Flower has more than 17 years' experience in the travel industry. Flower has more than 17 years' experience in the travel industry.

New Illusions business development manager John Flower explains why he believes an investment in technology will be the catalyst for a more professional travel trade 

ATN: What is your travel trade background?

I’ve been in the industry 17 years. I started my career in 1993 with STA Travel in Australia. I moved to Dubai four years ago and have worked with Emirates, Dnata and Alpha Holidays.

ATN: What are your responsibilities in your new role?

Increasing the distribution and awareness of Illusions technical solutions and concentrating on getting them out into the marketplace.

ATN: How do you intend to do this?

We’ve territorialised the globe and we’re trying to get products out to DMCs and wholesalers around the world through trade fairs, direct marketing and utilising my existing contacts.

ATN: Are agencies in this region open to change?

I think a lot of agencies are starting to realise if they don’t invest in technology they’ll be left behind and there’s a huge push at the moment within a number of agencies. They’re reviewing their technology and it’s quite surprising to see that some of the larger travel agencies don’t have up-to-date solutions.

ATN: What are the challenges involved?

The biggest challenge is getting out there and becoming familiar with the expectations of the industry.

ATN: Is now the right time for agents to invest?

This is a time when companies are looking at business and realising they have to make changes to make money. If that involves adopting new technology, then so be it. I think this is the perfect opportunity to invest. Technology won’t make staff work harder; it’ll make them work smarter.

ATN: Does more technology mean less staff?

Maybe in the long run, but the reality is not to cut staff but to grow distribution, allowing you to employ people more readily. If the agent is able to spend less time processing they can improve their product knowledge.
I believe Technology is the catalyst for a more professional trade.

ATN: What if the regional industry fails to adopt the new technology?

There’s a lot of potential here, but the industry needs to move quicker towards technological advancement, there is no doubt about it. The rest of the world is steaming ahead.