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This week in Opportunities:

   WTTC Forecasts U.S. Travel Jobs Boost
   Cruises Poised for More Growth in 2004
   Car Rentals Sees Smooth Road Ahead
   Networking Hub: Travel Institute Opens Membership
   ASTA Sees Signs of 2004 Recovery
   New Opportunities!
   Executive Movers! See who's going where?
   Travel Executive Employment Report

TOP NEWS & TRENDS!

WTTC Forecasts U.S. Travel Jobs Boost

The 2004 forecast for U.S. travel and tourism, released late last month by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), portrays an industry on the verge of dramatic growth. Following more than two years of poor performance, resulting from an economic downturn, the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the war in Iraq and SARS, WTTC predicts a return to growth for the U.S. travel industry. WTTC, whose members include the top executives of most major travel companies, is forecasting U.S. travel and tourism consumption, investment, government spending and exports to grow 7.3 percent in real terms to total $1.5 trillion in 2004. The 10-year annualized growth (2005-2014) forecast is 4.1 percent per annum, illustrating the outlook for robust recovery in 2004.

The U.S. travel industry is expected to benefit from strong European and U.K. traffic, resulting from the strong British pound and Euro, to post nearly $100 billion in total visitor exports, a gain of 14.7 percent over 2003 results. This represents 8.8 percent of total exports. Travel and tourism's contribution to the U.S. economy is expected to contribute 4.1 percent of total gross domestic product (GDP), while the combined direct and indirect impact of the travel and tourism on the economy is expected to total 10.7 percent of GDP in 2004. Even more importantly, the U.S. travel and tourism industry is expected to produce more than a quarter million (263,190) new jobs in 2004 beyond its 2003 level for a total 6.6 million jobs, or 4.7 percent of total employment. The broader perspective of the travel and tourism economy (direct and indirect) is expected to create 793,000 new jobs for the U.S. economy for a total of 16.7 million jobs dependent on travel and tourism, or 11.9 percent of total employment.

All this is good news for a U.S. economy that produced only 21,000 new jobs in February, well below some economists' and government predictions of 150,000. "After nearly three years of gloom and doom, we're expecting the pent-up domestic demand to surge in the United States, while inbound visitors--especially from Europe where the euro and pound are particularly strong--are expected to provide a much needed boost to the industry," said WTTC President Jean-Claude Baumgarten.

Cruises Poised for More Growth in 2004

What's the hottest industry segment in the travel business these days? Perhaps not surprisingly it's cruising. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) recently reported that its members carried a record 9.52 million passengers worldwide in 2003, a 10.2 percent increase over 2002. North American passenger numbers alone were up 6.9%. CLIA cruise lines also hit a 102.6 percent load factor, more than the 98.6 percent recorded in 2002. There's also more growth ahead. CLIA members will introduce 12 new ships in 2004, on top of 15 in 2003 and 13 in 2002. So be on the look out for more job prospects in the expanding cruise industry.

Car Rentals Sees Smooth Road Ahead

One travel industry segment that is showing surprising signs of strength is one that has been lagging in the doldrums for several years. According to Abrams Consulting, the car rental industry is poised for a strong 2004 for a number of reasons. Abrams' first benchmark survey measuring the confidence level of car rental executives found 21 percent of those surveyed were "very optimistic," while 45 percent were "somewhat optimistic" about business prospects for the next six months. Just 14 percent were pessimistic, evenly divided by those who described themselves as "somewhat pessimistic" or "very pessimistic."

Car rental executives based their outlook on the fact that economic indicators such as the stock market, consumer spending and corporate earnings are improving, even though employment is still soft. There is also evidence that many companies are starting to allow employees to travel, a key to the future success of car rental firms. Meanwhile, a weak dollar is making travel more affordable to Europeans and other foreign visitors. Florida officials, for example, believe that more foreign visitors attracted by the weak dollar will also rent more cars for longer periods of time. Finally, rental car prices have finally stabilized and some companies have even raised rates. Cendant's Avis and Budget brands recently raised rates by as much as $5 a day, a move matched by a number of other major rental firms. The National Business Travel Association says conditions are ripe for corporate rental rates to rise 2 percent this year. So car rentals may not be the sexiest part of the travel industry, but clearly it's a segment that's on the verge of what could be a very good year. And that can only mean growth in revenues, profits and jobs for the segment.

Networking Hub: Travel Institute Opens Membership

Travel historically has been a very fragmented business, with each industry segment sticking to itself for the most part. So where can you network among a cross section of all industry segments? The Travel Institute, until last year known as the Institute for Certified Travel Agents, just opened up its membership to all travel professionals. Previously, only those who earned a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) or Certified Travel Associate (CTA) designation could become members. The change is part of the Wellesley, Mass.-based group's effort to extend its core educational mission and reach all travel professionals. "A major theme of our new direction is inclusiveness, so we felt it was appropriate to evolve our membership structure to invite professionals from across the industry to join our community," said Travel Institute President David Preece, CTC.

But the group's new affiliation structure makes a clear distinction between membership and professional certification, even though there will be just one member category with annual dues of $75 and benefits that are the same for every member. CTCs and CTAs will be eligible for special benefits and privileges. The annual membership period also will run January-December, instead of the previous July-June period. Most important, all Travel Institute members can attend the annual Travel Forum, a great educational and networking opportunity for all travel professionals. This year the forum will be held Sept. 10-12 at Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. For more information on the forum and Travel Institute membership, visit www.thetravelinstitute.com or call 800-542-4282.

