Leisure, travel & hospitality
The travel, tourism and leisure industry, like all other sectors of the economy, has taken a hit due to the recession, but it is said to be showing signs of recovery. The industry has been through exceptional upheaval and change including:
- Oil prices meaning fuel surcharges for airlines
- Industrial action causing disruptions
- Volcanic ash clouds and bad weather responsible for delays and cancellations
- Civil unrest in various parts of the world
- Serious problems facing leading branded tour operators
E-commerce continues to thrive as booking travel online is now one of the most successful ways in which consumers are using the internet to become better informed, to compare prices and to find bargains.
The leisure industry operators also know that they cannot afford to sit back and relax either as industry executives and analysts alike believe the gap will widen between companies with strong management teams and those that are poorly led trying to sell substandard and overpriced offerings. Increasingly people are eating in and staying home and the leisure and hospitality industries have to work harder than ever to attract customers. Add to this unemployment which could lead to market declines and even the relatively wealthy consumers are becoming more discerning when it comes to spending their disposable income.
Implications for the executive recruitment market
Organisations need to be proactive in predicting future developments in the marketplace and the management structure required to keep apace of the rapidly changing environment and evolving consumer tastes. In addition, the pace of technological development will inevitably force companies to evaluate their senior management teams, processes and practices.
To facilitate vital structural and strategic change, businesses are looking to source individuals capable of leading and spearheading new revenue streams, either from direct competitors or very specific target areas in associated sectors.
Our response
Michael Page Executive Search has leveraged its specialist market knowledge and extensive network to successfully fulfil a variety of mandates including:
- Finance manager – International transportation services company
- Group treasurer - International airline
- Head of commercial finance - European hotel group
- Marketing & sponsorship director - International sports team
