The 13th edition of International Tourism Symposium is being held from September 19 to 21 2011, in Zermatt, Switzerland. 170 carefully selected participants from around the world, representing 120 companies and government institutions and professional meet to discuss the real issues for the future of tourism. http://www.idealp.org/
Gerald Imfeld , ITS Foundation Chairman, opened the festivities by painting a rather dark picture of our current situation but said that danger breeds opportunities, as long as you are aware of weaknesses, get to work and seek innovative actions. Jean-Michel Cina (State Councillor of the Department of the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Spatial Development Switzerland) follows suit, explaining that "the tourism market leaves no room for mediocrity" and that it is not possible to be too cautious and wait for the storm to pass. In times of crisis, we must move forward and take risks. "After a few words of welcome from the Mayor of Zermatt, Christoph Bürgin and Aurelio Marguerettaz, Assessor Tourism, Sport, Commerce and Transportation of the Autonomous Region of Valle d'Aosta, the presentations get underway.
In his presentation on "The impact of the revolution of social media and new technologies in the tourism sector," Joël Gayet of CoManaging explains that, contrary to what one might think, the more people travel, the more they are connected. This has serious consequences for the flow of information and consumer behavior.
What should be remembered from this presentation:
• Tourism is the first sector in the world in terms of turnover online;
• The growth in online sales last year increased by 30%;
• There are 950 million users of social networks in the world;
• + 200% increase in smartphones in 2010;
• 66% of users consult the opinions of other Internet users and 88% of them admit to being influenced by such opinions;
• Marketing is becoming increasingly hyper-segmented affinity;
•We have entered the area of marketing excellence and co-construction, because "the power of a brand is measured primarily by the strength of which it knows to create links with its environment."
In a style and a completely different subject, issues on mountain safety are presented. Michael Berry (Chairman of the North American Ski Areas Association)- gives an overview of the types of serious accidents that led to claims over the last 6 years on all ski areas in North America. We retain the following figures:
• 55 falls from ski lift
• 32 accidents in the snow parks
• 22 collisions with groomers / Skidoo
• 127 accidents on the slopes of tubing (some resorts offer this activity in Europe, but it is very popular in North America!)
Bo Adams (Senior Vice President, Mountain Guard) gives a presentation on good practices in prevention and safety with clients and staff of mountain resorts. Finally, Mark Petrozzi (Vice President of Risk Management at Booth Creek Resort Properties Gilford) and Peter Rieti (Lawyer for Vail Resorts Group stations) continue showing us the cost of these accidents and impacts for operators of ski lifts companies, their insurers and their lawyers! These testimonies are impressive to put in perspective since the North American practice in litigation and compensation payments are not (yet) comparable with what happens in Europe..
After the coffee break, the theme is communication and crisis management. Two Japanese guests, Asuka Horigome (Diplomat in charge of the economy to the Japanese Embassy in Bern) and Yasushi Fukagawa (Ministerial Adviser to the Japanese Embassy in Bern) and the Chinese Chairman Junlin Liu (Secretary General of Municipal Committee of CPC of Dujiangyan, Sichuan and Vice-Mayor of Chengdu), have shown the impacts of natural disasters on tourism in their respective countries, as well as the management of crisis situations both in terms of logistics on the ground - first aid to reconstruction - and communication among people and tourists.
After a quick conclusion, the dense first day ended with the presentation of the Crystal Tourism Award 2011 (by Swarovski) to Reto Gurtner (Chairman and CEO of the Weisse Arena Group).
Source: French text www.switchconsulting.fr/blog by Armelle Solelhac (photos)
Gerald Imfeld , ITS Foundation Chairman, opened the festivities by painting a rather dark picture of our current situation but said that danger breeds opportunities, as long as you are aware of weaknesses, get to work and seek innovative actions. Jean-Michel Cina (State Councillor of the Department of the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Spatial Development Switzerland) follows suit, explaining that "the tourism market leaves no room for mediocrity" and that it is not possible to be too cautious and wait for the storm to pass. In times of crisis, we must move forward and take risks. "After a few words of welcome from the Mayor of Zermatt, Christoph Bürgin and Aurelio Marguerettaz, Assessor Tourism, Sport, Commerce and Transportation of the Autonomous Region of Valle d'Aosta, the presentations get underway.
In his presentation on "The impact of the revolution of social media and new technologies in the tourism sector," Joël Gayet of CoManaging explains that, contrary to what one might think, the more people travel, the more they are connected. This has serious consequences for the flow of information and consumer behavior.
What should be remembered from this presentation:
• Tourism is the first sector in the world in terms of turnover online;
• The growth in online sales last year increased by 30%;
• There are 950 million users of social networks in the world;
• + 200% increase in smartphones in 2010;
• 66% of users consult the opinions of other Internet users and 88% of them admit to being influenced by such opinions;
• Marketing is becoming increasingly hyper-segmented affinity;
•We have entered the area of marketing excellence and co-construction, because "the power of a brand is measured primarily by the strength of which it knows to create links with its environment."
In a style and a completely different subject, issues on mountain safety are presented. Michael Berry (Chairman of the North American Ski Areas Association)- gives an overview of the types of serious accidents that led to claims over the last 6 years on all ski areas in North America. We retain the following figures:
• 55 falls from ski lift
• 32 accidents in the snow parks
• 22 collisions with groomers / Skidoo
• 127 accidents on the slopes of tubing (some resorts offer this activity in Europe, but it is very popular in North America!)
Bo Adams (Senior Vice President, Mountain Guard) gives a presentation on good practices in prevention and safety with clients and staff of mountain resorts. Finally, Mark Petrozzi (Vice President of Risk Management at Booth Creek Resort Properties Gilford) and Peter Rieti (Lawyer for Vail Resorts Group stations) continue showing us the cost of these accidents and impacts for operators of ski lifts companies, their insurers and their lawyers! These testimonies are impressive to put in perspective since the North American practice in litigation and compensation payments are not (yet) comparable with what happens in Europe..
After the coffee break, the theme is communication and crisis management. Two Japanese guests, Asuka Horigome (Diplomat in charge of the economy to the Japanese Embassy in Bern) and Yasushi Fukagawa (Ministerial Adviser to the Japanese Embassy in Bern) and the Chinese Chairman Junlin Liu (Secretary General of Municipal Committee of CPC of Dujiangyan, Sichuan and Vice-Mayor of Chengdu), have shown the impacts of natural disasters on tourism in their respective countries, as well as the management of crisis situations both in terms of logistics on the ground - first aid to reconstruction - and communication among people and tourists.
After a quick conclusion, the dense first day ended with the presentation of the Crystal Tourism Award 2011 (by Swarovski) to Reto Gurtner (Chairman and CEO of the Weisse Arena Group).
Source: French text www.switchconsulting.fr/blog by Armelle Solelhac (photos)
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