ASTA Sees Signs of 2004 Recovery

American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) recently compiled some telling statistics to support its contention that all signs point to a good recovery for the travel industry in 2004. ASTA points to Cruise Lines International Association's predications that only 15 percent of the total U.S. population is estimated to have ever taken a cruise, and the 8.3 percent annual growth rate since 1980 will continue. The new drive-to cruise market also has opened up opportunities for travel agents to recommend ports closer to home, such as Philadelphia, Pa., Baltimore, Md., Jacksonville, Fla.; Mobile, Ala., Galveston, Texas, San Diego, Calif., and Seattle, Wash.

A Travel Weekly NTM Research survey also found nearly 60 percent of agent respondents predicted an increase in cruise sales during the "2004 Wave Season" (roughly January though mid-March) compared to 2003. ASTA also pointed out that managers of business travel are also optimistic. Of 220 respondents, nearly three of four corporate travel managers who are members of the National Business Travel Association indicated in a January survey that they felt business would rebound significantly this year and into the next. Other positive signs, according to ASTA, come from travel agent franchises such as Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates, which reports that travel to Europe is experiencing a surge in popularity.

According to the results of a Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates survey released Feb. 23, nearly two-thirds, or 66 percent, of survey participants indicated that their 2004 bookings to Europe were up over the same time last year, while another 23 percent said that their bookings were at the very least holding steady. Meanwhile, findings from the most recent National Tour Association (NTA) member survey reveal consistent business increases in each quarter of 2003 over the same quarter in 2002. This included a steady increase in the number of passengers and departures over the year, as well as improved sales. NTA tour operators have also reported that this trend of business growth will continue, and first quarter 2004 is expected to bring continued sales growth. According to survey results, 84 percent of NTA tour operators anticipate greater than or equal sales volume over the same time period in 2003. Elsewhere, the hotel industry is also showing positive signs. Marriott International, for example, recently said it sees signs of improving trends. The company was pleased with its solid performance in 2003, and expects 2004 to be an even better year, in part because of an improved demand outlook.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES!

Branson Seeks Posts for Low-Fare Airline

Plans for Richard Branson's low-fare U.S. airline are ramping up-and that could mean a major recruitment campaign for top posts. The new carrier, which is weighing Boston, San Francisco or Washington Dulles, as its base of operations, is still on track to launch early next year. Branson's U.S. team, led by Frances Farrow, is reportedly talking to several candidates to head up the fledging airline, including Delta Air Lines President Fred Reid. The new CEO will reportedly be selected this month, while the headquarters city also could be announced.

Giorgio Armani Ramps Up Luxury Hotels

Giorgio Armani recently announced a $1 billion project to develop a series of hotels that will use his name and sense of style. Armani signed a letter of intent with EMAAR Properties, a Dubai-based real estate developer, to open up to 10 hotel and four luxury resorts over the next seven years. Properties will be launched in such cities as London, New York, Paris, Milan Shanghai and Tokyo, as well as in Dubai itself. But Armani's new chain will clearly need operations, marketing and financial help, since it currently isn't associated with a hotel management firm.

Enterprise Car Rental Plans To Hire 6,500

Enterprise Rent-A-Car says it plans to hire some 6,500 people in 2004 due to its continued growth and consumer demand at its more than 5,000 neighborhood and airport locations. The company says demand for new employees is a result of robust growth in its car rental, fleet services, car sales and truck rental divisions. For the most part, Enterprise will be seeking candidates for its management-training program, where nearly 100 percent of its operational employees get their start, though it may seek candidates for some higher posts. Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates more than 600,000 rental and fleet Services vehicles worldwide and has annual revenues of more $6.9 billion. Last year it opened more than 300 new locations, increasing its total locations to more than 5,500.

EXECUTIVE MOVERS!

HOTELS & RESORTS: Stephen Bollenbach was named co-chairman of Hilton Hotels Corp., joining current Chairman Barron Hilton. Bollenbach, formerly president and CEO, will retain his CEO responsibilities, but will turn over the president's job to Matthew Hart, the current chief financial officer. Hart will now be president and COO, while Robert LaForgia, Hilton's controller, has been named CFOÖAnupam Narayan, senior vice president-global brand management and CFO at Best Western, has resigned to pursue other opportunities within the travel industry. Narayan will leave Best Western at the end of the month. Ric Leutwyler has been promoted to senior vice president-brand quality and member service. He will retain his current responsibilities leading Best Western's E-commerce and field marketing efforts.

CAR RENTALS: Cendant Corp. said John Chidsey, chairman and CEO of its Vehicle and Financial Services Divisions, which includes Avis and Budget, resigned to pursue other opportunities. Miami-headquartered Burger King recently named Chidsey chief financial and administrative officer.

TRAVEL AGENCIES: American Express Corporate Travel has named Alicia Klosowski as vice president of communications for Global Travel Services in New York. Klosowski will be responsible for developing and executing strategically aligned global communications for international media, customers and employees. She also will work with American Express' Consumer Travel International & Foreign Exchange Services businesses to ensure delivery of communications initiatives consistent with the overall positioning of Global Travel Services. Klosowski most recently served as director of global corporate communications at Rosenbluth International, which was purchased by American Express last year.

TOUR OPERATORS: TCS Expeditions, the Seattle-based luxury and expedition-oriented tour operator that is part of Grand Expeditions, named Mark Campbell as president. Campbell previously served as director-supplier relations and on-sites at Virtuoso, the luxury travel agency marketing company.

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