"We are very worried about the new European Directive," says Stefano Corbari, president of the travel agency association Fiavet Lazio. "Even though details have still to be confirmed, things are not looking good. Fiavet has already sent a letter to the European Union raising a number of doubts and concerns. We also find this acceleration strange coming up to the new European elections.
“Things could change, but only if there is dialogue between the parties”
"We don’t have an answer. There could well be change, but only if there is dialogue between the parties. If things are not imposed from above perhaps changes can be made. We are not the only ones who are critical of the directive, and we can only wait for someone to respond. If they don’t then together with the other associations we will have to insist. But we must avoid hasty decisions, because, as I said, this debate on the directive is taking place in the run-up to the European elections. Which means we will have another European Parliament and another committee, and this will make change very complicated, so yes, we are concerned. As for the famous €39 million, the first part has started to arrive.”
“New agencies turn the spotlight on areas that are not very well known”
“In Fiavet Lazio, and also in the other regional associations, we have returned to pre-pandemic membership levels. I think we once again understand the importance of an association but, like my colleagues in other groups, I would like more commitment from everyone. As a federation we are moving in many directions, and once again there is a lot of emphasis on training. Many new incoming agencies are opening, and older agencies are opening incoming divisions. In the medium term this will lead to a saturation of the market. But I think this is natural, and those with a solid foundation will stay the course. As a federation we have always pushed to promote other provinces, and these new incoming agencies are doing just that, turning the spotlight on areas that are still not very well known. What we must do is promote the development of local suppliers for the benefit of both colleagues and territories.”
“Artificial intelligence can be useful”
“In some respects artificial intelligence can be useful. But it does not solve everything, and if it is taken superficially it can be harmful. As travel agents we are not ready yet, I think it will take time before we can say we are ready to work with artificial intelligence. We need training, and we need to focus on the individual. This is the most important thing, as well as making sure that we don’t get left behind.”
