is taking in emerging markets, gained insight into the complex yield-management process behind the pricing of air travel, were connected with touchless technology and came face-to-face with the new demands of financial reporting that corporations require. The event attracted 252 attendees from 14 countries, representing 151 companies with one common objective, to seek out new ideas that enable the forming of new solutions and adaptation to dynamic changes affecting the management of business travel.
In his opening remarks Mr. Michael Bezer, regional chair of ACTE in Asia-Pacific said," In the new role, the travel management professionals do much more. They guarantee the return on investment... They measure and maintain the value of travel programmes... They anticipate and estimate the impact of industry trends on the cost of travel -- And they make sure that travel is aligned to support company objectives. "
This new direction was supported by keynote addresses that forced each attendee to think on three levels; how does this affect my organization, how does this affect the people with whom I interact and how does this affect me? Coming to terms with these truths is the beginning of powerful changes to come for the travel industry, the world's largest and most conspicuous commercial activity.
Strong keynote messages included the call by Claire Chiang, Co-Chair of the National Initiative for Corporate Social Responsibility, for this industry and its constituents to "enculture" a responsible attitude towards community and environment into its practice. This was complemented by two other keynote addresses - delivered by Robert Fleming, CEO of Peppers & Rogers Group (Asia) and Andrew Bell, Head of Leadership, Talent & Capability, Hewitt Asia Pacific Associates respectively - that discussed the need for circumspection with regards to data privacy laws and how leadership defines the best companies to work for.
Mr. Bezer advised the audience that the newly defined role of travel management, "...means looking outside the industry for the challenges before they arrive... And looking outside your office and immediate sphere of influence for solutions. "
The presentations and summaries of the educational sessions will be available to ACTE members on the ACTE website on 2 September at www.acte.org
The Asia-Pacific Training Workshop was made possible by the following organisations - American Express, Business Travel International, Cathay Pacific Airways, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, e-travel, Grand Hyatt Singapore, Northwest Airlines, RADIUS the global travel company, Raffles International Hotels & Resorts, Singapore Airlines, TQ3 Travel Solutions and media partners, TravelWeekly.
Kenneth Phua
Director Asia-Pacific
Direct: 65-6336 4341
E-mail: [email protected]
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