IT was all about change, change, change at CTW (Corporate Travel World) 2003 held late last year.

From the moment the compelling keynote speech by INSEAD professor Paul Evans was delivered, it was as if the floodgate was opened – people were eager to exchange views and to listen to how others were being affected by change and coping with change. It was probably cathartic for them to do so, a validation that whatever difficulty or pain they were going through in making changes to ensure their future survival, they were definitely not alone.

If this sounds like an AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or similar meeting, rest assured that, figuratively, it was. The industry is addicted to tried-and-tested models, which have fared well in the past, but are suddenly becoming increasingly irrelevant in the future.

Thankfully, as CTW has shown, the change revolution is well in progress – if you walked into any of CTW’s breakout sessions you would have found the group discussion centering on the acceptance that there are new demand drivers and, more importantly, how to cater well to these new pressure points.

Our cover story shows you a couple of examples of how an airline, a GDS, a hotel and an individual take a stand in their respective sector and get on with the job at hand.

Famous last words go to AirAsia’s Mr Haridas Pillai. Change begins with you and if Mr Pillai can do it, so can you and I.

Raini Hamdi
Editor