Michael Nachbaur, CEO of High Life Reisen and Nachbaur Reisen, Austria, is participating in ITB Berlin NOW, saying despite the fact the show is “virtual”, it’s more important than ever to be there, as changes are bigger than ever. We asked him how he sees business evolving.
In my opinion, the business will start later in summer. It’s difficult to expect our guests to book with much confidence when at the same time, restaurants and hotels are still closed due to lockdowns. We may have to prepare for a booking window two to four weeks before departure, which will be an enormous challenge for us to plan the charters and hotel capacities.
How are your key choice criteria changing when selecting new “star” destinations or hotel partners now?
Honestly, in the current situation, our first mission is to revive our “old” destinations and key partners. Here, we are very carefully considering our cooperation, handling of cancellations and rebooking during the first months of the crisis. The positive side of this situation for us as a tour operator is that we are now more appreciated among usually demanding hotels, as we are improving their occupancy and looking to optimise their yields by pushing direct distribution.
What are you hoping to achieve in participating in this year’s ITB Berlin NOW?
To revive our contacts in the market, using ITB Berlin NOW as a virtual market place and meeting point; to gain impressions of the different situations across various destinations and to learn about their expectations for the upcoming season.
What are your thoughts about the way ITB has organised the event?
The first impressions are very promising. I trust the ITB team makes maximum efforts to ensure this project is successful even if none of us can wait to meet our partners again in person.
Photo: Michael Nachbaur – CEO of High Life Reisen and Nachbaur Reisen, Austria
© Udo Mittelberger
