We are currently doing the rounds of Scotland with the quiz heats and 'face to face' Member/Associate lunches. So far, we have visited Glasgow and Edinburgh and had some very interesting feedback.
Competition has been healthy at the quiz heats - only Aberdeen left next week and then we will have all our finalists! We have had great support and prizes on offer from our sponsors - so many thanks to KLM/Air France, Scenic & Emerald Waterways and Classic Collection!
SPAA are in the process of launching a market research initiative - to try and get a handle on 'influences on' and 'barriers to' travel. It's an initiative that we have been thinking about and planning for some time, but now we are about to put it into practice.
So far some great feedback and suggestions from Members and Associates alike as to the kind of things that we should be researching : effects/influence of social media on destinations etc.
Sometimes the market seems to hit a barrier (it's a wee bit like that out there at the moment for leisure) and it would be helpful to get a handle on what is causing it - the economy; the forthcoming election; exchange rates or maybe the threat of terrorism?
If you are reading this and you have any questions relating to the Scottish travel market that you think might be relevant, then please feel free to send your suggestions to Janice Hogarth at jhogarth@spaa.org.
Next big SPAA event is the Summer Ball on 29th June, in a fabulous venue - the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh. Again with the help of our headline sponsors, it promises to be a classic night.
The Great Gatsby theme seems to have everyone talking about what to wear, but please don't panic - if you get stuck, classic black tie still passes for the roaring 20's era!
There will be some great prizes for those of you who are prepared to be a little more adventurous and creative!
So glad rags at the ready - hope to see you all there!
